The summer season is here! For most families, this means vacationing and many other outdoor, daily fun activities. However, for families of children with Autism or special needs, summer activities may look a little different. Overstimulating adventures like shopping centers, waterparks, and fairs are not always the best option. Most children with Autism, or any sensory processing disorders, have sensitivities to sounds, lights, and textures. This can result in many summer adventures being off the table. Fortunately, there are sensory-safe summer activities for children of all abilities to enjoy. Here are a few ideas for indoor sensory-safe play for summer for your child with Autism or special needs. 

Visit your local sensory-safe indoor play gym

Looking for a playground to beat the summer heat? Visit your local We Rock The Spectrum Kid’s Gym. A sensory-safe play gym with 12 pieces of specialized sensory equipment, including a Springfree trampoline, arts and crafts, imagination stations, toddler areas, and more! We Rock The Spectrum offers Open Play sessions, Drop-off care, Birthday Parties, and many other sensory activities & classes. The indoor play gym is designed to aid children with Autism, sensory processing disorders, and other special needs and provide a place for children to learn and grow together. 

“Finally a place where you never have to say ‘I’m sorry’”™, We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gyms are staffed with trained employees to assist parents and play with children who may require a little extra encouragement and/or assistance with the equipment. The sensory equipment is designed to cater to the developmental needs of children with sensory processing disorders and is even utilized by Occupational Therapists. There are now over 150+ locations worldwide. Children especially love to go down the Zip Line, which helps them build strength and endurance, enhancing their ability to integrate and tolerate movement. Many locations now have the new Zip Slider, which provides the same movements, and children love it just the same! 

Furthermore, We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym also offers specialized summer camps for children of all abilities to enjoy sensory-safe play, crafts, and more. Many locations still have spots available for camp, contact your local We Rock to get enrolled in camp, or set up a time to visit for Open Play. This is a great place to enjoy sensory-safe play this summer. 

Jump on a SpringFree trampoline

Autistic children may struggle more than others to process sensations such as sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. There are three other key sensory systems: the vestibular, proprioceptive, and interception systems.  

The vestibular system relates to balance and head movement. The proprioceptive system relates to body awareness, which can be developed by jumping on a trampoline. Jumping on a trampoline can help Autistic children improve their overall vestibular and proprioceptive input.  

Trampolines are a safe and comfortable way for children with Autism or special needs to get active. This makes them great pieces of equipment for sensory play especially in the summer. Consistent jumping will equate to better coordination for children. Trampoline jumping is a safe space for children to release endorphins – which are associated with happiness. 

Did you know, every We Rock The Spectrum location has a Springfree trampoline in it? Check out Springfree’s blog on the benefits of jumping on a trampoline for children on the Autism Spectrum. 

Let the sensory-safe play begin

There are many fun indoor sensory play options for your children throughout the summer! Have a memorable summer that will have your child looking forward to every summer to come. We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym is dedicated to providing fulfilling play experiences that offer complete inclusion for all. Contact us today, visit one of our locations, or learn how you can become the owner of your very own location.