Find a Fun Summer Activity to Enjoy with Children of Every Ability 

Summer is a childhood pastime full of late bedtimes, popsicles, and fun memories. Adults can always recall with fondness the days of their summers as a kid. Many families choose to go on vacation during the summer to pass the time, but there are plenty of fun activities that you can enjoy at home. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars and travel thousands of miles to entertain your kids. With a little creativity, you can find exciting things to do with children of all ages and abilities. Texas Discovery Gardens offers a few options to help get you started. 

Safe Swimming 

Regardless of your age, summer and swimming go hand in hand. The warm summer afternoon is best spent splashing around a cool swimming pool. Swimming is a great activity for children of all ages and of all abilities, but you need to take precautions with your child based on their skill level. 

According to Parents.com, there are several things you can do to protect your child in the swimming pool. For example, you need to stay near them and pay attention, and you need to teach them the proper rules of pool safety. It is a great idea for you to enroll in a CPR class in 

the event of an accident. Swimming can be the best part of your summer, which is why you should make sure that you are putting safety first. 

Educational Activities 

Just because school is out for the summer doesn’t mean your children need to take a break from learning. There are lots of different educational activities available that are fun and creative. Earth Science Jr has a list of some great games your child can play while still learning. Playing with Magna-tiles, for example, is a fun way to creatively build and problem-solve. Children affected by disabilities will especially benefit from this activity, which emphasizes shapes and colors. The tiles are easy to maneuver and provide an endless possibility for creativity. 

It is important to continue your children’s education over the summer months to prevent learning loss and increase achievement during the school year. Research different activities to find the best choice for your child based on their age and ability. You can even opt for educational apps and online games that allow them to learn while still having fun. Just be sure to invest in durable device cases and screen protectors to ensure your electronics are well-defended against drops and spills. 

Backyard Camping 

Summer nights are the perfect temperature for outdoor camping. Depending on the area you live in, heading to a local campsite may not be an option for you. Just because you live in the middle of an urban jungle does not mean that you can’t experience the joy of camping with your kiddos. So, if possible, set up a tent right in your backyard and pretend that you are out in the middle of nature! 

The best part about backyard camping is that you can accommodate any child of every ability since your house is right next door. If at any time your child is overwhelmed or scared, they can easily go inside and sleep soundly in their own bed. Plus, you don’t have to worry about going to the bathroom out in nature with your own toilet just a few steps away! Light your fire pit to roast some s’mores and bring flashlights to tell nighttime stories. This will likely be a tradition you and your family will want to continue every summer. 

Be a Tourist 

When you live in the same city your entire life, you often overlook the activities and locations that your city is best known for. Summer is a great time to be a tourist in your own city! Look online to see what your town has to offer to visitors and newcomers. For example, if you live in the Dallas area, be sure to visit the Texas Discovery Gardens, the Dallas Zoo, check out the Perot Museum of Nature and Science or even the Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark. Many places will also offer discounts in the summer, and all of them are accessible for children affected by disabilities. Best of all, museums are indoors and air-conditioned, which is a bonus on the 

hottest of summer days. There are likely plenty of new things to try out with your children in your very own hometown. 

Arts and Crafts 

When it’s too hot to be outside or if summer showers have forced an inside day, setting up arts and crafts is always an inexpensive and easy option. There are so many options to choose from to find the right activity for your child. If you have younger children, bring out the stickers. If you have older children, set out the ingredients to make slime and let them experiment to find the best recipe. If you have children affected by disabilities, you can bring out the clay and let them sculpt and create, doubling as a great sensory activity. Get creative and use items that you have around the house, and your children will enjoy creating new masterpieces. 

Go swimming, keep learning, camp in the backyard, tour your own city, and learn a new artistic skill. Enjoy the days of sleeping in and staying up late. Summer will be over before you know it, so make some special memories with your children that will last a lifetime. 

Guest written by Rob Woods from Fixitdads.com.