Summer promises to be a time filled with adventure. Most children are let loose (in a supervised way of course) to run, play and have fun. But what about our children who use a wheelchair? Is there still adventure to be had when your chair is essentially your legs? What about the reality that so many summer attractions simply don’t accommodate for wheelchairs? After all, most community programs are geared towards sports for able bodied children. So what kind of activities can we find for our kids who need their wheelchair?
While our summers as a special needs family look completely different than any other family, we still have fun! With the help of our modified van we are able to bring Ladybug anywhere we want to go. Well, assuming the destination is practical for a wheelchair (beaches can be extremely difficult for us).
Ladybug might not participate in summer rec, play volleyball, or participate in water fights. However, there is still fun to be had for our special needs kids!
there is still fun to be had for our #specialneedskids Share on XSummer Activities
- Public Pool – The sand at beaches can be difficult to get a wheelchair through. Take advantage of a sand free public pool.
- Trip to the Zoo
- Nature walks – Some state and national parks offer paved trails as well as community bike trails.
- Library Events
- Park – Again, finding one without sand or pea rocks can be tricky. Luckily, more and more parks are popping up with wheelchair friendly ground covering.
- Visit the aquarium
- Gardening – You’ll need a raised garden box designed for wheelchairs like this one.
- Bike rides – If your child has the ability to push pedals an adaptive bike might be good for you. If pushing pedals isn’t an option, a Weehoo bike trailer is a great alternative!
- Outdoor concerts
- Go out for ice cream!
What summer activities do you have planned?
In California many state beaches and some national beaches have beach wheelchairs. That a family member can push for the child. Check with parks you would like to visit
That is awesome! Maybe we can plan a beach vacation to CA!
You have shared very valuable post. Involving kids in work can have a great impact on them as they learn new things and develop problem solving capabilities too.
There are dozens for sports that have been adapted for wheelies available now, both individually as well as teams. Reach out to the Paralympic site for ideas as well as contact info for your local chapters. Seriously, its amazing how many people have opened up those doors for users. Also, consider things like teaching your child how to shoot pool. Billiard halls leave lots of space for moving around, and as the kids grow up, this can be a fun and accessible game they can head towards for parties and eventually dates. And it works for those with limited small/fine motor skills as well as large. — There’s Lego clubs all over the place, painting venues, pottery shops, cooking classes, public water fountains…Get them involved with volunteer work. Pet rescues need kitten cuddlers, and for older kids, someone who can write up some fun signs for adopting of specific dogs and cats, why that pet would be the best pet ever for someone. Let them learn to knit hats for preemies, or make easy tied fleece blankets for families in shelters, decorate bags for kids in foster care to keep their private things when moved, etc… Whether they need high energy or low, there’s so much they can participate in both indoors or out.