Springing into Summer: Sensory-Friendly Outdoor Activities
April showers brought May flowers! As we spring into summer with more sunshine, now is the best time to get outdoors. While some spring and summer festivities can get overstimulating for those with sensory sensitivities, there are plenty of other ways to get outside to enjoy some sensory-friendly activities. From heading to a local park to gardening in your own backyard, these sensory-friendly activities are fun and enjoyable ways to get outdoors.
Visiting Local Parks and Playgrounds
Parks and playgrounds are a great way to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and burn off energy in a low-pressure environment. For individuals who may feel overstimulated in crowded or noisy settings, local parks can offer a more peaceful atmosphere to explore and enjoy nature. Whether it’s a morning walk, swaying on the swings, or simply cloud-watching, these spaces can be both fun and relaxing. Additionally, visiting playgrounds during non-peak hours creates a quieter, more sensory-friendly experience with fewer crowds and less noise.
Check out a guide to local accessible playgrounds here!
Planting a Sensory-Friendly Garden
Gardening is a great hands-on activity that allows you to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature! Although gardening is typically in a low-stimulation environment, there are additional ways to make it a sensory-friendly activity. Focusing on manageable, simple tasks to help your plants flourish while prioritizing the ease and comfort of the gardener make it enjoyable for all. This sensory-friendly activity allows individuals to engage with nature in a peaceful, calming way. Some sensory-friendly specific gardening tasks may be:
- Planting seeds
- Potting small plants and flowers
- Watering plants
- Chopping and storing fresh herbs
- Plant journaling
Walking or Biking on Nature Trails
Nature trails are a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors while getting in some light physical activity. With open paths, calming sounds, and a slower pace, they can be especially beneficial for individuals who are sensitive to crowded or high-stimulation environments. Between biking with your family, walking the dog, or enjoying a stroll by yourself, nature trails are a great way to enjoy the outdoors in a low-stimulation environment. Research shows that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve concentration, enhance learning, and cultivate joy—making nature trails a beneficial, sensory-friendly activity for all!
Outdoor Fun with Covey
At Covey, we are passionate about giving our participants the opportunity to grow in their own way. Because spending time in the fresh air encourages personal growth and benefits overall well-being, we are careful to cater to our participants’ comforts and abilities by providing sensory-friendly outdoor activities throughout the spring and summer!
Learn more about Covey here!
