Inclusive ideas for the holidays

Our tips to help navigate the holiday break with activities for all the family.

The summer holidays are a time for connection and creating memories, but for some families, they can also bring unique challenges. This article provides practical recommendations for inclusive activities, ensuring that everyone in the family can enjoy the break together.

Things to Consider When Planning Activities

Communicating with family and friends

Let family members and friends know about your child’s specific needs, whether it’s mobility accommodations, sensory preferences, or behavioural support. Clear communication helps everyone understand how to contribute to a positive and supportive environment for your child.

Utilising your Support Workers

Support Workers can play a vital role during the holiday season by helping to manage routines, assist with activities, and provide additional support during outings or gatherings. Coordinate with them early to ensure you have the right level of support scheduled over the summer break.

Maintaining familiarity

Bringing along familiar items, such as a favourite blanket, toy, or sensory tool, can help your child feel secure in new environments. Comfort items like noise-cancelling headphones or weighted blankets can also make outings or travel more manageable.

Inclusive activity ideas for all the family

These activities are designed to be enjoyable and accessible for children with physical and cognitive disabilities, ensuring the whole family can participate.

Movies

• Sensory-friendly cinema screenings: Many cinemas now offer sensory-friendly sessions, where the volume is turned down, the lights remain on, and children are free to move around. This is increasingly available across cinema chains like Hoyts, Village Cinemas and Events Cinemas.
• Outdoor movie nights: If public cinemas aren’t the right fit, create your own movie magic at home. Set up a projector in the garden with beanbags, blankets, and plenty of popcorn for a cosy and fun family experience.

Outdoors

• Outdoor fire pit or backyard camping: If large gatherings feel overwhelming, a backyard fire pit or camping night can offer a relaxed, holiday-themed alternative. Bring lanterns, marshmallows, and stories for a memorable evening.
• Beach day: Australia boasts many accessible beaches, making it easier to enjoy the sand, sun, and sea breeze. Accessible facilities and pathways allow everyone to join in without barriers.
• Petting zoos or animal therapy: Many farms and petting zoos host special holiday-themed events. Interacting with animals can be soothing, especially for children with sensory sensitivities.
• Wheelchair-friendly hiking trails: Explore local parks or botanical gardens with accessible pathways. Some locations feature festive lights or decorations, adding a magical touch to your outdoor adventure.
• Holiday train rides: Scenic, holiday-themed train rides can be a delightful family outing. Many railways offer accessible carriages, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for all.

Adaptive Sports

• Adaptive sports sessions: Many recreation centres offer adaptive sports during the holidays, including wheelchair basketball, seated volleyball, and adaptive swimming, providing opportunities for physical activity and fun.
• Ten-pin bowling: Bowling alleys often provide accessible lanes and adaptive equipment, making it a great activity for children with mobility challenges.
• Mini golf: Choose a venue with accessible pathways and adaptive equipment. Many mini golf courses are wheelchair-friendly and offer a fun, low-impact activity for the whole family.

Arts and Culture

• Interactive holiday displays: Some museums and community centres host interactive exhibits designed to accommodate both physical and sensory needs, offering tactile and visual experiences for children of all abilities.
• Art classes: Take part in adaptive art classes, where children can paint, draw, or sculpt in an inclusive setting that prioritises accessibility.
• Music therapy sessions: Join a holiday-themed music therapy class featuring activities like singing, playing instruments, or dancing in a sensory-friendly environment.
• Story time and quiet crafts: Libraries often hold holiday story time sessions followed by low-stimulation crafts, which can be ideal for routine-friendly, calm activities.
• Interactive puppet shows or performances: Sensory-friendly performances and puppet shows designed for neurodiverse children often allow for movement and feature reduced sensory input, such as softer lighting and quieter sound effects.

By planning activities that align with your child’s specific needs, abilities, and interests, the holiday season can become a joyful and inclusive experience for the whole family. Whether you’re venturing outdoors, enjoying creative pursuits, or simply making the most of time at home, we hope these ideas inspire some fun-filled moments over the break.