Summer Fun: Inclusive Activities for Individuals with Disabilities
Summer is a time for sunshine, warmth and endless possibilities for fun and adventure. Finding inclusive activities that cater to individuals with disabilities can sometimes be a challenge. However, with a bit of creativity and planning, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy the summer months to the fullest. Here are some inclusive summer activities to consider, whether you’re a child or an adult!
- Accessible playgrounds: Accessible and Inclusive International Playground Directory lists playgrounds with inclusive and accessible features.
- Explore Minnesota Accessible Travel: From fishing to activities in the prairie to Twin Cities attractions, this Explore Minnesota website provides accessible attractions and places to stay. It is searchable by region, city, category and accessibility features.
- Arts and crafts: When it’s raining or too hot to be outside, get creative indoors with arts and crafts projects. Whether painting, pottery or making DIY bird feeders, arts and crafts activities provide opportunities for self-expression and sensory exploration for all individuals.
- Picnics and outdoor dining: Enjoy a meal al fresco with a picnic in the park or a barbeque in the backyard. Pack some accessible games to enjoy after eating. Socializing outdoors in a relaxed setting can be a great way to connect with family and friends.
- Music and dance: Whether attending a live concert or having a dance party in your backyard, music and dance are universal forms of expression that everyone can enjoy. Look for inclusive dance classes or adaptive music programs in your area.
- Outdoor movie night: Host a movie night under the stars with a portable projector and a white sheet. Set up blankets and lawn chairs for comfortable seating, and don’t forget the popcorn! Choose films with closed captions or audio descriptions to ensure everyone can enjoy the movie.
- Beach days: Many beaches offer beach wheelchairs and ramps. Spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming or building sandcastles with friends. Just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated.
- Gardening: Cultivate a green thumb by starting a garden at home or volunteering at a community garden. Gardening is therapeutic and provides opportunities to learn about nature and the environment.
- Accessible theme parks: Many theme parks, such as Valleyfair in Shakopee, offer accessibility and service accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Enjoy rides, live shows, and attractions for a memorable day of adventure and excitement. Nickelodeon Studios, located in the Mall of America, has a Sensory Guide and quiet spaces to provide a safe and calming environment for guests who feel overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Zoos: The Minnesota Zoo, located in Apple Valley, is committed to accessibility for all visitors. They offer wheelchairs and stroller rentals, disposable earplugs, child-size earmuff hearing protectors, and other sensory-friendly items. The Minnesota Zoo ZooUnlimited/Accessibility page talks about all the accessibility information for the zoo, and the Minnesota Zoo MNZoo4All – A Sensory Guide app was designed to help those with sensory-processing disorders to prepare for their visit.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul also provides a range of accommodations for people with disabilities. They have wheelchairs and electric scooters for rent. The zoo also hosts sensory-friendly events throughout the summer, including Sensory Friendly Mornings with reduced noise and sensory input and Senior Strolls & Sunset Senior Strolls is special time set aside for those 55 and older. Advanced registration is provided for both programs.
- Adaptive recreation programs: Courage Kenny, Reach for Resources and Special Olympics Minnesota are some of the organizations that provide adaptive recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. These programs offer year-round sports programs, outdoor fun and physical activity for people of all ages and abilities. PACER Center’s Recreation, Sports and Camps page provides a list of additional inclusive activities in Minnesota.
- Accessible state parks: Minnesota boasts many state parks with accessible facilities and trails. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, three Minnesota state parks offer tours with accessible options, over a dozen Minnesota state parks have all-terrain track chairs that can be used on designated trails, and many Minnesota state parks have accessible campsites, lodging and trails.
- Accessible fishing: Minnesota is known for its abundance of lakes and rivers, making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. Many lakeside parks and fishing piers have accessible features, such as smooth pathways and designated fishing areas. Accessible outdoors webpage provides resources and support for individuals with disabilities who want to enjoy fishing, camping, hunting and other outdoor activities.
- Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Located in Chaska, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum accessibility information page offers a wealth of information for your trip, including a wheelchair-accessible map of trails, gardens and quiet spaces, tram tours that provide an overview of the expansive grounds and more. Visitors can explore a variety of themed gardens, including a sensory garden designed to engage the senses through touch, sight and smell.
Fun summer activities can be big or small. We hope this list has helped spark ideas for you and your family to get the most out of the summer!