The summer can be challenging especially when you have a child with special needs. They are out of school full time, you may not have lots of help, and you may not be able to find a camp that fits their special needs. Just another reality of having a child with special needs. Summer's are different. But we aren't going to sulk about it. Ok yes we are. But now summer is actually here so the pity party is over and now we're going to have a fun summer! Here are a few recommendations I've made but I urge you veteran parents to please give me your ideas so I can spread the word! Help some other parents out!

Movies: Typically you can find free movies throughout the summer in your hometown, during the day. Even in my rural small town, the local theatre played free kids movies during the summer. What do I love about this? One, they are free. Two, they are wheelchair friendly. Three, if you're kiddo has sensory difficulties with loud noises, this is a great place to test it out. It's usually not packed because they play older movies, and if your kiddo is struggling you can leave without wasting money. Four, it's air conditioned. So have your self a nice little movie date with your kiddo.
Library: The local libraries usually offer a kid friendly time during the day. Some of the more modern libraries are offering a sensory play time for kids who have difficulties with this as well. Again, its free, wheelchair friendly, and sensory friendly. Great place to check out with your kiddo just to break up the monotony of the day. I like to pick a book a week to read to the kids but also gives you the opportunity to try more out of the house experiences (for free). Catch my drift. I like free stuff.
Pool. This can be a challenge, for kids who don't deal well with crowds and for kids who have physical struggles. Find a local pool and explain you have a kiddo with special needs. Ask them the least crowded pool times (typically when they are first opening). Ask if they have handicap accessible equipment. If they don't, complain. Ok I'm kidding (sort of). But it is modern day people. If they don't, it's something worth mentioning to a manager to find out how to change this. I digress. Pool's are cheap, and another way to get out of the house, change up the routine, and work on some things that may be difficult for your child.
Camps. Depending on your location you can find some great day camps for kids with special needs. Some I recommend are water camps, surfing camps, dolphin camp, and horseback riding camps. In fact that's something I've been proud of the progress over the years in this community. If you are local to San Diego my personal favorite is Camp Abel, in which I volunteered years ago. Its very unique, and almost each child that was in a wheelchair had the accessibility to get into a water wheelchair and get into a sailboat and go sailing, kayaking and even the ocean. There are numerous surf camps and dolphin camps especially designed for kids with autism. We have come a long way for camps but it depends on your location. Even when I worked in rural Georgia these camps were becoming more popular. I'd encourage you to look into it in your home town. If they are out of your budget, email the director and try to work out something. Trust me, they have hearts in this business. If not, do a fundraiser.
Make your own camp. Invite friends over and engage in some water balloon fights, sensory bins, crafts. Get creative. Guess what I love about this one. You guessed it. It's FREE! Well aside from hitting up the dollar store for all your arts and craft activities.
Music classes. Summer offers some great music classes. Regardless of what your child's special needs are music is a great therapy. They can sit and listen, or be an active participant. Again for kids with sensory concerns this could be a great way to work on it, with limited people. Ask the instructor when the best time for your child to come would be. Music is a great therapy tool for some kids. Summer is a great time to check out a class. If that feels overwhelming still, hire a personal music instructor (if your budget allows of course).
Parks/ Picnic in the park. Parks are becoming more wheelchair accessible and special needs friendly (although not all). And even this isn't just a summer activity, it breaks up the day. Plan a picnic at the park, bring some ice cream, and have a little extra fun with it. Make a day of it. When I lived in Savannah, I utilized all those fun historic parks.
Them Parks. If you're planning day places, zoo's and theme parks make for great day activities. I'll post more later about how to get deals at parks and have them make accommodations for your kiddos. Stay tuned for that one!

These are just a few summer suggestions for your kiddos. I know summers can be dawning and stressful for parents in general but then add special needs and you're racking your brain of how to keep them entertained. I'd love it if parents could add to this list too. Send me your suggestions!

And Happy Summer! It's going to be a hot one!