5 inclusive school holiday activities for kids

Does the prospect of September school holidays have you wringing your hands? Or maybe you’ve exhausted your go-to list of activities and are looking for some fresh ideas. Don’t despair, this is the list for you.  

#1. Let’s get physical!

There’s a range of all-abilities, inclusive physical activities out there, some more easy to find than others. To start, jump onto your local council’s events and activities page and see what you can find. There’s an Adaptive Tennis class in Alexandria, Sensory Friendly Youth Boxing in Redfern, Autism Family Swim & Social Event in Bentleigh East and a Football for All day hosted at clubs across Victoria, what can you find that’s right for your children.

#2. A nature scavenger hunt

If structured activity isn’t your style, and the weather permits, a nature scavenger hunt might sound more appealing. Before you head out, make a list or draw the items you hope to discover on your journey (use a number of senses to keep it interesting!) and then walk, ride, roll or scoot and see how many you can cross off your list.  

If you’re Melbourne-based, the Fitzroy Gardens host a free outdoor adventure, pick up your map and head off to find the answers to the questions that are hidden in the garden. The Sensory Garden in the Royal Botanical Garden in Melbourne also provides a stimulating experience to the touch, ears, eyes and nose.

#3. Talk to the animals

A visit to the local Zoo, Wildlife Park or animal farm is always a winner. Most Zoos and Wildlife Parks are wheelchair friendly, have sensory sensitive experiences and offer Sunflower Lanyards for a little extra time and understanding. Plan an off-peak visit to avoid the crowds and make sure you plan a route ahead to maximise the experience.  

#4. Wet weather timetable

If you’re looking for a wet weather timetable, craft is always a winner. Try some ‘thumbprint art’ using stamp pads or paint on paper plates. Your child can use their fingers, palms, knuckles or footprints to create leaves on trees, faces or a colourful abstract. Once they are dry you can use markers to join them together or decorate the prints turning them into something else entirely. There’s also a range of ready-to-go sensory kits on the market to make set up a breeze. Brew a potion, set a scene in coloured rice or make animal tracks in dough.  

Another weather-proof option is a puppet show, make puppets using old socks or empty toilet rolls, decorate and give them a personality. Set up a stage using cardboard boxes and perform original or book and movie inspired scenes for friends and family.  

#5. Whip up a storm in the kitchen

Depending on the interest and abilities of your child, you can make a recipe together or use pre–made cookie dough and cut it out together. Get them involve to feel, smell and taste the ingredients. Then use a variety of cookie cutters and tools to shape the cookies and decorate! You can also buy a packet of marie biscuits to decorate and  save time and effort. For more biscuit recipes, check out our very own Aussie Biscuits!

If in doubt, check out your local cinema. Village Cinemas has a range of accessible options including, closed/open captions, audio description films and sensory friendly films, you just have to agree on a movie!