Written by: Hilary Forrest, ABA Behavior Treatment Therapist
Summer is a wonderful time for children to explore the world around them through movement, play, and new experiences. For many children, especially those with sensory needs, summer activities can provide valuable opportunities to build communication, regulation, motor, and social skills in a natural and enjoyable way. Sensory activities are not only fun, but they can also help children feel calm, engaged, and connected to their environment.
One of the best parts about sensory play is that it can happen almost anywhere. Many families naturally incorporate sensory experiences into their daily summer routines without even realizing it. Trips to the park, water play in the backyard, walks outside, gardening, or even helping wash the car can all provide meaningful sensory input while encouraging learning and interaction.
Water activities are often a favorite during the summer months because they provide calming and regulating sensory experiences while helping children stay cool. Playing with sprinklers, water tables, squirt bottles, or buckets of water allows children to explore different textures, temperatures, and movements. Scooping, pouring, and splashing can also strengthen fine motor skills and coordination while encouraging communication and turn-taking during play with others.
Outdoor play also offers excellent opportunities for movement-based sensory input. Activities like swinging, climbing, jumping, running through obstacle courses, riding bikes, or participating in scavenger hunts can help children regulate their bodies and energy levels. These types of activities provide vestibular and proprioceptive input, which can support body awareness, balance, and emotional regulation. Even simple activities like taking a nature walk or playing catch can create opportunities for sensory exploration and social interaction.
Creative sensory activities can also encourage flexibility and imagination. Sidewalk chalk, finger painting, shaving cream play, bubbles, and sensory bins filled with sand, rice, or water beads allow children to explore textures and materials in a hands-on way. While these activities may get a little messy, messy play can actually be incredibly beneficial for sensory development and tolerance. Allowing children to freely explore different sensations can help build confidence and reduce sensitivities over time.
Summer is also a great time to bring sensory experiences into everyday routines. Cooking together, gardening, helping with outdoor chores, or making frozen treats can all provide opportunities for children to engage their senses while learning important life skills. Activities like digging in the dirt, smelling flowers, tasting new foods, or listening to outdoor sounds help children become more aware of the world around them in meaningful ways.
It is important to remember that every child experiences sensory input differently. Some children may seek out movement and excitement, while others may prefer quieter, calming sensory experiences. Following a child’s interests and comfort level can help sensory play feel successful and enjoyable rather than overwhelming. Offering choices, keeping activities low pressure, and focusing on connection instead of perfection can help create positive experiences for both children and caregivers.
Summer sensory activities do not need to be elaborate or expensive to be effective. Often, the simplest activities create the most meaningful opportunities for learning, communication, and connection. Whether it is playing in water, exploring outside, creating art, or simply enjoying time together outdoors, sensory play can support growth while making summer memories that families will cherish.
At Phoenix Behavioral Health, our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in-home program helps families find fun and functional ways to support development through everyday experiences. Summer is the perfect time to explore, connect, and grow through play, and sensory activities can be a wonderful way to help children build confidence, regulation, and independence throughout the season.