2021 Winter Activities for All
Halloween is over, it’s getting darker earlier, and that means that Winter is coming. Snow days and winter vacations are on the horizon, and there are a lot of great ways to spend these upcoming winter days for everyone. In the past, traditional snow day activities have presented some challenges for those with disabilities; however, with modifications, there are plenty of winter activities that anyone can participate in.
If you live in an area with snow, make snowballs! Rather than have snowball fights, which can be fearful for some, throw the snowballs at different targets and objects, allowing individuals to gain sensory play during the winter. For those that don’t like or want to romp around in the snow, paint the snow instead! This is a fun outdoor activity that includes motor activity; get squirt bottles (e.g., old condiment bottles), fill them with water and food coloring, and squirt the colors onto the blank, snowy canvas.
If you live in an area without snow (or just don’t like the snow) you can still have “snowy” fun indoors. You can build a snowman indoors by using a cornstarch and shaving cream mixture (2:1 ratio). Mash it together to form a crumbly mixture that can then be shaped into balls. Make a snowman and have fun decorating him with materials from around the house! You can also save this “snow” if kept in a container with a lid to reuse anytime you want some indoor snow fun. You can also build an “igloo” or snow fort inside with sheets, blankets, cardboard, pillows, clothespins, etc. Snuggle up in your cozy fort and watch your favorite winter movie with a warm drink and snacks.
If your family loves outdoor winter activities, plan a trip! Recreational activities and adaptive snow sports like sledding, skiing, and other winter sports may seem inaccessible or impractical for some; however, several accessible options have become available over the recent years. Adaptive snow sports provide the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to participate and enjoy “the freedom of movement and the outdoors with the aid of special equipment and instructors trained for each disability.” For sledding, try using a rope attached to the sled and pull your child through the snow. There are even sleds designed specifically for those with special needs. Another activity to try is sit-skiing, or mono-skiing, which provides a seat attached to a wide, single ski.
No matter what your winter day may entail, every kid deserves to enjoy the snowy winter season.
REFERENCES:If you live in an area with snow, make snowballs! Rather than have snowball fights, which can be fearful for some, throw the snowballs at different targets and objects, allowing individuals to gain sensory play during the winter. For those that don’t like or want to romp around in the snow, paint the snow instead! This is a fun outdoor activity that includes motor activity; get squirt bottles (e.g., old condiment bottles), fill them with water and food coloring, and squirt the colors onto the blank, snowy canvas.
If you live in an area without snow (or just don’t like the snow) you can still have “snowy” fun indoors. You can build a snowman indoors by using a cornstarch and shaving cream mixture (2:1 ratio). Mash it together to form a crumbly mixture that can then be shaped into balls. Make a snowman and have fun decorating him with materials from around the house! You can also save this “snow” if kept in a container with a lid to reuse anytime you want some indoor snow fun. You can also build an “igloo” or snow fort inside with sheets, blankets, cardboard, pillows, clothespins, etc. Snuggle up in your cozy fort and watch your favorite winter movie with a warm drink and snacks.
If your family loves outdoor winter activities, plan a trip! Recreational activities and adaptive snow sports like sledding, skiing, and other winter sports may seem inaccessible or impractical for some; however, several accessible options have become available over the recent years. Adaptive snow sports provide the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to participate and enjoy “the freedom of movement and the outdoors with the aid of special equipment and instructors trained for each disability.” For sledding, try using a rope attached to the sled and pull your child through the snow. There are even sleds designed specifically for those with special needs. Another activity to try is sit-skiing, or mono-skiing, which provides a seat attached to a wide, single ski.
No matter what your winter day may entail, every kid deserves to enjoy the snowy winter season.
https://bethebestsport.org/top-ten-winter-weekend-activities-for-adults-and-children-with-special-needs/
https://www.patientfirst.com/blog/inclusive-winter-activities-ideas-for-every-child-to-enjoy-a-show-day
https://www.disabled-world.com/sports/snow/
