9 Recommended Activities To Do With An Autistic child

Whether you want to take your child somewhere fun in the summer or provide enrichment, here are 9 activities to do with an autistic child in particular — and it’s not puzzles!

9 Activities to Do with an Autistic Child?

Parents and caregivers of autistic children often wonder where to take their autistic kids and what to do with them. I always recommend taking them places that support their special interests, which is why it’s so important to listen to your child when they share.

Special interests are the key to connecting with your child.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the type of parents who did activities like this (or anything from this list) with me. My egg donor is out of the picture permanently, while my dad has his own family with my stepmother and two half-siblings.

This list includes things I wish my parents had done with me to build a relationship with me at any age, and nurture a secure attachment.

1. Look for discount passes in your area.

GetOut pass works for an entire state, across multiple US states. The program works with one pass per person. My cousin has nine kids and says it’s worth it and better than the Dallas Fort-Worth POGO Pass because you access so much.

If your autistic child loves playing in the water and you’re okay with going often, opt for a season pass to a local pool or waterpark.

Some waterparks will also have Toddler Time during the summer, since kids are out of school. Take advantage of this inexpensive opportunity. (The caveat is that only toddlers will be accepted into the park with parental supervision, usually up to 5-6 years old. Some kids can totally pass as toddlers; use this info at your own discretion.)

2. Take advantage of disability passes and discounts.

Did you know Disney Parks (and other amusement parks) have disability passes? You might get to wait in line in a quieter area or skip the line altogether.

Look into these programs in advance since most require registration before the day you attend, and some require a doctor’s note or other proof of needed accommodations.

If an attraction, amusement park, restaurant, or other activity-type place in public offers “special treatment” for disabled people, and your child is disabled and eligible for such treatment, take advantage of this option and don’t feel guilty or embarrassed.

Not utilizing these opportunities often leads to the business removing them because they weren’t meeting their quotas enough to be worth it to them. Plus, being able to skip ahead in a line or getting away to rest in a quiet location will make the day manageable for your child and less stressful for everyone.

Prioritize these places for special activities and vacations if they’re more expensive than what you can afford on a regular basis.

3. Local zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, and animal exhibits

Wildlife sanctuaries usually work with governmental agencies for animal placement, but also rely on a wide network of awareness. A sanctuary might take in wild cats such as tigers, bobcats, lions, or ocelots born in captivity or that were previously pets.

Animal exhibits are an enriching, educational experience for children of all ages. Autistic people generally feel more connected to animals, though this shouldn’t be an expectation of your autistic child.

Aim for animal (and even bug) exhibits based on your child’s interest, but also seek to expand their knowledge and experiences by exposing them to more possible interests.

Guided tours provide more education and less personal exploration time, so choose self-guided if your child likes lingering to look at the animals.

4. Local museums

Museums need not be age-appropriate. Don’t dismiss something like the Perot Museum because it has more activities and displays with children in mind.

Instead, museums need to cater to your child’s special interests, even if they’re not completely obsessed. In other words, even an adult can enjoy the Perot Museum or the LEGO Museum, even if mostly kids are there.

Taking your child to a museum that’s not your child’s special interests is okay, too. However, your autistic child might not be interested in any of the exhibits and isn’t responsible for how you feel about it.

5. Cook or bake with your autistic children

Even if you think your autistic child will never be able to live independently, teaching life skills helps build your child’s confidence and relational bond.

Cooking requires dexterity. Montessori toddlers prepare and cook food with a mini kitchen. If your autistic child struggles with knives, invest in a safe knife they can hold differently.

Check out this list of recipes your autistic child might enjoy, even if they are a picky eater.

Other life skills that double as bonding activities include working on your car, washing your car, household chores, playing games, fixing something that broke, or building furniture. The options are endless.

6. Take an art class together

Expressing creativity is great for mental health. Check out your library or community center for free or low-cost art classes. The fees for these usually cover the cost of supplies, so they’re low.

Your city or town might have local art studios that hold classes for cheap. I recently learned there’s a studio in my town that charges $35 for a two-hour class, which isn’t bad. It covers the supplies and teaching fees, and I come out of it with a completed art project.

7. Local community events

Local libraries often have calendar printouts of monthly local events. If not, your local government’s social media page or website is a good place to start.

If you can’t find anything locally, look in surrounding areas for events. My old library had coloring sessions, book clubs for kids and adults, and reading circle events. They also include events happening within the city/county in general on their listings, so people can stay in-the-know.

8. Play a board game

Board games teach life skills, level up relationships, encourage problem-solving, and provide a wonderful bonding activity. To be clear, “board games” include card games and any tabletop games you can play without an electronic device.

Pop some popcorn, offer special drinks like juice or soda, and put out some snacks so the whole family can enjoy playing games and relaxing together.

9. Ask your autistic child what THEY want to do!

The best activity to do with your autistic kiddo is to have them say what they want to do. It’s the only way you’ll know for sure whether they’re interested. Your child will enjoy activities they love and will be more willing to keep the peace, even during the long hot days of summer vacation.

The more you demonstrate your ability to listen, the more likely your child is to open up to you instead of shutting down, melting down, or masking.

What activities does your child enjoy?

Click here for a free PDF printable checklist of the 7 steps to take when your child needs residential treatment.