Top Tips for Supporting Your Kids During a Busy Summer of Outdoor Events
With summer now upon us, the season of sunshine, celebration, and outdoor adventure has arrived. From music festivals and Pride parades to beach days and farm visits, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get out and enjoy the world.
But for families with children such as ours, I’m sure you will agree these events can be as overwhelming as they are exciting.
To help make summer outings more enjoyable and less stressful, I’ve put together our top tips and go to items that support our kids during these busy times.
These simple tools and strategies can make a huge difference in keeping everyone comfortable, calm, and able to participate in the fun.
- Ear Defenders
Crowds, music, and unexpected loud noises, a good pair of ear defenders or noise-reducing headphones can help buffer the chaos and give your child a bit more control over their sensory environment.
- Sunglasses or Hats
Bright sunlight can be overstimulating or even painful for some kids. Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats not only offer protection from UV rays but also reduce visual overload and help your child feel more secure.
- Fidget Toys
Having something to occupy busy hands can be incredibly grounding. Whether it’s a simple tangle toy, pop it, or spinner, fidget toys help with focus and self-regulation, especially during waiting periods or transitions.
- Crunchy Snacks or Things to Suck
Sensory friendly snacks like pretzels, apples, or chewy bars provide both nourishment and oral sensory input. Having lollipops, chewy tubes, or straws on hand also helps soothe and regulate through oral motor activity.
- Sensory Chews
For kids who seek oral input, sensory chew necklaces or bracelets can be a discreet and effective tool. These are especially useful in stimulating environments where chewing on clothing or fingers might otherwise occur. I always put ours on the sunflower lanyards.
- Special Needs Buggy or Pushchair
Even older kids sometimes need a break from walking or a safe space to decompress. A sturdy, comfortable buggy can be a lifesaver during long days, especially in crowded or hot environments.
- Don’t Forget the Basics!
Sunscreen
Water bottles
Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
Spare clothes – Accidents, spills, or water play happen.
Favorite comfort item – whether it’s a soft blanket or beloved plush toy. Lucy always likes a taggy blanket with her!
Spare Sunflower lanyards, and parents/ carers if you child won’t wear it, you wear it!
- Talk to staff and do your homework
Many theme parks and leisure facilities offer accessibility schemes, such as reduced queuing times and discounted tickets for carers. Always check the venue’s website first for details. If you can’t find the information you need, it’s a good idea to call ahead before your visit.
Never be afraid of asking for help or speaking to staff. The majority of people will always help you out.
- Prepare and Communicate
Talk through what to expect with your child ahead of time. Visual schedules, storyboards, or role playing can be great tools to ease anxiety. If the event is large or new, arriving early to acclimate before the crowd builds can help.
Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another but these are certainly tried and tested with our kids!
The most important thing is to observe, adapt, and follow your child’s lead. With the right support in place, summer adventures can be inclusive, joyful, and memory making for the whole family.
One strategy that consistently works well for our family is the “arrive early, leave early” approach, especially when visiting places like theme parks.
We make it a point to get there right when the gates open, taking advantage of cooler temperatures, shorter lines, and higher energy levels. By lunchtime, we’ve usually done everything we came for, and that’s our cue to head out. Rather than pushing through the crowds and risking overtired kids or meltdowns, we prefer to end the outing on a high note. It keeps the experience positive and leaves everyone looking forward to the next adventure and leaving with happy memories!
Happy summer, and here’s to sunshine, snacks, and sensory-friendly fun!
