Summer Fun for Kids with Autism: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers

Summer is an exciting time! School is out, the weather is warm, and there are lots of fun things to do. But for kids with autism and their families, summer can also feel a little scary. When the school routine changes, it can be hard to know what to expect. Don't worry, with some simple planning, summer can be amazing for everyone!

Why Summer Can Be Tricky for Kids with Autism

Kids with autism usually love routines. They like knowing what comes next. During the school year, they know they wake up, eat breakfast, go to school, come home, and go to bed at the same time every day. This helps them feel safe and happy.

When summer starts, everything changes! There's no more school schedule. Some kids might feel worried or confused. They might act differently or forget some of the things they learned. This is totally normal, and there are ways to help.

Research shows that kids with autism find it hard when things change. Even small changes can feel really big to them. But the good news is that when grown-ups help them get ready for changes, kids do much better!

1. Making Summer Structure That Works

The secret to a great summer is keeping some things the same while adding fun new activities. Keep meal times and bedtime the same every day. This helps kids feel secure even when other things are different.

Make a summer schedule using pictures or photos to show what will happen each day. Maybe morning time is for playing outside, afternoon is for quiet activities, and evening is for family time. Plan ahead for new activities by talking about them first and showing pictures of new places.

2. Fun Summer Activities Perfect for Kids with Autism

Summer has so many great activities that kids with autism can enjoy!

• Water activities like swimming, playing in sprinklers, or going to splash pads are awesome. Water helps kids feel calm and makes their muscles stronger. Plus, it's a great way to cool off when it's hot outside.

• Try making art with sponges, playing with bubbles, or swinging at the park. These sensory activities feel good and help kids learn at the same time.

• Going for walks, planting a garden, or collecting leaves and rocks can be really fun too. Nature is usually quieter than busy places, which can feel better for kids who get overwhelmed easily.

3. Dealing with Summer Challenges

Summer can be overwhelming sometimes. Pack sunglasses, hats, and plenty of water for hot weather. Some kids don't like how bright the sun is or how hot it feels. Going out early in the morning or later in the evening can help.

For noisy, crowded places, bring headphones or find quieter times to visit popular spots. It's okay to leave if a place feels too overwhelming. Before trying something new, talk about it and look at pictures online. Always have a backup plan ready!

4. Keeping Skills Sharp During Summer

Learning doesn't stop in summer, but it doesn't have to feel like school work.

• Cooking together teaches math and following directions.

• Reading books outside under a tree or at the library makes it fun.

• Planting seeds and watching them grow teaches about nature and helps kids learn patience.

Tips for Success

Start talking about summer plans before school ends. This gives kids time to get used to the idea. Connect with other autism families for playdates and support. Remember that some days will be harder than others - that's normal! Celebrate the good moments, even if they're small.

Summer is a special time to make happy memories, try new things, and spend time together as a family. With some planning and patience, kids with autism can have amazing summers full of fun, learning, and joy.

References

Marcus Autism Center. (2025). Summer Scheduling. Retrieved from https://www.marcus.org/autism-resources/autism-tips-and-resources/summer-scheduling

University of Florida - Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. (2020). Summer Activities for Children and Adults with Autism. Retrieved from https://autism.psychiatry.ufl.edu/2020/07/13/summer-activities-for-children-and-adults-with-autism/

Seattle Children's Hospital. (2024). Finding Summer Activities for School-Age Children with Autism. Retrieved from https://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics/autism-center/the-autism-blog/finding-summer-activities/

Bancroft. (2024). Five Summer Activities for Children with Autism: Expert Recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.bancroft.org/resources/five-summer-activities-for-children-with-autism-expert-recommendations/

Autism Speaks. (2025). Four Tips for a Smooth Transition to Summer. Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/four-tips-smooth-transition-summer

Brown University Health. (2025). Children, Autism, and Change: Tips to Make Transition Easier. Retrieved from https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/children-autism-and-change-tips-make-transition-easier

Indiana University - Indiana Resource Center for Autism. (2025). Transition Time: Helping Individuals on the Autism Spectrum Move Successfully. Retrieved from https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/transition-time-helping-individuals-on-the-autism-spectrum-move-successfully-from-one-activity-to-another.html

Child Mind Institute. (2025). Why Do Kids Have Trouble With Transitions? Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/why-do-kids-have-trouble-with-transitions/

Operation Autism. (2023). Transitions. Retrieved from https://operationautism.org/transitions/

Autism BC. (2025). Autism-Friendly Summer Camps and Programs. Retrieved from https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/resource-guide/autism-summer-camps-and-more/