OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR NEURODIVERSE CHILDREN

Every child, including those on the autism spectrum, can benefit from spending time outside throughout the year because it offers a variety of learning opportunities that boost confidence, self-discovery, friendships, and independence. Remember to take safety measures to ensure your child can play outside without fear.

Recommendations

• Bring essential items such as water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, bandages, hats, and sunglasses to be well-prepared.
• Use outdoor spaces for sensory and art activities like sand play, pavement chalk, spray painting, or construction. Make sure the materials suit your child’s age, and explain how to use them before starting an activity.
• Consider setting a timer to remind you and your child to take water breaks and reapply sunscreen. Also, providing 20-, 10-, and five-minute warnings before leaving or going inside can be helpful, as neurodiverse children appreciate knowing what to expect.

 
Look for barrier-free parks with fewer tripping hazards and fenced-in playgrounds in your area. These can be enjoyable places for playing and making new friends.
 
For a list of neurodiverse-friendly venues to go, please read below.
 

PARKS

Parks with Inclusive Play Elements

NYC parks have inclusive play elements that offer social, cognitive, sensory, and motor activities for children with special needs. The parks are free to visit.
 
Visit this link to filter parks in NYC by borough, accessible features, and sensory-friendly resources: www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds
 
For neurodiverse children, selected NYC parks may offer:

• Special equipment for children
• Accessible swings, mobility transfer systems, and water-based play features.
• Sports Games Arena – Basketball court, a baseball field, a volleyball court, badminton, and other games. The park also includes benches and water fountains.

Public Programs

NYC Parks offers a variety of public programs. Some are available during the summer, and others are available year-round. Learn more information here: www.nycgovparks.org/programs
 
An example of a program is the Sponsored Learning Program at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This program includes hands-on activities to teach kids about conservation. Examples are “Garden Nature” and “Nature Crafts.” There is also an After-School Program available.

Customer Service

To get additional information, call (718) 760- 6565 or visit www.nycgovparks.org/contact-parks

Adaptive Swim Programs

The Adaptive Swim Program for People with Disabilities is a session-based series of classes. The program offers children and adults aquatic exercise programs and swim instruction at pools in NYC parks led by Aquatic Specialists.
 
Session starting dates vary by season. Check out each session date at www.nycgovparks.org/events/adaptive-aquatics.
 
To participate in the program, you must register for a placement lottery. For this:

• Create an account using your name, personal email, and password www1.nyc.gov/account/register.htm?spName=NYCParksPMProd&fromKiosk=true&target=aHR0cHM6Ly9ueWNwYXJrcy5wZXJmZWN0bWluZC5jb20v
• Enter the lottery for your desired park. If chosen from the lottery, you must create a NYC Parks Recreation Center Membership, which is free. Once accepted, you may be asked to fill in information like a contact number and an address.
• Learn more at www.nycgovparks.org/events/adaptive-aquatics or call 311 for additional questions.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Outdoors for Autism with INCLUDEnyc

The Outdoors for Autism program is an annual free event sponsored by INCLUDEnyc. Neurodiverse children from 0 to 18 and their families are welcome. The event occurs on a Sunday afternoon in June every year at 1055 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY 10452.
 
Outdoors for Autism has plenty of fun activities which include:

• Sports
• Arts
• Sensory parachute
• Obstacle course
• Acoustic music
• Blocks
• Sprinklers
• Playground
• Bubbles
• Quiet activity areas

 
Attending the event is free, but you should register to confirm your attendance. Visit includenyc.org/events/outdoors-for-autism and register in Early Spring. For more information, please visit includenyc.org/events/outdoors-for-autism or contact INCLUDEnyc at (217) 677-4600.

Achilles Physical Activity Programs

Achilles International is a program that uses athletics to help people with disabilities. Their offerings include training, race chances, and school-based initiatives for impaired children.
 
To register, visit www.achillesinternational.org/achilles-kids.

• Every summer, TriAchilles Camp focuses on swimming and bicycling rather than running. For additional information, email TriAchilles@achillesinternational.org.
• Achilles Chapter Workouts are physical exercise options available across all five boroughs. To register, visit www.achillesinternational.org/nyc
• The Hope and Possibility Run is one of the largest inclusive races held yearly in Central Park. To learn more, visit www.achillesinternational.org/hope-possibility.

 
Call (212) 354-0300 or contact info@achillesinternational.org if you have any questions.