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Summer can bring a lot of fun — and a lot of sensory dysregulation. In this episode, we’re sharing 10 activity ideas to help your child stay regulated during the warmer months. From water play and outdoor obstacle courses to sensory-friendly picnics and consistent routines, these ideas are designed to support sensory processing, connection, and fun for the whole family.
We also answer a thoughtful listener question abouttongue proprioception and how to support oral awareness in a child navigating speech sound production, balance challenges, toe-walking, and a history of a frenectomy.
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form ->https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3
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Water Balloons - Bunch O Balloons
Summer can be a season of joy and freedom—but for children with sensory processing challenges, ADHD, or autism, the lack of structure can quickly lead to dysregulation. Whether you're a parent trying to keep your child engaged or an occupational therapist supporting families through seasonal transitions, this guide offersevidence-informed, sensory-friendly activities that promote regulation, connection, and fun.
Nature provides calming sensory input—sunlight, fresh air, and movement all support nervous system regulation. Research shows that spending time outdoors reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts serotonin, which improves mood and focus.
Morning: Sip coffee on the porch while kids play barefoot in the grass.
Evening: Go for a slow family walk or watch the sunset together.
OT Tip: You don’t need a big yard—just being outside, even for 10 minutes, can provide powerful regulation.
Water play is both cooling and organizing for the sensory system. It also builds coordination, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Reusable water balloons (eco-friendly and easy to clean up!).
Toy ice rescue: Freeze small toys in water overnight, then use tools to “rescue” them.
Water balloon towel toss: Great for teamwork and motor planning.
Spray bottle play: Let kids “clean” the patio or chalkboard with squirt bottles.
Bonus Benefit: Water play encourages bilateral coordination and tactile exploration, both essential for sensory development.
Gardening offers deep sensory input—through smell, touch, and movement. It also fosters delayed gratification and mindfulness.
Reduces anxiety and improves mood (backed by multiple studies).
Builds responsibility and patience.
Offers proprioceptive input (digging, watering).
Use raised beds for accessibility.
Let your child choose what to plant.
Obstacle courses are a pediatric OT favorite for a reason! They build gross motor skills, coordination, and sequencing—plus, they’re incredibly fun.
Jump ropes or hoses for balance beams.
Rocks and sticks for stepping paths.
Hula hoops for jumping challenges.
Chalk paths or "missions".
OT Tip: Add afunctional task like moving a puzzle piece through the course for added cognitive engagement.
Changing the context of meals adds novelty and reduces mealtime stress. Eating outside is a simple way to integrate sensory input while promoting social engagement.
A blanket and an umbrella for shade.
Sensory-rich foods: sour, crunchy, or cold items like frozen grapes or Greek yogurt popsicles.
Calm background music.
Did You Know: Eating outdoors often reduces picky eating tendencies due to increased relaxation and sensory exposure.
Turn snack time into a multi-step sensory activity that encourages choice-making and independence.
Choosing Greek yogurt flavors.
Adding mix-ins (berries, chocolate, granola).
Pouring into molds and freezing.
This is afunctional, fun, and regulating task that includes tactile, gustatory, and olfactory sensory input.
Create a dedicated space for brain breaks and emotional regulation.
Weighted lap pads or blankets.
Fidget tools.
Visual timers.
Noise-canceling headphones.
Favorite books or calming visuals.
OT Insight: Giving children autonomy to use their calm corner increases emotional intelligence and self-regulation.
Summer’s unpredictability can be overwhelming—visual routines reduce anxiety and increase cooperation.
Daily routine boards with icons.
Sensory choice boards with preferred activities.
“First, Then” visual strips for transitions.
Visuals help children feel secure and provide structure to an otherwise flexible day.
Longer daylight hours can wreak havoc on circadian rhythms. A consistent bedtime routine promotes better behavior and mood the next day.
Dim lights 1 hour before bed.
Use blackout curtains.
Incorporate calming sensory activities (e.g., bath, storytime, weighted blanket).
Children with sensory sensitivities may be more prone to sleep disruptions, making this routine even more critical.
A protein-packed, sensory-rich breakfast sets the tone for better focus and emotional regulation.
Eggs, yogurt, and peanut butter toast.
Crunchy textures (apple slices, granola).
Sour flavors (berries, citrus).
Pair with a movement break (jumping jacks, trampoline time) for an optimal start.
Summer doesn’t need to be overwhelming. The key is to start small—pick one strategy that feels doable today.
Maybe it’s a simple outdoor picnic, a calm-down corner, or a homemade frozen treat. Over time, these activities can become meaningful parts of your family’s daily rhythm, supporting not only sensory regulation but also building deeper connection, lasting joy, and growing confidence—for both you and your child.
Remember, regulation isn't about perfection—it's about creating safe, supportive moments where your child can thrive.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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