Summers in Arizona are beyond hot, as most of us know. It can make it difficult to find fun, enjoyable activities to do when you are restricted to activities at certain times of the day. Summer can still be a rewarding time for special needs adults to engage in various activities that are both enjoyable and beneficial to them. Here are some unique summer activities you or a loved one can enjoy together.
Organize picnics in parks or gardens where participants can enjoy the outdoors, play games, and socialize in a relaxed environment. One of our favorite parks to go to in the valley is Encanto Park.
Encanto Park, situated in the center of the city, is a magnificent 222-acre oasis filled with lush greenery. The park offers a variety of amenities, including a fishing lagoon, a historic clubhouse and boathouse, a swimming pool, a sports complex, two golf courses, and the privately-operated Enchanted Island Amusement Park.
Explore local nature trails or botanical gardens. Encourage sensory engagement with your special needs adult by observing and discussing the sights, sounds, and textures of the natural environment. We recommend visiting the local Desert Botanical Gardens.
Embrace a self-guided learning experience and indulge in unique one-time classes offered at the Desert Botanical Garden. Discover inspiration and acquire new skills through their specialized programs in landscape and gardening, photography, art, cooking, and wellness.
Create a garden or a small container garden where participants can plant and tend to flowers, herbs, or vegetables. This activity promotes sensory stimulation, fine motor skills, and a sense of responsibility.
A good example of an enjoyable gardening activity is creating a small herb garden in pots. This gardening activity provides an opportunity for participants to engage in sensory experiences, learn about plant growth and care, and enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing their own plants.
Engage in arts and crafts activities such as painting, pottery, jewelry-making, or scrapbooking. These activities provide opportunities for self-expression and creativity.
A place we really recommend and love going to is Color Me Mine. They have several valley locations and are a company that offers a creative and interactive experience where individuals can paint and personalize ceramic pieces. You can choose from a wide selection of ceramic items, such as plates, mugs, figurines, and more. Special needs adults can then unleash their creativity by painting their chosen piece using an assortment of vibrant colors and tools provided by the company. Afterward, the piece is fired in a kiln to achieve a glossy finish, and customers can take their finished, personalized creation home. Color Me Mine provides a fun and artistic activity for people of all ages to express themselves through pottery painting.
If participants enjoy water-based activities, consider swimming in one of our local lakes, water aerobics at a community center, or even simple water play in a backyard pool or one of Arizona’s many water parks.
There are many local options when it comes to being near water in AZ. A nearby fan favorite is Hurricane Harbor in North Phoenix.
Arrange music therapy sessions where participants can experience the joy of music through listening, singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. Music can be therapeutic and help with emotional expression and communication in special needs adults.
A great option where you can stay cool while learning and listening to music is the Musical Instrument Museum in North Phoenix. The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix is a unique and captivating museum dedicated to the world of music. It houses an extensive collection of over 15,000 musical instruments from around the globe. The museum offers a vibrant and interactive experience where visitors can explore and learn about various musical traditions and cultures through exhibits, multimedia displays, and live performances.
Adapted sports and games such as wheelchair basketball, bocce ball, or bowling can offer opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and friendly competition.
We recommend going to the Deer Valley Community Center. Which is a full-service community center boasting a full schedule of special interest classes and sports programs. With classrooms, a gymnasium, a fitness room, and the adjoining park, the center and park together offer something for all ages and interests. Deer Valley Park also is home to a popular city pool, which offers a full schedule of learn-to-swim classes.
Check for local community events or fairs that might be inclusive and offer accessible activities for special needs adults. These events can provide a chance for participants to connect with the broader community.
Get out of the Valley heat and take a drive to Prescott! The city of Prescott, AZ offers many community events for special needs individuals through their program called SNAP. They host Bingo, Western dance classes, and arts and crafts classes that you can find here.
Plan cooking or baking sessions where participants can learn to prepare simple recipes. This activity promotes life skills, encourages independence, and allows for sensory exploration through taste and smell.
Here is the perfect Summer recipe for Freshly Squeezed Lemonade that you can enjoy after on a hot Arizona day.
Special needs adults can engage in community service or volunteer work tailored to the abilities and interests of the participants. It fosters a sense of purpose, social responsibility, and connection with others.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities can volunteer in their communities in a variety of different ways:
Remember to consider the individual needs and preferences of each special needs adult when planning activities. Flexibility and adaptability are key to ensuring everyone can fully participate and enjoy these summer activities.
Check out all the Adult Day Programs that On Angel’s Wings has to offer in Arizona for you or your special needs loved one.
Give us a call at (623) 780-5690 for direct help or questions about all we have to offer for special needs care for adults and children in Arizona.