Making the Most of the Summer with ABA Inspired Fun
As the days grow longer and school winds down, summer becomes the perfect season for blending play and progress. Whether you’re heading outdoors or staying cool inside, every activity is a chance to connect, grow, and support your child’s development.
Using simple ABA strategies, you can turn everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences.
ABA Friendly Outdoor Activities
Nature Adventures
Visit local parks, trails, or even your own backyard. Use the time to explore and label plants, animals, or textures. Turn it into a fun scavenger hunt with goals like spotting three types of leaves or counting how many birds you see.
Splash Time
Whether it’s water balloons, sprinklers, or the beach, water play promotes sensory exploration and turn-taking. It’s also a great way to practice simple instructions like “fill,” “pour,” or “wait your turn.” Always review water safety beforehand!
Backyard Obstacle Course
Create a kid-friendly course using pool noodles, cones, or chalk. This encourages gross motor skills, sequencing, and problem-solving. Celebrate their effort with high fives and praise!
Creative and Calm Indoor Activities
Arts and Crafts
Break out the paint, glue, and glitter! These projects support fine motor skills, color matching, and following step-by-step directions. Try making summer-themed crafts like paper suns or ocean scenes.
Simple Cooking Projects
Make trail mix, fruit kabobs, or no-bake cookies together. These fun activities teach sequencing, measurement, safety, and independence—plus, there’s a tasty reward at the end!
Games and Puzzles
Board games, memory cards, and puzzles build turn-taking, focus, and flexible thinking. Choose ones that match your child’s current skill level and sprinkle in plenty of praise.
Incorporating Learning into Play
Learning doesn’t have to pause in the summer! ABA strategies can be woven into all kinds of fun:
Set Clear Intentions: Know your goal before you begin—whether it’s communication, sharing, or a daily living skill.
Use Reinforcement: Don’t forget the power of praise, tokens, or special privileges to reward effort and progress.
Capture Natural Moments: Count seashells, role-play with toys, or talk about feelings during story time. These moments offer rich opportunities for generalization.
Keeping Consistency in a Relaxed Season
Routine and structure can help children feel secure even when the school-year schedule changes. Here’s how to stay on track while still enjoying the freedom of summer:
Visual Summer Schedule: A simple picture-based calendar or chart can help your child anticipate what’s next.
Coordinate with Your ABA Team: Stay in touch to adjust goals or session times. Let them know about upcoming trips or changes to routines.
Practice Skills in Daily Life: Use mealtime for conversation practice, family outings for social skills, and chores for independence.
Stay Flexible and Encouraging: Not every day will go as planned, and that’s okay. Celebrate effort, adapt as needed, and give yourself grace too.
Summer 2025 is your opportunity to create joyful, growth-filled memories. With a blend of structure, creativity, and connection, you can help your child stay on track while enjoying everything this season has to offer.
Let’s make it a summer of sunshine and success—together!
Written by Allison Lyons, MA BCBA