When a child is referred to as having “special needs” they may just need special activities due to learning, medical, or emotional problems they deal with on a daily basis. They may need therapy, medicine, or other special care that isn’t required by other children. It may be difficult for parents and teachers to think of ideas for after school type activities for these children, but there are many different activities special needs children can participate in. These activities include some online games as well as getting kids outdoors.

Education based activities such as gymnastics provide many benefits for children with special needs. Through physical education, the lifestyle of a special needs child can be considerably improved. Physical activities for special needs children will help promote staying active, increase motivation, social skills and self-image, and help to control obesity. Activities such as gymnastics will help children with physical impairments develop physical fitness skills as well as fundamental motor skills.

Although not all outdoor activities are suited for those with special needs, most activities can be adapted to be more suitable. If a child is in a wheelchair and has upper body movement, they can likely bounce and catch a ball. They may also be able to hit a ball with a bat while another child runs the bases. For children with visual challenges, large play objects such as hoops, balls, and other large equipment can be used for play. By recording bird sounds and other outdoor noises, the sound can be adjusted to help children with sensory or perceptual deficit identify sounds in nature.

Moving and listening games can be played with children who may have Attention Deficit Disorder. Children with fine motor difficulties can use outdoor chalk for drawing on sidewalks and outdoor easels for drawing and painting. Beanbag games can be adapted for visually impaired children simply by moving objects closer. In order to encourage gardening, a bag of top soil can be placed on a table and holes can be cut in it for children in wheelchairs to plant vegetables and produce. The ideas listed are only a few ways normal activities can be adapted for special needs children to enjoy. The links below will provide more information and ideas for both indoor and outdoor activities.

• Do2Learn – This website provides educational and fun activities for children with special needs.


• Answers4Families – This website provides resources for teachers and parents to manufacturers of toys for special needs children.


• Afterschool and Students with Special needs – This is a PDF document for parents and teachers that discusses ways after school programs accommodate those children with special needs.


• FCA Outdoors – Fishing can be a fun activity for children with special needs. This website provides information about a fishing program great for families.


• Disabled Sports USA – This website provides information on sports rehabilitation programs and it can be used to encourage special needs children by teaching them that they can participate in sports.


• Adaptive Sports Foundation – The Adaptive Sports Foundation is an organization to help those with special needs participate in life changing experiences.


• Outdoor Activities for Special Needs Children – This website provides more in-depth ideas on outdoor activities for special needs children.


• Adapted Sports and Recreation - This PDF document is a wonderful resource for parents of special needs children. It lists the many activities these children can participate in as well as links to organizations.


• Physical activities for special needs children – This PDF document discusses the many benefits of outdoor activities for children with special needs.