Summer is just around the corner! You may find you have more one-on-one time to spend with your child. However, it can be a challenge to channel a child's abundant energy and provide enough structure to fill the day. This summer, don't forget to make use of the outdoors. I don't recommend vigorous outdoor activity in the heat of the day during the Texas summer. Yet there are fun things to do outside in the early morning and evening hours. Kids need plenty of sensory-motor activity in order to stay calm and happy. This is especially true of children who have sensory integration challenges. So, before your kids start climbing the walls, grab my list of outdoor activities to do with children when the temperature rises. Pick the ones you like and add them to your summer schedule.

1. Explore your neighborhood on foot. Head out in the morning, before the sun is high. Walking together requires your child to coordinate with you to match your pace. Point out what you see along the way. Children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders benefit from learning how to be together with no particular goal in mind. A leisurely stroll provides the perfect setting for this.
2. Plant a garden. Even if it is just a few plants in pots, your child will enjoy watching things grow. Gardening requires heavy work, from digging in the dirt to weeding. Heavy work can help your child stay calm. Also, the daily chore of tending the garden brings structure to the long summer day.
3. Put up bird feeders and a bird bath. This will bring colorful summer guests to your yard that you can observe together. Filling the feeder and cleaning the bath will provide outdoor activity each day.
4. Wash the dog, the ride-on toys, or the patio. There is nothing like water to entice children outside on a hot summer day. Getting things clean gives your child a chance to cooperate with you to reach a goal.
5. Jump into your favorite swimming hole! Have your child jump in with you on the count of three. Enjoy underwater 'tea parties' or just float side by side on inner tubes.
6. Hike down a shady creek. If your child prefers not to wade, explore from the edge. Watch water creatures, throw rocks, build dams. The sensory-motor opportunities are limitless.
7. Make juice Popsicles. Eat them together in the shade. Share how nice an icy Popsicle feels when you're thirsty.
8. Throw water-balloons. Children who like to throw things may be seeking proprioceptive input. The strong sensory input to the joints can have a calming and organizing effect. It is twice as fun when it makes a big splash!
9. Don't forget to swing. Many parents of kids with sensory integration challenges find swinging makes their child more focused and calm. Join in if you like. The breeze will make the triple digits bearable.
10. Chase fireflies on a summer evening. Work on hand-eye coordination by trying to catch some in a jar.

I hope this list inspires you to get outdoors with your child and make summer memories. Remember to bring water and sunscreen and the outdoors can be an ally in keeping your child focused and happy all summer long.