13 Simple and Fun day out activities for Autistic child

Hello everyone!

If you’re a parent or caregiver to an autistic child, you know that finding the right activities for autistic children can sometimes be challenging.

The good news is, there are plenty of fun, stimulating, and autism-friendly day-out activities for autistic children that can provide joy and growth opportunities for your child.

Whether it’s finding a quiet space, a place with sensory activities for autistic children in particular, or something that allows for one-on-one interaction, the key is understanding what works best for your child.

Today, I’m going to share 13 simple and fun day-out activities for autistic children that have worked well for my family.

And remember, every child with autism is unique, so feel free to adapt these ideas to suit your child’s preferences and needs.

A good book to read on the struggles and how to prepare regarding going out with Autistic children is, ‘NEXT for GOING OUT: Visual Supports for Autistic Adults to Promote Community Integration and Ensure Safety‘

 

Warnings for Parents and Kids

Before diving into the activities for autistic children, it’s important to remember that autistic children can have different sensory sensitivities or limitations.

What works for one child might not work for another. So, don’t feel discouraged if some of these activities for autistic children do not fit your child.

What worked for me and my child might not work for your child.

You know them best, and with a little flexibility, you’ll find the perfect activity that brings them joy.

These are suggestions which worked for us, that I as a kid genuinely enjoyed and that my child also enjoys.

 

Wandering,

My child with autism, wanders a lot. Be careful with this if your autistic child is like mine.

Autistic children tend to have less of a warning system in their head when it comes to danger.

Also, many autistic children tend to wander or have a diminished sense of danger.

And so can walk straight into dangerous situations without thinking that they may be in danger.

Be mindful of this when you’re out and about, and consider using safety tools like a leash bag if needed.

Keeping your child close in crowded areas is crucial, as busy environments can cause them to panic.

 

1. Horse Riding Activities for Autistic Children

Horse riding is some of the most amazing activities for autistic children because it’s calming, sensory-friendly, and involves one on one interaction.

I love horse riding as does my autistic child. Riding a horse provides a sense of freedom and focus without overwhelming stimulation.

It’s a solo activity where your child can connect with the animal and enjoy the experience in a peaceful setting.

If your child is anxious around crowds or loud noises, horse riding is a much quieter alternative.

 

To add to that,

I have found that for my child with autism and myself, activities that involve animals can be especially beneficial.

Many autistic individuals find it easier to bond with animals than people because animals don’t demand eye contact or verbal communication.

I truly believe that all Autistic households should have a pet.

Of course, take into account allergies and such but in general having a pet is a great way to feel a connection to another being, without needing to overthink on how to socialise or overthink social norms that are needed when talking to other people.

My Autistic child, when truly upset comes and lays with our cat.

 

2. Animal Feeding Activities for Autistic children

If you live near a small farm or petting zoo, animal feeding is another idea of some great day out activities for your autistic child.

I do this a lot on a day out with my kids. My autistic child especially love when we do this.

I have two children. One is Autistic and the other is not!

To be honest with you, everywhere we move to. I try to find a small farm around my house in order to take my children there.

I know they enjoy it and they find it fun. And I also really enjoy it as well. So we make a day of it.

I check out the signs of what we can and cannot feed the animals.

We buy some carrots and some bread and we make a day out of visiting local farms, feeding goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, or horses.

My children look forward to it and as soon as the weather improves, this will definitely become at least a monthly thing for us to do.

Animal feeding can be soothing and allows for a sensory experience that is often calming to autistic children.

 

3. Playground Activities for Autistic Children

As soon as the weather allows for it, I love taking my autistic child to a playground, especially when there are other children around. It is the perfect playtime.

Activities for autistic children at playgrounds are not only about climbing and sliding but also about building social and motor skills.

Watching other children play can help your child understand social cues, and over time, they may start to join in.

Regular visits to the playground can build your child’s confidence, teach them patience (like waiting for their turn), and improve their coordination.

Eventually, this can help them participate more comfortably in school playgrounds and other group activities.

At least in that way they can comfortably join in with their peers, without feeling insecure about it.

 

4. Bike Riding Activities for Autistic Children

Bike riding is part of some wonderful activities for autistic children. If you’re just starting out, I recommend beginning with a parent-child bike ride, where your child can sit on your bike as a passenger.

Once they’re comfortable, you can help them ride their own bike.

If you need some tips and tricks in teaching your Autistic child to ride a bike see my post here..

 

Bike riding is one of the best ways to develop motor skills and reflexes, as well as problem-solving abilities in my opinion.

It’s also a great way to promote independence.

As your child becomes more confident, they can eventually ride their bike alone or with friends, giving them a sense of freedom and achievement.

You can turn it into a full-day activity by bringing along a picnic or a ball for extra fun during breaks.

 

5. Trampoline Park Activities for Autistic Children

Trampoline parks are a perfect option for both solo and group play.

Even though the environment can be busy, the activity itself is individual, so your child won’t necessarily need to interact with others.

From my own childhood experience to bringing my autistic child, trampoline parks have always been a huge hit.

The bouncing and jumping motion is what my autistic child as well as myself find very calming, and it’s a great way to burn off energy.

OHH and it does make a child very tired and very nicely hungry and ready for dinner and sleep when they come home.

AMAZING!!

 

6. Bowling Activities for Autistic Children

Bowling is very similar to trampolining. (Is that even a word?)

Bowling is another individual activity that works well for my child with autism.

It is a game of focus and patience, as you wait for their turn.

For autistic children, the structure and clear rules of the game can be comforting. Plus, there’s an element of numbers and counting, which my autistic child really, really enjoys.

You play with the group you came with. People you are comfortable with and whose company you enjoy. (99% of the time)

One of the great things about bowling is that it is played in your own lane, so your autistic child does not have to interact with strangers.

To make the experience even more autism-friendly, we try to go during off-peak hours when the lanes are quieter.

If you go during the evening time then the lights are quite dim and it can feel as though your lane is the only lane open and so you are the only people playing.

OR you can go during the day when it is not busy at all and not have to deal with bright lightning.

It may be possible to go the front desk and ask them to turn the music down. If there is too much sound/stimulation.

If your child has sensory sensitivities to wearing shoes that are not theirs, you can even buy your own pair of bowling shoes to bring along for your autistic child.

I thoroughly enjoy playing bowling and my Autistic child absolutely loves going bowling also.

 

7. Going to a Fun Fair

Alright, before you come at me about how this is going to be too loud and too noisy. Wait.

Almost all funfairs have some hours during the day where they lower the music and keep it more quiet some particular hours than other hours during the day.

Fun fairs offer various individual activities for autistic children, such as rides where they can have their own seat or participate in things like Go-Karting.

The nice thing about rides in fun fairs and theme parks etc is that it can still be considered an individual thing. You have your own seat on the ride and your own seat belt.

While some autistic children may love the thrill of the rides, others may prefer the calmer attractions. And that is okay!

Taking your child to a funfair can help them experience new things in a controlled and manageable way.

Over time, as they get more comfortable with the environment, they may even be ready for a bigger outing to a theme park.

 

8. Zoo or Drive-Through Safari Activities for Autistic Children

I wanted to take my Autistic child to a zoo.

Many autistic children, like mine, and myself when I was much younger, have a deep love for animals.

However, it was the crowds, noise, and new environments/experience that made me hesitant. Because I knew it would absolutely overwhelm my autistic child.

That’s where a drive-through safari becomes a great alternative as part of finding activities for autistic children.

It’s a fun and relaxing way to see animals up close, all from the safety and comfort of your own car.

Your child gets to enjoy the experience without the stress of large crowds or unfamiliar environments.

It was amazing and my child loved it.

Hell, I loved it.

It was amazing.

I HIGHLY recommend that if you get the opportunity to do this, do it. It’s an amazing experience, not only for the child but for the whole family.

 

9. Nature Walks or Hiking as part of Activities for Autistic Children

Spending time in nature can have a calming effect on many autistic children and autistic adults alike.

This is the case for us and our family anyway.

A nature walk or a gentle hike provides a peaceful environment with minimal sensory overload. The open spaces, fresh air, and natural surroundings can be grounding for children who may feel overstimulated in more crowded or noisy environments.

Nature walks offer plenty of opportunities for sensory exploration, from feeling leaves to watching birds and insects. My autistic child also loves climbing the trees and sitting on the branches.

I tend to use much less crowded trails.

The reason for this is because my autistic child tends to get into their own zone anytime we go on nature walks and I let them.

I allow them to enter their own mind and zone out the world as they walk. I walk behind them and make sure they are safe and happy but if there are plenty of people around us, my autistic child get distracted and does not enjoy their walks as much!

 

10. Aquarium Visit

Aquariums are peaceful and visually stimulating environments that can provide a calming experience for autistic children.

Watching the slow, graceful movement of fish and other sea creatures can be mesmerizing without overwhelming the senses.

It is ideal to go to an aquarium as part of some of the activities for autistic children because many aquariums have dim lighting and quiet corners, making them ideal for children who may struggle with bright lights and noise.

The visual sensory input from the underwater world is soothing for many children with autism.

It feels like taking a break from the ever changing outside world.

Pro Tip: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, and check if the aquarium offers special quiet times or has some events or activities for autistic children.

 

11. Art and Craft Workshops

Creativity can be a powerful outlet as part of activities for autistic children.

Art and craft workshops provide activities which can include paint, clay, or paper, which can actually be very therapeutic.

Art classes often provide a sensory-friendly, calming atmosphere.

They allow activities for autistic children so that they can focus on a task at their own pace and experience a sense of accomplishment when they complete a project.

Some workshops even cater specifically to children with special needs, offering extra support and ensuring that the environment is calm and accommodating.

I thoroughly enjoyed these as an autistic child. However, I must add that my autistic child is not so much into this.

 

12. Water Play or Swimming

Some pools offer special swimming activities for autistic children, with fewer people, warmer water, or quieter surroundings, making the experience more enjoyable.

Water parks with calmer sections, such as lazy rivers or gentle splash areas, can also provide sensory-friendly fun. In summer, these are an all time favourite for my autistic child.

I highly recommend, that you start with shallow water or water-based sensory toys at home if your child isn’t comfortable with swimming yet.

 

13. Train Ride or Scenic Railway Trip

A train ride can be both an exciting adventure and a soothing experience for autistic children. 

My autistic child enjoys repetitive, rhythmic movements, and the gentle rocking of the train really calms them down.

They sit back, look out and go into their own little world. And that is where my autistic child is the most happiest.

A scenic railway trip through the countryside offers an opportunity to enjoy nature from the comfort of the train, without the overwhelming crowds often associated with other outdoor activities.

It also allows your child to experience a sense of travel and exploration in a contained, safe space.

 

Tips I use when Planning a Day Out with my Autistic Child

When planning a day out with your autistic child, I always have to remember that preparation is key. Here are some tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

1. Visit Multiple Times: Often, one visit to a new place isn’t enough for an autistic child to process everything. Go back to the same places a few times to allow them to adjust and get comfortable and to also decide if they really like the activity or not. Our family rule is, if after 3 times you do not like it, then it is done and we will not force it. We have this same rule with food and pretty much everything else also.
2. Take Their Lead: Pay attention to how your child reacts. If they seem overwhelmed, it’s okay to cut the trip short and try again another day. Some activities for autistic children may take time for them to enjoy. Or they might be having an off day. With my autistic child, sometimes it is a domino effect. If something does not go right in the morning, the rest of the day is ruined, no matter what the day has ahead of us.
3. Pack for Comfort: We always remember to bring along items that make my autistic child feel safe, such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or their favorite snacks. These comfort items can help make the experience more enjoyable for them.
4. Avoid Crowds: Try to visit places during off-peak hours when it’s less crowded. This will reduce sensory overload and make the outing more manageable for your child.

 

Final Thoughts

Finding the right activities for autistic children can take time, but it’s worth the effort to see them grow and develop new skills.

Whether it’s horse riding, visiting a farm, or enjoying a trampoline park, the key is to choose activities for autistic children that make your child feel comfortable, engaged, and happy.

Every child is different, so don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works best for your family.

These day-out activities for autistic children have been great for my child, and I hope they bring joy and growth to your family too!

 

If you have any other suggestions or experiences with day-out activities for autistic children that have worked well for your autistic child, feel free to share in the comments below!