Summer Activities for Kids with Learning Disabilities

Today | 4 min read

For many families, summer is a time of relaxation and freedom from the rigid structure of the school year. But for children with learning disabilities, that freedom can lead to frustration or lost progress if not balanced with thoughtful structure and purposeful activities. More than 2.3 million students are diagnosed with specific learning disabilities and receive services, according to the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA).

Finding the right summer activities can help support continued growth, especially in areas like language, reading, motor skills and social interaction, which are often affected by learning challenges. With some planning and the right resources, summer can be a time of connection, enrichment and fun.

Keep learning alive in fun low-stress ways

One of the biggest challenges over the summer is avoiding the “summer slide” which is the loss of skills in reading and math over the summer months. According to the Child Mind Institute, kids with learning disorders, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) or language difficulties are particularly vulnerable. In fact, 75% to 80% of students with learning disabilities have deficits in language and reading, according to the LDA.

A great way to prevent regression is to keep academics integrated into daily routines:

Join a summer reading program at your local library. These programs often include incentives that keep kids engaged.
Do short, focused learning games for math or spelling. Apps and board games can make this feel like play.
Include reading in daily activities, like following a recipe together, reading signs on a walk or listening to audiobooks in the car.

Sensory-friendly activities

For some children, hands-on exploration is both calming and educational. These types of activities also help children build independence and confidence through structured play. Here are a few simple ideas:

Create a sensory bin filled with rice, beans, sand or water. Add small toys or tools for scooping, pouring and sorting. This can be a great way to practice counting.
Put a disposable tablecloth down and tape the corners to a table. Use shaving cream or play dough to have kids trace or build different letters or words.
Pretend play stations like a mini kitchen, doctor’s office or grocery store help with communication and role-playing.

Outdoor and physical play

Playing outside in the summer is beneficial for any child. These activities support focus, emotional regulation and motor development all while giving kids a healthy outlet for energy:

Backyard relay races and obstacle courses can build coordination and provide practice in following directions. You can tailor them to your kid’s individual preference and needs.
Puzzles are excellent for cognitive development. Choose puzzles that match your child's skill level and gradually increase complexity. Solving puzzles enhances problem-solving abilities, concentration and spatial awareness.
Join a beginner’s Youth Sport clinic, class or league.
Swimming lessons not only improve safety but help with body awareness, muscle tone and confidence.

Creative activities

Creative activities can be therapeutic for kids with learning disabilities. They support emotional expression, language development and social connection:

Music lessons or dance classes are a great way to build rhythm, coordination and self-esteem. Psychological and neuroscientific research demonstrates that musical training in children is associated with enhancement in verbal abilities and general reasoning skills.
Art projects like painting, sculpting with clay or using texture materials can improve fine motor skills and offer a calm focused outlet for creativity.
Sidewalk chalk is a simple activity to get a kid outside and practice creativity.

Routines and screen time

Kids with learning disabilities often thrive on consistency. Even in the summer, a routine provides a sense of security and helps regulate mood and behavior.

Use a visual schedule to lay out daily activities. This can include images or icons that represent different parts of the day.
Balance screen time with real-world interaction. Educational apps and games can be useful, but too much passive screen time may increase distractibility and reduce time for meaningful connection.
Incorporate regular quiet time or reading breaks, especially after high-energy activities, to help your child regroup.

You know your child best. With preparation and communication, summer can be a time for growth by helping your child have fun while staying on track.

Image: Getty Images

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