Tips for school holiday activities
During the school holidays parents may feel pressure to plan or organise activities for each and
every day. It is important to remember that the school holidays are an opportunity for all
members of the family to relax, take a break, and prepare themselves for the upcoming term.
To help you plan the holiday time, a range of activities and links to websites for further
information have been provided. The activity ideas are an example only; it is important to select
activities that both you and your child/ren will have time to complete and will enjoy completing.
When considering activities for the school holidays, it may be useful to talk to other parents
within the school community or your support group, to find out about local events and activities.
When planning and choosing holiday activities for your child and your family it is important to
consider:

the type of activities, routines and environments that are usually successful for you and
your family

the number of activities, routines and environments you and your family will be
comfortable with (e.g. are there opportunities to revisit or repeat activities rather than
having a new experience everyday, how much time will you have, how much time is
required for transition activities)

how you will prepare and plan these holiday activities including preparing your child for
any changes due to the activity

the routines and equipment which will help make these activities more successful.
More information and suggestions for supporting your child during holiday activities may be
found in the Tips for routines and daily schedules section of this resource.
Activity ideas
Activities outside the house:

local park

holiday destination

amusement park

family/friend’s house

shopping centre

restaurant

indoor playground.
Activities at home:

making simple foods, such as popcorn or cupcakes

sensory play, such as making playdoh or goop

water play

art play

chalk drawings

music

singing, dancing and playing with instruments

computer activities.
Holiday destinations
Many families enjoy going away for a holiday. In Australia, Camp Autism runs holiday programs
for families of children with ASD. Further information is available at
http://www.campautism.org/aboutus.html.
The National Autistic Society in the United Kingdom has a fact sheet that can help families to
prepare for travelling to and enjoying holiday destinations. This can be accessed at
http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/out-and-about/holidays-and-days-out/holidayspreparation-and-practicalities.aspx.
Further information
Further information on general tips regarding school holidays and ASD specific activities is
available at:

Queensland Government: Tips for the School Holidays
http://www.qld.gov.au/disability/children-young-people/going-school/schoolholidays/index.html

School Holiday Directory: School Holiday Activities
http://www.schoolholidaydirectory.com.au/

Autism Speaks: 101 games and activities for children with Autism, Aspergers and
Sensory Processing Disorders http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resourcelibrary/toys-games

Whiz Kids Games: Interactive games for children with autism
http://www.whizkidgames.com/.