How to Make Spring Break Fun for Kids with Special Needs

Man and child walking, water slide, and person painting.

In this article: Practical ideas from a special needs mom to make spring break less stressful—whether you’re staying home or planning a trip.

How To Make Spring Break Fun!

Spring break. Two words that conjure up very different feelings for parents and kids.

For most children: Yes! Time off from school.

For most parents: Wow, a week off from school.

Followed quickly by: “What should we do all week? How can we make it a fun week for everyone?”

As the mom to three pretty great children, one of whom is now an adult with special needs, I’ve experienced my fair share of spring breaks—some spent at home, others out of town.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few helpful strategies that have made these breaks more enjoyable and less stressful. Here are some tips that might help you, too.

Plan Ahead (Even If You’re Staying Local)

This is especially important if you’re thinking about traveling. Start early by asking important questions:

Where are we staying?
How are we getting there?
Do they have the right food or accommodations for my child?

Take time to research your destination, whether it’s the beach, a state park, or a cruise.

List out your child’s needs in advance: sensory sensitivities, mobility issues, dietary restrictions, sleeping preferences, and more.

For instance, my daughter dislikes the dark, so we always made sure she had her own room with the lighting she needed to feel secure. It made a huge difference for all of us.

Many cruise lines and airlines now offer support for travelers with disabilities.

Call ahead and ask to speak with someone about accommodations.

When we flew for the first time, I spoke with the airline and arranged early boarding, grouped seating, and staff assistance. It made the entire experience smoother!

Include Your Child in the Planning Process

Involving your child in the planning—even in small ways—can reduce anxiety and increase cooperation.

For children who rely on structure and routine, the unknown can feel overwhelming.

Share the plan in advance using words, pictures, or visual schedules.

Talk about what the week will look like and what they can expect.

This can help ease transitions and create a sense of control for your child.

Staycations Are Great, Too

Not going away for spring break? That’s okay! We’ve had some of our best memories staying local.

One of our favorite things to do was explore nearby parks and nature trails. A simple hike, a picnic, or just time outdoors can do wonders.

Museums with hands-on exhibits, sensory-friendly hours, or kids’ programming can also be great options.

Local art institutes sometimes offer spring break classes or workshops. Always call ahead to ask about accommodations.

I found staff to be very understanding and happy to adapt as needed.

A personal favorite: early park mornings. We’d pick up breakfast, head to the park, and play.

Some families enjoy doing “park hops,” visiting multiple parks in a day—each one offering something new.

It’s simple, low-cost fun with lots of flexibility.

Rainy Day or Indoor Staycation Ideas

If the weather doesn’t cooperate (and trust me, we’ve had Easter egg hunts in winter coats!), here are some indoor ideas:

Theme Day: Pick a theme like a color, holiday, or favorite food and center the day around it. For example: “Green Day” with green clothes, green food, and a green craft.
Cooking Together: Let your child help in ways that suit their ability. My daughter loved scooping cookie dough and eating chocolate chips while we baked.
Movie-a-thon: Stack up favorite movies, add cozy blankets and snacks, and settle in for a relaxing day together.
Hotel-at-Home: One creative idea from a friend: booking a local motel for the day to use the indoor pool. It felt like a mini vacation without the travel.

Use Visuals and Talk Often

If you try out some of these ideas, consider using a visible schedule so everyone knows what’s next. Talk through the day ahead and repeat plans often. This helps set expectations, reduce surprises, and create calm.

Spring break doesn’t have to be perfect—just memorable and manageable. Whether you’re going somewhere new or staying in your own backyard, a little preparation and flexibility go a long way.

Here’s to making great memories this spring!

Related: Got Pool Games?

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This post originally appeared on our March/April 2019 Magazine updated 2025