Check it Out! Products You Can Use: Helpful Tools for Special Children

 

“InCARceration”

Spring break and the onset of summer prompts families to pack up the car, roll down the windows and take a road trip adventure. Many families plan vacations to help kids learn about new places and gain new experiences. The great news is that the destination travel time can be packed full of learning opportunities, too.

Being in a car for an extended period of time can inspire feelings of shared collective adventure or sometimes can feel like an “inCARceration.” One trick to make travel time or hotel stays feel like a healthy family experience rather than captivity is to pack play products with the same priority you pack clothes.

Here are a few suggestions that will make the miles and minutes fly and memories of the journey almost as fun as getting to the destination:

1. ThinkFun – ThinkFun has many options for travel games and many games come with a cloth bag to store pieces!

Travel Friendy Companions

Rush Hour is a classic game that as survived the test of time in its popularity and will hopefully be the only traffic jam on the trip! Amaze is the perfect travel companion because this puzzle is one piece with a ton of challenges to keep kids focused (and quiet too!).

2. Smart Toys and Games- Smart Toys and Games has designed a series of travel friendly companions like their Busy Bugs travel puzzle game which offers 48 challenges and four levels of play. The puzzle is magnetic and encourages young bug lovers to build logic and spatial reasoning skills. There are many other travel games that appeal to the personality and preferences of your child..

3. Downloadables- Don’t forget about the classic scavenger hunt style games like state license plates or road signs. A family road trip is a great time to talk with your kids, engage in activities and unplug (for at least part of the trip!).

For more play ideas and toys for children with special needs go to www.ableplay.org. This website was created by the National Lekotek Center to encourage children of all abilities to experience the benefits of play.

Find us on Facebook. Reviewed by Ahren Hoffman, Manager of Industry Relations & Partnerships, National Lekotek Center; ahoffman@lekotek.org

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