The school holidays are here, which means you are probably looking for activities to get you out of the house. However, when you are someone with a neuromuscular condition, a parent or someone who supports someone with a neuromuscular condition, planning these activities can be a little bit harder. To help, here are some ideas (including some that also don’t cost anything)!

Aquariums & Zoos

We’re yet to visit an aquarium or zoo that isn’t accessible, making it a great half or full-day activity. The aquarium is particularly great for those warmer days and for people with a neuromuscular condition who have problems difficulties their body temperature.

Many aquariums and zoos accept companion cards, meaning that the person with a disability doesn’t have to pay for a second ticket for their support person. You can also keep costs low by packing snacks and lunch.

Keep an eye on their social media, as sometimes they will also run specific school holiday activities.

Parks & Beaches

One of the best things about summer is soaking up the sun and the vitamin D! So if the weather is nice, pack a picnic and head outside to a park or the beach.

For parks, there are many out there that now have accessible playgrounds, which means people who use a wheelchair can have just as much fun as their able-bodied friends. “Have Wheelchair Will Travel” have put together a great list of accessible playgrounds around Australia. Similarly, there are websites listing parks in your local area, like this one by Association for Children with Disability with accessible playgrounds in Melbourne.

When it comes to a wheelchair-friendly beach, Accessible Beaches have taken all of the hard work out of planning a day out. Not only are they advocating for more wheelchair matting at beaches, but they also have a directory of accessible beaches around Australia and what accessibility features that they have.

Library & Arts Centre/Gallery

Sometimes the hot weather can get too much, so if you’re looking for a cool inside activity with a touch of education and culture, then head to our local library, arts centre or museum.

Like the aquarium and zoos, arts centres, galleries and museums should also accept companion cards, helping to keep costs lower. They also run school holiday activities or exhibitions, so why not attend one of those before exploring what else they have to offer.

Sometimes going out every day can be too exhausting for someone with a neuromuscular condition, so if you’re looking for a quiet day at home, some activities that we also love are Lego and playdough, which can also form a play-based physiotherapy session (because we don’t know about you, but clicking those tiny Lego pieces together can be hard work!). Or get the kids involved in the kitchen stirring the cake batter (again great physical activity with a sweet treat waiting for them at the end).

Looking for more ideas? Check out resources created by the local state/territorial neuromuscular organisations like this social media post by Neuromuscular WA!