Surviving the Summer Holidays with Sensory Kids (Even When You’re Crying in the Bathroom)

 Why Summer Breaks Can Be Tough for Sensory Kids (and Parents!)

Intro — Real Talk 

Alright, let’s be honest — summer holidays with sensory kids can feel a bit like trying to herd cats... while juggling flaming torches... on a tightrope.

You dream of lazy days in the sun, ice cream on tap, and endless beach trips. But what actually happens? Meltdowns over sun hats, “I’m bored” said 47 times before 10 am, and somehow you’ve ended up serving cereal for dinner... again.

Been there, done that, and yep, got the stained t-shirt to prove it. But here’s the thing — we can survive this. Even thrive a little. Grab your cuppa, and let’s chat about how.



1. Keep a Visual Routine (Because Surprises Are For Birthdays, Not Your Kid)

We might be off school, but our sensory champs still need a bit of “what’s next?” Without it, chaos reigns and tantrums multiply like rabbits on steroids.

A simple visual routine — morning, afternoon, evening — with pictures or doodles can save your sanity and maybe even your favourite mug.

2. Calm & Active Choice Boards — Because Giving them Options = Fewer Meltdowns

Kids love choices (except when they don’t). But seriously, having calm options like “quiet corner with toys” and active options like “run like a lunatic in the garden” can make a difference.

And hey, if they pick the “quiet corner” for more than five minutes, that’s a win. Celebrate with a dance. Or a biscuit. Or both.

3. Sensory-Friendly Outings 

You don’t have to be the fun police, but avoiding busy shopping centres or loud fairs can be a lifesaver. Instead, think quiet parks, splash pads, or just your back garden (bonus: no queues and free toilets).

4. Meltdowns Happen — Have a Reset Plan That Doesn’t Involve Screaming

Let’s be real: sometimes it’s gonna blow. Have your calming arsenal ready — breathing exercises, weighted blankets, or just the “go sit in your room for five” card.

If you want, my Sensory Summer Survival Bundle even has printable reset pages so you’re not winging it every time.

5. Hydration & Sun Protection — The Basics No One Wants to Remember

Water bottles everywhere, hats on heads, and slap on the sunscreen before they scream at you.

If you forget all else, remember this: sunstroke is not the summer souvenir you want.

6. Perfection Is Overrated — Messy, Chaotic, and Loving It (Even When We’re Crying in the Car)

Look, scrolling through Instagram and seeing those picture-perfect families with their flawless beach pics, matching swimsuits, and sun-kissed smiles can make you feel like a total failure. Meanwhile, you’re out here pulling your hair out, hiding in the bathroom, and crying over a meltdown that started because the sand was too... sandy.

And guess what? That’s NORMAL. It’s so normal. No one’s perfect — not those families, not you, not me. The truth is, summer is messy. The days are long. The kids (and parents!) have meltdowns. Sometimes the only thing holding us together is a secret stash of biscuits and sheer determination.

So please, be gentle with yourself. You’re doing an incredible job in a tough season, and that’s worth celebrating.

7. The Secret Weapon — Sensory Summer Survival Bundle

I made this bundle because I get it. Colouring pages, choice boards, adventure passports, reset pages — all designed to help you actually survive the summer without losing your mind or your mug.

[Grab your bundle here and make this summer the calmest yet!]



You’re doing a bloody amazing job. Summer’s tough, but with a bit of planning, a dash of humour, and the right tools, we’ve got this.

I’ve created a whole collection of autism-friendly printables to make life easier – think routines, visual tools, calming activities, reward charts, and sensory-friendly fun.
💖 From my Sensory Summer Explorer Kit to Calm & Active Choice Cards, there’s something to support every kind of sensory day (even the melty ones 🫠).
🛒 Pop over to my Etsy shop to browse everything in one place:
 👉 Shop the Sensory Kidz Universe

Please check out our YouTube Channel and other blog posts! 💕



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