Summer activities might look different in 2020 because of measures to slow spread of COVID-19. Here are some links and ideas for accessible staycations and other recreation options. This list is subject to changes and updates. Have a suggestion to add? Send us an email: pave@wapave.org.
Please note that these resources are not affiliated with PAVE, and PAVE does not recommend or endorse these programs or services. This list is not exhaustive and is provided for informational purposes only.
Virtual Options
- Crip Camp 2020: The Virtual Experience
Join fellow grassroots activists and advocates this summer for a virtual camp experience featuring trailblazing speakers from the disability community. All are welcome, and no prior activism experience is necessary to participate.
- YouTube with Washington Teacher of the year Amy Campbell
Make rice crispy treats with the teacher, play Pop the Pig and more with a special, special education teacher.
- Youth Leadership Forum
A Facebook group called Friends of YLF provides the most up-to-date information about plans for a weeklong virtual camp in July 2020.
- Pierce County Parks Specialized Recreation Group
This Facebook site provides weekly live videos for virtual adventuring.
- Visit your local library system
This site provides contact information for Washington libraries. Many libraries offer online activities and options to make summer reading fun and rewarding.
- Creativity Camp
Register for a free week of writing, drawing and storytelling classes from award-winning author/illustrator Arree Chung.
- University Presbyterian Church Side by Side Go
The Seattle-based program for children with cancer is planning family opportunities that will be safe and “silly memory-making.”
- Camp Korey
This 15-year-old program honors the courage, strength, and determination of children with serious medical conditions by providing a camp environment with specialized medical support. 2020 programs include virtual camps and campfire Fridays.
- Taste of Home catalog of Free Virtual Museum Tours
From the safety of home and for free, visit the Louvre, SeaWorld, the Winchester Mystery House and many more museums. For example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art provides a free 3-D tour of its exhibit halls.
- National Parks Virtual Tours
Insider provides links to virtual tours of 32 national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Arches National Park.
- NASA Kids’ Club and NASA STEM @ Home
The NASA Kids’ Club offers video-style games and opportunities to learn about the work of NASA and the astronauts. The STEM @ Home programs provide interactive modules in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) for grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12.
- Sesame Street Caring for Each Other
Favorite Muppets provide sing-alongs, interactive games, and other ready-to-use materials to spark playful learning for the whole family during COVID-19 and beyond.
- Storyline Online
Have you noticed that there are a lot of famous people reading books? Storyline provides a place to find many of them in a virtual library.
- Nomster Chef
Picture-book recipes for Kid Chefs and added tips for grown-ups are designed for families cooking together at home.
- Joy Novack Rosson’s Mix-and-Match ideas and adventures
Blogger and influencer Joy Novak Rosson offers a diverse list of educational websites, virtual tours and more.
In-Person Options
Please note that scheduling may change based on COVID-19 restrictions. Please check each program website for the most current information.
- Spectra Gymnastics
Programs are designed to support individuals with Autism, sensory issues, and related disorders, ages 2-21.
- School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA)
Circus arts are presented as a therapeutic tool to promote social, emotional, and physical benefits with play therapy and sensory integration in a program called Every Body’s Circus (EBC).
- Arc of Tri Cities Partners N PALS
Summer camp schedules depend on health information and statewide phased reopening.
- Pacific Science Center
Virtual and in-person options are available from the Seattle-based center.
- I Can Bike Kennewick WA and I Can Bike Spokane
An agency called I Can Shine provides cycling opportunities for young people with disabilities.
- Aspiring Youth
Summer camp opportunities with in-person and online options. Camps provide opportunities to explore theater, art, climbing and more.
- Camp Killoqua
These Camp Fire programs are open to all — including youth who are not members of Camp Fire. Camps strive to be inclusive; acceptance and participation is open to everyone regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or other aspect of diversity.
- Pierce County Specialized Recreation
Check the site for updated information about in-person and/or virtual programs.
- Camp Fire Special Needs Camps/Spokane and Coeur d’Alene
For campers ages 6-21, the inclusive program, called You Bet I CAN!, focuses on building skills and gaining self-esteem as part of the outdoor experience.
- Easterseals Washington
Camp Stand By Me is a barrier-free camp and respite Service in Vaughn, WA.
- Spokane City’s Therapeutic Recreation Services
Summer schedule is dependent on public health guidance.
- C.A.S.T. for Kids
Catch a Special Thrill (C.A.S.T.) provides fishing events for kids with special needs. Check the interactive map and calendar for summer events near you.
- Blue Compass Camps
Sea Kayaking in the San Juan Islands is among the offerings for youth with high-functioning autism, Asperger’s, and ADHD.
- Association of Washington Student Leaders
A range of high-school leadership camps are offered in various locations, and some have a specific focus, such as Bilingual/Spanish or Deaf Teen Leadership.
- Summer Opportunities for Children with Autism
This resource directory is maintained by Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Low-Tech Fun
- Pirate Treasure Hunt: Dress up as pirates to follow clues that lead to a bounty of treasure! Decorate the house, offer goldfish- shaped crackers as snacks, and design an X to mark the spot where the treasure is found!
- Under the Stars: Stay up late to learn about astronomy. No cost apps like Sky Map and Star Walk help locate planets, stars, and constellations with ease. Make it fun on a warm night with a blanket on the grass to keep you comfy while you gaze up!
- Unplug and get off the grid: Make a point to unplug and tune into fresh air, exercise, and nature. If you don’t already know an outdoor spot to explore, All Trails can help you find hiking or walking trails.
- Check out PAVE’s Lessons at Home videos: We’ve got short, curiosity-inspiring projects that require limited equipment for those “I’m bored!” moments.
- Practice being Mindful: Need a breath and a moment of peace? PAVE has short videos for creating mindfulness that are accessible for almost all ages/abilities.
- For more ideas and information, PAVE provides two resource lists to help with learning at home and to support families navigating the national health emergency: