Jump Into June With Spark Therapy!

Written By Jeromy Stencel

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect season for playful learning, outdoor adventures, and sensory-friendly fun! At Spark Therapy, we believe that everyday moments can be full of opportunities to grow communication, social, and motor skills. Whether you’re staying local or planning little outings, we’ve gathered exciting, therapist-recommended ideas to spark your child's development — all while having a blast.

🎟️ Free and Sensory-Friendly Events Around Colorado

Looking for low-cost, family-friendly events this month? Here are some great options to mark on your calendar:

  • June 8: Sensory Inclusive YOKOSO concert at Lone Tree Arts Center (4 PM)

  • June 10: Free Day at both the Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Art Museum

  • June 12: Free Day at Plains Conservation Center

  • June 19 (Juneteenth): Free Day at Denver Museum of Nature & Science

  • June 22:

    • Sensory-Friendly Playtime at WOW! Children’s Museum ($1 admission)

    • Castle Rock Ducky Derby hosted by Success on the Spectrum

  • June 25: Sensory-Friendly Day at the Butterfly Pavilion

  • June 30: An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin at Longmont Museum

📌 Pro Tip: Bring visuals, headphones, or a fidget to help your child regulate during outings. Let them help plan the trip — a great way to support executive functioning and independence!

🧺 Therapy-Inspired Outdoor Play Ideas

Here are a few summer favorites that double as skill-building opportunities:

🌳 Picnic + Playground Power-Up

  • Let your child plan the picnic: What to pack? Where to sit? This boosts sequencing and organization.

  • Bring a simple board game or card deck to practice taking turns and flexible thinking.

  • At the playground, help your child initiate play with phrases like, “Wanna play tag?” — perfect for building confidence in social communication!

  • 🌿 Nature Walks + Scavenger Hunts

  • Craft binoculars and a rainbow scavenger list (e.g., “Find something red!”) to keep attention sharp.

  • Encourage descriptive language: “I see something squishy, soft, and round — it must be a mushroom!”

🎨 Sidewalk Chalk Challenges

  • Draw obstacle courses to support gross motor skills

  • Try “Guess what I’m drawing” for turn-taking and inferencing.

  • Use shapes and emojis to build emotional vocabulary and early literacy.

💦 Sensory-Filled Summer Fun

🧊 Water Play

  • Use squeeze bottles, bins with scoops, or sprinklers to target fine motor and communication.

  • Narrate actions: “You’re pouring!” or “Splash! That’s cold!”

🧁 DIY Projects

  • Make playdough, popsicles, or slime together. It’s messy, meaningful, and so good for following directions, sensory exploration, and creativity.

  • Bake together and role-play offering food: “I made cookies to share! Want one?”

📚 Learning in the Community

  • Visit a library and attend a storytime! Let your child choose the theme (feelings, animals, colors).

  • Practice whispering and polite greetings in quiet spaces.

  • Try a mini retell after reading a book to boost storytelling and comprehension.

At Spark Therapy, we’re here to support your child’s growth through joyful, meaningful experiences — both in and outside of therapy. If you try any of these activities, tag us on Instagram or send us a photo — we’d love to see your summer fun!

Stay tuned for more family-friendly July ideas in next month’s post 🌈


Jeromy Stencel