Pick-Your-Own

These raspberries grow in our front yard.  We didn’t plant them, we don’t nurture them, but they grow and spread every year. If we can beat the birds to the harvest, they’re ours for the picking. So, we were really just using the resources available right in our own yard.

That said, I really think it is worth trying to seek out a few local places to pick berries or apples. I think it’s great for kids with sensory issues to try new things. Depending on the severity of any sensory avoidance, this might not be the activity for your child.  If you think it might go well, try it and see. Michael likes picking fruits and veggies and he likes gardening.

There is some evidence to suggest that if kids pick and prep their own food, they’re more likely to try it. This does not work at all for Michael, but there’s at least a chance it will work for your child. Michael will plant the food, pick the food, prep the food and still refuse to try it.  Oh well, at least he’s engaged in the fun activities.

More Generally

What is freely available near you? Playgrounds, parks, hiking trails, the library, farms, and museums are all possibilities, depending on your child’s interests and abilities.  Check ‘em out and see what enrichment might be right outside your door. Our library actually loans out free passes to local attractions (the zoo, aquarium, etc…).  If yours doesn’t, maybe they will start if people request it.