Spring in Nashville brings a wave of fresh air, blooming flowers, and plenty of sunshine. It’s the perfect time for families to embrace the outdoors and engage in fun activities. For parents of toddlers and young children with autism, spring offers an opportunity to explore a variety of autism-friendly activities that encourage learning, socialization, and development.
Engage Your Child with Fun and Therapeutic Spring Activities
As spring arrives in Nashville, parents with kids with autism have the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors and take part in enriching activities. Whether indoors or out, springtime in Nashville provides countless experiences designed to foster creativity, learning, and emotional growth. Below are some wonderful spring activities to enjoy with your little one.
Outdoor Nature Walks and Sensory Trails
One of the best ways to spend time together during spring is by heading outdoors to explore Nashville’s parks and nature trails. Nature walks are perfect for offering calm, sensory-based experiences that engage your child’s senses. From the sound of birds chirping to the texture of grass beneath their feet, nature provides a natural way to captivate your child’s attention. Local parks like Centennial Park or Shelby Bottoms Nature Center offer paved trails that are stroller-friendly.
Make the walk more interactive by focusing on textures, sounds, or sights that will intrigue your child. You can even bring along a sensory basket filled with items they can touch, listen to, or observe along the way.
Visit the Nashville Zoo
A trip to the Nashville Zoo offers a wonderful opportunity for toddlers with autism to connect with animals in a supportive environment. The zoo has over 3,000 animals and features sensory-friendly spaces. Interactive exhibits, like the Wild Animal Carousel, provide fun and calming experiences for kids with autism. Make use of shaded benches or quiet zones to help your child stay comfortable, reducing overstimulation and allowing for a more engaging visit.
Art and Music Therapy Classes
Spring is a wonderful time to nurture your child’s creativity. Many community centers in Nashville offer art and music therapy programs, helping children express themselves in a non-verbal way. These activities not only aid in motor skills and emotional expression but also encourage social interaction. Consider enrolling your toddler in an art class at the Frist Art Museum or Studio 615. Additionally, music therapy programs through the Tennessee Music Education Association offer great opportunities for rhythm and instrument play, promoting both emotional well-being and social engagement.
Playtime at Nashville’s Sensory-Friendly Play Spaces
Indoor play spaces are a great option, especially when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Luckily, Nashville offers several sensory-friendly venues where children with autism can feel at ease. For example, The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring features sensory-based exhibits perfect for exploration. We Rock The Spectrum Kid’s Gym has an inclusive philosophy that focuses on kids with autism. Features include a fine motor and arts & crafts area, calming room, zip lines, trampoline, sensory based toys and equipment, indoor play structure and more.
Gardening and Planting Activities
Gardening is both therapeutic and enjoyable for toddlers with autism. Planting flowers or small vegetable gardens offers hands-on learning, exploration, and patience-building. Many local community gardens, like the Nashville Community Garden Coalition or Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, offer seasonal planting programs for children. Gardening provides a multi-sensory experience that introduces your child to different textures, colors, and growth cycles while fostering their connection to nature.
Visit a Nashville Farmers Market
Head to a Nashville Farmers Market for a sensory-rich outing. The vibrant colors, diverse smells, and textures offer unique sensory experiences for children with autism. Many market vendors provide free samples of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, giving your toddler the chance to explore. This outing is a great opportunity to practice communication skills, such as asking for permission to touch or naming colors and textures. It’s a fun, educational way to introduce your child to the world around them.
Aquatic Therapy and Water Play
Water activities are known to be soothing for many children with autism, making them an excellent way to support sensory development and motor coordination. Look for aquatic therapy programs at local pools or recreation centers, like The Y at Vanderbilt. For a more relaxed outing, Nashville Shores Waterpark offers gentle water play zones that can be calming for toddlers, including splash pads and shallow pools. Water therapy is not only great for relaxation but also for motor skill development while providing an engaging sensory experience.
How ABA Therapy Can Help with Autism Development
In addition to seasonal activities, ABA therapy is one of the most valuable tools for toddlers with autism. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy helps children develop essential life skills, including communication, social interaction, and self-regulation. By incorporating ABA techniques into everyday activities, spring outings become opportunities for growth. Many parents find that integrating ABA strategies into their child’s daily routine promotes consistent progress in a natural and supportive way.
Compassionate ABA Therapy at Wellspring Learning Centers
Children with autism thrive when they receive personalized, compassionate support. At Wellspring Learning Centers, our ABA therapy programs focus on helping children build essential skills in communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation within a nurturing environment. We partner closely with parents to ensure that the progress achieved in therapy extends seamlessly into everyday life, leading to lasting growth for your child.
For professional ABA therapy services in Nashville, get in touch with Wellspring Learning Centers today. Simply complete our online form or give us a call to begin the journey toward meaningful progress and lasting positive change.