Bowling: A Strikingly Fun Activity for Special Needs Families
- optimumsolutionsnv
- Jul 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Are you struggling to find enjoyable and inclusive activities for your special needs family? One activity you may want to consider is bowling! It is an activity that strikes a perfect balance between fun, physical activity, and social interaction for the whole family.
Here’s why bowling can be a fun-tactic activity for families with special needs children and how you can make the most of it.
1. Inclusive Environment
Modern bowling alleys are better equipped to provide a fun environment for families with special needs children. Many offer adaptive equipment like ramps, bumpers, and lighter balls to accommodate children with various needs. This ensures that everyone can join in and enjoy the game regardless of ability.
2. Structured Yet Flexible
Bowling has a simple set of rules, which includes turn-taking. The structure can be comforting for children who thrive on routine, and beneficial for those who struggle with turn-taking. Families can control the pace of the game, making it easier to accommodate the unique needs of each child and much more relaxing.
3. Social Interaction
Social interaction is essential for developing necessary social skills. Bowling is a social sport that provides opportunities for interaction and developing a sense of comraderie with family members.
4. Physical Activity
Physical exercise is crucial for maintaining our overall health and well-being, and bowling is a fun way to stay active. It provides opportunities to strengthen hand-eye coordination, balance, and motor skills in an engaging way outside of the traditional therapeutic setting.
In Vancouver, Washington we have a bowling alley called “Big Al’s” that has made it possible for our special needs family to enjoy an afternoon of bowling fun. During the summer they run a special where kids get two free games of bowling and five free arcade game plays during the week all summer long. Specials like this make the bowling experience even more accessible for special needs families.
Before heading to the bowling alley, make sure to call ahead to ask about their accommodations to ensure it is a good fit for your family’s needs as facilities vary. Some alleys may have specific times dedicated to sensory-friendly bowling or have adaptive equipment available upon request.
Next time your special needs family needs a fun activity that also serves as a fun way to work on therapy goals outside of the traditional setting, head to your local bowling alley and get ready to lace up your shoes, pick out a bowling ball of your choosing, and have some fun!
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