At WAWOS, we believe inclusive play isn't just good for kids with disabilities—it's good for every child. It teaches empathy, creativity, collaboration, and reminds us that everyone deserves to feel like they belong.
WAWOS Founder, Jacquie Robison put together a few of her favorite summer games that invite kids of all abilities to laugh, play, and create memories together. We hope they inspire your next backyard gathering, camp activity, or family adventure.
[contributed by Jacquie Robison]
Summer has a way of bringing people together. Long days, backyard gatherings, neighborhood parks, and family vacations create so many opportunities for kids to connect through play. As a parent of a daughter with cerebral palsy, I've learned that the best games aren't necessarily the fastest or the most competitive—they're the ones where every child can jump in, contribute, laugh, and feel like they belong. At WAWOS, we believe inclusion isn't about changing who kids are -- it's about creating opportunities where every child can experience the joy of playing together.
Some of my favorite summer activities are the simplest ones. Try a backyard scavenger hunt wh
ere children work in teams to find colors, textures, sounds, or nature items rather than racing against one another. Set up a water balloon target challenge where kids toss or roll balloons toward buckets, chalk circles, or colorful targets, with each child choosing the distance that's right for them. Sidewalk chalk murals are another favorite because every child can add their own creativity, whether they're standing, sitting, or using a walker. These activities naturally encourage conversation, teamwork, and imagination instead of focusing on who finishes first.
Movement can be inclusive, too. Create an obstacle course with multiple ways to complete each station—rolling a ball through cones, tossing beanbags into buckets, navigating around pool noodles, or solving a simple puzzle before moving to the next activity. Organize a bubble party where kids chase, catch, pop, or simply enjoy watching bubbles float by. Even classic games like Simon Says or charades can be adapted so children participate using movements, facial expressions, sounds, or assistive devices. When we build flexibility into the game instead of expecting every child to participate the same way, everyone has a chance to succeed.
The memories our children carry won't come from who won the relay race or scored the most points. They'll remember who invited them to play, who cheered them on, and how they felt included. That's the kind of summer I hope we create—not just for kids with disabilities, but for every child. Because when we make space for everyone to belong, we aren't simply creating better games. We're helping raise a generation that sees differences with curiosity, friendship, and acceptance. And that's a victory that lasts long after summer comes to an end.
WAWOS is a registered 501 (c) 3 charitable organization
