Discovering new and exciting activities that create lasting memories is a valuable bonding experience for your family. Families living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) sometimes have challenges finding inclusive activities for all of their children, especially their child with SMA. But the SMA community is full of incredible people always ready to lend a hand, and they’ve come together to share some suggestions about finding fun for the whole family.

Out and about

When the weather is warm, it’s a perfect opportunity to take advantage of activities outside of the home with these family-friendly ideas:

1. Take an early evening stroll around your neighborhood
2. Visit the beach (Don’t forget the umbrella or portable tent for sun protection and privacy)
3. Have a picnic in the park
4. Play mini golf
5. Play tag
6. Play modified baseball
7. Create your own water park (Remember water safety!)
8. Host an outdoor movie night
9. Pitch a tent in your backyard and enjoy s’mores by a campfire
10. Go to the zoo or find a drive-through wildlife park
11. Take a walk on a powerchair-friendly trail
12. Visit a museum

And remember: Activities can always be adapted for comfort depending on your child’s capabilities!

Home sweet home

Cold weather and even minor sicknesses can present health concerns for children with SMA. During cold and flu season, families may need to stay isolated at home. Here is a list of the top safe and engaging activities you can do during the colder months:

1. Plan a game night
2. Do arts and crafts (painting, drawing, puzzles)
3. Have a scavenger hunt
4. Make a snowman in the yard
5. Bake and decorate cookies
6. Create personalized keepsakes for family and special people in your life
7. Make silly videos together
8. Have a dance party
9. Build a tent in the living room and have a campout
10. Play video games with family

Fun times ahead

The list of ideas above is just a starting point. To find more activities for your family, you can:

• Let your children come up with ideas
• Discuss with your children the importance of including a sibling with SMA in their activities. Having them come up with activity ideas helps them consider how to better include their sibling with SMA and can become a meaningful way for them to connect with one another. If your child with SMA is an only child, invite a few school friends over to brainstorm
• Network with other families
• Meet other families in the SMA community through message boards and social media. Ask about what ideas have worked for them, how they were able to adapt them for the entire family, and maybe even schedule a playdate together
• Join a community planning board
• This is a great way to have your thumb on the pulse of what your city has going on. Towns often host special events that can be the perfect way to try something new and unique
• Adjust the rules
• If you already have games and traditions in your family that you love, you can easily adapt the rules to make them more accessible for your child with SMA
• Internet search
• Let’s face it: The internet can be a great resource. A quick search will often give you a start on some new ideas that, with a little adjustment, would be perfect for the entire family

The family that plays together

You may have heard the saying, “The family that plays together, stays together.” When you play as an entire family, you strengthen your relationships and foster a deeper understanding of how to work and live together. It also shows your child with SMA that he or she is an important and valued member of the family whose limitations won’t prevent him or her from being a part of all the wonderful memories your family creates.

In times of a pandemic, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health guidelines and also consult with your doctor before engaging in these activities.