35 Fun Activities For Kids With ADHD They’ll Love
Looking for activities for kids with ADHD? You’ll love this list! These tips and tricks will help you find the perfect activity.
In my experience, children with ADHD often struggle with paying attention, staying organized, and controlling their impulses. These challenges can make it difficult for them to participate in typical activities and can lead to feelings of frustration and low self-esteem.
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However, there are many activities that can help kids with ADHD build their skills and confidence while having fun.
Parents of children with ADHD may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to support their child’s needs. It’s important for parents to remember that every child is unique and what works for one child may not work for another.
With patience, creativity, and a willingness to try new things, parents can help their child with ADHD thrive. In this article, we will explore different activities that can benefit kids with ADHD and provide practical tips for parents to implement them.
The Importance of Activities for Kids with ADHD
Children with ADHD often have a hard time with focus, attention, and impulse control. Engaging in activities that are both fun and challenging can be a great way to help them develop these skills.
One of the best ways to help kids with ADHD is to provide them with opportunities for physical activity. Exercise not only helps them burn off excess energy, but it also releases endorphins that can improve mood and focus.
In addition to physical activity, social skills are also an important thing for kids with ADHD to develop. Participating in group activities like sports teams or clubs can help them learn how to interact with others and build friendships.
The good news is that there are plenty of activities that can provide both physical and social benefits for kids with ADHD.
Some examples include:
- Martial arts
- Swimming
- Dance classes
- Team sports
- Art classes
It’s also important for parents to spend quality time with their children, engaging in activities that they both enjoy. This can help build a strong bond and provide opportunities for parents to model positive behaviors and coping strategies.
Overall, engaging in activities that are both fun and challenging can be a great way to help kids with ADHD build important skills and improve their quality of life.
Types of Activities for Kids with ADHD
Kids with ADHD often have extra energy and need engaging activities to help them focus and learn new skills. Here are some fun ways to help them burn off that excess energy and develop new interests.
Physical Activities
Physical activity is a great way to help kids with ADHD release energy and improve their focus. Team sports like soccer, basketball, or baseball can be a good option, as can individual activities like martial arts, swimming, or dance.
Simple games like tag, hopscotch, or jump rope can also be engaging and effective.
Engaging Activities
Engaging activities that require focus and concentration can be a great way to help kids with ADHD develop new skills and stay interested. Simple puzzles, board games, or video games can be a good option, as can scavenger hunts or other interactive games.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities can be a great way to help kids with ADHD connect with nature and get some fresh air. Going to the park, hiking, or playing in the backyard can be fun and engaging, as can visiting an amusement park or going on a nature walk.
Indoor Activities
Indoor activities can be a good option when the weather is bad or when kids need to burn off extra energy. Puzzle games, coloring books, or dance parties can be fun and engaging, as can simple games like hide-and-seek or Simon Says.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities like music lessons, martial arts, or sports teams can be a great way to help kids with ADHD develop new interests and learn new skills. These activities can also provide structure and routine, which can be helpful for kids with ADHD.
Family Activities
Involving the whole family in activities can be a great way to help kids with ADHD feel supported and connected. Household chores like cooking or cleaning can be engaging and productive, as can treasure hunts or other family games.
Bubble wrap popping can also be a fun and sensory activity for the whole family.
Overall, there are many great activities that can help kids with ADHD burn off excess energy and develop new skills. By providing engaging and structured activities, parents and caregivers can help kids with ADHD thrive and succeed.
Activities For ADHD
Here’s a condensed list of all 35 activities:
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Martial arts
- Swimming
- Dance classes
- Art classes
- Tag
- Hopscotch
- Jump rope
- Puzzles
- Board games
- Video games
- Scavenger hunts
- Interactive games
- Going to the park
- Playing in the backyard
- Hiking
- Amusement parks
- Coloring
- Dance parties
- Hide and Seek
- Simon Says
- Music lessons
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Treasure hunts and scavenger hunts
- Puzzles
- Riding bikes
- Making a craft
- Exploring outside
- Having a picnic
- Reading
- Fishing
- Taking care of animals
Choosing the Right Activities
When it comes to choosing activities for kids with ADHD, it’s important to find ones that will keep them engaged and focused while also being enjoyable. Here are some factors to consider when selecting activities for your child:
Child’s Age and Ability
The first thing to consider is your child’s age and ability. Some activities may be too advanced or too simple for your child depending on their age and skill level.
For example, younger children may enjoy activities that involve movement or sensory play, while older children may prefer more structured activities that require focus and concentration.
Type of Activity
Another important factor to consider is the type of activity. Some great options for kids with ADHD include sports, martial arts, dance, music, art, and drama. These activities can provide a good outlet for excess energy and help improve focus and attention.
Environment
The environment in which the activity takes place can also make a big difference. A good place for an activity should be safe, free from distractions, and conducive to learning. For example, a quiet art studio or a gym with plenty of space to move around can be great options.
Socialization
Finally, it’s important to consider the social aspect of the activity. For some kids, having a best friend or a group of peers to participate in the activity with can be a great motivator and help them stay engaged. For others, one-on-one instruction may be more effective.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can help ensure that your child is participating in activities that are both enjoyable and beneficial for their ADHD symptoms.
Incorporating Learning into Activities
Children with ADHD can benefit from activities that not only provide sensory input but also incorporate learning.
Here are some ideas for activities that can help improve fine motor skills, cognitive skills, sensory input, greater focus, deep breathing, and mental stimulation:
- Arts and Crafts: Activities like drawing, coloring, and painting can help improve fine motor skills and provide a creative outlet for children with ADHD. Encourage them to create their own designs and express themselves through art.
- Puzzles and Games: Puzzles and board games can help improve cognitive skills and focus. Choose games that require strategy and problem-solving skills to keep their minds engaged.
- Outdoor Activities: Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming can provide sensory input and help children with ADHD release excess energy. These activities can also help improve focus and concentration.
- Yoga and Deep Breathing: Yoga and deep breathing exercises can help children with ADHD relax and improve their ability to focus. Encourage them to practice deep breathing exercises when they feel anxious or overwhelmed.
- Reading and Writing: Encourage children with ADHD to read and write regularly to improve their cognitive skills and mental stimulation. Choose books that are interesting to them and encourage them to write about their own experiences and thoughts.
By incorporating learning into activities, children with ADHD can improve their skills while having fun. It is important to choose activities that are appropriate for their age and interests, and to provide support and encouragement along the way.
Overcoming Challenges with Activities
Children with ADHD often face challenges in their daily lives, but participating in certain activities can help them overcome these obstacles. Here are some activities that can assist in developing new skills and promoting focus and attention.
Obstacle Course
An obstacle course is a fun and engaging activity that can help an ADHD child improve their coordination, balance, and focus. It can be set up indoors or outdoors and can be customized to suit the child’s abilities.
The course can include crawling under tables, jumping over hurdles, and balancing on a beam. This activity can also be modified for older kids by adding more challenging obstacles.
Use Tape
Tape can be used in a variety of ways to help an ADHD child improve their focus and attention. For example, a piece of tape can be placed on the floor to create a boundary for the child to stay within while completing a task.
This can help the child stay on task and avoid distractions. Tape can also be used to create a hopscotch or a maze, which can be a fun way to improve coordination and focus.
Sensory Bin
A sensory bin is a container filled with various materials that can stimulate the senses. This activity can help an ADHD child calm down and focus.
The bin can be filled with items such as rice, beans, or sand, and can include small toys or objects for the child to find. The child can use their hands to explore the materials and focus on the task at hand.
Hula Hoops
Hula hoops are a great way to improve coordination and focus. The child can use the hoop to practice balance and coordination, or they can use it as a tool to help them stay focused on a task.
For example, the child can be asked to complete a task while keeping the hoop spinning around their waist. This can help improve their ability to multitask and stay focused.
Overall, these activities can be effective in helping an ADHD child overcome challenges and improve their focus and attention. By incorporating these activities into their daily routine, parents and caregivers can help their child develop new skills and build confidence.
Success Stories
There are many success stories of children with ADHD who have found their niche in sports and other physical activities. One example is Michael Phelps, who has been very open about his struggles with ADHD.
Despite this, he has become one of the most successful Olympic athletes of all time, winning a total of 28 medals.
Individual sports can be a great option for children with ADHD, as they allow for a high level of focus and concentration. Activities such as swimming, martial arts, and gymnastics can be particularly beneficial.
These sports provide a great workout while also helping to improve focus and self-discipline.
Team sports can also be a great game for children with ADHD, as they provide a unique way to build social skills and teamwork. Sports such as soccer, basketball, and baseball can be a good use of energy and help children develop important life skills.
It is important to note that not all children with ADHD will be interested in sports. However, finding an activity that they enjoy and that allows them to channel their energy in a positive way can be incredibly beneficial.
There are many special needs programs available that cater specifically to children with ADHD, providing a supportive and understanding environment.
Overall, physical activity can be a long-time benefit for children with ADHD. It can help to improve focus, self-esteem, and overall well-being. With the right support and encouragement, children with ADHD can thrive in a variety of physical activities.
FAQs
Outdoor activities can be a great way to help children with ADHD burn off excess energy and improve focus. Some engaging outdoor activities for children with ADHD include hiking, biking, swimming, playing sports, and participating in nature walks.
There are many fun games and activities that can help children with ADHD improve focus and attention. Some examples include puzzles, memory games, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and building with blocks or Legos.
Classroom activities that are structured and engaging can be effective for students with ADHD. Some examples include interactive learning games, hands-on activities, and group projects that allow for movement and collaboration.
Quiet time activities can be helpful in calming children with ADHD and promoting relaxation. Some examples include reading, drawing, coloring, listening to music, and practicing deep breathing exercises.
Board games can be a fun way to improve focus and attention in children with ADHD. Some board games that are particularly helpful include chess, checkers, Scrabble, and Settlers of Catan.
There are many local activities that can be suitable for children with ADHD. Some examples include visiting a local park, attending a community event, going to a museum or aquarium, and participating in a sports league or club.
Want More?
- 7 Types of ADHD: Understanding the Different Kinds of ADHD
- 25 Good Things About ADHD That Everyone Should Know
- ADHD Sensory Overload: Causes, Symptoms, And Management
Final Thoughts
Activities are a great way to help kids with ADHD. Their hyper focus can help them succeed at activities.
I hope you found something in this list your child would like to do. There are many more than just 35 activities. Please let me know in the comments if you’d like me to list more.
Have a great day!
