Adapting Fall Fun

As the vibrant colors of fall arrive, many families look forward to enjoying outdoor activities and seasonal traditions. For families of children with disabilities, participating in these beloved fall activities may require additional considerations to ensure accessibility and comfort. Exploring inclusive fall activities, such as pumpkin carving with sensory adaptations, and other autumn-themed events, can make these moments more enjoyable for children with varying needs. Whether it’s modifying physical environments, adjusting sensory experiences or finding inclusive events, there are many ways to create memorable and enjoyable moments for everyone. This guide provides practical tips and resources to help families adapt classic fall fun for children with varying abilities, ensuring that all can share the joy of the season.

Pumpkin Carving:

• Pumpkin Carving Supports for All
• Pumpkin Sensory Activities
• Pumpkin activities for children who are blind or low vision
• Adaptive Pumpkin Carving Tool Ideas

Autumn Themed Events:

• A Slice of Farm:Cross E Ranch SLC, UT: The farmyard is a mix of gravel, dirt, and woodchips, but if you’re a wheelchair user, feel free to contact us at 801-203-0148 and we’ll do our best to make your experience easy and fun!
• Lapoint Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch: Lapoint, UT: All mazes are wheelchair and stroller-accessible- multiple mazes and kid mazes
• Wheeler Historic Farm Pumpkin Days: SLC, UT: A tractor drawn wagon ride around the outer rim of the farm. The tour pulls you through Wheeler Woods and our back 40 acres of natural landscape.
• Rowley’s Red Barn Fall Festival: Santaquin, Ut: Have wheelchair-accessible areas, however, the wagon ride does not have a ramp. Next year (Spring 2025) they will have a lift for wheelchairs on a train ride so stay tuned.
• Gardner Village Witch Displays and Scavenger Hunt:West Jordan, UT Navigate using your phone and on-site signs. All paved sidewalks and wheelchair accessible.
• Boolights at the Zoo: SLC, UT: Kids 12 and under can come dressed in costume and do fun activities. Each day there are different events such as magicians, mermaids, and wild witches. There are fun lights and decorations along the path to check out. WIC discounts are available. Must show eWIC card and proof of active benefits in person to purchase
• Halloween on the High Seas Living Planet Aquirium: Draper, UT Discounts for WIC/SNAP
• 15 Best Fall Drives in Utah