Autumn Fun: Cerebral Palsy-Friendly Activities to Enjoy Together

Autumn isn’t just a season that brings cold air and changes the colour of the leaves. It’s a time that encourages togetherness, particularly through Autumn activities. For those living with cerebral palsy, choosing Autumn activities can take some extra consideration, but there are plenty out there to explore.

Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for a group of lifelong conditions that can impact movement, coordination, muscle tone, and sometimes speech or learning. It affects people in varying ways, and activities can be adjusted to suit different individuals. In fact, around 160,000 people in the UK have cerebral palsy (30,000 children and 130,000 adults). For adults, accessible activities can help support their well-being, reduce isolation, improve fine motor skills, and increase confidence.

Autumn Activities to Get Involved In

Explore the Outdoors

Getting outside can be refreshing when the leaves are orange and the air is cold and crisp. However, this doesn’t have to mean going on a super long walk or attending a crowded fair. There are many accessible trails and wheelchair friendly locations for people with cerebral palsy to enjoy. This includes Humber Bridge Country Park in Hull, which has a hard, smooth and firm path surface throughout the reserve. There are rest areas, including seats and perches, every 100 meters along paths, and picnic areas designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

For some people, simply setting up a cosy corner in the garden and watching the leaves fall with family feels relaxing. The goal isn’t to cover as much distance as possible; it’s about slowing down and appreciating the world around you.

Visiting a Pumpkin Patch

You might think that going to a pumpkin patch is for children, but it’s something adults can enjoy too! Go along and choose a pumpkin to bring home and carve, as well as enjoy spooky hay rides and hot chocolates. There’s likely to be photo opportunities too, a great way to remember the evening. When choosing a pumpkin patch, consider accessibility options, such as whether there are paths for wheelchair users or quiet entry times.

Autumn Arts and Crafts

Autumn is known as ‘cosy season’, so as well as spending time outside, staying inside can help you feel warm and calm. Art is an activity you can do at home. It’s a way to express your emotions and imagination, and you may even want to tell a story through your art. A decorated pumpkin can represent a memory or express a message. An autumn wreath can be personalised to create something special and individualised. You can also do arts and crafts with relatives or friends, like a collage of leaves that you can create together. There are accessible tools you can use to make arts and crafts easier, like triangular pencils to improve grip.

Autumn Baking With Friends

The smell of apple pie, chocolate chip cookies, and cinnamon in the air is one of the best parts about autumn. It’s also something you can do with others to create some amazing memories. Adaptive kitchen equipment, like utensils with easy-grip handles and adjustable workstations, can make baking easier.

Watching a Halloween Film

When it’s rainy outside, popping on a film feels cosy and warm. Horror fans can choose a scary film to watch for an adrenaline rush. But of course, not everyone is a fan of horror, and that’s okay. There are Halloween films like The Corpse Bride and Goosebumps, which are family-friendly and can be enjoyed with friends.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully something in this article caught your eye, and you have some good Autumn activity ideas that can be adapted. At The Hull and District Cerebral Palsy Society, we have a mission to provide friendship and support for people with cerebral palsy in Hull and the surrounding district. Our charity is open to anyone with cerebral palsy, regardless of their ability or age. Find out more by exploring our website.

Article Credit: Rosie Buckley