Great Sensory-Friendly Valentine’s Day Activities to Try
Valentine’s Day is a time of love spread among family and friends, but if you or someone you know has a child on the autism spectrum, it can be difficult to find anxiety-free and enjoyable activities that they may appreciate. That’s why we’ve put together a list of fun, sensory-friendly Valentine’s Day crafts and activities that will help make your celebrations autism-friendly! 
Make Your Own Valentines
Having your child make their own valentines is a great way to bring some creativity into their Valentine’s Day celebration. It also allows you to customize cards according to what type of sensory input they are able to handle.
You can encourage your child to try making cards out of construction paper or foam hearts, or even stamps and stickers. This sensory-friendly Valentine’s Day activity promotes creative expression without overwhelming sensory input, so everyone will be sure to have fun.
Bake a Sweet Treat
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by baking something sweet? This activity is perfect for children on the autism spectrum because it involves using their hands in artistic ways while teaching them about measurements and following directions.
Plus, everyone loves a good treat! Choose a simple recipe like brownies or cupcakes and let your child’s imagination run wild with decorations – sprinkles, frosting, heart-shaped cutouts – the possibilities are endless!
Play “I Spy” with Hearts
This classic game never gets old – especially when there are hearts involved! Before starting, decorate the room with lots of heart shapes (heart balloons, paper hearts hung up around the house, and anything else you can think of). Then, ask your child to play “I Spy” with you so they can find all the hearts around the room. This autism-friendly Valentine’s Day activity will help build their observational skills while also keeping them engaged in a fun game.
Create a Hands and Heart Picture
This is one sensory-friendly Valentine’s Day activity that will really let kids cut loose! First, trace an outline of a heart on a large piece of construction paper or poster board. Then, have your child cut around the tracing to remove the heart, giving them work on their motor skills.
Once the heart shape is cut out, students can paint and decorate it however they’d like. They can also press their hands onto the heart with fresh paint to create a lovely image. Once dry, glitter, sparkles, stickers, and many other items can be used to adorn the craft. Have fun!
Get Messy with Clay and Play-Doh
Though this option definitely fits on our list of autism-friendly Valentine’s Day activities, it’s also something you can enjoy all year round, of course. For Valentine’s Day, you can focus on making heart shapes with clay or Play-Doh, which will be both fun and help refine motor skills.
You can still get creative, however, by using unexpected colors or color combinations or by making more advanced shapes. Maybe a little cupid in honor of the day?
Use These Valentine’s Day Ideas for Children with Autism for a Fun and Fulfilling Time
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be stressful for families with children on the autism spectrum. These fun activities are sure to make it enjoyable for all involved!
Making homemade Valentines encourages creative expression without overwhelming sensory input, baking something sweet teaches measurements and following directions, and playing “I Spy” helps build observational skills. Plus, crafting a hearts-and-hands picture and making a sculpture will really let your child’s creative side shine.
With these activities, you’re sure to have an autism-friendly Valentine’s Day celebration!
About Circle City ABA
Circle City ABA’s therapy is focused on play and takes place in colorful facilities with safe and disinfected toys. Our approach allows your child to learn in large spaces and practice skills in real-time.
To start your child’s journey that nurtures progress through play with ABA therapy, contact Circle City ABA. We’re excited to speak with you!
