fun banner on orange background
Do you keep active? YES NO
Do you plan your calendar? YES NO
Do you have hobbies? YES NO
Do you go out to events to have fun with others? YES NO
Do you like to do things for yourself at home? YES NO

If you answered yes to all the questions, keep up the good work.

If you want to learn more about having fun in life, check out this page.

group of women and men with disabilities standing in front of a photo backdrop for a red carpet event

What is fun?

Fun is doing things you enjoy.

Make time to do things you like.

Laugh, relax.

Fun helps decrease stress.

What are types of fun?

Animal play/therapy Games/cards  Social clubs
Arts & crafts Gardening Sports/physical activity
Cooking Music/dance Storytelling/book club
Digital/online games Nature outings Theater/movies
Field trips/attractions Puzzles/sensory play Volunteer/help others

individuals with intellectual disabilities painting on canvases

What makes it fun?

  1. Match it to your interests
  2. Fit it to your ability
  3. Keep it social
  4. Include movement
  5. Make it sensory or creative
  6. Build your skills
  7. Celebrate wins

Video

Activities for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities video from Stephen's Place in Washington State

Watch this video about how adults with learning differences find fun.

How can you learn to have fun?


handout icon

Try new things.

Make a Fun Journal to track your fun.

Fun Journal Handout Click here to get the handout

Calendar

Try using a calendar.

  • Make plans for each week, so you can get ready.
  • Plan ahead so you make it happen.
  • Check when you have free time to schedule some fun.
  • Sign up for events.

Plan for fun.

  • How you will get there
  • How long will travel take
  • What do you need to bring with you
  • How long will it last
  • Check the weather and pick what to wear
  • Do not go if you are sick

How will you get there?

Walking is great exercise.

If you live close enough and the weather is safe, walking is a great way to get there.

Can you use your phone's GPS to help you get there?

You might ride your bike to be there quicker than walking.

Don't forget your helmet!

And check the weather!

Do you live near a bus line?

Do you know how to plan your route?

Use an app to help. Practice your route. Take someone with you until you are ready to go alone.

Is there a special rate for persons with disabilities? Find out!

Does your city or town have a special service for persons with disabilities?

Ask about it!

Learn how to apply. Plan to schedule your ride.

Use the Uber or Lyft app on your phone. 

Create an account. Enter the address.

Look at the prices and times for riding alone or with others. 

You will know the cost before you go. You pay through the app.

If you live in a city, you can wave or call a taxi.

At an airport, wait at a taxi stand. Or call a taxi service to schedule a ride.

Learn how to read the meter for the cost. Many taxis let you pay with cash or a card.

If you know others going to the same event, you might call your friends and see if you can get a ride from someone.

It is a nice idea to offer to help pay for the gas.

Is anyone in your family or friends free to give you a ride?

Ask them as soon as you know you need a ride, so it isn't a surprise.

Don't forget to say thank you!

Driving is a hard task and takes some time to get good.

If you want to learn to drive, see our handout: Extra Help for Caregivers - Learning to Drive.

online games icon

Give Me a Brake Game

Learn a little about how to brake a car. Learn how weather and speed change when to brake.

Give Me a Brake Game Click on this game to see if it is for you.

Support Animals

Some people find it easier to get around with the help of a support animal. 

Learn more here: Service, Emotional, and Support Therapy Animals

Choices for fun

Inclusive and Specialized are words we use to describe who can take part in the fun.

  • INCLUSIVE means that everyone can take part.
  • SPECIALIZED means that the fun is specially made for persons with disabilities.

If you don't know which type you prefer, try some of each.

Video

Ridiculous Excuses Not to be Inclusive

Sometimes we have to speak up to be included.

Watch this video from World Down Syndrome Day 2023

3 women learning to knit

Clubs and civics

group of women singing for an audience

Art, Drama, Music

Home fun

  • Draw or paint
  • Do a puzzle
  • Cook a special dish. Host a dinner party
  • Fix or clean something
  • Help a neighbor or family member
  • Read a book
  • Plan a trip. Ask about Make A Wish
  • Play music, sing, dance
  • Play a game. Host a games party
  • Work in the garden
  • Watch a movie. Host a watch party
  • Write a poem or story

Outdoors

Sports

Volunteer

  • Animal shelters
  • Food pantries
  • Libraries
  • Museums

two sets of hands playing a soccer video game, one holding a white controller the other holding a black controller

Videogaming

Videogaming can be a great way to have fun, learn and interact with others.

We have links to games on the 4ourhealth.org website.

There are many types of games:

Action

Adventure

Puzzles

Role play 

Simulation

Sports

Strategy

    

 

Remember to be safe when you are gaming.

  • Do not play games so much that it gets in the way of other parts of your life.
  • Be careful what info you give to people you meet online. Learn more about social media safety. See more on Sexual Health Protection page
  • Be careful playing games that are rough or violent. It can make some people feel angry and act mean to others.

Video

I'd Rather Be Gaming from AbleGamers

AbleGamers is a group who focus on helping persons with disabilities use games and find ways to connect.

Check out this 3-minute video.

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Top 5 Video Games for People with Disabilities

Here is a list of the top 5 games for people with ID picked by a group of adults with ID.

Top 5 Video Games List Click here to go to another website.
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Benefits of Playing Video Games

Benefits of Playing Video Games Click here to go to another website.
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Accessibility and Video Games

Accessibility and Video Games Click here to go to another website
extra help

Caregiver Tip

10 Engaging Outdoor & Indoor Fun Activities for Individuals with IDD from OneWell

10 Engaging Activities Blog Post Click here to go to another website