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For people with Down syndrome, family members, caregivers and professionals.

Fun Activities for Promoting Health

June 2023 | Abby Rowley, LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Adult Down Syndrome Center

The list of activities below provides ideas of things to do to avoid boredom, have fun, and promote physical, mental, and social health. There is also a printable version. 

List of Fun Activities opens in new window

fun_activities

Arts and Crafts

  • Draw

  • Paint

  • Color

  • Make a card

  • Sing

  • Write a story

  • Write a song

  • Scrapbook

  • Do origami

  • Make jewelry

  • Knit or crochet

  • Sew

  • Take photos

  • Make pottery

  • Do a craft

  • Act in a play

  • Make a collage

  • Make movies

  • Play an instrument

  • Create a new playlist

 

Physical Activity

  • Go for a walk

  • Lift weights

  • Do a fitness video

  • Ride a bike

  • Do yoga

  • Swim

  • Play sports

  • Dance

  • Garden

  • Go for a hike

  • Move furniture

  • Clean

  • Climb stairs

  • Do Zumba

  • Stretch

  • Do yard work

  • Go for a jog

  • Do squats

  • Play tag

  • Do pushups

 

Self-Care

  • Take a bath or shower

  • Do your nails

  • Get your hair done

  • Put on lotion

  • Get a massage

 

Connecting with Others

  • Call a friend or family member

  • Spend time with a friend

  • Write a letter to a family member

  • Play with a pet

  • Look at old photos

 

Learning and Thinking

  • Do a jigsaw puzzle

  • Play a board game

  • Read a book

  • Listen to a podcast or audiobook

  • Research an interesting topic

  • Plan a vacation

  • Fix something

  • Build something

  • Do a crossword or word search

  • Learn a new skill

 

Getting Out

  • Visit the library

  • Go shopping

  • Eat at a restaurant

  • Go to a concert

  • Go for a ride in the car

  • Visit a museum

  • Go to the movie theater

  • See a play

  • Volunteer

  • Visit a park

 

Relax

  • Look at a magazine or comic book

  • Watch a movie or TV show

  • Play video games

  • Listen to music

  • Write in a journal

 

Food and Cooking

  • Cook or bake

  • Research new recipes

  • Drink coffee, tea, or a smoothie

  • Try new foods

  • Go on a picnic

 

You may also be interested in these resources: 

Activities You Can Do at Home

Fun Activities to Improve Fine Motor Skills

 

Find More Resources

We offer a variety of resources for people with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers and the professionals who care for and work with them. Search our collection of articles, webinars, videos, and other educational materials.

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Please note: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for a medical, psychiatric, mental health, or behavioral evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment plan by a qualified professional. We recommend you review the educational material with your health providers regarding the specifics of your health care needs.

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