Rethinking Accessible Outdoor Play with Dark Dens and Switch Adapted Toys

Summer is a wonderful time to take sensory play outdoors together. Warm air, longer daylight hours, natural sounds, and changing outdoor textures all create rich opportunities for children to explore through their senses. With a simple setup, outdoor spaces can become calm, engaging places that support curiosity, regulation, and play that is simple and accessible for everyone.

How to use a dark den outside?

The dark den can be used for a varieties of activities, including:

• Picnics under the sky with delicious snacks
  
• Cozy outdoor storytelling with favourite books or made-up tales
• Music and calming nature sounds drifting through the garden
• Bubble watching 
• Hands-on nature play with leaves, stones, sticks, and soft textures
• Simple water play with pouring, splashing, and cooling off in hot weather

CLICK HERE to learn about the Dark Den.

Switch Adapted Toys

At Louise Kool, we’re committed to ensuring every child has what they need to enjoy play together this summer.

From quiet moments to lively imaginative adventures with friends, we offer accessible toys that support all kinds of play styles and abilities.

All our switch adapted toys come with a 1-year warranty and boundless entertainment!

	Johnny the Tractor No outdoor project is complete without Johnny the tractor. Durable enough for bumps and bounces, Johnny is equipped to accompany young farm lovers on their next garden adventure. (Not suitable or recommended for wet environments.)
	Switch Adapted Fan Keeps children cool and comfortable while enhancing sensory exploration.
	MP3 Player This high-quality, lightweight, and portable Bluetooth MP3 player is perfect for enjoying music, audiobooks, and calming sounds outdoors.
	Fubbles Bubble Machine Summer and bubbles go hand in hand! The Fubbles Bubble Machine fills the air with a steady stream of bubbles to chase, pop, and watch float by, all at the press of a switch. A simple activity that brings plenty of smiles and sensory fun.

Powerlink 4 provides access to any electrical device with a single switch, opening up new ways to participate in outdoor activities. Run a lemonade stand, stay cool with a fan, bring pinwheels to life, lend a hand in the garden, or enjoy an unforgettable water fight.

With Powerlink 4, summer adventures are full of possibilities!

Enjoy the toys and Powerlink 4 with a Jelly Bean Switch. All devices include one or more switches.

Tuff Tray

Made from recycled plastic, these durable, versatile trays are lightweight and easy to use indoors or outdoors for sorting, sensory play, and exploration. Pair with the adjustable metal stand, which can be raised to a wheelchair-accessible height.

Plastic Active World Discovery Tuff Tray and Active World Adjustable Stand for Wheelchairs

CLICK HERE to learn more in our Supports for Inclusive Early Years Spaces. 

You can get more information the "Literacy for All: Building Inclusive Learning Spaces in the Early Years" blog.