New places, new faces, big feelings: When it comes to travel and summer, we’ve got you
April 22, 2026
Summer is full of new experiences. New places, new faces, and plenty of opportunities for kids to grow. But for kids who learn and think differently, those “new” moments can also come with big feelings.
Travel, summer camp, a different daycare arrangement, and even having relatives come for a visit can mean changes in routine. There will be unfamiliar environments and new social expectations. That can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time — for kids and for parents.
The good news? A little preparation (and the right tools) can go a long way toward helping your child feel more confident and ready to take on summer adventures.
Before you go: Set the stage for success
Whether you’re heading out on a family trip or preparing for a new environment, planning ahead can make transitions smoother.
Talk through what to expect. Walk your child through the experience step by step — what they’ll see, hear, and do.
Preview new environments. Photos, videos, or even maps can help reduce uncertainty.
Create a flexible plan. Structure helps. But building in wiggle room is just as important.
Check out these tips to help you get ahead of common challenges:
10 tips to help kids avoid travel meltdowns and sensory overload
7 ways to prepare kids for visiting relatives and family friends
Smart packing for smoother days
What you pack can make a big difference — especially for kids with sensory sensitivities.
Consider building a sensory travel kit with items your child already finds calming or regulating, like:
Noise-canceling headphones
Fidget tools
Favorite snacks
A familiar comfort item
You can tailor what you bring based on the setting — whether it’s a plane trip, a car ride, or an afternoon in the park.
Helpful resources:
Preparing for camp (and other big transitions)
Summer camps and other programs can be an incredible opportunity for independence, friendship, and confidence-building. But they can also bring uncertainty.
A few ways to help your child feel more ready:
Ask the right questions. Understanding how a camp supports different learners can help you one that’ll be a good fit.
Practice routines ahead of time. Try out elements of the camp day at home.
Name and normalize feelings. It’s OK to feel both nervous and excited.
Start here:
8 types of summer camps for kids who learn and think differently
Summer camp toolkit for kids who learn and think differently
Plan for downtime at home
Summer doesn’t just look like summer camps and travel. Having go-to home activities can help kids reset and recharge.
Keep a mix of options on hand:
Sensory-friendly activities
Movement-based games for high-energy moments
Calm, independent activities
These can also be helpful during travel delays, rainy camp days, or visits with family.
Try:
Build in routines, even during summer
While summer is a break from school, routines still matter — especially for kids with ADHD or executive function challenges.
You don’t need a rigid schedule. But a predictable rhythm can help kids feel more grounded.
Think:
Consistent wake-up and wind-down times
Regular meal and snack routines
A simple daily plan your child can see and understand
Start with:
Big feelings are part of the journey
New experiences can bring big emotions — excitement, anxiety, frustration, pride. That’s not something to avoid. It’s something to support.
When kids feel prepared and understood, they’re more likely to:
Try new things
Bounce back from challenges
Build confidence in unfamiliar situations
And when things don’t go perfectly, those moments are part of learning, too.
There’s no one “right” way to do summer. With the right tools — and a little flexibility — new places and new faces can become opportunities for growth, connection, and joy. Check out more Understood summer resources at understood.org/en/topics/summer-guide
