Winter wonderland may not be the first phrase that comes to mind when thinking of San Diego, but these festive activities bring the spirit of winter to the city while stimulating the senses. That makes them ideal choices for developing sensory processing and visual perception skills in children who have sensory processing issues.
1. Holidays at LEGOLAND
From the nightly glow of the LEGO Christmas tree to opportunities to pose with LEGO Santa and his reindeer, there are plenty of things to stimulate and delight the senses. There’s even a holiday show featuring LEGO Friends and a Winter Holiday Market on December 9th and 16th. Holidays at LEGOLAND takes place November 18, 2017 through January 1, 2018.
2. Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo
Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo features a wide range of delightful sights and sounds including the Carol of the Jungle Bells light experience located on Koalafornia Boardwalk. Enjoy bell-ringers, tree-lighting ceremonies, and special shows during this time of year when the zoo is transformed into a wonderland of lights and sound.
3. Mother Goose Parade
This festive parade features a wide variety of delights for the senses including marching bands, equestrians, clowns, and floats. It takes place on November 19, 2017 (the Sunday before Thanksgiving) from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The parade route heads east on Main Street.
4. Skating by the Sea
Beginning Thanksgiving Day (November 23, 2017) and going through January 1, 2018, Skating by the Sea is a beachfront ice skating rink located at the Hotel Del Coronado.
5. Balboa Park December Nights
Touted as the nation’s “premier holiday festival,” December Nights at Balboa park of December 1, 2017 from 3:00-11:00 pm and December 2, 2017 from noon until 11:00 pm. During this community festival, families can experience holiday lights, music, shopping, and dance as well as kid-friendly interactive exhibitions throughout.
These are just a few of the outstanding pediatric occupational therapist approved opportunities to stimulate the senses that abound in San Diego during the holiday season.