Rethinking 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:

• Backyard picnics under the sky with delicious snacks
• Evening lantern glow adventures as the sun goes down
• Cozy outdoor storytelling with favourite books or made-up tales
• Music and calming nature sounds drifting through the garden
• Bubble watching and gentle eye tracking
• 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 Bridges, we’re committed to ensuring every family has what they need to enjoy play together this summer.

From quiet moments of backyard imagination 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.)
	Busy Boombox A retro-inspired stereo packed with interactive activities, lights, music, and sounds.
	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!

Switch Option

	Footswitch Designed to be operated by the foot with a slight pressure of the sole or tip of the foot.
	Leaf Switch Highly sensitive switch designed for users who require activation with minimal effort.
	iSwitch 50 Compact and durable 50 mm Bluetooth switch designed for effortless access to iOS, Android and a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled AAC devices.
	ToFFEE Switch A highly versatile proximity switch, the ToFFEE Switch uses advanced Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology to detect movement without physical contact, making it ideal for situations where hygiene, comfort or precision are important.

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.