Pediatric Recreational Therapy in Utah
When Play Feels Overwhelming, We Help Turn It Into Progress
Every child wants to feel included. Every parent wants to see their child thrive. But when your child struggles with play, connection, or new environments, moments that should bring joy can turn into frustration.
At Strides Pediatric Therapy, we understand how hard it is to watch your child feel left out or overwhelmed. Whether it’s on the playground, in a group activity, or just navigating everyday routines, these situations can start to feel like barriers instead of opportunities. That’s where pediatric recreational therapy makes a difference.
We help children build the emotional, social, and physical skills they need through play-based therapy for children that feels natural and supportive, not forced. With recreational therapy in Utah, we meet your child where they are and help them move forward, one step and one small win at a time.
What Is Pediatric Recreational Therapy?
Recreational therapy, also called therapeutic recreation, uses purposeful play to support a child’s development across physical, emotional, social, and cognitive areas.
Led by licensed therapists, each session includes structured, hands-on activities like games, movement, art, horse-back riding, and outdoor play. Every activity is tailored to your child’s specific needs and comfort level.
It’s not just about having fun. It’s about helping children build meaningful, real-world skills in a way that feels safe and enjoyable.
While your child is engaged, they’re also:
- Building coordination, balance, and motor planning
- Learning how to share space and take turns
- Practicing communication and emotional regulation
- Gaining confidence and resilience
- Developing a stronger sense of belonging
Who Recreational Therapy Supports
- Feel overwhelmed in social or group settings
- Have autism spectrum disorder or developmental delays
- Struggle with social skills or communication skills
- Struggle with independent play skills and and engaging in play without screens
- Experience sensory sensitivities or emotional regulation challenges
- Struggle with speech, communication, or connecting with peers
- Learn best through movement, creativity, and hands-on experiences
In environments like playgrounds or classrooms, these children may feel overstimulated, isolated, or unsure how to engage. Recreational therapy offers structure without pressure. It creates a space where children can explore, try again, and build confidence at their own pace.
Because therapy feels like play, children stay curious and involved. And when they feel safe, seen, and supported, real growth begins. Through social skills therapy for children, we help kids build friendships, express themselves, and feel more confident in group settings
Our Focus On Recreational Therapy
At Strides Pediatric Therapy, we design every session around one core idea. Kids learn best when they feel supported and engaged.
No two sessions look the same. Depending on your child’s needs, they might:
- Join in a group game
- Take on a movement challenge
- Explore the outdoors
- Create something through art
- Learn and apply skills related to horseback riding
- Solve puzzles with peers
But everything is done with intention. Every session is guided by a therapist who understands child development and emotional safety.
We take time to get to know your child, including what excites them, what challenges them, and what helps them feel in control. That way, therapy never feels overwhelming or one-size-fits-all. It feels personal, effective, and even fun.
Building Physical, Cognitive, and Social Skills Through Play
This activity-based developmental support helps children build coordination, confidence, and communication through meaningful play:
Physical
Movement games help improve coordination, motor planning, and balance
Cognitive
Problem-solving, memory, and focus grow through interactive tasks
Social
Children practice sharing, taking turns, communicating, and reading social cues
For many children, this approach is a turning point. A child who avoids group play may start participating. A child who hesitates to speak may begin expressing themselves. Because they’re learning through play, the progress feels natural. The confidence that comes with it is real.
How Recreational Therapy Complements OT, PT, and Speech Therapy
Recreational therapy doesn’t replace other services. It reinforces them.
- A child working on balance in physical therapy might practice those same movements in an obstacle course
- A child developing speech may build language skills through group games or shared play
- A child in OT can apply fine motor or sensory skills in creative activities
By weaving therapy goals into everyday play, children begin to use those skills outside of the clinic. You may see progress show up at school, during playdates, or in daily routines. When different types of therapy work together, progress doesn’t just happen in sessions. It lasts.
What Families Can Expect with Recreational Therapy
Sessions at Strides Pediatric Therapy are warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully structured. We begin with familiar activities to help your child feel at ease, then gently introduce new challenges as their confidence grows.
Your child will engage in a mix of movement, creativity, social interaction, and guided play. All activities move at a pace that feels right for them.
We also make sure you’re part of the journey. Therapists stay in close communication with families to share progress, answer questions, and suggest ways to support growth at home.
Most importantly, many children leave sessions feeling proud of themselves. Not because they were pushed, but because they tried something new and felt confident doing it.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve been watching your child struggle with connection, confidence, or participation, you’re not alone. And your child doesn’t have to navigate those challenges without support.
Recreational therapy can be a turning point. It helps children move, connect, and grow in ways that feel safe and empowering. And it all starts with one step.
Contact Strides Pediatric Therapy to learn more about pediatric recreational therapy in Utah and how it can support your child.
