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June 11, 2025

Kick Off Summer with Fun and Adventure: A Summer Bucket List for Families with Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children

Graphic titled ‘Summer Bucket List’ with a colorful checklist of fun activities.

Summer is here, and it’s time to embrace longer days, warm weather, and unforgettable family adventures! For families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, summer offers a wonderful opportunity to explore new places, create lasting memories, and enjoy activities that support communication, accessibility, and inclusion.

To help you make the most of this summer season, we’ve put together a summer bucket list filled with travel tips and Deaf-friendly destinations right here in North Carolina — perfect for families ready to explore and have fun together!

Summer Travel Tips for Families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children

  1. Plan Ahead for Accessibility
    Before booking your trip, research accommodations, attractions, and transportation to ensure they offer services like ASL interpreters, captioning, or assistive listening devices. Many places list accessibility information on their websites or will gladly answer your questions if you call ahead.
  2. Pack Communication Tools
    Bring along tablets, smartphones, or devices with apps for video relay services, speech-to-text, or ASL dictionaries. Having these tools handy can help bridge communication gaps during your travels.
  3. Notify Airlines and Hotels
    If flying, inform the airline about your child’s needs — many provide accommodations such as priority boarding or captioned entertainment. Similarly, hotels may offer rooms equipped with visual alert systems.
  4. Create a Travel Communication Plan
    Discuss with your child what to expect during the trip and prepare any signs or phrases you might need to use on the road or at your destination. This can help reduce stress and promote confidence.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Friendly Places to Explore in North Carolina
North Carolina offers many accessible and welcoming spots where Deaf culture is celebrated and support is available:

Western North Carolina

Central North Carolina

Eastern North Carolina

Summer 2025 Bucket List: Fun Adventures for Your Family to Explore and Enjoy! 

We’ve created this fun Summer 2025 bucket list just for you and your family — full of exciting, accessible, and Deaf-friendly activities to help make this summer unforgettable! Whether you’re at home, exploring nearby parks, or traveling across North Carolina, these ideas are designed to spark joy, connection, and learning for families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing children.

Click here to download our Summer 2025 Bucket List

Check off these adventures as you go — and feel free to add your own favorites!

  • Attend an ASL Storytelling Session: Join virtual or local ASL storytelling times and experience the magic of Deaf culture through live, signed stories. It’s a perfect way for kids to connect with language and community!
  • Go to a Deaf-Friendly Movie Screening: Look for theaters offering captioned or ASL-interpreted showings. Make it a family movie night with popcorn and your child’s favorite film!
  • Explore a State Park: Pack a picnic and visit an accessible nature trail or park. Don’t forget to bring a camera for capturing wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
  • Create an ASL Art Project: Use sign language to inspire creativity — paint your favorite signs, make a family sign language poster, or even film a fun ASL music video together.
  • Head to the Beach: Spend a day building sandcastles, playing in the waves, and practicing signs with family and friends at one of North Carolina’s Deaf-friendly beaches.
  • Start a Summer Sign Language Book Club: Choose children’s books that include Deaf characters or themes, and read them together while practicing signs.
  • Backyard Campout & Storytelling: Set up a tent, roast marshmallows, and share stories under the stars — using sign language to tell your tales!
  • Try a Family Karaoke Night in ASL: Sing your heart out with your favorite songs, all performed in sign language.
  • Attend a Local Event or Festival: Check community calendars for Deaf community events, cultural festivals, or inclusive fairs happening nearby.
  • Use Tech to Stay Connected: Explore new apps that support communication like video relay services, sign language learning tools, or captioned games.
  • Plan a Day Trip to a Deaf-Friendly Attraction: Whether it’s a museum, zoo, aquarium, or cultural site, pick a place that offers accessible programs or ASL interpretation.
  • Create a Summer Journal or Video Diary: Encourage your child to document their summer experiences through drawings, photos, or signed videos — a wonderful keepsake to treasure.

Remember, summer is all about making memories and celebrating your family’s unique journey. Take your time, enjoy the moment, and let your child lead the way in exploring the world around them! We’d love to see your family fun this summer. Tag us on on our facebook page (@NCBegin) or instagram page (@ncbeginnings) or send your photos to marketing@ncbegin.org. 

Supporting Your Family This Summer
Summer is a season full of opportunity, discovery, and connection. Whether you’re traveling across North Carolina or enjoying adventures close to home, BEGINNINGS is here to support your family. 

From providing resources and guidance tailored to families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, to connecting you with local events, interpreters, and community programs, our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the unique joys and challenges of your child’s journey.

Call us at (919) 715-4092
Visit us online: www.ncbegin.org

Our Impact 2023-2024

  • Total Families Served

    1,324

  • Home Visits Provided

    880

  • School Meetings Supported

    378

  • NC Counties Served

    89

© 2025 NC Beginnings
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