Safe, but exciting activities for special 11 year old

[Pabster]

Hi Everyone

[Edit: We are looking for activities in the JAKARTA area]

We are looking for activities for a delightful 11 year old boy who is on the autistic spectrum, but whose behavioural difficulties are pretty slight and who is intellectually quite capable.

For various reasons, he has not had the opportunity to do very much that is physical or (within limits, obviously) risk-taking and exciting - he spends a lot of time on his phone and laptop etc etc - and it's in these areas that we'd like to give him more opportunities.

Quad-biking and things like that come to mind and, if anyone knows of anywhere that provides safe fun for children, that would be welcome, but we'd love to hear ANY ideas.

Thanks in advance

Paul

 

[snpark]

What about those adventure playgrounds in the malls, kidzone, kidzania, lollipops etc?

 

[El_Goretto]

What about those adventure playgrounds in the malls, kidzone, kidzania, lollipops etc?

More specifically, there is one called Pinisi in Pasaraya, Blok M, on the top floors with rock climbing, flying fox, etc. It's all indoor and very safe, yet exciting. All for kids too. If you manage to go during week days outside of school times, you will pretty much have the whole facility for yourself.

Mentioned also in another thread: Branchsto.

It's a bit outside of Jakarta but there he can ride poneys and horses, in addition to some other activities such as archery and quad bikes. It is located in BSD City, about 25 minutes from Pondok Indah, Cipete area via toll road.

Also in BSD City is BSD Xtreme Park where you will find: rock climbing, flying fox, paintball (starts at 10yo for playing against others or no age limit if just shooting at targets), go-karts, a skatepark and bike track.

Have you ever been to Taman Mini? Specifically, there is a place called Taman Legenda with animated dinosaurs where you walk through a "jungle" and see animated Dinosaurs.

If he can swim, there are quite a few water parks:
- Atlantis in Ancol, North Jakarta
- The Wave in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta
- Ocen Park in BSD City

 

[Pabster]

Thank you very much, snpark and El Goretto

snpark: I think Mum and son have already exhausted most of those, but I will double check: thank you for the suggestions

El Goretto: Thanks very much for your suggestions, which sound very interesting and just the kind of thing we're looking for. I know he's been to Taman Mini. We will check out BSD Xtreme Park and the others, too.

It is kind of you both to take the time to reply and we are grateful. MORE SUGGESTIONS ALSO WELCOME!

 

[vocalneal]

I'm an ex-kart racer so am biased . I used to do archery as a child but it all really depends on what he likes or what he is drawn to. He should really be steered towards something he likes in which there is room for improvement. I should add that my parents also did archery and we did goof off occasionally.

My son was never really into the racing/competition side of karts but did eventually discover mountain bikes and he still rides to work most everyday.

 

[Pabster]

Thanks very much vocalneal. The problem is that, in a nutshell, he has not had much opportunity to practise and discover physical activities. Mum is an absolutely devoted single (divorced) parent and recognises that he has missed out on a lot (although she has given him an incredible amount) - without being sexist, largely the things that he would do with Dad. I think he needs to discover how exciting physical activity and sensible risk-taking can be, because, at the moment, he is pretty lethargic and prefers screen-time, which we agree he needs to be weaned off of. If he once experiences the thrill of something outdoorsy and physical, I am pretty confident that there is a whole world of stuff which he can be introduced to. Kart-racing sounds brilliant. Do you know of any places where he might be introduced to this? Same goes for archery: we would love to give it a go, although I think he might initially become impatient of the need to concentrate, but we could come back to it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

 

[Euc-]

Golf, there are plenty of very nice golf courses all around Jakarta and it’s relatively affordable. He’s still young enough to be able to go pro if he’s good enough

I saw an ad today about a kids rugby team looking for players, but for the life of me can’t remember where it was.

 

[Euc-]

Might’ve been these guys: http://jakarta-komodos.com/under-16s-14s/#

 

[Euc-]

Also plenty of football, tennis and basketball clubs around. Futsal is huge here.

 

[jstar]

he spends a lot of time on his phone and laptop etc etc - and it's in these areas that we'd like to give him more opportunities.

House of Trap in Mal Kelapa Gading or SMS.

https://www.houseoftrap.id/

Miscellaneous interactive games with virtual reality glasses and wrist control.

 

[Euc-]

Ok, my bad, I didn’t read the OP close enough.

Golf is still good, alternatively tennis or (group) dance classes. I think various gyms offer them but you’d have to check the age requirements.

Lastly perhaps look at picking up some musical instruments, it might not be a very physical activity but definitely better then sitting behind his laptop.

 

[vocalneal]

Kart-racing sounds brilliant. Do you know of any places where he might be introduced to this?

1. Speedy Karting, located at Jalan MT Haryono,

2. Mall Artha Gading in North Jakarta (top floor).

3. Wijawa Mukti Cikarang Stadium, Bekasi,

There's probably more.
If he really likes it, it may get expensive real quick

Exercise? Maybe still valid. JAVA Hash House Horrors run on the last Sunday of every month at 10:00 am. This is a kids (all ages) hash, run by kids with just a bit of help. Contact Greg Fletcher [email protected] for more info