But for the parents of autistic children, this challenge can prove almost impossible - and for some, the holidays can even become a time they dread.
Lisa Donoghue, from Hambleton, knows these challenges only too well, and her drive to provide her autistic son Oliver with the same activities and opportunities her other three children enjoy has inspired her to create OJ's Sensory Interaction Trust, a charity which aims to provide educational and recreational events for families with autistic children.
Lisa was given permission by headteacher Alison Foster to use the facilities at Hillside Specialist School for Children with Autism, Longridge, where her son is a pupil, and along with funding from Extended Schools and The Acorn Fund, she was able to begin offering activity sessions during the holidays.
Just over a year on, Lisa's charity has been so successful that she is now hoping to access further funding and set up a dedicated centre for OJ's.
She is also planning a Saturday Club where children will be able to enjoy a film, a bouncy castle and general play.
Lisa, who has four children - Bryony, 12, Oliver, 10, Dominic, six, and Miles, five - explained: "I feel Oliver will miss out on such a lot in life that other children will take for granted. I'm passionate about giving him what I think he deserves, and at the same time, giving other families that chance as well.
"Having two children after Ollie has been very difficult. It has been hard taking them anywhere together. Generally, children with autism can be misunderstood out in the community, and I thought that if the disability isn't understood by the general public, why don't we have a place where families can go, where siblings can be supported and children with autism are happy?"
Lots of families recently attended a series of Easter events at Hillside, with a wide range of visitors, workshops, and plenty of trips to exciting places like Old Holly Farm, Cabus, and Giddy Kids Indoor Play Area, near Grimsargh.
Joanne McComb, from Longridge, who looks after sons Paddi, six, who is autistic, and Rafferty, four, explained that the sessions are particularly helpful for parents whose children attend mainstream schools.
She said: "It is difficult to find somewhere that can cater for Paddi's needs, especially because he is not as dependent as other children with autism. Paddi can communicate but I have to keep on top of him 24 hours a day and make sure he is safe. He has issues with behaviour, understanding social boundaries and knowing how to interact appropriately with other children.
"At OJ's I know that he is in a safe and secure environment, and it's nice for Rafferty to mix with other children as well. It's great for the parents as well in terms of bouncing ideas off each other. My children absolutely love it."
Sam Ellis, from Clitheroe, has three children - Natalie, 10, Harry, eight and Charlie, seven, who has autism. Charlie doesn't speak and uses picture cards to communicate.
Sam explained: "Charlie is extremely demanding and constantly seeks sensory stimulation. We came to OJ's because I can bring all three children. Charlie's siblings can come here and play with other siblings, and there's no embarrassment factor for them. They are brilliant with Charlie, but sometimes they can be embarrassed by his behaviour. There's lots for them to do, even for the older ones."
Julie Bowen, from Clitheroe, has struggled for years to find somewhere to take her 13-year-old autistic son James during the holidays. He also cannot communicate and attends Hillside School.
His younger brother Oliver, nine, has made lots of friends at OJ's, while James has taken to the sessions very well.
Julie said: "We've had so many problems with Oliver feeling there's something wrong with us as a family, that we're not doing what other people do. Here, there are other children in the same position, whose brothers and sisters behave in the same way James does.
"For me as a parent, it's just great to be with other people who understand. I'm not having to apologise all the time for his behaviour. It makes such a difference.
"As for James, being able to attend a full day of activities during the holidays has been very beneficial. It's difficult to plan anything because he is so unpredictable and can have a lot of anxiety and stress in certain situations. OJ's provides just the social environment he needs, which is something he has really missed out on as a little boy.
She added: "There is a need for more local services for children with disabilities and it just takes someone like Lisa who has the drive and determination to make it happen. I hope to keep supporting her as much as I can."
* For more information on the sessions provided by OJ's, you can contact Lisa on 07971 723607 or email lisa@ donoghue.mobi