Shedd Aquarium
Calm Waters at Shedd
Winter brings plenty of fun for your family. We’ve rounded up a few favorite events created especially for families with special needs to take advantage of all the great things Chicagoland offers. Read some of our picks below and find more future events on our calendar.
Sensory Friendly Times at Enchanted Railroad
When: Every Tuesday and Sunday through Feb. 18
Where: Lisle
The Morton Arboretum is hosting Enchanted Railroad Sensory Friendly Times, a sensory-friendly hour, 4:30-5:30 p.m., to experience the annual model railroad display when noises are reduced and sensory tools are available. Fees waived with advance registration, but it is capped at 40 guests per time slot. Registration opens Jan. 6.
Special Needs Book Club: Grades 4-8
When: Feb. 18
Where: Wheaton
Wheaton Public Library hosts an accessible book discussion for kids in grades 4-8 with special needs. During each discussion, the group will read a chapter of a book together, talk about ideas and participate in a fun group activity. Books and snacks will be provided. No registration required. 7-7:45 p.m. 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton.
Family Night Out
When: Feb. 23, March 21, April 18
Where: Naperville
The DuPage Children's Museum stays open late just for families with children with special needs for learning and playing. Lighting and sound is muted, and additional sensory activities and cool down rooms are provided. Important note: The limited spots fill up quickly. Free. 5:30-8 p.m. 301 N. Washington St., Naperville.
Sensory Friendly Mornings at the Play Zoo
When: Feb. 22, March 28
Where: Brookfield
The Hamill Family Play Zoo opens an hour early to families with individuals that benefit from being able to explore and play in a less crowded environment. Noise and light levels are less and noise-reducing headphones, visual schedules and a quiet room are available. 9-10 a.m. Registration opens the first of each month and is required. $5 per family includes admission and parking.
Red Kite, Brown Box
When: Beginning Feb. 29
Where: Chicago
A live theater experience that leads children with autism and their caregivers on an imaginative journey where simple cardboard boxes transform into a magical world full of treasures and joyous play. $12. noon & 1:30 p.m. Saturdays beginning Feb. 29. Chicago Children's Theatre, Chicago.
Sensory Friendly Showing of Disney's Onward
When: March 7
Where: Naperville
Join the Special Needs Mom Squad for a sensory-friendly screening in a private event just for families with children and young adults with special needs. It includes fewer trailers, lights dimmed to twilight and reduced sound. Each ticket includes one admission, either a bottle of water or can of soda and individual sized popcorn. Doors open at 10 a.m., show starts at 10:30 a.m. $15.50. Hollywood Palms Cinema, WestRidge Court.
Sensory Saturdays
When: March 7, April 18
Where: Chicago
Field Museum opens the Crown Family PlayLab early just for families with special needs. While the playlab is geared toward young children, there are opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. Siblings, family members and caregivers welcome. 9-10 a.m. Free with advance registration, but space is limited. Register at accessibilityeducator@fieldmuseum.org.
BrightSide Theatre: Disney’s Frozen, Jr.
When: March 7
Where: Naperville
BrightSide Theatre’s Youth Project offers an audio described performance and touch tour at the 2 p.m. show on March 7, bringing Elsa, Anna and Arendelle to life onstage. $10 students, $15. The Naperville Lions Club has made tickets free March 7 for individuals who are blind or have low vision and their group. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays March 7-15. Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville.
Play for All
When: March 14
Where: Chicago
Held the second Saturday of every month, children and families with special needs can experience Chicago Children’s Museum’s inclusive, multi-sensory exhibits and programs in a quiet environment. The museum opens one hour early, at 9 a.m., for preregistered guests. The first 250 visitors to register receive free admission.
"Chords for Kids" A Concert for Children with Autism
When: March 28
Where: Naperville
North Central College hosts its 12th annual free concert for children with special needs. The music includes a range of classical pieces to popular tunes. Chords for Kids concert, the 12th annual free concert for children with special needs and their families. Free. but tickets are required. 7 p.m., Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave.
Zoo Goes Blue for Autism
When: April 4
Where: Brookfield
Brookfield Zoo is collaborating with Autism Speaks to take part in the annual Zoo Goes Blue campaign. The zoo’s iconic lion statues will be clothed in blue scarves and blue flags will decorate the park’s grounds. Throughout the day, special Zoo Goes Blue activities will take place for families with children on the autism spectrum, including a quiet hour on the Carousel, a sensory-friendly Dolphins in Action presentation, and special animal Zoo Chats.
Family Fun Saturdays at Brookfield Zoo, Spring Session
When: April 18-May 16
Where: Brookfield
Participants are invited to come to the Hamill Family Play Zoo to connect with animals, nature, and their peers in a low-sensory environment before the zoo opens. The program 9-10 a.m. for five consecutive Saturdays. Each Saturday will have facilitated activities with Play Zoo staff, and support from therapists from Easter Seals in Joliet. Registration opens March 5 and is required. Once the session is full a wait-list option will be offered. $25 per family for the session, includes admission and parking.
Low-Sensory Early Exploration
When: April 26, June 14
Where: Chicago
The Museum of Science and Industry offers guests with special needs a time to explore the exhibits in a sensory-friendly environment 8:30-9:30 a.m. Advance registration offers free museum entry, access to the Idea Factory, Farm Tech and Circus exhibits. Special exhibits are also open and announced closer to the date. The entire museum will be altered to be more sensory-friendly until noon with additional accommodations and a designated quiet area. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.
Touch A Truck
When: May 2
Where: Glen Ellyn
Climb inside dump trucks, fire trucks, police cars, and other vehicles seen on the road and at construction sites. There will be be horn free visit from 11:30 a.m.-noon for those with sensitive ears or who don’t like loud noises. Free. Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave., Glen Ellyn.
Calm Waters
When: May 13
Where: Chicago
Calm Waters is an exclusive event for people with special needs to explore Shedd Aquarium’s exhibits and experiences in a comfortable and accepting environment. Capacity is limited and entry is streamlined. Guests get exclusive access to the Abbott Oceanarium until 10 a.m., and there will be a Low Sensory Aquatic Presentation at 10:30 a.m. $24.95. 8-10 a.m. Feb. 9, 4:30-7 p.m. May 13. Modifications for this event will include limited capacity and streamlined entry with advance registration.
Everyone at Play
When: May 31
Where: Glenview
Kohl Children’s Museum opens to families with special needs to allow them to enjoy calm, collaborative play when the museum is closed to the general public. Museum staff is on hand for play support and guidance and a quiet room is provided. Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy will be on site for one-on-one sessions. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Space is limited. 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview.
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