Chicago Zoological Society
Special animal Zoo Chats are scheduled during Brookfield Zoo’s autism awareness day event.
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.
Family Night Out
When: March 19
Where: Naperville
An evening of play and learning for children with special needs and their families, focusing on autism spectrum and other sensory processing disorders as well as physical disabilities. Registration required 5:30-8 p.m. DuPage Children's Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000.
Sensory-Friendly Mornings
When: March 23, May 25
Where: Brookfield
The Hamill Family Play Zoo in the Brookfield Zoo will open one hour early for preregistered guests with special needs to enjoy the zoo. Guests receive free admission and free parking for the day. 9-10 a.m.
Caring Bunny
When: March 31, April 7
Where: Schaumburg
Only a few spots remaining. During Caring Bunny events at Woodfield Mall, many steps are taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for children’s visit with the Easter Bunny. The subdued environment typically includes turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators near the photo set, dimming the lights and shutting down fountains; eliminating queue lines with a numbering system whereby guests approach the set when their number is called; and special activities geared toward the needs of guests during the ‘wait’ period. Free. 8-10 a.m. March 31 & April 7.
Red Kite Green Mountain
When: March 1-23
Where: Chicago
An interactive, immersive theatrical production designed for young people with autism and sensory sensitivities and their families. With the flora and fauna of the Green Mountain State of Vermont as its inspiration, audiences explore nature while experiencing “impressionistic and fantastical” animal puppetry. For ages 6-21. $20-$45 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Fridays, noon & 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 1-23. The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago.
NPN Developmental Differences Resource Fair
When: March 31
Where: Chicago
This event brings together service providers, school options, and nonprofits in one place that focus on serving parents of children with developmental differences. Browse the exhibit hall and attend free parent workshops on topics such as IEPs, cyberbullying and finding the right physician or clinician for your child. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., DePaul College Prep, 3633 N. California, Chicago.
Zoo Goes Blue for Autism
When: April 6
Where: Brookfield
Brookfield Zoo is collaborating with Autism Speaks to take part in the annual Zoos 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 be taking 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. For more information, call (708) 688-8000.
You Raise Me Up Concert
When: April 6
Where: Wheaton
Several choirs and musical acts will perform popular music and Special Olympic star athletes will be on hand to talk about their winning experiences and show off their medals. $10. 3-5 p.m. College Church, 335 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton.
Caring Bunny
When: April 7
Where: Orland Park
Caring Bunny provides an exclusive, subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families. Only a few spots remain for this free event (photos available for purchase.) Caring Bunny will be located in the JCPenney Wing, Lower Level, of Orland Square Mall, 288 Orland Square, Orland Park.
Bunny Cares
When: April 7
Where: West Dundee
People with special needs and their families have a private photo session with the Easter bunny at Spring Hill Mall. Free to visit. Extra care will be taken to limit sensory issues for families with sensory, developmental and physical needs during the event. Limited timed tickets available. 9-11 a.m.
Sensitive Bunny
When: April 7
Where: Lincolnwood
Families with children with special needs will have a subdued environment to participate in the Bunny Photo Experience. Many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for a visit with the Bunny. Lincolnwood Town Center, 3333 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood.
Easter Egg Hunt for Children with Disabilities
When: April 7
Where: Oak Lawn
Children who cannot successfully participate in community Easter egg hunts have an opportunity to experience a hunt designed especially for them. Also features games, crafts and an animal “show and tell.” Free, RSVP required. Children's Museum in Oak Lawn, 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn.
Play for All
When: April 13
Where: Chicago
Held the second Saturday of every month, children and families with special needs can experience Chicago Children’s Museum’s inclusive, multisensory exhibits and programs in a quiet environment. The museum opens one hour early, at 9 a.m., for pre-registered guests. The first 250 visitors to register receive free admission.
Bunny Cares
When: April 14
Where: Calumet City
People with special needs and their families will enjoy a private photo session with the Easter bunny during dedicated hours in sensory-friendly environment for those on the spectrum or who have developmental or physical needs. Limited spots available. Free visit, photos extra. 9-10:30 a.m. River Oaks Center, near Macy's Court, 96 River Oaks Center Drive, Calumet City.
Great Therapy Playdates
When: April 14
Where: Chicago, Vernon Hills, Arlington Heights, Naperville
C.I.T.Y. of Support is sponsoring the Great Therapy Playdates, coordinated, open-house style playdates where children in therapy and their siblings can play in the fun, inclusive space and parents can mingle, all while exploring clinical resources in the community. The Playdates will be 10-11 a.m. at City of Chicago: Kids on the Grow, 2157 N. Damen Ave #2C, Chicago, Arlington Pediatric Therapy, 3105 N. Wilke Road, Arlington Heights, CCS Pediatric Therapy & Family Wellness, 10 W. Phillip Road, Suite 103, Vernon Hills, and Positive Behavioral Connections, 2323 Naperville Road, #265, Naperville. Registration is required.
Beeping Egg Hunt
The Chicago Lighthouse Vision Rehabilitation Center (The Chicago Lighthouse North) is offering a free and unique egg hunt 1-3 p.m. April 28. Families meet at Hoffman Elementary School, 2000 Harrison St., Glenview, to participate in an exciting search for colorful sound-producing eggs. This experience will give children the opportunity to move and use their senses in an outdoor setting. To RSVP, email shelle.hamer@chicagolighthouse.org or call (847) 510-6200.
Calm Waters
When: May 6
Where: Chicago
Shedd Aquarium's Calm Waters allows people with special needs to explore the exhibits and experiences in a comfortable and accepting environment. Modifications include limited capacity and streamlined entry with advance registration. Family members and companions welcome. $24.95, call (312) 939-2438 to request complimentary companion ticket for paid personal care attendants. 4:30-7:30 p.m. May 6. Call (312) 692-3315 for special accommodation requests.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
