Goodman Theatre
A Christmas Carol
Fall 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.
Holiday Express - Special Needs Night
When: Nov. 30
Where: Aurora
Enjoy all the fun of Holiday Express in a low-sensory environment. No waiting in lines. Instead, guests will experience a setup that's sensitive to special needs families, with reduced lighting and music. Blackberry Farm is ADA compliant, but note that the hay wagon is non-handicap accessible. Food and drinks available for purchase. See Lake Gregory and Blackberry Farm in all its holiday glory amid the twinkling lights and songs of Christmas. Back in the village, enjoy storytelling of the classics, festive decorations, reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides and a visit with Santa. And don't miss Adventure Playground – decorated as Candy Cane Village. $5. 5-8 p.m. Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora.
Special Kids Holiday Party
When: Dec. 5
Where: Elmhurst
Free annual party for children of all ages with disabilities and their families in an environment planned for the unique needs of special kids. Face painting, balloon sculpting, arts & craft projects, a Lego room, live music, storytelling, delicious homemade cookies and even a quiet room. Every child goes home with a keepsake photograph with Santa and a gift bag. 3:30-8 p.m. Wilder Mansion, 211 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst; specialkidsday.org
Play For All
When: Dec. 8
Where: Chicago
Kids and families with disabilities can experience Chicago Children’s Museum’s inclusive, multi-sensory exhibits the second Saturday of every month. The museum opens one hour early, at 9 a.m., for pre-registered guests. The vist 250 people to register receive free admission. For more information and accommodation requests, call the Play For All hotline at (312) 464-8249 or email [email protected]
The Nutcracker
When: Dec. 12
Where: Elgin
The holiday performances, 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, feature Anima Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus, professional dancers and actors from around the world and an inclusive program for children with special needs. Elgin Community College Visual & Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Open Play for Children with Special Needs
When: Dec. 14
Where: Oak Park
Wonder Works Children’s Museum opens late, 5-7 p.m., for children 0-8 and their families with special needs. This month the art room will have special holiday crafts.
A Christmas Carol Sensory-Friendly/Relaxed Performance
When: Dec. 29
Where: Chicago
The Goodman welcomes families with members who have autism or other social, cognitive and physical challenges that create sensory sensitivities. The 2 p.m. performance includes dimmed house lights and open doors for easy exit, lower sound levels and reduction of strobe lighting, designated quiet areas in the lobby areas, limited crowds and visitors and trained staff for families’ needs.
