Chicago Children's Museum
Play for All at Chicago Children's Museum
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.
Youth Sled Hockey Clinic
When: Jan. 21
Where: McFetridge Sports Center, California Park
Sled Hockey is a Paralympic Sport for individuals with physical disabilities. Players use specially designed sleds and sticks to propel themselves on the ice. The clinic will be held for individuals with physical disabilities up to 21 years old who are looking to try the sport.
Family Night Out
When: Jan. 27
Where: Naperville
An evening of play and learning for kids with special needs and their families. It allows families to experience the DuPage Children's Museum after hours with some lighting and sounds muted and additional sensory activities and cool down spaces. 5:30-8 p.m. Free with complimentary snacks and drinks. Registration is required. Space is limited to 225. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville.
Sensory Hour at Raupp Museum
When: Feb. 1
Where: Buffalo Grove
The Raupp Museum offers special activities for kids 3-7 with special needs 10-11 a.m. the first Friday of every month. Since the museum believes history is for everyone, staff will be on hand to help children enjoy the exhibits and fuel their interests. Call ahead for special accommodations or questions at (847) 850-2135.
We Love Our C.I.T.Y - A Family-Friendly Valentine's Event
When: Feb. 9
Where: We Rock the Spectrum, 553 E. Dundee Road, Palatine
A fun indoor playdate at We Rock The Spectrum Sensory Gym with 15 creative obstacle course stations and interactive games. Plus each child receives a valentine while parents receive great info from sponsors. After playing, families can complete a craft and enjoy snacks. $8. 9-11 a.m., register for specific entry time.
Valentine’s Party
When: Feb. 9
Where: Oak Lawn
The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is hosting a free, low-key Valentine’s party for kids with special needs. Plan to experience the fun of the museum, plus animals from Erin’s Farm, crafts, cookie decorating and dancing. 6-8 p.m., 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn.
X-Marks the Spot: An X-Tra Sensory Xperience’
When: Jan. 26 to Feb. 24
Where: The Station, 100 S. Racine St., Chicago
Inspired by Chicago Children's Theatre Co-Founder and Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell’s work with visually impaired CPS students, this multi-sensory performance invites everyone to use hearing, speech, touch, scent and even taste to experience this work together. This is definitely an adventure story for the whole family and, especially given CCT’s reputation of inclusivity for all audience members, it’s also an interesting opportunity to understand how live theater is experienced by visually impaired patrons.
Everyone at Play
When: Feb. 17
Where: Kohl Children's Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., 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.
Sensory Friendly Times at Enchanted Railroad
When: Feb. 5, 12, 19 (4:30-5:30 p.m.); Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 (7:30-8:30 a.m.)
Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle
The Morton Arboretum is hosting Enchanted Railroad Sensory Friendly Times for families with special needs to experience the popular display. Registration will be capped at 40 guests while the volume of railroad display noises will be reduced and sensory tools will be available. Admission to The Morton Arboretum and the Enchanted Railroad Sensory Friendly Times is waived with advanced registration. For more info, email specialevents@mortonarb.org or call (630) 719-5708.
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