Liz Lauren
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.
Sensory Friendly Playdate
When: Nov. 20
Where: Vernon Hills
Busy Brains Children’s Museum Pop-up in Hawthorn Mall is hosting a sensory friendly playtime for kids with autism or sensory processing disorders. It will turn down the sound and lights, remove loud exhibits and provide quieter options 4-6 p.m. $5 per child, parents free. 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills.
Sensory-friendly 'A Christmas Carol'
When: Nov. 23
Where: Chicago
A Christmas Carol performed just for families with special needs with lower sounds, lights on low, designated quiet areas, trained staff, sensory bags to check out (ID required) and no shushing rules.2-4 p.m. Tickets start at $15 with promo code SENSORY. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.
Sensory-friendly Frozen 2 Movie Premier
When: Nov. 23
Where: Bolingbrook
Join the Special Needs Mom Squad for a special showing of Frozen 2 for families with children and young adults with special needs. Doors open at 10 a.m. for meet and greet, movie begins at 11 a.m. In this special event, previews are eliminated, audio is reduced and lights are brought down to twilight. $15. Admission includes private Meet and Greet with Elsa, Anna and Kristoff with professional photography included. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. IPIC Bolingbrook, 619 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook.
Royal's Golden Differently-Abled Ball
When: Nov. 24
Where: Buffalo Grove
Come dressed in your best for Royal's Golden Ball for an afternoon filled with princesses of Royal Princess Parties, singing, treats and fun. Kids 12 and under may wear costumes. Best for kids 3-10. Adults should not wear character costumes but may dress in formal attire. $25 per couple, $14 additional guests. 2-3:30 p.m., Nov. 24. Astoria Banquets & Events, 1375 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove.
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Santa House Special Needs Night
When: Dec. 2-4, Dec. 12
Where: Naperville
Santa's little house on the Naperville Riverwalk will be occupied by Santa and kids can visit and have their photo taken. 5-8 p.m. Reservations open 9 a.m., Nov. 11. Free, photos $8 or two for $15.
Special Kids Holiday Party
When: Dec. 4
Where: Elmhurst
This annual party for children with special needs includes a visit with Santa, cookies, arts and crafts and a Lego room. Every child goes home with a keepsake photograph with Santa and a gift bag. Free. 3:30-8 p.m. Dec. 4. Wilder Mansion, Elmhurst.
Holiday Express - Special Needs Night
When: Dec. 6
Where: Aurora
Enjoy all the fun of Blackberry Farm's 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 the hay wagon is non-handicap accessible. Food and drinks available for purchase. $5. 5-8 p.m. Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora.
Play Well Days
When: Dec. 7
Where: Schaumburg
Legoland Discovery Center and Autism Speaks offers a sensory-friendly experience the first Saturday of every month for families with autism or sensory disorders. Play Well Days feature reduced sound and light, quiet spaces, limited number of guests, earplugs upon request and a trained staff. $15. 8:30-10 a.m. (Doors open to the public at 10 a.m.) Legoland Discovery Center Chicago, 601 N. Martingale Road, Suite 130, Schaumburg.
Special Needs Archery Class
When: Dec. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: The Archery Place, 1725 Crescent Lake Drive, Montgomery
Kids with special needs get a unique time with Santa learning basic archery skills. Limited spots available. Parents may be asked to help depending on their child’s needs.
Sensory Friendly Holiday Concert
When: Dec. 9
Where: Palatine
Harper College Symphony Orchestra and NWSRA hosts sensory friendly concert for people with special needs. NWSRA staff will be available to assist families before, during and after the concert. Lights will be kept low, wiggling and noises will be tolerated. Members from the orchestra will be in the lobby prior to the concert, playing music and sharing information about their instrument. Autism Movement Therapy will also be demonstrated in the lobby. $5. Purchase tickets at the NWSRA Office, 3000 Central Road, #205, Rolling Meadows or at (847) 392-2848. 7-7:45 p.m. Harper College Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine.
Deaf Teen Holiday Party
When: Dec. 13
Where: Chicago
Enjoy a fun-filled night of holiday games and activities for deaf and hard-of-hearing teens. Free. 4-9 p.m. Dec. 13. Sauganash Park, Chicago.
All is Calm
When: Dec. 13
Where: Hammond, Ind.
Santa is making a special trip for kids with autism or other special needs. He will be positioned off "Santa's Mountain for this event. Kids can write letters to Santa, make crafts, enjoy the lighted Christmas trees and the exhibit, “A Christmas Story” Comes Home." Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond (just a few miles over Illinios state line.)
Play for All
When: Dec. 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.
Breakfast with Mr. & Mrs. Deaf Santa
When: Dec. 14
Where: Chicago
Children with all types of hearing loss will meet and eat with Santa. $5, free 5 and under. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 14. Archer Park.
Family Night Out
When: Dec. 15
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.
Everyone at Play
When: Jan. 12
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.
Sensory Saturdays
When: Jan. 25
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.
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