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.
Family Night Out
When: Jan. 25, 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 Times at Enchanted Railroad
When: Every Tuesday and Sunday Jan. 21-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.
Sensory Friendly Mornings at the Play Zoo
When: Jan. 26, 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.
ComedySportz sensory-friendly performance
When: Jan. 26
Where: Chicago
Chicago’s longest-running, game-based improv comedy show is recommended for ages 7 and older. $25. 2 p.m. Saturday. ComedySportz Theatre, Chicago. (773) 549-8080.
Special Needs Book Club: Grades 4-8
When: Jan. 28, 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.
Play Well Days
When: Feb. 1
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 Game Day
When: Feb 1
Where: Warrenville
Kids and adults with special needs and their families can enjoy games like Pixar Bingo, Connect4, bowling, Trax Cars and basketball. Snacks and drinks provided. 3-5 p.m. Free, but RSVP required. Grace Church of DuPage, 27W344 Galusha Ave., Warrenville.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical Sensory-Friendly Performance
When: Feb. 2
Where: Northbrook
Find out what happens when a favorite stuffed bunny is left at the laundromat! Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical includes singing, adventure, puppets and of course, dancing laundry. The sensory-friendly performance is structured to enhance accessibility for audience members and families with various sensitivities. Adjustments will be made, such as dimming the house lights instead of turning them off, reducing the volume of recorded sound during noisy moments and allowing audience members to talk and leave their seats during the performance. All seating will be general admission to better accommodate individual family needs and the lobby will be available as a quiet space for taking a break from the production. Families also are welcome to bring their own seat cushions, comfort objects and other support items during the show. 2-3 p.m. $14. Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook.
Play for All
When: Feb. 8, 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.
Valentine's Party for Children with Disabilities
When: Feb. 8
Where: Oak Lawn
This event is a low-key party for children with disabilities and their parents to experience the fun of the museum with a little Valentine's fun. Events include animals from Erin's Farm, crafts, cookie decorating, refreshments and a dance party. 6-8 p.m. Free but RSVP required.Children's Museum in Oak Lawn, 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn.
Dance Fever Dance
When: Feb. 8
Where: Forest Park
Sponsored by Answers Inc., this pre-Valentine's Day dance includes a DJ, line dance instructors and prizes for best outfit. Wear Valentine's Day colors. $10, food included. 5-9 p.m. Feb. 8. Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 W. Jackson, Forest Park. Call (708) 296-5651 to reserve a spot.
Calm Waters
When: Feb. 9, 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.
Special Needs Family Dance at Marquette
When: Feb. 15
Where: Chicago
Families with special needs members can put on dancing shoes for the Family Valentine's Day Dance. Free. 2-4:30 p.m. Marquette Park.
Everyone at Play
When: Feb. 16, 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.
We Love Our C.I.T.Y Valentine's Event
When: Feb. 16
Where: Hanover Park
Family-friendly Valentine's activities and resource fair in the morning and education series for parents and professionals in the afternoon hosted by C.I.T.Y. of Support and Northwest Special Recreation Association. The theme this year is music and movement. Kids will also enjoy a Valentine's Day-themed obstacle course, plus music and movement activities and an interactive resource fair. In the afternoon, parents and professionals will learn how to incorporate music and movement into therapy and everyday routines. Registration is free for families, nominal charge for professionals. Limited free child care for parents on first-come, first serve basis. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Hanover Park Park District Community Center & Park, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park.
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 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.
"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.
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.
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