Summer 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 Garden Playground Play Days
When: July 20, Aug. 17
Where: Lisle
Play Days, held at the universally accessible playground in the DuPage County Forest Preserve's Danada South area, are filled with storytelling, giveaways, Teddy bear check-ups by the DuPage Medical Group and free play for all. Currently the space houses a 2- to 5-year-old playground, fragrance garden, sound garden, interactive art sculptures and a central gathering space. 10 a.m.-noon. 2751 Navistar Drive, Lisle.
Disability Pride Parade
When: July 20
Where: Chicago
This annual event generates national visibility for the disability community. Parade begins at 11 a.m. and marches west on Van Buren to Dearborn and north on Dearborn to Washington (Daley Plaza). Post-parade celebration takes place on Daley Plaza at 12:30 p.m. Free.
Chicagoland Autism Connection Annual Water Park Outing
When: July 20
Where: Aurora
Two hours of family fun at Splash Country water park during the annual outing. $8-$15, price includes a meal. 5:30-8 p.m. 195 S. Barnes Road, Aurora.
Autism Inclusion Night at Chicago White Sox
When: July 24
Where: Chicago
Fans living with sensory regulation needs can enjoy a special baseball experience for a Sox game against Miami. There will be no fireworks during the game. Fans will have access to the White Sox's Sensory Room and KultureCity Sensory Bags. A portion of the proceeds from the game will be donated to Autism Speaks. 7:10 p.m. Visit website for group tickets. Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W. 35th St., Chicago.
Special Needs Night at Centennial Beach
When: July 28
Where: Naperville
Families with individuals who have special needs are invited to enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening outside normal hours. The shallow end and shallow-end slide will be open. No registration required. Visit the website for details. $3. 6:30-8 p.m. Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville.
Great Therapy Playdate
When: Aug. 4
Where: Chicago, Northbrook
Coordinated, open house-style playdate arranged by C.I.T.Y. of Support for children in therapy and their siblings in fun, inclusive spaces that allow parents to mingle and learn about resources available to them. 10-11 a.m., Play and Say Therapy, 6553 N. Avondale Ave., Chicago, and Autism Home Support Services, 85 Revere Drive, Suite AA, Northbrook. Registration required for the free event.
The Music Man Sensory-Friendly Performance
When: Aug. 10
Where: Chicago
The Goodman Theatre creates a judgment-free zone so that people with special needs can enjoy a performance of The Music Man. For this performance, there will be lower sound levels, reduction in strobe lights and no restrictions on talking or leaving during the performance for a break in the designated quiet areas. Social stories and other resources available. Best for ages 6 and up. In the show, con man Harold Hill assumes he can easily fleece the citizens of River City, Iowa, with the grand promise of a marching band. Throughout the show, the smooth-talking swindler learns a thing or two about moral responsibility—and unexpectedly enriches the town with a love of music. 2 p.m. Aug. 10. Tickets start at $15 with the code SENSORY. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.
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