Spring 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: May 18, June 15, July 20 and 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.
Family Night Out
When: May 19
Where: Naperville
An evening of play and learning for children with special needs and their families, focusing on autism spectrum and other sensory processing disorders as well as physical disabilities. Registration required 5:30-8 p.m. DuPage Children's Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000.
Play for All
When: June 8
Where: Chicago
Held the second Saturday of every month, children and families with special needs can experience Chicago Children’s Museum’s inclusive, multisensory exhibits and programs in a quiet environment. The museum opens one hour early, at 9 a.m., for pre-registered guests. The first 250 visitors to register receive free admission.
Graduation celebration
When: June 15
Where: Palatine
Because every child is graduating from something this year (a new therapy, potty training, etc.), C.I.T.Y. of Support has created a celebration that will include playtime on a climbing structure and in an imaginative play area and a performance stage with a live music and graduation ceremonies. Stations will include an arts table, balloon creations, face painting and make-your-own-trail mix bar. $5 all-access wristband. Each family receives a personalized medal celebrating the child's achievement. 3-6 p.m. Buehler YMCA, 1400 W. Northwest Highway, Palatine
Everyone at Play
When: May 19
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. Kohl Children's Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview.
Sensory-Friendly Mornings
When: May 25
Where: Brookfield
The Hamill Family Play Zoo in the Brookfield Zoo will open one hour early for preregistered guests with special needs to enjoy the zoo. Guests receive free admission and free parking for the day. 9-10 a.m.
Play Well Days
When: June 1
Where: Schaumburg
Legoland Discovery Center Chicago has teamed up with Autism Speaks for a new sensory friendly experience the first Saturday of every month 8:30-10 a.m. Sound and light levels will be reduced, quiet spaces are available and trained staff. $15. 601 N. Martingale Road, Suite 130, Schaumburg.
Sensory-Friendly Sundays
When: June 2
Where: Lisle
Sensory Friendly Sundays offer the opportunity for families with children who are 18 months to 10 years old who have sensory needs to experience a less crowded Children’s Garden with minimal noise. Registration is required. Free with arboretum admission. 8:45-9:30 a.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle.
Special Needs Night at Centennial Beach
When: June 16, 30 and July 14, 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.
Chicago Abilities Expo
When: June 21-23
Where: Schaumburg
This free expo brings the latest products and tech to Chicagoland, plus adaptive sports, performances by groups with special needs, an adaptive climbing wall, the Zot Artz experience, accessible chair yoga plus workshops covering such topics as self-care, home modifications and cannabis. Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg.
Low-Sensory Early Exploration
When: June 23
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. 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.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
