Field 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.
NOTE: We're updating our calendar as quickly as we can with any event changes or cancellations due to COVID-19 concerns. We advise you to call ahead to make sure the event is still happening. If you know of an event listed that has been canceled, please let us know.
Family Night Out
When: 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.
Tourette Expert Panel
When: April 18
Where: Northbrook
While parents learn about Tourette Syndrome and get their special education questions answered, Tourette Syndrome Camp USA will offer supervised activities including bowling and crafts for kids ages 6-16. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Pinstripes, 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook.
Sensory Saturdays
When: 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.
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.
Great Therapy Playdate
When: April 19
Where: Various locations
A free one-hour playdate for kids in inclusive spaces while parents mingle and explore resources in their community. This playdate will be held in four locations 10-11 a.m.: Northwest Suburbs: Central Speech & Language Clinic, 4160 IL Route 83, Suite 304, Long Grove; North Suburbs: Therapediatrics, 200 N. Fairway Drive, Suite 208, Vernon Hills; West Suburbs: C.A.B.S. Autism and Behavior Specialists, 975 W. Hawthorn Drive, Itasca; Chicago: Autism Home Support Services, Autism Center-Lakeview, 2762 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.
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.
Touch A Truck
When: May 2
Where: Glen Ellyn
Climb inside dump trucks, fire trucks, police cars, and other vehicles seen on the road and at construction sites. There will be be horn free visit from 11:30 a.m.-noon for those with sensitive ears or who don’t like loud noises.
Calm Waters
When: 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.
Sensory Friendly Comedy Sportz
When: May 24
Where: Chicago
ComedySportz pits two teams of improv comedians against each other in a battle for points & laughs, based entirely on audience suggestions. Custom designed to be more accessible for individuals and families who will benefit from a relaxed and supportive environment, the sensory-friendly shows include a pre-visit social story and preparatory materials for parents and children, glow sticks raised when a loud noise is coming, reduction of the sound and bright lights on stage, low lighting in the theater, limited crowds and spaced out seating to allow more comfort, three designated break spaces and relaxed house rules.
Everyone at Play
When: 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.
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