Inclusive Fun for Children With Special Needs Around Chicago

Shila said:  Play For All events welcome children with disabilities and their families to the Chicago Children's Museum an hour before it opens to the public, where they can enjoy exclusive access to the playful, interactive and multi-sensory exhibits at one of Chicago's popular kid-friendly museums, located at Navy Pier. In 2022, Dare2Tri will also be hosting special programming around adaptive sports.

Pre-registration is required, and the first 500 visitors to register receive FREE admission!

2nd Saturday of every month

Shila said:  In partnership with the Autism Society, AMC offers Sensory Friendly Film times where the movie room lights remain on and the sound is turned down. Guests are welcome to freely get up, move around, and speak as they wish during the show. Simply check the showtimes at your participating AMC Theatre. Family-friendly films air on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

2nd & 4th Saturday of the month

Lisa R said:  Second City offers several improv classes specifically geared towards students with autism and anxiety. The class for students with autism focuses on storytelling and team building exercises that help students build confidence and develop communication skills.

Alexandra F. said:  The dream of flight is accessible to all at iFly's All Abilities Night, a supportive and inclusive program designed especially for those with physical and cognitive challenges. The event package includes a pre-flight training session, all necessary flight gear (suit, helmet, goggles) and two flights per flyer. Specially trained instructors will provide assistance and individualized attention and accommodations based on the participant's needs.

Lisa R said:  Keen Chicago is a non profit that provides free recreational programming to children and young adults with physical or developmental disabilities. Keen pairs participants with coaches and volunteers who help them have fun and build new skills. Programs are based around sports, music, or art and include a mix of group and individually tailored activities that are inclusive, age-appropriate, non-competitive, open and flexible.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Lifeline Theatre offers special performances as well as various accessibility services to help make their shows accessible to everyone. Services include audio-described performances, closed-captions, transcriptions, accessible seating and parking for those with mobility disabilities, and autism/sensory friendly performances.

Shila said:  Sky Zone is a popular chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, Ultimate Dodgeball, joust, ninja warrior courses, Stunt Zone (parkour), Sky Wars, and more.

Kids of all ages are welcome to free-play during Sensory Sensitive Times. These monthly recurring times are quieter and toned-down with dim lights and no music.

Shila said:  Marcus Theatres' Reel Movies for Reel Needs is a specially designed program to serve families with special needs. They create a welcoming and comfortable environment to watch first run movies with lower sound and with the lights on. Assisted listening devices and closed captions also are available at select locations.

Shila said:  Freedom Woods offers therapeutic riding sessions for those looking to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of riding along with miles of beautiful horseback riding trails.

Kristy Pepping said:  Sky High Sports has tons of jumping surfaces for hoops, dodgeball, flopping into giant foam pits, and an exclusive "small kids" jump area. Every Tuesday, jumpers with special needs (along with their families or therapist) are welcome to enjoy a couple of hours with dimmed lights and no music. Everyone is welcome.

Every Tuesday

Lisa R said:  This inclusive gym provides kids with a positive space where they can have fun while practicing movement, sensory play and processing, and communication. The space offers a mix of creative gym equipment, such as tunnels, swings, a zip line, and trampolines as well as sensory-based toys and a craft area for building fine motor skills.

Gina I. said:  Though it started in 1990 as a holiday event to provide children with special needs an inclusive opportunity to visit with Santa, Special Kids Day has grown to a non-profit dedicated to providing various celebratory events throughout the year for families with special needs.

Shila said:  Equestrian Connection staff includes highly professional licensed therapists, therapeutic riding instructors and caring volunteers. They offer a variety of programming from art therapy to horseback riding lessons, as well as family bonding events and birthday parties.

Shila said:  Studio Movie Grill combines first-run movies and in-theater dining. Special Needs Screenings are shown with the lights up and the volume lowered. Guests are welcome to talk and move around the aisles as they please. These events are found on the schedule about once a month, and tickets are free for children with special needs and their siblings. Adult tickets are available at before-noon price.

Shila said:  Jump America has open trampoline jump space, a foam pit, dodgeball courts, and a kids zone. On the 3rd Sunday of every month, they set aside a couple of hours for jumpers with special needs, along with their families, to enjoy a quieter and more private jumping experience.

3rd Sunday of every month

Kristy Pepping said:  Ready, Set, Ride is a therapy barn offering equine therapeutic activities to children with a wide spectrum of disabilities. Certified therapeutic riding instructors as well as volunteers are there to monitor individual needs and encourage regular improvement.

Shila said:  Once a month the museum provides a modified environment for play and learning for children and their caregivers who have disabilities or sensory processing disorders. Attendance is limited, and families can expect Sensory Kits, reduced light and noise, dedicated staff to provide a supportive environment and more.

Vanessa M. said:  The Freddie Herriman Pederson Splash Pad is part of Barrington Park District's Langendorf Aquatic Center. The ADA accessible spray park was designed for children of all abilities to have a great time. Over 19 splash-worthy play features at this Chicagoland splash pad will keep kids cool and having fun for hours.

Open seasonally

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  The Discovery Center Museum offers Fun for Everyone events dedicated to visitors with special needs and their families. Fun for Everyone events occur several times throughout the year, and invite guests to enjoy the museum free of charge before the museum opens (or after it has closed) to the public.