Inclusive Fun for Children With Special Needs Around Chicago
We've started a list of wonderful programs and places all around Chicago that offer activities and opportunities to play specially tailored for families and children with special needs.
From sensory friendly movie screenings to dedicated play times at trampoline parks, therapeutic riding programs and more, children of ALL abilities are invited to play in more accommodating and comfortable environments at these local gems.
Help improve our parent-to-parent resource by commenting on any programs you've enjoyed with your family below, and recommend any favorites we've missed so we can add them to the list!
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Ready Set Ride
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.
Plainfield, IL
1 review
DuPage Children's Museum - Adaptive Play Time
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.
Naperville, IL
1 review
Freddie Herriman Pederson Splashpad
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.
Barrington, ILOpen seasonally
1 review
Discovery Center Museum - Fun for Everyone
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.
Rockford, IL
1 review
Past Events (1)
Blue Man Group Chicago - Sensory-Friendly Performance
carolinae said: Blue Man Group is proud to announce the return of its annual sensory-friendly performance in Chicago. Slight modifications will be made to the performance at the Briar Street Theatre in order to create a sensory-friendly show that better accommodates individuals and families affected by autism. As part of the audience offerings for the sensory-friendly performance, the Briar Street Theatre will be transformed into a calming environment complete with bean bags, dim lighting and quiet corners for anyone seeking a sensory break from the excitement of the show.
Blue Man Group has partnered with Sloomoo Institute, an experiential destination in River North that taps into the joy of multi-sensory play through hand-crafted artisanal slime, to host pre-show sensory play activations utilizing its signature slime and kinetic sand in the theater lobby. All audience members will also receive a complimentary 1-ounce jar of slime to take home with them post-show. During the performance, sound levels will be reduced at select moments and noise reducing headphones will be available for individuals upon request.
Chicago, IL4pm
1 review
Primary photo: Catherine Zaidova on Unsplash
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