Sensory Friendly Chicago

Having lived in the Chicago area most of my life, and raising a child on the Autism Spectrum, I wanted to put together a list of sensory-friendly tourist attractions, ongoing events and resources to help those with Autism and/or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) enjoy everything our city and surrounding suburbs offer. While most of these could be found online already, I thought that having them all in one place would be beneficial! (Please note: this list is an ongoing labor of love and it was just started in September 2017. Please feel free to leave comments with any other resources you know of so I can add them to this list.)

Museums

 

Chicago Children’s Museum (Chicago)

• Play for All Events- held the second Saturday of every month (pre-registration required)
• The Storybook Guide– specifically designed for children with developmental disabilities, the guide describes each of Chicago Children’s Museum’s exhibits
• Museum map (includes areas to calm an overstimulated child)
• Assistive devices like sound-reducing headphones, personal museum schedules and visual rule cards are available at museum’s admission desk

The Field Museum (Chicago)

• Offers Sensory Saturdays, a sensory-friendly morning of hands-on exploration and discovery. Free with prior registration.
• The Field for All app- helps families and groups, including visitors with autism and disabilities, plan their visit. (Downloads- iOS & Android)

Museum of Science & Industry (Chicago)

• To request accommodations or get tips for visiting (like when the quietest time to visit is) call the museum at (773) 684-1414

Zoos & Aquariums

 

Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield)

• Visual Schedule Book
• Visual Schedule Book for Hamill Family Play Zoo
• Map of quiet space locations
• Butterflies! Social Story
• Dolphins in Action Social Story
• Living Coast Social Story

Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago)

• LPZ offers a list of things to know about each building’s sensory experience at the bottom of this page including information of crowds, noise, and smells.

Shedd Aquarium (Chicago)

• Sensory Friendly App

Play Spots

 

LEGOLAND (Schaumburg)

• Play Well Days– sensory friendly LEGO® experience on the first Saturday of every month between 8:30am – 10:00am.
• Quiet spaces can be provided on request for guests sensitive to sensory stimuli.

Pump It Up (Orland Park)

• Sensory Jump is the first Monday of every month from 6:15pm – 8:15pm

 Theatres

 

AMC Theatres (Various Locations)

• Sensory Friendly Films are available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.

Marcus Theatres (Various Locations)

• Reel Movies for Real Needs are available one or two Saturdays a month