Discovering Sensory-Friendly Chicago: Top Autism Resources and Activities for Families

Navigating Chicago with children on the autism spectrum can be both rewarding and challenging. Thankfully, the Windy City offers many autism resources and activities designed for children with autism spectrum disorder. Whether you live here or are visiting, knowing about these autism resources can make a significant difference. This list of resources and things to do in Chicago can help create memorable and enjoyable outings for the whole family.

Chicago is home to many venues and organizations that offer inclusivity and accessibility for children with autism. These places have sensory-friendly hours and programs to make sure children feel comfortable. From fun attractions to sensory-friendly activities, Chicago offers a supportive environment for families.

Action Behavior Centers –  ABA Therapy For Autism has created a list of top activities in Chicago for children on the autism spectrum, highlighting venues that provide a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere.

1. Haircuts

Finding a barber or salon that understands the needs of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging. Fortunately, Chicago offers several options to cater to these needs. The staff are specially trained to handle sensory overload and have experience working with children who have developmental challenges. These locations are able to accommodate various ASD levels.

• Hair Base: 3631 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60659  
• KidSnips: 218 E. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 
• Pigtails and Crewcuts: 2660 Navy Blvd., Glenview, IL 60026 

2. Recreational Activities

Chicago offers a variety of recreational activities tailored to children on the autism spectrum. Parks, playgrounds, and indoor play areas feature sensory-friendly equipment and quiet spaces to help children feel comfortable and engaged. Many of these locations also provide autism resources for parents, making them ideal for play and child development. 

Here are some top recreational spots in the Chicago region that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for children with autism:

Swimming Pools: For children with autism, sensory-friendly pools and swim lessons offer a chance to relax and learn in a supportive space.

• Chicago Blue Dolphins: 2222 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

• JCC Chicago All-In Swim: 300 Revere Dr., Northbrook, IL 60062

• Have Dreams Instructional Swimming: Park Ridge Community Center,1515 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068

• Sensory-Friendly Pool Day: Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062

Playgrounds: These sensory-friendly playgrounds are designed for children with sensory processing challenges. They provide a serene retreat from the urban bustle. These playgrounds offer inclusive play equipment like zip lines, swings, and wheelchair-accessible spinners. Additionally, children can enjoy splash pads or enjoy musical instruments.

• Northern Island Park: 521 S. Linn White Dr., Chicago, IL 60605
• Discovery Park Playground: 1825 Short Street, Lisle, IL 60532
• Humboldt Park: 1400 North Sacramento Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
• Rehm Park: 515 Garfield Street, Oak Park, IL 60304
• Hope D. Wall School Playground: 449 W. New Indian Trail Court, Aurora, IL 60506
• Bott Community Park: 24550 W. Renwick Road, Plainfield, IL 60544
• SEBA Park: 151 S. Water Street, South Elgin, IL 60177
• Franzen Park: 730 Catalpa Avenue, Itasca, IL 60143
• Harvester Park: 15W400 Harvester Drive, Burr Ridge, IL 60527

3. Entertainment

From theaters to museums, Chicago's entertainment venues frequently host sensory-friendly events and programs tailored for children with autism spectrum disorder. These events typically feature minimal lighting and sound levels for a relaxed atmosphere. Many venues also provide autism resources like social stories and visual guides to help children prepare for their visit. These are designed to accommodate children with various types of autism, ensuring a fun experience for the whole family. 

Autism-Friendly Movie Screenings: These cinemas offer sensory-friendly showings with lower sound and dim lighting. They allow for movement and talking, making it ideal for children with autism and individuals with sensory sensitivities.

• AMC Sensory Friendly Films
• Wilmette Public Library
• Emagine

Other Activities: Several entertainment venues in Chicago, like museums, aquariums, and zoos, offer sensory-friendly times. These locations provide amenities like headsets, fidgets, and calm spaces to ensure a comfortable visit for all attendees.

• Chicago Children’s Museum
• Foss Swim School
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
• Shedd Aquarium
• The Field Museum

4. Retail and Dining

Shopping and dining out can be overwhelming for children with autism, but Chicago boasts several retail and dining establishments that offer sensory-friendly environments and trained staff. These businesses provide quiet zones and visual menus to support children with different communication abilities. 

Here are some of the best places in Chicago that cater to families with children on the autism spectrum:

Sensory-friendly shopping: 

• Walmart: Walmart has sensory-friendly shopping hours. They are from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. local time every day at all U.S. and Puerto Rico stores. During these hours, the TV walls display static images, the radios are turned off, and the lights are dimmed. These adjustments create a more comfortable shopping experience for children with sensory sensitivities.
• Build-A-Bear Workshop at Navy Pier: Build-A-Bear is sensory-friendly for the first hour on the first Tuesday of each month. It consists of minimal lighting and music, providing a calm experience for children of all ages.
  

Autism-Friendly Restaurants: 

• Brazil Express Grill: BEG has partnered with the Autism Hero Project (AHP), becoming the first autism/sensory-approved restaurant in Chicago. BEG offers quiet dining areas and flexible seating arrangements, and its staff is trained to understand autism.
• Autism Eats: Autism Eats was founded in 2015. It provides autism-friendly, nonjudgmental dining for families. It partners with local restaurants to host special-needs nights that cater to family dining. They adjust the music and lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

5. Library Resources

Chicago's libraries are more than places to borrow books. They can serve as a community hub with many resources for children with autism. Many libraries provide sensory-friendly reading sessions, adaptive technology, and autism therapy programs. They also host support groups and workshops for parents, focusing on special needs parenting and child development. Here is a list of libraries in the Chicago region that offer valuable resources to support children with autism and their families. 

• West Chicago Public Library District: The West Chicago Public Library District offers a volunteer program for high school students with special needs, providing valuable job training. They also host the Creating Connections program, an event for children with autism, sensory issues, or difficulty sitting still, every third Saturday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. To help children prepare for their first visit, the library has developed the "This Is My Library" social story. Additionally, the library provides adapted books, Braille books, e-books, and audiovisual materials.
• Warren Newport Public Library: Warren Newport Public Library hosts a monthly Sensory Storytime program, featuring sensory objects and schedules created with Boardmaker software. They also offer an unstructured Sensory Play Time. The library plans to create a "This is My Library" social story and dedicate a section of their website to resources for parents and caregivers. Additionally, they aim to collaborate with local special education classes for library and class visits.
• Schaumburg Public Library: Schaumburg Public Library offers bimonthly, sensory-friendly storytime, playgroups, and puppet shows for children age 6 and younger and their families. They also host a “Read to a Dog” program for children ages 6-14. The library features a toy lending library with sensory toys and a special needs book collection for parents and caregivers.

Chicago truly embraces inclusivity and accessibility for children on the autism spectrum. Its venues and programs are sensory-friendly, ensuring that families can have enriching experiences in a supportive environment. Exploring Chicago with your child on the autism spectrum can be fulfilling. This is thanks to the city's dedication to creating inclusive and engaging places. By tapping into these resources, families can ensure that their children thrive and enjoy all that Chicago has to offer.

Children displayed in this blog post are not associated with our ABA services. At Action Behavior Centers, we strive to provide compassionate care for children on the autism spectrum. We believe that early Intervention can be a great foundation in building a brighter future with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABC is committed to getting your child started as soon as possible because every moment counts.