July Lake County Special Needs Calendar

The Lake County Special Needs Calendar is sponsored by Pediatric Interactions and Therapeutic Links offering services together and individually in Speech, Occupational and developmental therapies in Lake and McHenry Counties.

We’ve rounded up this month’s events for families and children with special needs. Unless otherwise stated, all events require preregistration. See the event listings for more information and to register.

July Events for Children with Special Needs

Weekly Events for Children with Special Needs

Links are provided to the first event in the series.

Friday Night Dance Party
Every Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Denise Sabala Dance Studios, 560 W. Main St., Lake Zurich
This 45-minute class is catered to special needs students. Explore your body’s space around you through rhythm, music, socialization, and dancing.

Open Play
Every Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
GiGi’s Playhouse, 5404 W. Elm St., McHenry
Families and their friends are invited to the playhouse for playtime. Open play helps promote positive beginnings for new families with a child with Down syndrome, creates awareness opportunities for peers and friends, and provides support and networking for families. Come ready for fun and a crazy good time! Open to families with children of all ages and their friends.

Monkey Group – Summer Session*registration required*
8 July – 1 August Tuesdays, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Pediatric Interactions, 649 Barron Blvd., Grayslake| (847) 223-7433
*registration required* 
A pre-preschool alternative or addition to an early preschool class providing a supportive environment for a child’s first time away from parents in a structured program. The group includes implementation of individualized supports, facilitated by a speech/language pathologist and developmental therapists. For children ages 2-3, $35 per day.

Special Events for Children with Special Needs

Special Needs Family Night
2 July, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Rockin’ Jump, 950 Busch Pkwy, Buffalo Grove
$10 first child, $5 additional children, parents jump free.
A special sensory friendly environment for special families. Parents jump free.

Special Night for Special Needs
3 July, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Jump America, 880 Lakeside Drive, Gurnee
Special Needs Night is held on the first Wednesday of every month; enjoy jumping with low noise and little distraction!

Sensory Hour
5 July 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 
Raupp Museum, 901 Dunham Lane, Buffalo Grove
The Raupp Museum will be open with special activities suited to children with sensory processing issues, autism spectrum disorders, or who are differently-abled. History is for everyone; and, our staff will be on hand to help children engage with the exhibits in a supportive environment.  For children ages 3-7.

Sensory Storytime
11 July, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield
Join the library for an inclusive and interactive storytime filled with stories, songs, sensory play and socialization.

Sensory Sensitive Sundays
7 July, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Chuck E Cheese, 700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
Enjoy games and food with reduced lighting and noise. Staff is trained and caring about autism and other special needs.

AMC Sensory Friendly Films 
13 & 27 July, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
AMC Theatres in Lake in the Hills and South Barrington
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where the theaters turn the lights up and turn the sound down, so you can get up and dance, walk, shout or sing! 

Special Needs Carnival at the Taste of Antioch
19 July, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Downtown Antioch
Enjoy the carnival and the Taste of Summer Celebration. Rides will be free for up to fur family members. There will be other surprises as well! Families must register online.

Sensory-Friendly Family Film
25 July, 1:00 -3:00 p.m.
Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield
The library welcomes children of all abilities and their families to enjoy the movie Trolls with the lights turned up, the sound turned down, and the option to walk, dance and sing during the movie.

Gigi’s Playhouse Deerfield Grand Opening
27 July 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Gigi’s Playhouse, Bannockburn Green, 2511 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn
Join special guests Nancy & GiGi Gianni for a ribbon cutting and celebration. Events includes tours, information on free programs, music, bounce house, crafts and games. A fun celebration for all ages and abilities.

Sensory Story Time *RR*
31 July, 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. 
* registration required*
Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway Barrington | (847) 382-1300
Children enjoy books, music, and movement activities designed to engage the senses and build language and literacy skills. For children of all abilities. Program Room. All ages with a caregiver.

Do you know of a program or event we missed? Share it in the comments so we can add it!

Therapeutic Links is an Occupational Therapist owned and directed private practice with over 25 years of experience. Their highly trained staff is dedicated to helping individuals and their families link mind, body, and movement to improve functioning utilizing specialized treatment approaches and meaningful interaction. They pride themselves on working collaboratively with your child’s team of teachers, private professionals, and caregivers.

Therapeutic Links

(847) 548-3458 | [email protected]
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Pediatric Interactions is a Speech and Language Clinic located in Grayslake and McHenry that engages and empowers families and their children. Pediatric Interventions provides FREE developmental screenings, individual and group therapy, Early Intervention, classes, workshops, and other community resources to help children better communicate.

Pediatric Interactions
Speech/Language and Developmental Therapies

(847) 223-7433 | [email protected]
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Disclosure: Pediatric Interactions and Therapeutic Links are the paid advertising partners of the Special Needs Calendar. All thoughts and opinions are that of the writer. Interested in having your business featured? Contact us today.