March Special Needs Calendar

Children with special needs don’t need to miss out on regular fun and open play. 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.

March Special Needs Calendar

Weekly Events for Children with Special Needs:

Links provided are for the first event of the month. See the full calendar to find specific dates.

Sensory Open Gym
Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Therapeutic Links, 998 Progress Drive, Grayslake
All children and their parents are able to use the gym equipment to practice their skills or just to get some energy out. Parents must be present to supervise their children during this time. $5/ child. Please RSVP!

LMNOP (0-3)
Every Friday, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
GiGi’s Playhouse, Bannockburn Green, 2511 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn
Language, Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP) guides parents and infants through learning basic sign language and through incorporating music and dance therapy into daily activities, to stimulate the child.

Open Play
Every Saturday, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
GiGi’s Playhouse, Bannockburn Green, 2511 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn
Hosted by our Youth Board, Open Play is the perfect opportunity to visit with other families and enjoy the playhouse in a fun, friendly, casual setting.

Single Day Events for Children with Special Needs

Sensory Sensitive Sundays
1 March, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Chuck E. Cheese, 700 N. Milwaukee, Vernon Hills
Sensory Sunday events include a trained and caring staff that works to ensure each guest has a fun-filled visit.

Special Needs Family Night
3 March 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Rockin’ Jump, 950 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove
A sensory-friendly environment for all guests. $15 for unlimited jump, chaperone’s jump for free. 

Sensory Friendly Playdate
5 March, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Busy Brains Children’s Museum Pop-up, Grayslake Heritage Center, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake
This is a low sensory event where children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders can explore the museum without the noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical day. We limit the number of families who can attend, turn down sounds, provide remove loud exhibits, and provide quieter options. Regular admission, $5, and RSVP required.

Sensory Hour
6 March 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 differentlyabled. 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.

Inclusive Community Friendship Event
7 March 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
River Trails Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook
Bring your friends to explore River Trail Nature Center. Misericordia residents who are part of the Wildlife Connections Program will be there to host some hands-on stations where kids can touch a variety of animal artifacts.  RSVP requested.

Sensory Storytime
7 March 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
* registration required *
Warren Newport Public Library, 24 City W20, Gurnee
Sensory Storytime for families with children 3-9 who are on the spectrum or have multi-sensory needs.  The program provides a welcoming environment for children to enjoy a story and other fun activities.  Siblings welcome.

Sensory Friendly Showing of Onward
8 March, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Antioch Theatre, 378 Lake St., Antioch
The Antioch Movie Theatre presents a sensory-friendly movie for children and adults with special needs and their families. The Disney Pixar movie ONWARD will be showing. Tickets are available at the box office. RSVP is NOT required for this movie. Tickets are $6 and full refunds are provided until 10:30 a.m.

Child Development Screening
14 March 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Zion-Benton Public Library, 400 Gabriel Ave., Zion
Screen your child to see if they are on the right track in 5 key areas (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving & personal-social).  Afterward, receive information on activities you can do with your child to enhance their growth and support their development. Drop-ins accepted but registration preferred. Appointments take ~20 minutes. Cuestionario en Espaňol también.

AMC Sensory Friendly Films 
14 & 20 March 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
AMC Theatres in Northbrook Court 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! 

Destination Discovery
25 March 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Gigi’s Playhouse at Bannockburn Green, 2511 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn
Supports the development of fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social skills and language through purposeful play and peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also brings families together to share experiences and build relationships. All ages welcome.

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

Download a printable calendar of this month’s events. Click on the image to download and save a copy to print off or share with other families:

Download the March Special Needs Calendar.