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.
May Events for Children with Special Needs
Weekly Events for Children with Special Needs:
Links provided are to the first event of the month. See the full calendar to find specific dates.
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.
Single Day Events for Children with Special Needs:
Special Night for Special Needs
1 May, 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
3 May 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Raupp Museum, 901 Dunham Lane, Buffalo Grove | (847) 459-2318
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 ages 3-7.
Sensory Sensitive Sundays
5 May, 9:00 -11:00 a.m.
Chuck E Cheese Vernon Hills, 700 N Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
Enjoy games and food with reduced lighting and noise. Staff will be trained and caring about autism and other special needs.
Sensory Story Time*RR*
6 May 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington | (847) 382-1300
*registration required*
Children enjoy books, music, and movement activities designed to engage the senses and build language and literacy skills. For children of all abilities and ages with a caregiver.
Special Needs Family Night
7 May 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Rockin’ Jump, 960 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove | (224) 676-0660
$10 for first child, $5 additional, parents jump free
Sensory Friendly Environment for our special guests!
Sensory Storytime
10 May 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield | (847) 945-3311
An inclusive and interactive storytime filled with stories, songs, sensory play, and socialization! Children of all abilities with their siblings and caregivers are welcome.
AMC Sensory Friendly Films
11 & 25 May 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!
Access to Nature
18 May 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Fort Sheridan
Don’t let your mobility device stop you from joining us on this hike along a paved trail to enjoy a stunning view of Lake Michigan. We will walk at your pace and learn about the preserve along the way. Participants with any mobility assistance device are welcome; please bring along an assistant if needed. FREE. No registration required. Adult supervision required.
Everyone at Play
19 May, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview
This special morning event offers FREE admission for families with children with special needs to explore the museum exhibits in a controlled, quieter environment. Registration required, visit www.kcmgc.org/eap. Everyone at Play is underwritten in part by RBC Wealth Management, the Edmond and Alice Opler Foundation, and the Women’s Board of Kohl Children’s Museum.
Do you know of a program or event we missed? Share it in the comments so we can add it!
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