Finding community activities for a child with autism can be challenging. Sensory sensitivities, crowded spaces, and overwhelming environments may turn typical outings into stressful experiences rather than enjoyable ones. Fortunately, Chicagoland offers numerous autism-friendly activities designed to be inclusive, accommodating, and fun for neurodivergent children.
Top Autism-Friendly Activities in Chicagoland
Sensory-Friendly Museum Days
Many museums in the Chicagoland area offer special sensory-friendly hours where they lower the noise levels, dim the lights, and provide sensory-friendly activities for children with autism.
- Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) – MSI hosts Sensory-Friendly Hours, allowing children with autism to explore at their own pace in a less stimulating environment.
- Chicago Children’s Museum – Their Play for All program offers early access to an inclusive, multisensory exhibit for families with sensory needs.
Inclusive Playgrounds and Parks
Outdoor play is a great way for children with autism to engage in physical activity while enjoying sensory-friendly environments.
- We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym (Palatine, IL) – This indoor gym has several locations throughout Chicagoland including Franklin Park, Shorewood, Naperville, and Edwardsville. They provide a sensory-rich environment designed specifically for children with sensory processing needs and features swings, trampolines, and safe climbing structures.
- Pirates’ Cove Children’s Theme Park (Elk Grove Village, IL) – This children’s theme park offers a welcoming environment with quiet spaces, encouraging creative exploration and imaginative play.
Sensory-Friendly Movie Screenings
Traditional movie theaters can be overwhelming, but several Chicagoland locations offer sensory-friendly screenings, where the lights remain dimmed (not completely dark), the sound is lowered, and children are free to move around.
- AMC Sensory Friendly Film Program – Select AMC locations in Chicagoland offer monthly sensory-friendly screenings.
- Marcus Theatres’ Reel Movies for Real Needs – Marcus Theatres offers showings in an auditorium with lower sound and gentle lighting specifically tailored to sensory-sensitive audiences. Enjoy a safe, relaxing, and inclusive environment to build memories with friends, family, and caretakers while sharing the joy community movie-watching brings.
Adaptive Sports and Recreational Programs
For children who enjoy movement and structured activities, these adaptive programs provide supportive and understanding coaches trained to work with neurodivergent individuals.
- Special Olympics Young Athletes Program – The Special Olympics of Illinois offers fun activities to help improve motor skills, socialization, and confidence for young children with intellectual disabilities.
- Horseback Riding at Ready Set Ride (Plainfield, IL) – Equine therapy is known to benefit children with autism. Ready Set Ride bases its program on developmental techniques using horses as a tool for mobility and emotional growth.
How Autism-Friendly Activities Complement ABA Therapy
While community activities provide enjoyable experiences, they also serve as an extension of the skills children learn in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Socialization, sensory regulation, and communication skills gained through structured therapy sessions can be reinforced through play and interactive activities.
At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we recognize the importance of blending therapy with real-world experiences. Our ABA therapy services in Chicagoland focus on teaching essential life skills that help children navigate daily activities, such as:
- Building Social Skills – Engaging with peers in inclusive spaces helps children practice communication in a natural setting.
- Developing Emotional Regulation – Exposure to different environments allows children to work on self-regulation strategies learned in therapy.
- Encouraging Independence – Activities like ordering a snack at a sensory-friendly event can foster confidence and independence.
If you’re looking for ABA therapy services in Chicagoland, our expert team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians are here to help. We provide individualized, evidence-based interventions to support children in their daily lives. Our goal is to empower children with autism to thrive in their communities and participate in enriching activities that bring joy and growth. To learn more about ABA therapy services, contact our team today. We are here to help you through every step of the autism treatment journey.
By combining structured ABA therapy with community engagement, children with autism can build confidence, form connections, and embrace new opportunities in an environment that supports their unique needs.
