Celebrate the holidays with our list of inclusive, sensory-friendly events happening across Illinois.

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection and shared traditions. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, medical complexities and other disabilities, typical celebrations may not always feel comfortable or accessible.

Every family deserves the chance to enjoy the season in ways that support their children and loved ones’ needs and allow for meaningful moments together.

We’ve gathered a list of inclusive and sensory-friendly holiday events happening throughout Illinois. These activities can help you experience the magic of the season at a pace and environment that works best for your family.

There are sensitive Santa opportunities, Mr. and Mrs. Deaf Claus, light displays, low-sensory celebrations, accessible theater performances and other welcoming events for children and adults with special healthcare needs.

You can check out our Special Events page for the full roundup of activities. Just like Santa’s list, be sure to check it at least twice as we continue to add events!

Please note that the University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is not involved in the organization or scheduling of these holiday events. If you have questions about a specific event, please contact the event sponsor or organizer.

Featured Events

• The Secret Sleigh Project coordinates volunteers to provide in-home Santa visits to children who are medically fragile nationwide. See our Secret Sleigh event listing for more details on how to request a visit.
• Autism Speaks and Cherry Hill Programs will provide free sensory-friendly Santa experiences at multiple shopping centers in Illinois on Dec. 7. You must sign up to attend. Photo packages will be available to buy.

  See our Santa Cares listing for more details. Be sure to select “Santa Cares”, “Caring Santa”, or “Sensitive Santa” when checking your location. Event dates and times may vary. Please check your mall location to confirm your date and time.

• Enjoy a movie on the big screen with the lights up, lower sound and the freedom to get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. Visit the following sites to find more details and a theater near you:
  • AMC and the Autism Society’s Sensory Friendly Films
  • Reel Movies for Real Needs
  • Studio Movie Grill’s Special Needs Screenings
• Looking for holiday light displays to walk, wheel, or drive through? Maybe a parade, cookie walk or festival is more your style? Check out the websites and listings below to help plan your holiday adventures (note that some events may not be sensory-friendly):
  • Merry and Bright Holiday Light Displays Across Illinois
  • Enjoy Illinois
  • Events in Downstate Illinois

Chicago and Northern Illinois

Check out WTTW’s list of holiday light displays and experiences. Kidlist also offers a huge list of Chicagoland drive-through and walk-through displays to help you get into the holiday spirit.

Other Chicagoland sensory-friendly activities include:

• Sensory-Friendly ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo and Sensory-Friendly Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
• Special Kids Day Visit With Santa in Elmhurst
• Sensory-Friendly Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm in Aurora
• Breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Deaf Santa Claus for Children With Hearing Loss in Chicago/ Desayuno con el Sr. y la Sra. Santa Claus Sordos
• “Abilities Team Winter Party” in Plainfield
• “Photos with Santa” for Children With Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Machesney Park
• Sensory-Friendly Winter Lights at Central Park in Oak Brook
• Winter Wonderland Celebration at the DSCC Mokena Regional Office

Central Illinois

Inclusive holiday parties are happening in central Illinois, such as:

• Cookies at the Clearinghouse/Evento Anual de Galletas en el Clearinghouse in Champaign
• Sensory Hour Sweets With Santa in Monticello
• “Special Time With Santa” in Taylorville
• Inclusive Holiday Dance in Springfield
• Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society Christmas Party in Springfield

For more ideas, check out Chambanamoms.com’s roundup of holiday season fun for families and Visit Springfield.

Southern Illinois

There are many hometown holiday parades, concerts and festivals throughout the area. You can check Southern Illinois Families (SI Families) and Southernmost Illinois for lists of events.

Inclusive activities include:

• Sensitive Santa Event for Children With Autism and Other Sensory Differences in Marion
• St. Louis Zoo Wild Lights Sensory-Friendly Night
• Christmas Open House with Santa in Benton
• Santa at the Center in Effingham
• “Milk and Cookies with Santa” for All Ages and Abilities in St. Louis – Chesterfield

Have an Event to Share?

If you know of an inclusive or sensory-friendly event to include in our list, please email us at dscc@uic.edu.

Resources to Recharge

The hustle of the holiday season can feel overwhelming.

There are resources available if you need to step back and take a deep breath.

You can search our website for support groups and helpful webinars. On Dec. 11, the “How to Keep from Kicking Santa Claus – Tips for Managing Holiday Stress” webinar will feature practical tips for relieving stress, preventing meltdowns and strategies for creating your own fun.

Our Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit is also a great resource during the holidays and beyond.

Happy Holidays!

DSCC team members will be at the fair’s Sensory Station on Aug. 7-10 and help during special sensory-friendly Sunflower Hours on Aug. 9

We are excited to once again partner with the Illinois State Fair to support inclusive, accessible fun for families!

The 2025 Illinois State Fair is happening in Springfield from Aug. 7-17.

Our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) team members will be working at the fair’s Sensory Station. The fair is also offering sensory-friendly Sunflower Hours and other programming to make the fair a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

DSCC at the Sensory Station

Thursday, Aug. 7, to Sunday, Aug. 10
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Our DSCC team will be at the fair’s Sensory Station from Thursday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 10.

The Sensory Station is inside the Emmerson Building, just off Main Street and Brian Raney Avenue in the center of the fairgrounds. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. It is an air-conditioned, dedicated quiet zone with activities and resources to help visitors regroup and refocus.

The Sensory Station’s features and activities include:

• Calming pods
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Foam block pit
• Stuffed animal “petting zoo”
• Coloring station and more!

These tools and activities are for children and adults who need help processing the sights, smells, noises and crowds at the fair.

Nearby, the fair’s First Aid Station has rooms that families can use for adult changing stations as well as tube feedings and other needs. Volunteers from SIU Medicine operate the First Aid Station in the Emmerson Building Annex, across from the Dairy Building on Central Avenue. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Our DSCC team will also have a tent outside the Sensory Station on these four days. We will have coloring activities and information about our programs and services for families. Be sure to stop by and see us!

Sunflower Hours

Saturday, Aug. 9
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
 
Enjoy a quieter fair experience during Sunflower Hours on Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. During this time, the fair will adjust certain programs and activities to create a more calming environment for children and adults with sensory processing sensitivities.

The fair has Sunflower Hours stickers available for families to use during this timeframe. This sticker allows fair visitors with sensory sensitivities to enjoy select amusement rides for free during the Sunflower Hours. Riders must have the Sunflower Hours sticker and an adult and/or caregiver accompanying them.

DSCC has a limited number of stickers available for our program participants. To request a Sunflower Hours sticker, please email dscc@uic.edu with your name and your participant’s name by Aug. 1.

We will send stickers on a first-come, first-served basis.

All families may visit the Sensory Station during the Sunflower Hours event to get more stickers. The stickers will be available while supplies last.

Conservation World, located at the fairgrounds’ Eighth Street entrance, will also host Sunflower Hours on Aug. 9 and Aug. 12 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Fairgoers can explore the great outdoors in a more peaceful and sensory-friendly setting during these times.

Social Story and Other Resources

The Illinois State Fair has a social story to help you plan your visit to this year’s event. It is a step-by-step guide to help parents and caregivers explain what to expect during a visit to the Illinois State Fair.

You can find the social story and more details about the Sensory Station, Sunflower Hours, the entertainment schedule and more on the Illinois State Fair website.

We are proud to help support greater accessibility and inclusion at the 2025 Illinois State Fair.

Check out the video below to see more photos and activities at the Sensory Station: 

For more information about other sensory-friendly activities and events for children and families throughout Illinois, please visit our Events page and follow us on Facebook.

DSCC team members will be at the fair’s Sensory Station on Aug. 8-11 and help during special sensory-friendly Sunflower Hours on Aug. 10

We understand the importance of having inclusive and accessible activities for children and families available in local communities. We are excited to help support the Illinois State Fair’s sensory-friendly efforts next month.

The 2024 Illinois State Fair is happening in Springfield from Aug. 8-18.

Our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) team members from central Illinois will help staff the fair’s Sensory Station. The fair is also offering sensory-friendly Sunflower Hours and other programming to make the fair a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

Please read below for more details.

DSCC at the Sensory Station

Thursday, Aug. 8, to Sunday, Aug. 11
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Our DSCC team will be at the fair’s Sensory Station from Thursday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 11.

The Sensory Station is inside the Emmerson Building, just off Main Street and Brian Raney Avenue in the center of the fairgrounds. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. It is an air-conditioned, dedicated quiet zone with activities and resources to help visitors regroup and refocus.

The Sensory Station will have noise-canceling headphones, calming pods and sensory-friendly activities, such as a foam block pit, a stuffed animal “petting zoo,” a coloring station and more. These tools and activities are for children and adults who need help processing the sights, smells, noises and crowds at the fair.

Our DSCC team will also have a tent and table outside the Sensory Station on these four days. We will have coloring activities and information about our programs and services for families. Be sure to stop by and see us!

Sunflower Hours

Saturday, Aug. 10
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
 
As part of its sensory-friendly efforts, the fair is also hosting Sunflower Hours on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. During this time, the fair will adjust certain programs and activities to create a softer, more calming environment for children and adults with sensory processing sensitivities.

The fair has Sunflower Hours stickers available for families to use during this timeframe. This sticker allows fair visitors with sensory sensitivities to enjoy select amusement rides for free during the Sunflower Hours. Riders must have the Sunflower Hours sticker and an adult and/or caregiver accompanying them.

DSCC has a limited number of stickers available for our program participants. If you are a DSCC participant family and would like us to send you a Sunflower Hours sticker, please email dscc@uic.edu with your name and your participant’s name. To allow enough time to mail stickers, please make your request by Aug. 5. We will send stickers on a first-come, first-served basis.

All families may visit the Sensory Station during the Sunflower Hours event to get more stickers. The stickers will be available while supplies last.

Conservation World, located at the fairgrounds’ Eighth Street entrance, will also host Sunflower Hours on Tuesday, Aug. 13, and Saturday, Aug. 17, from 9 to 10 a.m. Fairgoers can explore the great outdoors in a more peaceful and sensory-friendly setting during these times.

Social Story and Other Resources

The Illinois State Fair has a social story to help you plan your visit to this year’s event. It is a step-by-step guide to help parents and caregivers explain what to expect during a visit to the Illinois State Fair.

You can find the social story and more details about the Sensory Station, Sunflower Hours, the entertainment schedule and more on the Illinois State Fair website.

We are proud to help support greater accessibility and inclusion at the 2024 Illinois State Fair.

For more information about other sensory-friendly activities and events for children and families throughout Illinois, please visit our Events page and follow us on Facebook.

Check out our list of inclusive camps to help you find the right fit for your child

It’s never too early to start planning for summer break activities.

Fortunately, there are a variety of opportunities for children and young adults with special healthcare needs.

We’ve compiled a list of day and overnight camps across Illinois as well as virtual programs.

Does your child want to make new friends? Develop new skills? Meet others with their condition or become more independent?

Our 2023 summer camp list can help you find the right fit.

These camps are accessible and inclusive for a variety of needs, including many of our program’s eligible medical conditions.

Our events calendar shows the summer camps listed by date. You may also search for events in your area by clicking on a regional office near you.

Know of a good summer camp opportunity to add to our list?

Send us the details at dscc@uic.edu. We’ll continue to update our list of camps and activities, so please check back often. 

* Please see our updated news post, “New Round of Free At-Home COVID Tests Now Available,” for the most up-to-date information about free COVID-19 test availability. *

If you need a COVID-19 test, there are many ways you can test at home for free.

COVID-19 home test kits are available at no cost by mail or pick-up at specified locations.

You may also be eligible for insurance reimbursement or Medicaid coverage at participating pharmacies. Here is a summary of the current options:

• Every home in the United States is eligible to order another round of free at-home tests through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) at https://special.usps.com/testkits. Please note:
  • Limit of one order per residential address.
  • Your order will include four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.
  • Orders will ship free.
  • For those who cannot access the internet or need help placing an order:
    • Call (800) 232-0233 or the TTY line at (888) 720-7489 to get help in English, Spanish and more than 150 other languages.
• USPS is also distributing more accessible tests for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The tests work with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and a free app to provide users with audible instructions and audible test results. You can order these accessible tests at https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible or by calling (800) 232-0233. Please note:
  • There is a limit of one order per residential address.
  • Each order includes 12 accessible rapid-antigen tests.
  • Supplies are limited. Please do not order the more accessible tests if you have options for using the standard tests.
  • Orders ship free while supplies last.
• Free COVID-19 rapid tests are available for vulnerable Illinoisans. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is distributing at-home, over-the-counter COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to economically disadvantaged Illinois families in zip codes outside the city of Chicago. Tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be delivered to your home address. To learn if your household is eligible for one package of five tests visit the Project Act website.
  • Note you can find free COVID-19 testing locations on IDPH’s testing locator page.
• If you have health insurance through an employer or Marketplace, your insurance will pay you back for eight at-home tests each month for each person on your plan.
  • Learn more about insurance reimbursement for at-home tests on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.

• The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will allow Medicaid-participating pharmacies to prescribe and bill for COVID-19 home test kits.
  • This coverage went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, and applies to Medicaid fee-for-service and HealthChoice Illinois managed care plans.

• Individuals with disabilities can also contact the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) for help with available testing options, including ordering free at-home test kits.
  • Contact DIAL Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (888) 677-1199 or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.
  • Individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing can reach DIAL using the 711/Video Relay Service (VRS).

You may also visit www.covidtests.gov/ to see where at-home tests are available for sale. The website includes a list of free testing sites available by state. It also provides information about other testing resources.

If you have questions about testing your child, this article from HealthyChildren.org gives a helpful overview of the different types of COVID-19 tests available and what parents need to know.

Your child’s pediatrician can help you determine when testing is a good idea and which type of test would be best. Please contact their office with any questions.

For more information on testing options, assistance programs and caregiver support, visit the Division of Specialized Care for Children’s COVID-19 Resource Directory.