Birth to Age 3
10 Best Summer Camps in Chicago for Kids with Autism (opinion article)
Each camp on this list is equipped to work with children on the autism spectrum and their unique, individual needs.
Chicago Park District - Special Needs Programming
Locations across Chicago
(312) 742-5798
special.recreation@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Year long program, activities include: field trips, arts and crafts, games, sports and swimming.
Creative Exchange Music Therapy Clinic
Craig Christiansen, MT-BC, President
Kari Christiansen, Director
1527 Westchester Blvd., Suite One South, Westchester, Illinois 60154
(708) 345-6100 or (773) 562-6202
info@creativeexchangemusic.com
At our clinic, which was created to meet the individual needs of all clients, we offer both individual and group music therapy sessions, as well as adaptive lessons of various instruments. We offer a free initial consultation to come visit our clinic with your child to see if music therapy might beneficial.
HLC Therapy Group, LLC
1301 Pyott Rd. Suite 109 Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
hello@hlctherapy.com
(847) 829-0922
Provides autism diagnostic evaluation, as well as Speech, Occupational, Feeding, Aquatic, and Physical Therapies. In-clinic, in-home and telehealth. Summer camp programming (https://www.hlctherapy.com/summercamps) ages 2-15 also available.
Phone: (224) 326-2206
Email: intake@kghautismservices.com
1161 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015
Specializing in developmental-based ABA therapy (NDBI, ESDM) for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with ASD, in the home or at their specialized center. Providing therapeutic preschool and kindergarten, SLP, OT, mental health, parent training, sibling support, social groups, community support, significant problematic behavior support (FA) from early childhood through young adulthood. KGH also offers a Teen & Young Adult Center with a teaching apartment for teaching life skills. Serving Chicagoland, North Shore, West Suburbs, Northwest Suburbs, and Far North Suburbs. KGH has been supporting children and families for over 19 years.
3333 N. Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 248-3333
Activities include: outside activities, swimming, sports, field trips, etc.
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA)
815-320-3500
1900 Heather Glen Drive, New Lenox, IL 60451
Locations Served: Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) provides adaptive and special recreation services for individuals with disabilities through a cooperative agreement with Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts. Social programs, programs for children, trips, special events, athletic programs, and an adult day program, are some of the many choices provided.
Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NSAR)
Mailing address: 6820 W. Dempster St., Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 966-5522
Special recreation cooperative. To download the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation brochures and newsletters of programs and events CLICK HERE.
New Star Recreation
NSRS North: Working in cooperation with Maywood Park District & Broadview Park District.
708-344-4793
NSRS South: Working in cooperation with South Holland Recreational Services, Calumet Memorial Park District, & Riverdale Park District:
708-801-9966
specialrecservices@gmail.com
New Star Recreation Services (NSRS) is a special recreation cooperative of Broadview, Calumet Memorial, Maywood, and Riverdale Park Districts, as well as the Village of South Holland Recreational Services Department and New Star. New Star is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit community organization dedicated to challenging the limits and changing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. NSRS was organized to provide recreation and leisure programs for children through adults with physical, intellectual and/or age-related disabilities, their families and their communities in South Cook County.
Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association
1770 W. Centennial Place, Addison, IL 60101
Phone: (630) 620-4500
Special recreation cooperative.
Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association
820 E. Terra Cotta, Suite 125, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: (815) 459-0737
Special recreation cooperative.
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association
3105 MacArthur, Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: (847) 509-9400
Special recreation cooperative.
Northwest Special Recreation Association
Theresa Waite
3000 W. Central Road, Suite 205, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: (847) 392-2848
Special recreation cooperative.
Oak Lawn Park District/Special Recreation Cooperative
4625 W. 110th St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Phone: (708) 857-7614
Special recreation cooperative.
Playworks Therapy, Inc
2500 W Bradley Place Suite 109 Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 332- 9439
info@playworkschicago.com
PlayWorks Prep Therapeutic Summer Camp, for children ages 3-4.
4500 Belmont Road, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: (630) 960-7600
Email: info@seaspar.org
Offers multiple day camps each summer to provide a structured environment in which to enjoy productive leisure activities.
Therapeutic Recreation Activities for Daily Living
Contact: Laura LeVitus
6935 W. Addison St, Chicago, IL 60634
Phone: (773) 685-6205
Activities include but are not limited to swimming, field trips, arts and crafts, baseball, and tennis.
South Suburban Special Recreation Association
19910 80th Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60487
Phone: (815) 806-0384
SSRA is a therapeutic recreation program organized to provide individuals with disabilities or special needs the opportunity to be involved in year-round recreation.
South West Special Recreation Association
12521 S. Kostner Ave, Alsip, IL 60803
Phone: (708) 389-9423
Special recreation cooperative.
Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC)
290 Oakwood Road, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Phone: (847) 816-4866
Special recreation cooperative that serves seven communities: Vernon Hills, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Grayslake, and Hawthorn Woods. Provides programming for individuals, families, and SibShops for siblings of individuals with disabilities.
Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County (SRSNLC)
Katie Kozuch
2200 E. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Phone: (847) 356-6011
Special recreation cooperative.
Special Recreation of Joliet and Channahon
3000 W. Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 741-7275, ext. 169
Special recreation cooperative.
Special Recreation Services (SRS)
1624 E. 154th St., Dolton, IL 60419
Phone: (708) 841-1071 ext. 233
Special recreation cooperative.
Northern Will County Special Recreation Association
10 Montrose Drive, Romeoville, IL 60446
Phone: (815) 407-1819
Email: info@nwcsra.org
Special recreation cooperative.
Tuesday's Child Behavioral Summer Camp
c/o DePaul College Prep
Where: 3633 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618-4602
Phone: (773) 423-5055
This is a great opportunity for your child to receive behavioral support in a fun, peer-based environment. For children ages 0-10.
Warren Special Recreation Association
100 S. Greenleaf, Gurnee, IL 60031
Phone: (847) 244-6619
Special recreation cooperative.
West Pullman Park Summer Day Camp - Therapeutic Recreation Activities for Daily Living
rosie.st.george@chicagoparkdistrict.com
401 W. 123rd St., Chicago, IL 60628
(312) 747-7090
Activities include field trips, "learn to swim" program, carnival, arts and crafts, sports and much more.
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA)
116 N. Schmale Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188
Phone: (630) 681-0962
Special recreation cooperative.
Locations throughout the Chicagoland area, including Frankfort, Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Schaumburg, Orland Park, New Lenox, Tinley Park, Willowbrook, Carol Stream, and Shorewood.
(815) 469-1500
Provides ABA, speech, feeding, physical, occupational therapy and counseling. Additionally, Westside offers diagnostic evaluation/testing, daytime/after school programs, and summer camp programming.
YMCA - Early Education & Care programming
Specialized programming for young children through age 5 operates at the following:
Garfield Park YMCA: Effie O. Ellis YMCA
Greektown: Early Learning & Demonstration Center
Auburn Gresham: Jeanne Kenney YMCA
Logan Square: McCormick YMCA
North Lawndale: North Lawndale YMCA
Lower West Side/Little Village: Rauner YMCA
South Side: South Side YMCA
Advocate Illinois Masonic Pediatric Developmental Center
3040 N. Wilton Ave, 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 296-7340
Ongoing exercise and recreational activities group. Bi-lingual therapy services available (Spanish).
Arlington Pediatric Therapy Management Services, Ltd.
Let's Play
Facilitator: Krista Stewart, developmental therapist
3105 N. Wilke Road, Suite H, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1450
Phone: (847) 255-8690, ext. 137
Let's play together and make some friends. In this group, there will be a lot of hands on play and learning experiences.
Aqua-Tots: S.N.A.P.—SWIM LESSONS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Wheaton Swim School: 1245 Butterfield Rd Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 348-6550
wheatoninfo@aqua-tots.com
Orland Park Swim School: 15565 S 94th Ave. Orland Park, IL 60462
(708) 918-4020
orlandparkinfo@aqua-tots.com
NW Indiana - Schererville Swim School: 655 E. US Hwy. 30 Schererville, IN 46375
(219) 232-5032
scherervilleinfo@aqua-tots.com
Helping children of all abilities, ages 4 months – 12 years, become confident and safe swimmers. Location finder here.
BDI Playhouse Children's Therapy
Aurora: 600 N. Commons Drive, Suite 102 Aurora, IL 60504
Orland Park: 11411 W. 183rd Street. Suite B Orland Park 60467
708.478.1820
We provide Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy along with Aquatic Therapy, Gait Clinic, Feeding Clinic, Casting and Bike Riding Lessons for kids and young adults (birth - 25).
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Has launched Sensory Friendly Nature Museum, a new app designed for guests with Autism and sensory processing disorders. Created in partnership with InfiniTeach, the app helps to make the Nature Museum more accessible to all guests. The mobile app can be used before, during, and after a visit. Sensory Friendly Nature Museum includes social guides for each exhibit, a customizable visual schedule, communication tools, a sensory friendly map, and tips for your visit. Detailed sensory stories are currently available on the Nature Museum website, and a quiet room and sensory backpacks are available for check-out. Available on Android and Apple devices.
2222 N Elston Ave
(773) 342-7250
Provides private lessons and group classes for kids with autism and other developmental disabilities. More information here
Chicago Children’s Museum - Play for All
700 East Grand Avenue, Suite 127. Chicago, Illinois 60611
Phone: (312) 527-1000
Erica Hornthal
1516 Greenwood Ave, Deerfield, IL 60015
Phone number: (847) 848-0697
Email: info@northshoredancetherapy.com
Dance therapy and counseling services provided by board-certified dance therapists and licensed clinical counselors.
Chicago Park District - Special Needs Programming
Locations across Chicago
(312) 742-5798
special.recreation@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Year long program, activities include: field trips, arts and crafts, games, sports and swimming.
Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
5100 Museum Dr. Oak Lawn IL
The Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn offers sensory friendly play sessions for children who would benefit from a more relaxed museum experience. They are often once per month, so check their calendar to find out when the next play date is scheduled.
5669 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, IL 60646
Phone: (773) 467-5669
Email: citykidsfun.play.learn@gmail.com
Developmental play groups led by speech therapist and some volunteers. The play groups involve free play, circle time, story time, fine and gross motor play, and sensory based play.
Free parent group that links families, primarily in the NW suburbs, to parent meetup and child playdate events. Events occur several times per month. Click here for calendar.
333 W. 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: (312) 674-5504
Email: kidsclub@chisox.com
All-Star members receive: official membership card, welcome postcard, White Sox gym bag, stopwatch, jump rope, baseball cap, stickers, temporary tattoos, baseball cards (set of six) featuring current players, and four ticket coupons redeemable for upper reserved seats.
Downers Grove Site: 2901 Finley Road, Suite 102, Downers Grove, IL 60515 - 630-495-6800
North Mayfair: 4908 N. Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 - 773-205-8505
Roscoe Village: 2630 W. Bradley Place, Suite A. Chicago, IL 60618 - 312-955-0089
info@clubhousetherapy.com
The Clubhouse is a multi-disciplinary, integrated team of professionals who empower parents to enhance the lives of their family members. It is the mission of the Clubhouse to celebrate a client’s strengths while fortifying them in their areas of need. We do this through partnership with the family.
Elena Kaiser, MA, ATR-BC, LCPC
Counseling and Art Therapy
2530 Crawford Ave, Suite 305, Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: (847) 337-2377
Email: elenakaiser25@gmail.com
Provides non-directive play therapy. Consistent with the principles developed by Virginia Axline, Elena develops a warm and friendly relationship with the child.
Family Health Center - Infant Welfare Society of Chicago
3600 W Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 782-2800
Services at Angel Harvey Family Health Center include the Child-centered Health & Advanced Therapies (CHAT) program and other direct care services which provide comprehensive, bilingual developmental and behavioral health services that address the needs of underserved children and their families. It coordinates child development services across departments and enables timely interventions for our young patients who are at risk for developmental delays. Services at the center include Medical, Dental, Vision, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Skills Groups, and Counseling. Family support groups are also available. Call Cynthia Arias (773-782-5003) for SLP, OT, and groups.
The Field Museum - Field for All
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 922-9410
For more information on the Field for All App: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/visit/accessibility
Sensory Friendly “Field For All” & Sensory Saturdays: we want everyone to have a great time at the museum, so we strive to make our programs, exhibitions, and facilities accessible for everyone by removing barriers, delivering a welcoming and relevant experience, and providing opportunities for meaningful engagement. The Field Museum also hosts Sensory Saturdays where families enjoy a sensory-friendly morning in the Crown Family PlayLab once a month.
Erin Haddock
2225 W. Wabansia Ave., Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: (847) 899-0441
Email: erin@5keysyoga.com
Singing, breathing exercises, yoga poses, and deep relaxation for children with autism to promote regulation of their behaviors and emotions.
Flying High: Special needs open gym
5400 East Ave, Countryside, IL 60525
(708) 352-3099
Open Gym for kids with special needs and their families! Join us for a sensory-friendly open gym on varied, The first Sunday morning of every month from 11:30-1:00! Kids will enjoy 1.5 hours of jumping, climbing, running, and more! Open Gym is suitable for all ages. Siblings are welcomed to join in on the fun!
Special Needs Playtime
14511 S. Van Dyke Road, Plainfield, IL 60544
Phone: (815) 609-6360
GymQuest invites every child, no matter what skill level, to benefit from learning the fundamentals of gymnastics and tumbling which can carry over to any number of other sports.
515 Busse Highway, Suite 150, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Phone: (847) 685-0250
Email: info@havedreams.org
Three levels of swim instruction, Special Olympics Aquatics, and Special Olympics Track & Field.
4251 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641
Phone: (773) 777-7500
Swim classes offered for those children on the autism spectrum, including neurological, physical, or socially challenged individuals that focus on developing water safety, social interaction, and basic swimming skills.
KEEN Chicago
Chicago, IL
312.876.2535
info@keenchicago.org
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) is a volunteer organization that provides free one-to-one recreational and sports programs for children and young adults with more profound and severe mental and physical disabilities. At each KEEN session, a participating athlete is paired with a trained volunteer coach for a variety of age-appropriate programs including tennis, swimming, basketball, basic ball skills, soccer, fitness and weight training and social activities and outings. Programs and activities offered will vary from one affiliate location to the next. Virtual activities & at-home kits currently available.
Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association
1403 Sycamore Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115
(779) 777-7285
Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association enriches the lives of people with disabilities through goal-driven, diverse recreational opportunities. Programs and services are built and delivered to include people of all abilities and ages. View current brochure here: Brochure - Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association (kishsra.org). Also partnered with Special Olympics. Special Olympics - Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association.
Kohl Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Boulevard Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 832-6600
Kohl Children’s Museum‘s special events called “Everyone Can Play” are free events that require pre-registration. This event is for all children and families who would prefer a more calm museum experience. The Museum’s 17 exhibits and 2 acres of outdoor explorations are designed for play with a purpose and encourage linguistic, cognitive, motor, and social skills for children ages birth through 8.
Learning Through Play Center for Child Development
633 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (312) 458-9865
Email: info@pediatricresources.org
Provides therapeutic playgroups led by speech language pathologists, board-certified behavior therapists, occupational therapists and developmental therapists.
LEEP Forward Developmental Center
Lorell Marin, MST, DT, Founder
1280 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 255-8155
leepforward1@aol.com
Services span early childhood through adolescence. Provides individual and group (social skills) therapy for children with autism, Asperger's and SPD using a DIR/Floortime approach. Additionally, services include assessment and treatment in developmental, speech and language, occupational, physical and behavior therapy services. ABA services are provided in-home and in-clinic. LEEP is also a certified Early Intervention program.
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA)
815-320-3500
1900 Heather Glen Drive, New Lenox, IL 60451
Locations Served: Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) provides adaptive and special recreation services for individuals with disabilities through a cooperative agreement with Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts. Social programs, programs for children, trips, special events, athletic programs, and an adult day program, are some of the many choices provided.
Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NSAR)
Mailing address: 6820 W. Dempster St., Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 966-5522
Special recreation cooperative. To download the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation brochures and newsletters of programs and events CLICK HERE.
Tina's Playgroup
(773) 273-3064
Email: annem@misericordia.com
6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660
Interactive playgroup for children with special needs and their families. The playgroup is open to all levels of ability and participants are not required to attend every meeting.
New Star Recreation
NSRS North: Working in cooperation with Maywood Park District & Broadview Park District.
708-344-4793
NSRS South: Working in cooperation with South Holland Recreational Services, Calumet Memorial Park District, & Riverdale Park District:
708-801-9966
specialrecservices@gmail.com
New Star Recreation Services (NSRS) is a special recreation cooperative of Broadview, Calumet Memorial, Maywood, and Riverdale Park Districts, as well as the Village of South Holland Recreational Services Department and New Star. New Star is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit community organization dedicated to challenging the limits and changing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. NSRS was organized to provide recreation and leisure programs for children through adults with physical, intellectual and/or age-related disabilities, their families and their communities in South Cook County.
Oak Leyden Developmental Services
411 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, IL60302
Phone: (708) 524-1050
Play group works on gross motor time, circle singing, each month has a different theme, snack-time and other activities planned.
Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum (AD,SPD,PDD-NOS)
Meeting location varies on event.
A play/support group for parents who have children with sensory issues, autism, aspergers, and PPD-NOS.
2043 West Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 332-9439
Email: info@playworkschicago.com
Play groups for social language and social skills groups.
3048 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (312) 458-9865
Email: info@pediatricresources.org
Provides therapeutic playgroups led by speech language pathologists, board-certified behavior therapists, occupational therapists and developmental therapists.
Right Fit Willowbrook
Bradley LaRocque
7101 Adams St #7, Willowbrook, IL 60527
Phone: 630-850-4050
Email: brad@right-fit.com
Right Fit provides fitness and wellness services to individuals with special needs including intellectual, cognitive, and developmental disabilities including Autism and Down Syndrome.
Sensory-Friendly Movies - Chicagoland Area
AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films
Locations in: Chicago (multiple), Lombard, Lake In The Hills, Naperville, New Lenox, Niles, Northbrook, Skokie
AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films showings are available at select theatres. They show family-friendly movies on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
Special Needs Screenings at Studio Movie Grill
Studio Movie Grill locations, including the one in Wheaton, offer Special Needs Screenings with family-friendly new releases. Please call ahead as they are not running every weekend yet. You must purchase tickets at the box office.
Reel Movies for Reel Needs Marcus
Locations in: Addison, Bloomingdale, Orland Park
Marcus Theaters hosts a Reel Movie for Real Needs event monthly. Check the Marcus website for a list of running movies on Saturday mornings.
Bright Stars Screening at Hollywood Palms
Location: Naperville, IL
Bright Stars Screenings. Check the schedule because show times are currently limited. Tickets are $5 per person. Click here to see the upcoming movie and find a link for tickets.
6424 Howard St, Niles, IL 60714
Phone: (847) 801-5867
Email: nilinfo@jumpskyhigh.com
Sky High Sports welcomes jumpers with special needs, along with their siblings, family, and friends the first Tuesday of every month from 3-6 p.m for a unique jump session.
The Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605
contactus@sheddaquarium.org
312-939-2438
The Shedd Aquarium has created a quiet room providing a dedicated space that can be used as a calming room, prayer room, or place to privately recharge mobility devices, which is available any day you wish to visit the museum. The aquatic show has special seating with modifications including limited capacity and streamlined entry with advance registration. On select dates, the Shedd offers extended hours for guests with disabilities. See the accessibility page for more information, including information on requesting a sign language interpreter, as well as a sensory-friendly app designed to make the visiting experience more enjoyable.
Special Olympics Illinois
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to children and adults. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.
Phone: (815) 351-5770
Email: JoshuasDragonCrew@gmail.com
Play group focusing on socialization, integrating sensory information and communication skills.
Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
Bloomingdale, IL
(708) 505-2980
Offers special event times for sensory-friendly play with limited entries. Check their calendar for when these special events occur.
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
Franklin Park: 10123 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131
(708) 716-3063
We Rock the Spectrum provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Our unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development. Through our nonprofit My Brother Rocks The Spectrum Foundation, we provide social skills groups and activities for children across the spectrum.
West Pullman Park Summer Day Camp - Therapeutic Recreation Activities for Daily Living
rosie.st.george@chicagoparkdistrict.com
401 W. 123rd St., Chicago, IL 60628
(312) 747-7090
Activities include field trips, "learn to swim" program, carnival, arts and crafts, sports and much more.
YMCA - Early Education & Care programming
Specialized programming for young children through age 5 operates at the following:
Garfield Park YMCA: Effie O. Ellis YMCA
Greektown: Early Learning & Demonstration Center
Auburn Gresham: Jeanne Kenney YMCA
Logan Square: McCormick YMCA
North Lawndale: North Lawndale YMCA
Lower West Side/Little Village: Rauner YMCA
South Side: South Side YMCA
Preschool
10 Best Summer Camps in Chicago for Kids with Autism (opinion article)
Each camp on this list is equipped to work with children on the autism spectrum and their unique, individual needs.
415 W. Eighth Street, Hinsdale, IL, 60521
630-323-7500
info@thecommunityhouse.org
Features sports camps and leagues, day camps, after school programming, theatrical opportunities, and educational and social opportunities. Offers unique and innovative programming to help kids grow and learn like fencing, sign language, dance/yoga classes, song writing, improv and so much more. Explore the Program Guide, use the search filers below or visit our online registration site to get started today.
Chicago Park District - Special Needs Programming
Locations across Chicago
(312) 742-5798
special.recreation@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Year long program, activities include: field trips, arts and crafts, games, sports and swimming.
Covenant Harbor Family Summer Camp
1724 Main St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Phone: (262) 248-3600
Activities include swimming, rock climbing, arts and crafts, board games, and open gym.
Creative Exchange Music Therapy Clinic
Craig Christiansen, MT-BC, President
Kari Christiansen, Director
1527 Westchester Blvd., Suite One South, Westchester, Illinois 60154
Phone: (708) 345-6100 or (773) 562-6202
Email: info@creativeexchangemusic.com
Offers both individual and group music therapy sessions, as well as adaptive lessons of various instruments. Offers a free initial consultation to come visit our clinic with your child to see if music therapy might beneficial.
1100 Lake St. Suite 100C, Oak Park, IL 60301
Phone: (708) 620-2373
Social skills groups and camps for children of all ages and abilities that incorporate current social and emotional skill curricula in tandem with evidence-based music therapy techniques and current autism best practices.
1409 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago, Il 60607
(312) 733-0883
moreinfo@eyaslanding.com
Eyas Landing is an evidence-based and family centered pediatric therapy clinic for children with developmental delays. Provides: Speech, OT, Developmental, Behavioral (ABA), and social work interventions. Summer camp programs for children ages 3-4, 5-10, and 11-12.
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: (630) 907-1114
Year-round recreation activities are offered to provide people with disabilities with the support and tools they need to live active and healthy lifestyles.
Gateway Special Recreation Association
15W431 59th St., Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone: (630) 325-3857
A variety of recreation and sports programs are offered in order to promote the health, well-being, and quality of life for people with disabilities.
Andrea Johnsen, Program Director: ajohnsen@havedreams.org
515 Busse Highway, Suite 150, Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 905-0702
After-school programs, day programs, and workplace training services are offered to those ages 16 months and older affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as diagnostic and family support services. Scholarships available for families in need.
HLC Therapy Group, LLC
1301 Pyott Rd. Suite 109 Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
hello@hlctherapy.com
(847) 829-0922
Provides autism diagnostic evaluation, as well as Speech, Occupational, Feeding, Aquatic, and Physical Therapies. In-clinic, in-home and telehealth. Summer camp programming (https://www.hlctherapy.com/summercamps) ages 2-15 also available.
Jesse Owens Park (Chicago Park District)
Contact: Jetaune Guyton
2031 East 88th St., Chicago, IL 60617
Phone: (312) 747-6709
Special recreation cooperative.
Julie Herr & Associates
Julie Herr, MS, developmental therapist
2032 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL, 60612
Phone: (312) 388-8883
Children with and without special needs will have an opportunity to foster relationships, play with peers, build confidence, and master new skills in a day and/or overnight camp.
3210 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 205-0274
Jen Phillips, Chief Program Officer
Marni Sommerfield, Asst. Director of Recreation & Camp
With 18 day and overnight camp locations, Keshet has a camp program that fits nearly any interest, special need and background. We are proud to partner with JCC Chicago day and overnight camps, JCYS, Junior Gan Israel, Camp Nageela Midwest and Ramah Day Camp. Assistance is available for some families demonstrating financial need. For overnight camp, assistance is available for up to four weeks.
Phone: (224) 326-2206
Email: intake@kghautismservices.com
1161 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015
Specializing in developmental-based ABA therapy (NDBI, ESDM) for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with ASD, in the home or at their specialized center. Providing therapeutic preschool and kindergarten, SLP, OT, mental health, parent training, sibling support, social groups, community support, significant problematic behavior support (FA) from early childhood through young adulthood. KGH also offers a Teen & Young Adult Center with a teaching apartment for teaching life skills. Serving Chicagoland, North Shore, West Suburbs, Northwest Suburbs, and Far North Suburbs. KGH has been supporting children and families for over 19 years.
Northfield, IL & Libertyville, IL
Phone: (847) 386-6560
info@kickstartptn.com
Clinical services include developmental therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and social skills groups for children up to early adolescence. Additionally, Kick Start has early intervention, therapeutic preschool and summer camp programs.
3333 N. Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 248-3333
Activities include: outside activities, swimming, sports, field trips, etc.
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA)
815-320-3500
1900 Heather Glen Drive, New Lenox, IL 60451
Locations Served: Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) provides adaptive and special recreation services for individuals with disabilities through a cooperative agreement with Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts. Social programs, programs for children, trips, special events, athletic programs, and an adult day program, are some of the many choices provided.
Little Friends Center for Autism, Inc.
140 N. Wright St, Naperville, IL 60540
(708) 860-2404 (Lisa) or (630) 305-4196, ext. 1 (Patti)
Some areas that may be worked on include cooperation, communication, imitation, math and reading readiness skills, and play and leisure activities.
Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NSAR)
Mailing address: 6820 W. Dempster St., Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 966-5522
Special recreation cooperative. To download the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation brochures and newsletters of programs and events CLICK HERE.
New Star Recreation
NSRS North: Working in cooperation with Maywood Park District & Broadview Park District.
708-344-4793
NSRS South: Working in cooperation with South Holland Recreational Services, Calumet Memorial Park District, & Riverdale Park District:
708-801-9966
specialrecservices@gmail.com
New Star Recreation Services (NSRS) is a special recreation cooperative of Broadview, Calumet Memorial, Maywood, and Riverdale Park Districts, as well as the Village of South Holland Recreational Services Department and New Star. New Star is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit community organization dedicated to challenging the limits and changing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. NSRS was organized to provide recreation and leisure programs for children through adults with physical, intellectual and/or age-related disabilities, their families and their communities in South Cook County.
Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA)
285 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
P: 815-459-0737
NISRA provides year round recreation activities for people with disabilities in 13 communities in northern Illinois. Since 1976, children and adults of all ability levels have enjoyed socializing, building skills and having fun in hundreds of weekly programs, special events, camps and trips each year.
Northern Will County Special Recreation Association
10 Montrose Drive, Romeoville, IL 60446
Phone: (815) 407-1819
Email: info@nwcsra.org
Special recreation cooperative.
Playworks Therapy, Inc
2500 W Bradley Place Suite 109 Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 332- 9439
info@playworkschicago.com
PlayWorks Prep Therapeutic Summer Camp, for children ages 3-4.
River Valley Special Recreation Association
1335 E. Broadway, Bradley, IL 60915
Phone: (815) 933-7336
email: rvsra@sbcglobal.net
Special recreation cooperative.
Therapeutic Recreation
401 S. Main St., Rockford, IL, 61101
Phone: (815) 987-1607
Programs based on sports and fitness, arts and leisure, and social activities are offered to promote the development, maintenance, and expression of a meaningful leisure lifestyle to people with disabilities.
4500 Belmont Road, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: (630) 960-7600
Email: info@seaspar.org
Offers multiple day camps each summer to provide a structured environment in which to enjoy productive leisure activities.
South Suburban Special Recreation Association
19910 80th Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60487
Phone: (815) 806-0384
SSRA is a therapeutic recreation program organized to provide individuals with disabilities or special needs the opportunity to be involved in year-round recreation.
South West Special Recreation Association
12521 S. Kostner Ave, Alsip, IL 60803
Phone: (708) 389-9423
Special recreation cooperative.
Special Kids Foundation: One in a Hundred Summer Camp
Northbrook Covenant Church: 2737 Techny Road Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 461-9230
info@specialkidsfoundation.org
A camp experience for children with high-functioning ASD, ADHD and Anxiety located in Northbrook. Registration & Scholarship applications here
Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC)
290 Oakwood Road, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 816-4866
Special recreation cooperative that serves seven communities: Vernon Hills, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Grayslake, and Hawthorn Woods. Provides programming for individuals, families, and SibShops for siblings of individuals with disabilities.
Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County (SRSNLC)
Katie Kozuch
2200 E. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst, IL 60046
(847) 356-6011
Special recreation cooperative.
Special Recreation of Joliet and Channahon
3000 W. Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 741-7275, ext. 169
Special recreation cooperative.
Special Recreation Services (SRS)
1624 E. 154th St., Dolton, IL 60419
Phone: (708) 841-1071 ext. 233
Special recreation cooperative.
Tuesday's Child Behavioral Summer Camp
c/o DePaul College Prep
Where: 3633 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618-4602
Phone: (773) 423-5055
This is a great opportunity for your child to receive behavioral support in a fun, peer-based environment. For children ages 0-10.
Village of Orland Park Special Recreation program
14700 Ravinia Avenue Orland Park, IL 60462
708-403-6100
Provides year round therapeutic recreation services to individuals with special needs serving individuals three years of age and above, with a variety of programs including: health and fitness, social clubs, special events, owl athletics, arts and crafts, trips and much more.
Warren Special Recreation Association
100 S. Greenleaf, Gurnee, IL 60031
Phone: (847) 244-6619
Special recreation cooperative.
West Pullman Park Summer Day Camp - Therapeutic Recreation Activities for Daily Living
rosie.st.george@chicagoparkdistrict.com
401 W. 123rd St., Chicago, IL 60628
(312) 747-7090
Activities include field trips, "learn to swim" program, carnival, arts and crafts, sports and much more.
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA)
116 N. Schmale Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188
Phone: (630) 681-0962
Special recreation cooperative.
Locations throughout the Chicagoland area, including Frankfort, Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Schaumburg, Orland Park, New Lenox, Tinley Park, Willowbrook, Carol Stream, and Shorewood.
(815) 469-1500
Provides ABA, speech, feeding, physical, occupational therapy and counseling. Additionally, Westside offers diagnostic evaluation/testing, daytime/after school programs, and summer camp programming.
West Pullman Park Summer Day Camp
Therapeutic Recreation Activities for Daily Living
Contact: Ron Wright
401 W. 123rd St., Chicago, IL 60628
Phone: (312) 747-7090
Activities include field trips, "learn to swim" program, carnival, arts and crafts, sports and much more.
West Suburban Special Recreation Association
2915 Maple St., Franklin Park, IL 60131
Phone: (847) 455-2100
Special recreation cooperative.
inclusion@ymcachicago.org
Locations: Buehler YMCA (Palatine), Camp Duncan (Ingleside), Camp MacLean (Burlington, WI), Camp Nawakwa (Lac du Flambeau, WI), Elmhurst YMCA, Foglia YMCA (Lake Zurich), Fry Family YMCA (Naperville), Greater LaGrange YMCA, Hastings Lake YMCA (Lindenhurst), Indian Boundary YMCA (Downers Grove), Irving Park YMCA, Kelly Hall (Garfield Park Chicago), Lake View YMCA (Chicago), McCormick YMCA (Logan Square, Chicago), Rauner YMCA (Lower West side, Chicago), Sage YMCA (Crystal Lake), South Side YMCA (Chicago).
Membership centers include facilities with pools, fitness centers, sports programming, and traditional day camps. Contact the Inclusion Department for information on programs and supports.
YMCA - Early Education & Care programming
Specialized programming for young children through age 5 operates at the following:
Garfield Park YMCA: Effie O. Ellis YMCA
Greektown: Early Learning & Demonstration Center
Auburn Gresham: Jeanne Kenney YMCA
Logan Square: McCormick YMCA
North Lawndale: North Lawndale YMCA
Lower West Side/Little Village: Rauner YMCA
South Side: South Side YMCA
Blazing Prairie Stars, Inc.
47W635 Beith Road, Maple Park, IL 60151
Email: blazingps@msn.com
Phone: (630) 365-5550
Provides hippotherapy as a strategy for occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy to meet client-centered goals.
Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center
Sarah Newland, program director
7319 Maxon Road, Harvard, IL 60033
Phone: (815) 943-8226 or (815) 765-2113
BraveHearts is a PATH International-premier accredited center (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) whose programs teach horseback riding skills to children and adults with cognitive and/or physical disabilities as well as therapeutic carriage driving lessons and a wide variety of recreational therapy activities.
Contact: Loren Gineris, PT
email: dljjjgineris@sbcglobal.net
P.O. Box 870, 3N065 Anderson Road, Elburn, IL 60119
Phone: (630) 715-0354
Strides In Motion is a program in which physical therapists work with side-walkers, horse leaders, and arena assistants to combine clinic-based treatments with hippotherapy in order to achieve a client's functional goals in a natural setting.
Central Illinois Riding Therapy
Judith Kruse
305 Neumann Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611
Phone: (309) 699-3710
email: cirt@cirt.info
Therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
Diana Schnell, executive director
600 N. Bradley Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Phone: (847) 615-8696
email: info@equestrianconnection.org
Hippotherapy, art therapy, and therapeutic riding are offered with features such as a 16,000 square foot heated arena, riding trails, an outdoor arena, therapy rooms, job and living skill programs, after school clubs, summer and spring camps, and massage therapy for both clients and caregivers.
9501 N. Austin Ave., Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 965-1632
Provides therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
9501 Austin Ave., Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 967-9800
email: freedomwoodsfarm@ymail.com
Provides therapeutic riding and hippotherapy; program placement will be determined via an evaluation performed by a licensed therapist.
Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities
28W051 Liberty St., Winfield, IL 60190
Phone: (630) 588-8543
email: info@ftea.org
Provides individualized therapeutic activities for people with disabilities.
Cheryl Case
31309 E. 2500 N. Road, Cabrey, IL 60919
Phone: (630) 853-9813
email: heatherridgestables@yahoo.com
Provides individualized therapeutic riding for people with disabilities. Get more information about services and fees.
Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy
Chicago and surrounding suburbs
Marlene Karman
630-878-8096
holisticriding19@gmail.com
HRET is passionately committed to empowering the lives of individuals with varied physical, emotional, cognitive, and social abilities through the spirit of the horse. Our programs include therapeutic riding (unmounted and mounted activities), veteran programs, farm and nature experience, and trail classes. We have no age restrictions and we strive to accommodate all individuals.
Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies
Westmont: (630) 560-0136, linda@hummingbirdpediatrictherapies.com
Woodridge: (630) 442-7662, maggie@hummingbirdpediatrictherapies.com
Services include: Developmental, Feeding, Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies, as well as therapeutic preschool (ages 2-7), pediatric counseling, and group services (social language playgroups). Added services include: art therapy, aquatic therapy, hippotherapy, handwriting without tears, interactive metronome, therapeutic listening
Manhattan Meadows
Lisa Rizzo, Owner
Route 52 and Huff Road, Manhattan, IL 60442
Phone: (815) 919-4149
Provides private therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
Midwest Center for Children's Development NFP
Beth Saip, DPT Clinical Director
4701 N. Oak St, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Phone: (815) 788-1020
Email: info@mccdtherapy.com
Provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy services with an equine assisted model.
18929 81st. St., Sherrard, IL, 61281
Phone: (309) 764-4220
Email: info@nktriders.org
Provides therapeutic horse riding and motion therapy.
Paradise Equestrian Therapy Center
18146 East Country Road 750 N., Charleston, IL, 61920
(217) 232-0022
email: petcenter2007@yahoo.com
Specialized therapeutic horse riding sessions created for each individual by a therapeutic riding instructor or a health professional.
Amanda Braden
amanda@partnersforprogressnfp.org
23525 W. Milton Road, Wauconda, IL, 60084
(847) 438-5400
Provides therapeutic riding and hippotherapy.
6668 S. Carthage Road, P.O. Box 293, Oregon, IL 61061
(815) 973-3177
admin@pegasusspecialriders.org
Provides equine assisted therapy to physically, mentally and/or emotionally challenged individuals with the help of physical therapists, trained instructors, medical experts, and volunteers.
822 200th Ave., Monmouth, IL, 61462
Phone: (309) 734-4849
email: karenangotti@gmail.com
Therapeutic horseback riding program for children with special needs that provides safe, professional, and affordable therapeutic horseback riding opportunities that contribute to the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of each child.
Hanson Center Horsemanship Program
Email: horsemanship@raygraham.org
Phone: (630) 620-2222
Therapeutic riding lessons for individuals with a wide range of disabilities including physical, intellectual, developmental, sensory, and social.
Sojourn Therapeutic Riding Center
Barbara Mulry
24861 S. 88th Ave., Frankfort, IL, 60423
Phone: (708) 539-3078
Email: bmulry@gmail.com
Provides equine assisted therapy to physically, mentally and/or emotionally challenged individuals.
School for Therapeutic and Recreational Riding (STARR)
3180 S. Mount Zion Road, Decatur, IL 62521
Phone: (217) 864-2463
Therapeutic horseback riding for children with special needs.
Mary Illing
26665 W Cuba, Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 381-4231
Email: walkonfarm@walkonfarm.org or milling@walkonfarm.org
Equine assisted activities for people with physical, cognitive, social and emotional disabilities.
White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Whiteside County Fairgrounds
201 W. Winfield St. Morrison, IL 61270
Phone: (815) 772-2669
email: rideatwhoa@yahoo.com
Provides recreational, educational, therapeutic, and social opportunities for persons with disabilities by virtue of interactions with horses.
Advocate Illinois Masonic Pediatric Developmental Center
3040 N. Wilton Ave, 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 296-7340
Ongoing exercise and recreational activities group. Bi-lingual therapy services available (Spanish).
American Youth Soccer Organization
P.O. Box 557514 Chicago, IL, 60655
Phone: (773) 432-4210
VIP@ayso418.org
Region 423: a quality soccer experience for children whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to participate successfully on mainstream teams. This program takes place on Saturdays at the Chicago lakefront fields, during the Fall and Spring seasons
Hubbard Street Dance Center
1147 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 850-9744
email: info@hubbardstreetdance.com
This well-structured curriculum was developed collaboratively with the Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays at the University of Illinois at Chicago (RCADD) to allow students to explore dance technique and the choreographic process using developmentally appropriate methods, supported by a 1:1 teacher/student ratio as needed.
Aqua-Tots: S.N.A.P.—SWIM LESSONS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Wheaton Swim School: 1245 Butterfield Rd Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 348-6550
wheatoninfo@aqua-tots.com
Orland Park Swim School: 15565 S 94th Ave. Orland Park, IL 60462
(708) 918-4020
orlandparkinfo@aqua-tots.com
NW Indiana - Schererville Swim School: 655 E. US Hwy. 30 Schererville, IN 46375
(219) 232-5032
scherervilleinfo@aqua-tots.com
Helping children of all abilities, ages 4 months – 12 years, become confident and safe swimmers. Location finder here.
BDI Playhouse Children's Therapy
Aurora: 600 N. Commons Drive, Suite 102 Aurora, IL 60504
Orland Park: 11411 W. 183rd Street. Suite B Orland Park 60467
708.478.1820
We provide Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy along with Aquatic Therapy, Gait Clinic, Feeding Clinic, Casting and Bike Riding Lessons for kids and young adults (birth - 25).
Brooklyn Boulders - Adaptive Climbing Group
Adaptive Climbing Group
100 South Morgan Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 268-0002
Email: chicago@adaptiveclimbinggroup.org
Adaptive recreational activities good for individuals with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Has launched Sensory Friendly Nature Museum, a new app designed for guests with Autism and sensory processing disorders. Created in partnership with InfiniTeach, the app helps to make the Nature Museum more accessible to all guests. The mobile app can be used before, during, and after a visit. Sensory Friendly Nature Museum includes social guides for each exhibit, a customizable visual schedule, communication tools, a sensory friendly map, and tips for your visit. Detailed sensory stories are currently available on the Nature Museum website, and a quiet room and sensory backpacks are available for check-out. Available on Android and Apple devices.
2222 N Elston Ave
(773) 342-7250
Provides private lessons and group classes for kids with autism and other developmental disabilities. More information here
Chicago Children’s Museum - Play for All
700 East Grand Avenue, Suite 127. Chicago, Illinois 60611
Phone: (312) 527-1000
Erica Hornthal
1516 Greenwood Ave, Deerfield, IL 60015
Phone number: (847) 848-0697
Email: info@northshoredancetherapy.com
Dance therapy and counseling services provided by board-certified dance therapists and licensed clinical counselors.
Chicago Park District - Special Needs Programming
Locations across Chicago
(312) 742-5798
special.recreation@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Year long program, activities include: field trips, arts and crafts, games, sports and swimming.
Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
5100 Museum Dr. Oak Lawn IL
The Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn offers sensory friendly play sessions for children who would benefit from a more relaxed museum experience. They are often once per month, so check their calendar to find out when the next play date is scheduled.
333 W. 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: (312) 674-5504
Email: kidsclub@chisox.com
All-Star members receive: official membership card, welcome postcard, White Sox gym bag, stopwatch, jump rope, baseball cap, stickers, temporary tattoos, baseball cards (set of six) featuring current players, and four ticket coupons redeemable for upper reserved seats.
Free parent group that links families, primarily in the NW suburbs, to parent meetup and child playdate events. Events occur several times per month. Click here for calendar.
Downers Grove Site: 2901 Finley Road, Suite 102, Downers Grove, IL 60515, Phone: 630-495-6800
North Mayfair: 4908 N. Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, Phone: 773-205-8505
Roscoe Village Site: 2630 W. Bradley Place, Suite A. Chicago, IL 60618, Phone: 312-955-0089
info@clubhousetherapy.com
The Clubhouse is a multi-disciplinary, integrated team of professionals who empower parents to enhance the lives of their family members. It is the mission of the Clubhouse to celebrate a client’s strengths while fortifying them in their areas of need. We do this through partnership with the family.
Diverse City
Schaumburg: 1141 IL-19, Schaumburg, IL 60193
Bensenville: 1000 Commerce Ct, Bensenville, IL 60106,
Barrington: 8 Bridges Dr, South Barrington, IL 60010
Diverse City FC offers a welcoming and supportive setting for kids in the Autism Spectrum and Intellectual Disabilities, where parents get the confidence to ensure their kids are included to participate at all times. Where kids can develop outside of a therapy setting by developing their social interactions, motor skills, physical fitness, communication, self-esteem, sportsmanship, ability to transition and follow simple directions in a low intensity, fun and devoted environment. They have programs for children ages 3-18.
775 Bonnie Lane, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007
Phone: (847) 437-3447
Services include: field trips, cheer tumbling, birthday parties, competitive gymnastics teams that will be played at Special Olympics functions, circus classes, and beginning/intermediate/advanced gymnastics classes.
Amber Pantaleo
amber@exerciseconnection.com
(773) 575-5100
Our services target neurodiverse people ages Kindergarten-Adulthood in the Chicagoland Area. We are using exercise to successfully empower the autism and special needs community to build an active lifestyle and develop an up-and-coming workforce, resulting in many untold opportunities. Reach out for class and location information.
Family Yoga at Campanelli YMCA
300 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193
Phone: (847) 891-9622
A class designed to help participants build rapport and a basic understanding of yoga for the whole family; all participants do not have to be affected by autism.
Flying High: Special needs open gym
5400 East Ave, Countryside, IL 60525
(708) 352-3099
Open Gym for kids with special needs and their families! Join us for a sensory-friendly open gym on varied, The first Sunday morning of every month from 11:30-1:00! Kids will enjoy 1.5 hours of jumping, climbing, running, and more! Open Gym is suitable for all ages. Siblings are welcomed to join in on the fun!
The Field Museum - Field for All
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 922-9410
For more information on the Field for All App: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/visit/accessibility
Sensory Friendly “Field For All” & Sensory Saturdays: we want everyone to have a great time at the museum, so we strive to make our programs, exhibitions, and facilities accessible for everyone by removing barriers, delivering a welcoming and relevant experience, and providing opportunities for meaningful engagement. The Field Museum also hosts Sensory Saturdays where families enjoy a sensory-friendly morning in the Crown Family PlayLab once a month.
Erin Haddock
2225 W. Wabansia Ave., Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: (847) 899-0441
Email: erin@5keysyoga.com
Singing, breathing exercises, yoga poses, and deep relaxation for children with autism to promote regulation of their behaviors and emotions.
Focus Martial Arts and Fitness
Special Focus Karate
9342 Virginia Road, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: (847) 458-0938
A positive environment in which children are encouraged to use the individual gifts they have plus the karate skills they learn to make a difference in their lives.
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: (630) 907-1114
Year-round recreation activities are offered to provide people with disabilities with the support and tools they need to live a healthy lifestyle.
Gateway Special Recreation Association
15W431 E 59th Street, Burr Ridge 60527
630.325.3857
Formed through an intergovernmental agreement, Gateway Special Recreation Association (SRA) is an extension of the Park Districts of Burr Ridge, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Pleasant Dale, Westchester and York Center, the City of Countryside, and the Villages of Hinsdale and Willowbrook. Gateway SRA contracts the services of the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, a non-profit agency, to provide recreation programs. The Ray Graham Association has been serving the needs of people with disabilities and their families for more than fifty years.
Special Needs Playtime
14511 S. Van Dyke Road, Plainfield, IL 60544
Phone: (815) 609-6360
GymQuest invites every child, no matter what skill level, to benefit from learning the fundamentals of gymnastics and tumbling which can carry over to any number of other sports.
HMD Academy Chicago
4043 N Ravenswood, Suite 118 Chicago, IL 60613
773-549-0285
hmdtkd@gmail.com
Provides training to special needs students is a cornerstone of our mission. It is these students who require the structure, consistency and sequential cognitive processing skills that our program provides. They are also the students who most directly bridge the classroom training into the context of daily life management skills, which is the purpose of training for all individuals.
Training programs for children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and/or other special needs are developed in concert with parents, depend upon the individual student’s needs and may consist of group and private instruction.
515 Busse Highway, Suite 150, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Phone: (847) 685-0250
Email: info@havedreams.org
Three levels of swim instruction, Special Olympics Aquatics, and Special Olympics Track & Field.
Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies
Westmont: (630) 560-0136, linda@hummingbirdpediatrictherapies.com
Woodridge: (630) 442-7662, maggie@hummingbirdpediatrictherapies.com
Service areas include the following and surrounding areas: Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Oak Brook Terrace, Oak Brook, Western Springs, Willow Springs, La Grange, La Grange Park, Downers Grove, Woodridge, Plainfield, Lemont, Romeoville, Homer Glen, Lockport, Joliet, Naperville, Brookfield, Palos Park, Orland Park, Countryside, Elmhurst, Lombard, Villa Park, Westmont, Darien, Burr Ridge, Bolingbrook, Lisle, Indian Head Park, Chicago-Midway, Westchester.
Services include: Developmental, Feeding, Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies, as well as therapeutic preschool (ages 2-7), pediatric counseling, and group services (social language playgroups). Added services include: art therapy, aquatic therapy, hippotherapy, handwriting without tears, interactive metronome, therapeutic listening
Intrigue Dance All Abilities Program
1937 S Archer Ave Chicago, IL 60616
312-765-6755
Dance programs work on gross and fine motor skills, rhythm, coordination, and much more. Learn the art of dance through a nurturing, safe, and encouraging environment.
4251 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641
Phone: (773) 777-7500
Swim classes offered for those children on the autism spectrum, including neurological, physical, or socially challenged individuals that focus on developing water safety, social interaction, and basic swimming skills.
Joffrey Ballet Adaptive Programs: JAM (Joffrey Abilities in Motion)
Joffrey Tower at 10E. Randolph St. Chicago IL 60601
Trish Strong: tstrong@joffrey.org
JAM helps students with autism find their place in the dance community by providing a positive movement experience, improving upon their mind and body awareness, verbal and nonverbal communications, adaptation to different situations, socialization, and self-confidence. Programs available to children ages 4-7 and 8-12. Tuition is $40/8 week session, and we offer Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions.
Steven Cohen
Phone: (630) 258-2543
email: steven@joride.com
JoRide Bicycles are pedal-less bicycles and were created for individuals with special needs, regardless of age or physical limitation, to create the ability, freedom, independence, comfort, and stability to learn how to ride a bicycle.
KEEN Chicago
Chicago, IL
312.876.2535
info@keenchicago.org
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) is a volunteer organization that provides free one-to-one recreational and sports programs for children and young adults with more profound and severe mental and physical disabilities. At each KEEN session, a participating athlete is paired with a trained volunteer coach for a variety of age-appropriate programs including tennis, swimming, basketball, basic ball skills, soccer, fitness and weight training and social activities and outings. Programs and activities offered will vary from one affiliate location to the next. Virtual activities & at-home kits currently available.
Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association
1403 Sycamore Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115
(779) 777-7285
Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association enriches the lives of people with disabilities through goal-driven, diverse recreational opportunities. Programs and services are built and delivered to include people of all abilities and ages. View current brochure here: Brochure - Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association (kishsra.org). Also partnered with Special Olympics. Special Olympics - Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association.
Kohl Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Boulevard Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 832-6600
Kohl Children’s Museum‘s special events called “Everyone Can Play” are free events that require pre-registration. This event is for all children and families who would prefer a more calm museum experience. The Museum’s 17 exhibits and 2 acres of outdoor explorations are designed for play with a purpose and encourage linguistic, cognitive, motor, and social skills for children ages birth through 8.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: (847) 592-9700
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is teaming up with AUTISM SPEAKS® to provide Play Well Days, a brand new sensory-friendly LEGO® experience. Please check this site for future dates!
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA)
815-320-3500
1900 Heather Glen Drive, New Lenox, IL 60451
Locations Served: Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) provides adaptive and special recreation services for individuals with disabilities through a cooperative agreement with Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts. Social programs, programs for children, trips, special events, athletic programs, and an adult day program, are some of the many choices provided.
Little City - Children's Programs
1760 W. Algonquin Rd. Palatine, IL 60067
Main Campus: 847-358-5510
700 N Sacramento, Ste 201 Chicago, IL 60612
Chicago office: 773-265-1539
Our ChildBridge Centers provide individuals up to age 21 with supports, programs and services that help increase their potential for lifelong productivity and success. Services include residential and therapeutic day school, home-based supports and therapy, and foster care/adoption services.
Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NSAR)
Mailing address: 6820 W. Dempster St., Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 966-5522
Special recreation cooperative. To download the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation brochures and newsletters of programs and events CLICK HERE.
New Star Recreation
NSRS North: Working in cooperation with Maywood Park District & Broadview Park District.
708-344-4793
NSRS South: Working in cooperation with South Holland Recreational Services, Calumet Memorial Park District, & Riverdale Park District:
708-801-9966
specialrecservices@gmail.com
New Star Recreation Services (NSRS) is a special recreation cooperative of Broadview, Calumet Memorial, Maywood, and Riverdale Park Districts, as well as the Village of South Holland Recreational Services Department and New Star. New Star is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit community organization dedicated to challenging the limits and changing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. NSRS was organized to provide recreation and leisure programs for children through adults with physical, intellectual and/or age-related disabilities, their families and their communities in South Cook County.
365 Millennium Dr., Suite A
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
(815) 477-4720, ext. 233
This program connects families to diagnostic locations, provided resources and referrals, helps to create a service plan for the families short and long term goals, provides consultation and advocacy, offers parent support group opportunities and support individuals with an ASD through Game Nights and other social opportunities. Sibshops for siblings available.
2066 Mitchell Drive, Oswego, IL 60543
Phone: (630) 554-7480
Email: PremierGymWest@gmail.com
Open gym time for children with autism.
Right Fit Willowbrook
Bradley LaRocque
7101 Adams St #7, Willowbrook, IL 60527
Phone: 630-850-4050
Email: brad@right-fit.com
Right Fit provides fitness and wellness services to individuals with special needs including intellectual, cognitive, and developmental disabilities including Autism and Down Syndrome.
Sensory-Friendly Movies - Chicagoland Area
AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films
Locations in: Chicago (multiple), Lombard, Lake In The Hills, Naperville, New Lenox, Niles, Northbrook, Skokie
AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films showings are available at select theatres. They show family-friendly movies on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
Special Needs Screenings at Studio Movie Grill
Studio Movie Grill locations, including the one in Wheaton, offer Special Needs Screenings with family-friendly new releases. Please call ahead as they are not running every weekend yet. You must purchase tickets at the box office.
Reel Movies for Reel Needs Marcus
Locations in: Addison, Bloomingdale, Orland Park
Marcus Theaters hosts a Reel Movie for Real Needs event monthly. Check the Marcus website for a list of running movies on Saturday mornings.
Bright Stars Screening at Hollywood Palms
Location: Naperville, IL
Bright Stars Screenings. Check the schedule because show times are currently limited. Tickets are $5 per person. Click here to see the upcoming movie and find a link for tickets.
6424 Howard St, Niles, IL 60714
Phone: (847) 801-5867
Email: nilinfo@jumpskyhigh.com
Sky High Sports welcomes jumpers with special needs, along with their siblings, family, and friends the first Tuesday of every month from 3-6 p.m for a unique jump session.
The Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605
contactus@sheddaquarium.org
312-939-2438
The Shedd Aquarium has created a quiet room providing a dedicated space that can be used as a calming room, prayer room, or place to privately recharge mobility devices, which is available any day you wish to visit the museum. The aquatic show has special seating with modifications including limited capacity and streamlined entry with advance registration. On select dates, the Shedd offers extended hours for guests with disabilities. See the accessibility page for more information, including information on requesting a sign language interpreter, as well as a sensory-friendly app designed to make the visiting experience more enjoyable.
South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA)
12521 S. Kostner Ave. • Alsip, IL 60803
708-389-9423
SWSRA is a special recreation co-operative comprised of the following communities: Alsip, Blue Island, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Palos Heights, Posen and Worth. SWSRA was formed in 1981 to provide year-round quality recreation programs and services for individuals with disabilities or special needs. SWSRA programs are designed to increase independence and enhance the quality of life for each individual.
Jesus Perez
1440 N. Humboldt Blvd, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 742-7549
A program for children with special needs to learn the basics of baseball in a safe and non-competitive environment.
Special Olympics Illinois
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to children and adults. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.
Village of Orland Park Special Recreation program
14700 Ravinia Avenue Orland Park, IL 60462
708-403-6100
Provides year round therapeutic recreation services to individuals with special needs serving individuals three years of age and above, with a variety of programs including: health and fitness, social clubs, special events, owl athletics, arts and crafts, trips and much more.
Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
Bloomingdale, IL
(708) 505-2980
Offers special event times for sensory-friendly play with limited entries. Check their calendar for when these special events occur.
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
Franklin Park: 10123 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131
(708) 716-3063
We Rock the Spectrum provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Our unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development. Through our nonprofit My Brother Rocks The Spectrum Foundation, we provide social skills groups and activities for children across the spectrum.
West Pullman Park Summer Day Camp - Therapeutic Recreation Activities for Daily Living
rosie.st.george@chicagoparkdistrict.com
401 W. 123rd St., Chicago, IL 60628
(312) 747-7090
Activities include field trips, "learn to swim" program, carnival, arts and crafts, sports and much more.
inclusion@ymcachicago.org
Locations: Buehler YMCA (Palatine), Camp Duncan (Ingleside), Camp MacLean (Burlington, WI), Camp Nawakwa (Lac du Flambeau, WI), Elmhurst YMCA, Foglia YMCA (Lake Zurich), Fry Family YMCA (Naperville), Greater LaGrange YMCA, Hastings Lake YMCA (Lindenhurst), Indian Boundary YMCA (Downers Grove), Irving Park YMCA, Kelly Hall (Garfield Park Chicago), Lake View YMCA (Chicago), McCormick YMCA (Logan Square, Chicago), Rauner YMCA (Lower West side, Chicago), Sage YMCA (Crystal Lake), South Side YMCA (Chicago).
Membership centers include facilities with pools, fitness centers, sports programming, and traditional day camps. Contact the Inclusion Department for information on programs and supports.
YMCA - Early Education & Care programming
Specialized programming for young children through age 5 operates at the following:
Garfield Park YMCA: Effie O. Ellis YMCA
Greektown: Early Learning & Demonstration Center
Auburn Gresham: Jeanne Kenney YMCA
Logan Square: McCormick YMCA
North Lawndale: North Lawndale YMCA
Lower West Side/Little Village: Rauner YMCA
South Side: South Side YMCA
Elementary School
10 Best Summer Camps in Chicago for Kids with Autism (opinion article)
Each camp on this list is equipped to work with children on the autism spectrum and their unique, individual needs.
P.O. Box 687 Lake Forest, IL 60045
(312) 401-HOPE
Lake County
camphopeillinois@gmail.com
Five-day recreational and residential summer camp for children, teenagers, and young adults who are challenged by developmental disabilities. Activities include: swimming, dancing, singing, arts and crafts, adaptive sports, cook-outs, magic show, carnival, and much more. Ages: 11 years and up. Scholarships are available. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Accepting twenty campers per session (ten males, ten females).
SIU Carbondale Mailcode 6888
(618) 453-1121x 231
Vickil@siu.edu
Camp location: Little Grassy Lake, which is part of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and amongst the Shawnee National Forest.
25600 Kelly Rd., South Bend, IN 46614
574-233-2202
campmillhouse@gmail.com
Inspiring self-discovery in individuals with special needs through a safe, traditional camp experience in both day program and overnight camp programs.
P.O.. Box 764 Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 895-2341
Camp New Hope was built by parents of children who have developmental disabilities. They offer two programs: summer camp and respite year round. The respite program is an opportunity for parents to take a break from caring for their child who has a disability, while knowing their child is in a safe and caring environment. Ages: 9-18 years. Insurance not accepted.
100 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
Ages 8-22
Monday - Friday summer camp designed for youth on the autism spectrum, Camp Red Kite is a dynamic theatre day camp that is welcoming, engaging, and a whole lot of fun! Throughout three fun-filled weeks, students ages 8-22 rotate between classes with their age-appropriate small group, exploring drama, music, movement, and visual arts. Camp culminates in a final showcase and potluck lunch to share the Camp Red Kite experience with family and friends. Join us this summer for an exciting arts experience that encourages self-expression, social engagement, and creative exploration!
26710 W Nippersink Rd
Ingleside, IL 60041-8770
847-740-5010
awarner@jcys.org
Week long youth (ages 9-17) and adult camp experiences are available at Camp Red Leaf throughout the summer months and weekend respite programs available throughout the year. Friendships blossom as campers choose between adaptable sports programs, arts and crafts, the ropes course and zip line, outdoor camping experiences, and lake and heated pool activities. With a camper counselor ratio of 2:1, experiences are as individualized as the campers themselves. Staff members adapt programming to reflect the varied levels, abilities, and needs of each camper while also creating a safe environment where campers are able to challenge themselves.
Camp SOAR (Special Outdoor Adaptive Recreation)
Children’s Research Triangle 70 E. Lake St., Suite 1300 Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 726-4011
campsoar@cr-triangle.org
Camp location: Wesley Woods Camp, Williams Bay, WI
The camp is open to children and teens with physical and/or cognitive special needs, such as autism, down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, cerebral palsy, and many other handicapping disorders. ***Parents of Camp SOAR Campers, please note that applications are no longer mailed out and instead applications are electronic. If you did not receive an email with the link to complete the electronic Camp SOAR application for your camper please email Sari at srieger@cr-triangle.org ***
Chicago Park District - Special Needs Programming
Locations across Chicago
(312) 742-5798
special.recreation@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Year long program, activities include: field trips, arts and crafts, games, sports and swimming.
415 W. Eighth Street, Hinsdale, IL, 60521
630-323-7500
info@thecommunityhouse.org
Features sports camps and leagues, day camps, after school programming, theatrical opportunities, and educational and social opportunities. Offers unique and innovative programming to help kids grow and learn like fencing, sign language, dance/yoga classes, song writing, improv and so much more. Explore the Program Guide, use the search filers below or visit our online registration site to get started today.
Covenant Harbor Family Summer Camp
1724 Main St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Phone: (262) 248-3600
Activities include swimming, rock climbing, arts and crafts, board games, and open gym.
Creative Exchange Music Therapy Clinic
1527 Westchester Blvd., Suite One South, Westchester, Illinois 60154
(708) 345-6100 or (773) 562-6202
info@creativeexchangemusic.com
Offers both individual and group music therapy sessions, as well as adaptive lessons of various instruments. Offers a free initial consultation to come visit our clinic with your child to see if music therapy might beneficial.
1100 Lake St. Suite 100C, Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 620-2373
Social skills groups and camps for children of all ages and abilities that incorporate current social and emotional skill curricula in tandem with evidence-based music therapy techniques and current autism best practices.
Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana
Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana is dedicated to helping people with disabilities become as independent as possible, while also providing support and resources for family members. Youth services include: Social groups for ages 6-22 (divided by age) for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are eligible to participate.
Easterseals Central Illinois
507 East Armstrong Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603-3201
(309) 686-1177
Provides interdisciplinary pediatric therapy and support for the whole child, and your whole family. Services include: Early Intervention, Feeding therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Counseling. Additional autism services include ABA, DIR/Floortime, assistive technology clinics, adaptive swim lessons, care management, diagnostic evaluations, social skills groups, residential day camp and parent training.
Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin
6737 W Washington St, Suite 4205, West Allis, WI 53214
414-449-4444
Youth services include: Summer respite camp for children, teens and young adults ages 7-21.
Easter Seals Wisconsin - Elks Respite Camp
101 Nob Hill Road, Suite 301 Madison, WI 53713
(608) 277-8288 or (800) 422-2324
Ages: 7-18 years.
Also at Easter Seals Wisconsin: Camp Wawbeek
101 Nob Hill Road, Suite 301 Madison, WI 53713
(608) 277-8288 or (800) 422-2324
Dane County
Campers will experience a schedule that is structured, while offering choice and empowerment. A choice of age-appropriate, fun and challenging activities encourage a healthy lifestyle, independent living skills, socialization and transition to adulthood. Ages: 15-25 years.
1409 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago, Il 60607
(312) 733-0883
moreinfo@eyaslanding.com
Eyas Landing is an evidence-based and family centered pediatric therapy clinic for children with developmental delays. Provides: Speech, OT, Developmental, Behavioral (ABA), and social work interventions. Summer camp programs for children ages 3-4, 5-10, and 11-12.
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: (630) 907-1114
Year-round recreation activities are offered to provide people with disabilities with the support and tools they need to live active and healthy lifestyles.
Gateway Special Recreation Association
15W431 59th St., Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone: (630) 325-3857
A variety of recreation and sports programs are offered in order to promote the health, well-being, and quality of life for people with disabilities.
Andrea Johnsen, Program Director: ajohnsen@havedreams.org
515 Busse Highway, Suite 150, Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 905-0702
After-school programs, day programs, and workplace training services are offered to those ages 16 months and older affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as diagnostic and family support services. Scholarships available for families in need.
HLC Therapy Group, LLC
1301 Pyott Rd. Suite 109 Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
hello@hlctherapy.com
(847) 829-0922
Provides autism diagnostic evaluation, as well as Speech, Occupational, Feeding, Aquatic, and Physical Therapies. In-clinic, in-home and telehealth. Summer camp programming (https://www.hlctherapy.com/summercamps) ages 2-15 also available.
Independence Park Summer Day Camp *(CPD)
Therapeutic Recreation Activities for Daily Living
Contact: Maureen Perez
3945 N. Springfield Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-0944
Activities include: swimming (daily), sports (soccer skills, drills and games), arts and crafts, field trips (two to three per week) and low organized games. Lunch is provided. Ages: 8 years and up.
Chicago's South Suburbs
Felicia McBride, FNP Project Development Manager
felicia.mcbride@actforchildren.org
773-356-8110
The Illinois Action for Children program links families to financial support for child care, Early Head Start, Head Start, and Pre-School For All services. The ReCharge Program is a free summer fitness and wellness program for families in the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) developments offered to children between ages 6 and 14.
Open to all Chicagoland families
224.801.4070
Jill’s House is a non-profit organization that offers respite to families of children with intellectual disabilities through a weekend adventure program. At Weekend Adventures children (ages 6-17) get to experience an all inclusive camp weekend uniquely tailored to their needs. At the same time, their parents get a weekend to have some much needed rest and relaxation. During the camp weekend our campers are surrounded by onsite medical staff, client care specialists, and one-on-one buddies. Camps happen throughout the year in Lake Geneva, WI and transportation is provided from Libertyville, IL.
Joanna M. Kooistra, MS, BCBA
120 W. Eastman St., Suite 102, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Phone: (847) 873-1505
Email: info@jmkbehavior.org
Provides home-based and clinic-based ABA/VB therapy to individuals with autism, as well as social skills groups and summer camp programs.
3210 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 205-0274
Jen Phillips, Chief Program Officer
Marni Sommerfield, Asst. Director of Recreation & Camp
With 18 day and overnight camp locations, Keshet has a camp program that fits nearly any interest, special need and background. We are proud to partner with JCC Chicago day and overnight camps, JCYS, Junior Gan Israel, Camp Nageela Midwest and Ramah Day Camp. Assistance is available for some families demonstrating financial need. For overnight camp, assistance is available for up to four weeks.
Phone: (224) 326-2206
Email: intake@kghautismservices.com
1161 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015
Specializing in developmental-based ABA therapy (NDBI, ESDM) for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with ASD, in the home or at their specialized center. Providing therapeutic preschool and kindergarten, SLP, OT, mental health, parent training, sibling support, social groups, community support, significant problematic behavior support (FA) from early childhood through young adulthood. KGH also offers a Teen & Young Adult Center with a teaching apartment for teaching life skills. Serving Chicagoland, North Shore, West Suburbs, Northwest Suburbs, and Far North Suburbs. KGH has been supporting children and families for over 19 years.
Northfield, IL & Libertyville, IL
Phone: (847) 386-6560
info@kickstartptn.com
Clinical services include developmental therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and social skills groups for children up to early adolescence. Additionally, Kick Start has early intervention, therapeutic preschool and summer camp programs.
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA)
815-320-3500
1900 Heather Glen Drive, New Lenox, IL 60451
Locations Served: Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) provides adaptive and special recreation services for individuals with disabilities through a cooperative agreement with Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts. Social programs, programs for children, trips, special events, athletic programs, and an adult day program, are some of the many choices provided.
Little Friends Center for Autism, Inc.
140 N. Wright St, Naperville, IL 60540
(708) 860-2404 (Lisa) or (630) 305-4196, ext. 1 (Patti)
Some areas that may be worked on include cooperation, communication, imitation, math and reading readiness skills, and play and leisure activities.
Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NSAR)
Mailing address: 6820 W. Dempster St., Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 966-5522
Special recreation cooperative. To download the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation brochures and newsletters of programs and events CLICK HERE.
New Star Recreation
NSRS North: Working in cooperation with Maywood Park District & Broadview Park District.
708-344-4793
NSRS South: Working in cooperation with South Holland Recreational Services, Calumet Memorial Park District, & Riverdale Park District:
708-801-9966
specialrecservices@gmail.com
New Star Recreation Services (NSRS) is a special recreation cooperative of Broadview, Calumet Memorial, Maywood, and Riverdale Park Districts, as well as the Village of South Holland Recreational Services Department and New Star. New Star is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit community organization dedicated to challenging the limits and changing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. NSRS was organized to provide recreation and leisure programs for children through adults with physical, intellectual and/or age-related disabilities, their families and their communities in South Cook County.
Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association
1770 W. Centennial Place, Addison, IL 60101
Phone: (630) 620-4500
Special recreation cooperative.
Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA)
820 E. Terra Cotta, Suite 125, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: (815) 459-0737
Special recreation cooperative.
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA)
3105 MacArthur, Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: (847) 509-9400
Special recreation cooperative.
Northern Will County Special Recreation Association (NWSCRA)
10 Montrose Drive, Romeoville, IL 60446
Phone: (815) 407-1819
Email: info@nwcsra.org
Special recreation cooperative.
Northwest Special Recreation Association
Theresa Waite
3000 W. Central Road, Suite 205, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: (847) 392-2848
Special recreation cooperative.
Oak Lawn Park District/Special Recreation Cooperative
4625 W. 110th St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Phone: (708) 857-7614
Special recreation cooperative.
Piotrowski Park District Spring Camp
Therapeutic Recreation Activities for Daily Living
Contact: David Donohue
4247 West 31st St, Chicago, IL 60623
Phone: (312) 745-4804
Activities include: swimming, sports, exercise, etc.
River Valley Special Recreation Association
1335 E. Broadway, Bradley, IL 60915
Phone: (815) 933-7336
email: rvsra@sbcglobal.net
Special recreation cooperative.
Therapeutic Recreation
401 S. Main St., Rockford, IL, 61101
Phone: (815) 987-1607
Programs based on sports and fitness, arts and leisure, and social activities are offered to promote the development, maintenance, and expression of a meaningful leisure lifestyle to people with disabilities.
4500 Belmont Road, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: (630) 960-7600
Email: info@seaspar.org
Offers multiple day camps each summer to provide a structured environment in which to enjoy productive leisure activities.
South Suburban Special Recreation Association
19910 80th Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60487
Phone: (815) 806-0384
SSRA is a therapeutic recreation program organized to provide individuals with disabilities or special needs the opportunity to be involved in year-round recreation.
South West Special Recreation Association
12521 S. Kostner Ave, Alsip, IL 60803
Phone: (708) 389-9423
Special recreation cooperative.
Special Camps
Corporate Mailing Address
26 W 684 Lindsey Ave., Winfield Illinois, 60190
630-690-0944
colleen.scamps@icloud.com
Special Camps provides opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to experience new activities, form friendships, increase independence and self-esteem in 2-week long, loving, all volunteer run summer camps. With proper supervision by trained staff and 24-hour nursing, Special Camps is a safe overnight camp for intellectually disabled kids and adults who could otherwise not attend similar camp programs due to physical, medical or intellectual limitations. To get on the email list for next year, please email!
Special Kids Foundation: One in a Hundred Summer Camp
Northbrook Covenant Church: 2737 Techny Road Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 461-9230
info@specialkidsfoundation.org
A camp experience for children with high-functioning ASD, ADHD and Anxiety located in Northbrook. Registration & Scholarship applications here
Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC)
290 Oakwood Road, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Phone: (847) 816-4866
Special recreation cooperative that serves seven communities: Vernon Hills, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Grayslake, and Hawthorn Woods. Provides programming for individuals, families, and SibShops for siblings of individuals with disabilities.
Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County (SRSNLC)
Katie Kozuch
2200 E. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Phone: (847) 356-6011
Special recreation cooperative.
Special Recreation Services (SRS)
1624 E. 154th St., Dolton, IL 60419
Phone: (708) 841-1071 ext. 233
Special recreation cooperative.
Spectrum Sailing
Chicago, IL
Executive Director: Scott Herman: 847.863.3059
scott@spectrumsailing.org; info@spectrumsailing.org
Spectrum Sailing runs a 3 day sailing camp for 10-17 yr old kids. Sessions run morning or afternoon. Campers learn knots, parts of the boat, why the boat sails, and most importantly how to sail!
TPOC@EASTERSEALSCI.COM
office: 309-365-8021
Hudson, IL
Timber Pointe Outdoor Center is the premier resource in the state of Illinois providing specialized and inclusive camping and respite programming for individuals with disabilities or special needs and their families in a safe, accessible and beautiful environment. Timber Pointe offers special needs and inclusive camp sessions for children and adults ages 7 and up. Campers participate in traditional camp activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, arts & crafts, target sports, music, and horseback riding.
Tuesday's Child Behavioral Summer Camp
c/o DePaul College Prep
Where: 3633 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618-4602
Phone: (773) 423-5055
This is a great opportunity for your child to receive behavioral support in a fun, peer-based environment. For children ages 0-10.
Village of Orland Park Special Recreation program
14700 Ravinia Avenue Orland Park, IL 60462
708-403-6100
Provides year round therapeutic recreation services to individuals with special needs serving individuals three years of age and above, with a variety of programs including: health and fitness, social clubs, special events, owl athletics, arts and crafts, trips and much more.
Warren Special Recreation Association
100 S. Greenleaf, Gurnee, IL 60031
Phone: (847) 244-6619
Special recreation cooperative.
West Pullman Park Summer Day Camp - Therapeutic Recreation Activities for Daily Living
rosie.st.george@chicagoparkdistrict.com
401 W. 123rd St., Chicago, IL 60628
(312) 747-7090
Activities include field trips, "learn to swim" program, carnival, arts and crafts, sports and much more.
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA)
116 N. Schmale Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188
Phone: (630) 681-0962
Special recreation cooperative.
Locations throughout the Chicagoland area, including Frankfort, Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Schaumburg, Orland Park, New Lenox, Tinley Park, Willowbrook, Carol Stream, and Shorewood.
(815) 469-1500
Provides ABA, speech, feeding, physical, occupational therapy and counseling. Additionally, Westside offers diagnostic evaluation/testing, daytime/after school programs, and summer camp programming.
West Suburban Special Recreation Association
2915 Maple St., Franklin Park, IL 60131
Phone: (847) 455-2100
Special recreation cooperative.
inclusion@ymcachicago.org
Locations: Buehler YMCA (Palatine), Camp Duncan (Ingleside), Camp MacLean (Burlington, WI), Camp Nawakwa (Lac du Flambeau, WI), Elmhurst YMCA, Foglia YMCA (Lake Zurich), Fry Family YMCA (Naperville), Greater LaGrange YMCA, Hastings Lake YMCA (Lindenhurst), Indian Boundary YMCA (Downers Grove), Irving Park YMCA, Kelly Hall (Garfield Park Chicago), Lake View YMCA (Chicago), McCormick YMCA (Logan Square, Chicago), Rauner YMCA (Lower West side, Chicago), Sage YMCA (Crystal Lake), South Side YMCA (Chicago).
Membership centers include facilities with pools, fitness centers, sports programming, and traditional day camps. Contact the Inclusion Department for information on programs and supports.
Blazing Prairie Stars, Inc.
47W635 Beith Road, Maple Park, IL 60151
Email: blazingps@msn.com
Phone: (630) 365-5550
Provides hippotherapy as a strategy for occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy to meet client-centered goals.
Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center
Sarah Newland, program director
7319 Maxon Road, Harvard, IL 60033
Phone: (815) 943-8226 or (815) 765-2113
BraveHearts is a PATH International-premier accredited center (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) whose programs teach horseback riding skills to children and adults with cognitive and/or physical disabilities as well as therapeutic carriage driving lessons and a wide variety of recreational therapy activities.
Contact: Loren Gineris, PT
email: dljjjgineris@sbcglobal.net
P.O. Box 870, 3N065 Anderson Road, Elburn, IL 60119
Phone: (630) 715-0354
Strides In Motion is a program in which physical therapists work with side-walkers, horse leaders, and arena assistants to combine clinic-based treatments with hippotherapy in order to achieve a client's functional goals in a natural setting.
Central Illinois Riding Therapy
Judith Kruse
305 Neumann Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611
Phone: (309) 699-3710
email: cirt@cirt.info
Therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
Diana Schnell, executive director
600 N. Bradley Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Phone: (847) 615-8696
email: info@equestrianconnection.org
Hippotherapy, art therapy, and therapeutic riding are offered with features such as a 16,000 square foot heated arena, riding trails, an outdoor arena, therapy rooms, job and living skill programs, after school clubs, summer and spring camps, and massage therapy for both clients and caregivers.
9501 N. Austin Ave., Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 965-1632
Provides therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
Sharon Mason
Mailing address: P.O. Box 372, Sandwich, IL 60548
Phone: (815) 690-8144
Email: ride@equinedreams.org
Provides hippotherapy therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with special needs.
9501 Austin Ave., Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 967-9800
email: freedomwoodsfarm@ymail.com
Provides therapeutic riding and hippotherapy; program placement will be determined via an evaluation performed by a licensed therapist.
Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities
28W051 Liberty St., Winfield, IL 60190
Phone: (630) 588-8543
email: info@ftea.org
Provides individualized therapeutic activities for people with disabilities.
Cheryl Case
31309 E. 2500 N. Road, Cabrey, IL 60919
Phone: (630) 853-9813
email: heatherridgestables@yahoo.com
Provides individualized therapeutic riding for people with disabilities. Get more information about services and fees.
Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy
Chicago and surrounding suburbs
Marlene Karman
630-878-8096
HRET is passionately committed to empowering the lives of individuals with varied physical, emotional, cognitive, and social abilities through the spirit of the horse. Our programs include therapeutic riding (unmounted and mounted activities), veteran programs, farm and nature experience, and trail classes. We have no age restrictions and we strive to accommodate all individuals.
Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies
Hummingbird has two locations
- Westmont: (630) 560-0136, linda@hummingbirdpediatrictherapies.com
- Woodridge: (630) 442-7662, maggie@hummingbirdpediatrictherapies.com
Service areas include the following and surrounding areas: Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Oak Brook Terrace, Oak Brook, Western Springs, Willow Springs, La Grange, La Grange Park, Downers Grove, Woodridge, Plainfield, Lemont, Romeoville, Homer Glen, Lockport, Joliet, Naperville, Brookfield, Palos Park, Orland Park, Countryside, Elmhurst, Lombard, Villa Park, Westmont, Darien, Burr Ridge, Bolingbrook, Lisle, Indian Head Park, Chicago-Midway, Westchester.
Services include: Developmental, Feeding, Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies, as well as therapeutic preschool (ages 2-7), pediatric counseling, and group services (social language playgroups). Added services include: art therapy, aquatic therapy, hippotherapy, handwriting without tears, interactive metronome, therapeutic listening
Manhattan Meadows
Lisa Rizzo, Owner
Route 52 and Huff Road, Manhattan, IL 60442
Phone: (815) 919-4149
Provides private therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
Midwest Center for Children's Development NFP
Beth Saip, DPT Clinical Director
4701 N. Oak St, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Phone: (815) 788-1020
Email: info@mccdtherapy.com
Provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy services with an equine assisted model.
18929 81st. St., Sherrard, IL, 61281
Phone: (309) 764-4220
Email: info@nktriders.org
Provides therapeutic horse riding and motion therapy.
Paradise Equestrian Therapy Center
18146 East Country Road 750 N., Charleston, IL, 61920
(217) 232-0022
email: petcenter2007@yahoo.com
Specialized therapeutic horse riding sessions created for each individual by a therapeutic riding instructor or a health professional.
Amanda Braden
email: amanda@partnersforprogressnfp.org
23525 W. Milton Road, Wauconda, IL, 60084
Phone: (847) 438-5400
Provides therapeutic riding and hippotherapy.
6668 S. Carthage Road, P.O. Box 293, Oregon, IL 61061
Phone: (815) 973-3177
email: admin@pegasusspecialriders.org
Provides equine assisted therapy to physically, mentally and/or emotionally challenged individuals with the help of physical therapists, trained instructors, medical experts, and volunteers.
822 200th Ave., Monmouth, IL, 61462
Phone: (309) 734-4849
email: karenangotti@gmail.com
Therapeutic horseback riding program for children with special needs that provides safe, professional, and affordable therapeutic horseback riding opportunities that contribute to the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of each child.
Hanson Center Horsemanship Program
Email: horsemanship@raygraham.org
Phone: (630) 620-2222
Therapeutic riding lessons for individuals with a wide range of disabilities including physical, intellectual, developmental, sensory, and social.
Rocky Lane Farms
Joanie Keyes
2044 Walnut Grove
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 428-9255
Macon County
Program just begun. Competitive riding for Special Olympics (three competitions). Learn more.
Ages: 8 and up.
Private insurance accepted.
Cost: $10 (One-hour sessions every other week).
Sojourn Therapeutic Riding Center
Barbara Mulry
24861 S. 88th Ave., Frankfort, IL, 60423
Phone: (708) 539-3078
Email: bmulry@gmail.com
Provides equine assisted therapy to physically, mentally and/or emotionally challenged individuals.
School for Therapeutic and Recreational Riding (STARR)
3180 S. Mount Zion Road, Decatur, IL 62521
Phone: (217) 864-2463
Therapeutic horseback riding for children with special needs.
Mary Illing
26665 W Cuba, Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 381-4231
Email: walkonfarm@walkonfarm.org or milling@walkonfarm.org
Equine assisted activities for people with physical, cognitive, social and emotional disabilities.
White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Whiteside County Fairgrounds
201 W. Winfield St. Morrison, IL 61270
Phone: (815) 772-2669
email: rideatwhoa@yahoo.com
Provides recreational, educational, therapeutic, and social opportunities for persons with disabilities by virtue of interactions with horses.
American Youth Soccer Organization
P.O. Box 557514 Chicago, IL, 60655
Phone: (773) 432-4210
VIP@ayso418.org
Region 423: a quality soccer experience for children whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to participate successfully on mainstream teams. This program takes place on Saturdays at the Chicago lakefront fields, during the Fall and Spring seasons
Hubbard Street Dance Center
1147 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 850-9744
email: info@hubbardstreetdance.com
This well-structured curriculum was developed collaboratively with the Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays at the University of Illinois at Chicago (RCADD) to allow students to explore dance technique and the choreographic process using developmentally appropriate methods, supported by a 1:1 teacher/student ratio as needed.
Aqua-Tots: S.N.A.P.—SWIM LESSONS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Wheaton Swim School: 1245 Butterfield Rd Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 348-6550
wheatoninfo@aqua-tots.com
Orland Park Swim School: 15565 S 94th Ave. Orland Park, IL 60462
(708) 918-4020
orlandparkinfo@aqua-tots.com
NW Indiana - Schererville Swim School: 655 E. US Hwy. 30 Schererville, IN 46375
(219) 232-5032
scherervilleinfo@aqua-tots.com
Helping children of all abilities, ages 4 months – 12 years, become confident and safe swimmers. Location finder here.
BDI Playhouse Children's Therapy
Aurora: 600 N. Commons Drive, Suite 102 Aurora, IL 60504
Orland Park: 11411 W. 183rd Street. Suite B Orland Park 60467
708.478.1820
We provide Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy along with Aquatic Therapy, Gait Clinic, Feeding Clinic, Casting and Bike Riding Lessons for kids and young adults (birth - 25).
Bel Air Martial Arts and Fitness
2657 N Clybourn ave Chicago, IL 60614
(872) 216-4535
hello@teambelair.com
Bel Air offers programs for neurodiverse children ages 6-15.
Brooklyn Boulders - Adaptive Climbing Group
Adaptive Climbing Group
100 South Morgan Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 268-0002
Email: chicago@adaptiveclimbinggroup.org
Adaptive recreational activities good for individuals with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Has launched Sensory Friendly Nature Museum, a new app designed for guests with Autism and sensory processing disorders. Created in partnership with InfiniTeach, the app helps to make the Nature Museum more accessible to all guests. The mobile app can be used before, during, and after a visit. Sensory Friendly Nature Museum includes social guides for each exhibit, a customizable visual schedule, communication tools, a sensory friendly map, and tips for your visit. Detailed sensory stories are currently available on the Nature Museum website, and a quiet room and sensory backpacks are available for check-out. Available on Android and Apple devices.
2222 N Elston Ave
(773) 342-7250
Provides private lessons and group classes for kids with autism and other developmental disabilities. More information here
Chicago Children’s Museum - Play for All
700 East Grand Avenue, Suite 127. Chicago, Illinois 60611
Phone: (312) 527-1000
Erica Hornthal
1516 Greenwood Ave, Deerfield, IL 60015
Phone number: (847) 848-0697
Email: info@northshoredancetherapy.com
Dance therapy and counseling services provided by board-certified dance therapists and licensed clinical counselors.
Chicago TOP Soccer
13 N. Lombard Rd. Addison, Illinois, 60101
630-935-7263
Chicago TOPSoccer brings players (kids age 5 and up) with intellectual and physical disabilities together with able bodied volunteers to learn and play soccer.
Contact Coach Shawn at 630-935-7263 or email at sdanhouser@yahoo.com.
Chicago Park District - Special Needs Programming
Locations across Chicago
(312) 742-5798
special.recreation@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Year long program, activities include: field trips, arts and crafts, games, sports and swimming.
Downers Grove Site: 2901 Finley Road, Suite 102, Downers Grove, IL 60515, Phone: 630-495-6800
North Mayfair: 4908 N. Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, Phone: 773-205-8505
Roscoe Village Site: 2630 W. Bradley Place, Suite A. Chicago, IL 60618, Phone: 312-955-0089
info@clubhousetherapy.com
The Clubhouse is a multi-disciplinary, integrated team of professionals who empower parents to enhance the lives of their family members. It is the mission of the Clubhouse to celebrate a client’s strengths while fortifying them in their areas of need. We do this through partnership with the family.
415 W. Eighth Street, Hinsdale, IL, 60521
630-323-7500
info@thecommunityhouse.org
Features sports camps and leagues, day camps, after school programming, theatrical opportunities, and educational and social opportunities. Offers unique and innovative programming to help kids grow and learn like fencing, sign language, dance/yoga classes, song writing, improv and so much more. Explore the Program Guide, use the search filers below or visit our online registration site to get started today.
Diverse City
Schaumburg: 1141 IL-19, Schaumburg, IL 60193
Bensenville: 1000 Commerce Ct, Bensenville, IL 60106,
Barrington: 8 Bridges Dr, South Barrington, IL 60010
Diverse City FC offers a welcoming and supportive setting for kids in the Autism Spectrum and Intellectual Disabilities, where parents get the confidence to ensure their kids are included to participate at all times. Where kids can develop outside of a therapy setting by developing their social interactions, motor skills, physical fitness, communication, self-esteem, sportsmanship, ability to transition and follow simple directions in a low intensity, fun and devoted environment. They have programs for children ages 3-18.
1100 Lake St. Suite 100C, Oak Park, IL 60301
Phone: (708) 620-2373
Social skills groups and camps for children of all ages and abilities that incorporate current social and emotional skill curricula in tandem with evidence-based music therapy techniques and current autism best practices.
Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana
Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana is dedicated to helping people with disabilities become as independent as possible, while also providing support and resources for family members.
Youth services include: Social groups for ages 6-22 (divided by age) for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are eligible to participate. We also offer a Dream Teens program for students ages 14 to 22 and Sibshops.
Easterseals Central Illinois
507 East Armstrong Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603-3201
(309) 686-1177
Provides interdisciplinary pediatric therapy and support for the whole child, and your whole family. Services include: Early Intervention, Feeding therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Counseling. Additional autism services include ABA, DIR/Floortime, assistive technology clinics, adaptive swim lessons, care management, diagnostic evaluations, social skills groups, residential day camp and parent training.
775 Bonnie Lane, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007
Phone: (847) 437-3447
Services include: field trips, cheer tumbling, birthday parties, competitive gymnastics teams that will be played at Special Olympics functions, circus classes, and beginning/intermediate/advanced gymnastics classes.
Amber Pantaleo
amber@exerciseconnection.com
(773) 575-5100
Our services target neurodiverse people ages Kindergarten-Adulthood in the Chicagoland Area. We are using exercise to successfully empower the autism and special needs community to build an active lifestyle and develop an up-and-coming workforce, resulting in many untold opportunities. Reach out for class and location information.
Family Yoga at Campanelli YMCA
300 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193
Phone: (847) 891-9622
A class designed to help participants build rapport and a basic understanding of yoga for the whole family; all participants do not have to be affected by autism.
The Field Museum - Field for All
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 922-9410
For more information on the Field for All App: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/visit/accessibility
Sensory Friendly “Field For All” & Sensory Saturdays: we want everyone to have a great time at the museum, so we strive to make our programs, exhibitions, and facilities accessible for everyone by removing barriers, delivering a welcoming and relevant experience, and providing opportunities for meaningful engagement. The Field Museum also hosts Sensory Saturdays where families enjoy a sensory-friendly morning in the Crown Family PlayLab once a month.
Erin Haddock
2225 W. Wabansia Ave., Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: (847) 899-0441
Email: erin@5keysyoga.com
Singing, breathing exercises, yoga poses, and deep relaxation for children with autism to promote regulation of their behaviors and emotions.
Flying High: Special needs open gym
5400 East Ave, Countryside, IL 60525
(708) 352-3099
Open Gym for kids with special needs and their families! Join us for a sensory-friendly open gym on varied, The first Sunday morning of every month from 11:30-1:00! Kids will enjoy 1.5 hours of jumping, climbing, running, and more! Open Gym is suitable for all ages. Siblings are welcomed to join in on the fun!
Focus Martial Arts and Fitness
Special Focus Karate
9342 Virginia Road, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: (847) 458-0938
A positive environment in which children are encouraged to use the individual gifts they have plus the karate skills they learn to make a difference in their lives.
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: (630) 907-1114
Year-round recreation activities are offered to provide people with disabilities with the support and tools they need to live a healthy lifestyle.
Gateway Special Recreation Association
15W431 E 59th Street, Burr Ridge 60527
630.325.3857
Formed through an intergovernmental agreement, Gateway Special Recreation Association (SRA) is an extension of the Park Districts of Burr Ridge, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Pleasant Dale, Westchester and York Center, the City of Countryside, and the Villages of Hinsdale and Willowbrook. Gateway SRA contracts the services of the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, a non-profit agency, to provide recreation programs. The Ray Graham Association has been serving the needs of people with disabilities and their families for more than fifty years.
Special Needs Playtime
14511 S. Van Dyke Road, Plainfield, IL 60544
Phone: (815) 609-6360
GymQuest invites every child, no matter what skill level, to benefit from learning the fundamentals of gymnastics and tumbling which can carry over to any number of other sports.
HMD Academy Chicago
4043 N Ravenswood, Suite 118 Chicago, IL 60613
773-549-0285
hmdtkd@gmail.com
Provides training to special needs students is a cornerstone of our mission. It is these students who require the structure, consistency and sequential cognitive processing skills that our program provides. They are also the students who most directly bridge the classroom training into the context of daily life management skills, which is the purpose of training for all individuals.
Training programs for children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and/or other special needs are developed in concert with parents, depend upon the individual student’s needs and may consist of group and private instruction.
515 Busse Highway, Suite 150, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Phone: (847) 685-0250
Email: info@havedreams.org
Three levels of swim instruction, Special Olympics Aquatics, and Special Olympics Track & Field.
Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies
Westmont: (630) 560-0136, linda@hummingbirdpediatrictherapies.com
Woodridge: (630) 442-7662, maggie@hummingbirdpediatrictherapies.com
Service areas include the following and surrounding areas: Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Oak Brook Terrace, Oak Brook, Western Springs, Willow Springs, La Grange, La Grange Park, Downers Grove, Woodridge, Plainfield, Lemont, Romeoville, Homer Glen, Lockport, Joliet, Naperville, Brookfield, Palos Park, Orland Park, Countryside, Elmhurst, Lombard, Villa Park, Westmont, Darien, Burr Ridge, Bolingbrook, Lisle, Indian Head Park, Chicago-Midway, Westchester.
Services include: Developmental, Feeding, Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies, as well as therapeutic preschool (ages 2-7), pediatric counseling, and group services (social language playgroups). Added services include: art therapy, aquatic therapy, hippotherapy, handwriting without tears, interactive metronome, therapeutic listening
Intrigue Dance All Abilities Program
1937 S Archer Ave Chicago, IL 60616
312-765-6755
Dance programs work on gross and fine motor skills, rhythm, coordination, and much more. Learn the art of dance through a nurturing, safe, and encouraging environment.
Open to all Chicagoland families
224.801.4070
Jill’s House is a non-profit organization that offers respite to families of children with intellectual disabilities through a weekend adventure program. At Weekend Adventures children (ages 6-17) get to experience an all inclusive camp weekend uniquely tailored to their needs. At the same time, their parents get a weekend to have some much needed rest and relaxation. During the camp weekend our campers are surrounded by onsite medical staff, client care specialists, and one-on-one buddies. Camps happen throughout the year in Lake Geneva, WI and transportation is provided from Libertyville, IL.
Joffrey Ballet Adaptive Programs: JAM (Joffrey Abilities in Motion)
Joffrey Tower at 10E. Randolph St. Chicago IL 60601
Trish Strong: tstrong@joffrey.org
JAM helps students with autism find their place in the dance community by providing a positive movement experience, improving upon their mind and body awareness, verbal and nonverbal communications, adaptation to different situations, socialization, and self-confidence. Programs available to children ages 4-7 and 8-12. Tuition is $40/8 week session, and we offer Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions.
Steven Cohen
Phone: (630) 258-2543
email: steven@joride.com
JoRide Bicycles are pedal-less bicycles and were created for individuals with special needs, regardless of age or physical limitation, to create the ability, freedom, independence, comfort, and stability to learn how to ride a bicycle.
KEEN Chicago
Chicago, IL
312.876.2535
info@keenchicago.org
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) is a volunteer organization that provides free one-to-one recreational and sports programs for children and young adults with more profound and severe mental and physical disabilities. At each KEEN session, a participating athlete is paired with a trained volunteer coach for a variety of age-appropriate programs including tennis, swimming, basketball, basic ball skills, soccer, fitness and weight training and social activities and outings. Programs and activities offered will vary from one affiliate location to the next. Virtual activities & at-home kits currently available.
Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association
1403 Sycamore Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115
(779) 777-7285
Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association enriches the lives of people with disabilities through goal-driven, diverse recreational opportunities. Programs and services are built and delivered to include people of all abilities and ages. View current brochure here: Brochure - Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association (kishsra.org). Also partnered with Special Olympics. Special Olympics - Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association.
Kohl Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Boulevard Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 832-6600
Kohl Children’s Museum‘s special events called “Everyone Can Play” are free events that require pre-registration. This event is for all children and families who would prefer a more calm museum experience. The Museum’s 17 exhibits and 2 acres of outdoor explorations are designed for play with a purpose and encourage linguistic, cognitive, motor, and social skills for children ages birth through 8.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: (847) 592-9700
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is teaming up with AUTISM SPEAKS® to provide Play Well Days, a brand new sensory friendly LEGO® experience on the first Saturday of every month.
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA)
815-320-3500
1900 Heather Glen Drive, New Lenox, IL 60451
Locations Served: Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) provides adaptive and special recreation services for individuals with disabilities through a cooperative agreement with Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Peotone and Wilmington Island Park Districts. Social programs, programs for children, trips, special events, athletic programs, and an adult day program, are some of the many choices provided.
Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NSAR)
Mailing address: 6820 W. Dempster St., Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 966-5522
Special recreation cooperative. To download the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation brochures and newsletters of programs and events CLICK HERE.
Tina's Playgroup
Contact: Anne Maddock
6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660
Phone: (773) 273-3064
Email: annem@misericordia.com
Interactive playgroup for children with special needs and their families. The playgroup is open to all levels of ability and participants are not required to attend every meeting.
New Star Recreation
NSRS North: Working in cooperation with Maywood Park District & Broadview Park District.
708-344-4793
NSRS South: Working in cooperation with South Holland Recreational Services, Calumet Memorial Park District, & Riverdale Park District:
708-801-9966
specialrecservices@gmail.com
New Star Recreation Services (NSRS) is a special recreation cooperative of Broadview, Calumet Memorial, Maywood, and Riverdale Park Districts, as well as the Village of South Holland Recreational Services Department and New Star. New Star is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit community organization dedicated to challenging the limits and changing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. NSRS was organized to provide recreation and leisure programs for children through adults with physical, intellectual and/or age-related disabilities, their families and their communities in South Cook County.
Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA)
285 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
P: 815-459-0737
NISRA provides year round recreation activities for people with disabilities in 13 communities in northern Illinois. Since 1976, children and adults of all ability levels have enjoyed socializing, building skills and having fun in hundreds of weekly programs, special events, camps and trips each year.
Northwest Special Recreation Association
Location varies for each program. See below for details.
(847) 392-2848
rachelh@nwsra.org
365 Millennium Dr., Suite A
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
(815) 477-4720, ext. 233
This program connects families to diagnostic locations, provided resources and referrals, helps to create a service plan for the families short and long term goals, provides consultation and advocacy, offers parent support group opportunities and support individuals with an ASD through Game Nights and other social opportunities. Sibshops for siblings available.
2066 Mitchell Drive, Oswego, IL 60543
Phone: (630) 554-7480
Email: PremierGymWest@gmail.com
Open gym time for children with autism.
Right Fit Willowbrook
Bradley LaRocque
7101 Adams St #7, Willowbrook, IL 60527
Phone: 630-850-4050
Email: brad@right-fit.com
Right Fit provides fitness and wellness services to individuals with special needs including intellectual, cognitive, and developmental disabilities including Autism and Down Syndrome.
Sensory-Friendly Movies - Chicagoland Area
AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films
Locations in: Chicago (multiple), Lombard, Lake In The Hills, Naperville, New Lenox, Niles, Northbrook, Skokie
AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films showings are available at select theatres. They show family-friendly movies on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
Special Needs Screenings at Studio Movie Grill
Studio Movie Grill locations, including the one in Wheaton, offer Special Needs Screenings with family-friendly new releases. Please call ahead as they are not running every weekend yet. You must purchase tickets at the box office.
Reel Movies for Reel Needs Marcus
Locations in: Addison, Bloomingdale, Orland Park
Marcus Theaters hosts a Reel Movie for Real Needs event monthly. Check the Marcus website for a list of running movies on Saturday mornings.
Bright Stars Screening at Hollywood Palms
Location: Naperville, IL
Bright Stars Screenings. Check the schedule because show times are currently limited. Tickets are $5 per person. Click here to see the upcoming movie and find a link for tickets.
6424 Howard St, Niles, IL 60714
Phone: (847) 801-5867
Email: nilinfo@jumpskyhigh.com
Sky High Sports welcomes jumpers with special needs, along with their siblings, family, and friends the first Tuesday of every month from 3-6 p.m for a unique jump session.
The Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605
contactus@sheddaquarium.org
312-939-2438
The Shedd Aquarium has created a quiet room providing a dedicated space that can be used as a calming room, prayer room, or place to privately recharge mobility devices, which is available any day you wish to visit the museum. The aquatic show has special seating with modifications including limited capacity and streamlined entry with advance registration. On select dates, the Shedd offers extended hours for guests with disabilities. See the accessibility page for more information, including information on requesting a sign language interpreter, as well as a sensory-friendly app designed to make the visiting experience more enjoyable.
South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA)
12521 S. Kostner Ave. • Alsip, IL 60803
708-389-9423
SWSRA is a special recreation co-operative comprised of the following communities: Alsip, Blue Island, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Palos Heights, Posen and Worth. SWSRA was formed in 1981 to provide year-round quality recreation programs and services for individuals with disabilities or special needs. SWSRA programs are designed to increase independence and enhance the quality of life for each individual.
Corporate Mailing Address
26 W 684 Lindsey Ave., Winfield Illinois, 60190
630-690-0944
colleen.scamps@icloud.com
Special Camps provides opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to experience new activities, form friendships, increase independence and self-esteem in 2-week long, loving, all volunteer run summer camps. With proper supervision by trained staff and 24-hour nursing, Special Camps is a safe overnight camp for intellectually disabled kids and adults who could otherwise not attend similar camp programs due to physical, medical or intellectual limitations.
Special Gifts Theatre
(847) 564-7704
info@specialgiftstheatre.org
NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS 60065
Through the performing arts, they work collaboratively to create inclusive and transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities ages 7 through adulthood to fully engage in the world. Schedule and registration here
Jesus Perez
1440 N. Humboldt Blvd, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 742-7549
A program for children with special needs to learn the basics of baseball in a safe and non-competitive environment.
Special Olympics Illinois
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to children and adults. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.
Village of Orland Park Special Recreation program
14700 Ravinia Avenue Orland Park, IL 60462
708-403-6100
Provides year round therapeutic recreation services to individuals with special needs serving individuals three years of age and above, with a variety of programs including: health and fitness, social clubs, special events, owl athletics, arts and crafts, trips and much more.
Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
Bloomingdale, IL
(708) 505-2980
Offers special event times for sensory-friendly play with limited entries. Check their calendar for when these special events occur.
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
Franklin Park: 10123 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131
(708) 716-3063
We Rock the Spectrum provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Our unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development. Through our nonprofit My Brother Rocks The Spectrum Foundation, we provide social skills groups and activities for children across the spectrum.
West Pullman Park Summer Day Camp - Therapeutic Recreation Activities for Daily Living
rosie.st.george@chicagoparkdistrict.com
401 W. 123rd St., Chicago, IL 60628
(312) 747-7090
Activities include field trips, "learn to swim" program, carnival, arts and crafts, sports and much more.
inclusion@ymcachicago.org
Locations: Buehler YMCA (Palatine), Camp Duncan (Ingleside), Camp MacLean (Burlington, WI), Camp Nawakwa (Lac du Flambeau, WI), Elmhurst YMCA, Foglia YMCA (Lake Zurich), Fry Family YMCA (Naperville), Greater LaGrange YMCA, Hastings Lake YMCA (Lindenhurst), Indian Boundary YMCA (Downers Grove), Irving Park YMCA, Kelly Hall (Garfield Park Chicago), Lake View YMCA (Chicago), McCormick YMCA (Logan Square, Chicago), Rauner YMCA (Lower West side, Chicago), Sage YMCA (Crystal Lake), South Side YMCA (Chicago).
Membership centers include facilities with pools, fitness centers, sports programming, and traditional day camps. Contact the Inclusion Department for information on programs and supports.
