Summer Resources
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Accessible Summer Events
Spend quality time with family and friends at accessible events across the city of Chicago.
- Every Tuesday: Sensory Friendly Mornings at Lincoln Park Zoo
- Every Wednesday: Adaptive Climbing Group at First Ascent West Loop
- May 31, 2026: Calm Waters at Shedd Aquarium
- May 31, 2026: Everyone at Play at Kohl Children's Museum
- May 31, 2026: Wonder Works for Everyone at Wonder Works Children's Museum
- June 5, 2026: Sensory Friendly Friday at The Insect Asylum
- June 6, 2026: KidFest 2026 with Chicago Hearing Society and Chicago Park District
- June 17, 2026: Sensory-Friendly Morning at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- June 19, 2026: Sensory Friendly Friday at The Insect Asylum
- June 26, 2026: Sensory Friendly Friday at The Insect Asylum
- June 28, 2026: Sensory-Friendly Day at Farm-in-the-Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
- June 28, 2026: Everyone at Play at Kohl Children's Museum
- July 3, 2026: Sensory Friendly Friday at The Insect Asylum
- July 8, 2026: Sensory-Friendly Morning at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- July 23, 2026: Wizard of Oz (ASL Interpreted Performance) with Chicago Hearing Society
- July 26, 2026: Everyone at Play at Kohl Children's Museum
- August 19, 2026: Sensory-Friendly Morning at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
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Summer Camps & Programming
A wide range of summer camps and programming are available for children and youth with disabilities.
- Adaptive Climbing Group
Accessible and affordable climbing opportunities for youth with disabilities ages 5 -17 years old. No experience needed. -
Alamo for All
Movie program offered every Tuesday before 2:00 p.m. for young families and guests with special needs. -
AMC Theater Sensory Friendly Films
Offered the second and fourth Saturday for families to attend movie showings for people living with Autism or other special needs. - Camp Special Outdoor Adaptive Recreation (SOAR)
An overnight camp for children with developmental disabilities ages 7 - 19 years old. -
Chicago Park District Special Recreation
Programs available throughout the city offering programs for youth with disabilities.-
Camp Sign at Brighton Park Community Center (June 22 - July 31)
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Camp Sign at Horner Park (June 22 - July 31)
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Chicago Children's Theatre Camp Red Kite
Theatre day camp for young people on the autism spectrum. -
Easterseals Youth Overnight Camps
Children ages 7-17 of all abilities (with OR without disabilities, neurodivergences, and/or life-altering illnesses) experience varying length camp programs. -
Eyas Landing
A therapeutic summer camp for children ages 4 -11 years old with disabilities. -
Joffrey Ballet Abilities in Motion Dance Classes
Dance classes prioritizing a welcoming space for individuals with disabilities. -
Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) Chicago
Programs open to all youth ages 5-21 with physical or developmental disabilities. -
Limes Smiles for Miles Summer Garden Camp
A 10-week summer garden program for children ages 3 - 6 diagnosed with autism or down syndrome. -
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Camp
A free camp experience for children with neuromuscular disease between the ages of 8 and 17. -
Spectrum Sailing (Montrose Harbor and Jackson Harbor)
Sailing camps for autistic youth ages 10 - 17 to learn knots, sailing fundamentals, safety on the water, and most importantly, how to sail! -
University of Illinois Chicago Cognition Behavior and Mindfulness Clinic Summer Camp
Weekly cognition, behavior and mindfulness camp featuring interactive group sessions for children ages 5 to 16 with autism and other developmental disabilities. -
YMCA Camp Independence
Specialized Summer Camp for kids and young adults with spina bifida and neurological disabilities - YMCA Get Summer Program
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, in partnership with the City of Chicago, “Get Summer” program offers free memberships to seven YMCA locations for Chicago residents ages 12 to 18 through the end of August. Participating YMCAs include: Irving Park, Kelly Hall, Lake View, McCormick, Rauner, South Side, and West Garfield Park.
- Adaptive Climbing Group
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Museums & Landmarks
Chicago museums and landmarks are a great and accessible way to discover new worlds and learn more about historic places, people, and beyond.
SCHOOL SUPPORT Special Education Support at Your School
Find special education supports and services at your school. Enter the name of your child's school to find the contact information of staff and administrators who can help you navigate special education at CPS.