Special Guest Bloggers… Joy Cooper & Karoline Kordalewski

Brookfield Zoo – Chicago Zoological Society

In partnership with Autism Speaks, Brookfield Zoo is welcoming the autism community for a complimentary day on Saturday, April 6^th from      10:00am – 6:00pm in recognition of National Autism Awareness Month. Brookfield Zoo has great resources for families with special needs, which includes an accessibility guide and care kits that contain zoo visual schedule books, noise reduction headphones, name tags, and “if lost” ID bracelets! Tips: Go EARLY to avoid the crowds (and the crazy parking lines!), reference the accessibility guide, and print the visual schedule resources to help plan your trip while you’re there. Also, take note of where the “hot spots” are (e.g., stores with toys or items you don’t intend to buy, the playground areas, the tram locations (and how to minimize walking), the carousel that you must go on, etc.)  

Website: https://www.czs.org/zoosgoblue

Additional Resources: Zoo Visual Schedule Book

DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM)

Giant Steps has been a community partner in the DCM’s All Accessibility Advisory Committee, and has provided professional development for their floor support team on how to best support individuals diagnosed with autism. The DuPage Children’s Museum has many accessibility features which include, an online picture communication guide, two different versions of social stories, timers, noise reduction headphones (with anti-bacterial wipes!), and DCM accessibility photo book, which are available at the Visitor Services Desk. There is also a Respite Room available on the first floor with cushioned walls, moveable seating, sensory activities and dimmed lights. Every “Third Thursday” of the month, DCM hosts sensory-friendly hours from 5pm-8pm, and also has a trained comfort dog available for guests. Tip: Bring an extra FULL set of clothes if your son/daughter loves the water or bubble exhibits. For changing, there’s a large family restroom on the first floor.  

Website: https://dupagechildrens.org/visit/accessibility/

Additional Resource: DCM Social Story

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry also has a lot of accessibility features for patrons with special needs. These resources include, a communication book and social story with pictures, which you can print prior to your trip. They also offer free headphones and weighted vests as additional supports. We all know how overwhelming the museum can be, so plan your trip early, and potentially on weekdays versus weekends. The museum will have “low sensory mornings” from 8:30am-9:30am during the first Sunday of the month, beginning in early May. You can visit their website under “accessibility” for specific dates. Tip: The museum can be overwhelming for those with spatial awareness difficulties or auditory sensitivity (lots of random LOUD noises – especially the Tesla coil in the “Science Storms” exhibit).

Website: https://www.msichicago.org/visit/accessibility/low-sensory-mornings/

Additional links:

Communication_Book

Social_Story

Sky Zone in Joliet

On Sunday, March 31^st from 9am – 10am, Sky Zone in Joliet has sensory hours to provide a quieter and relaxed jumping experience with modified safety measures, less crowded environment, light and sounds reduction, and added staff to support all needs of all jumpers!

Website: https://www.skyzone.com/joliet

Big Run Wolf Ranch

Our Giant Steps Recreation Center has visited this wildlife animal sanctuary and truly enjoyed their visit with all of the animals there! The staff were very welcoming and accommodating. Big Run Wolf Ranch is only open to the public on Family Days, and the first one of the season is on Saturday, April 27^th from 10am – 4pm (admission is $7.00/person). Come see the animals up close during the live presentations! 

Website: http://www.bigrunwolfranch.org/familydays_openhouses.html

Sky High Sports – Naperville and Niles Locations

This is another community venue that is frequented by our day school and Recreation Center participants! Sky High Sports (in both the Naperville and Niles locations) have been supportive and accommodating to our students and adults with autism. From trampolines and a kid zone, to a ninja course and a super-sized foam pit, this venue can tailor to many different needs and preferences. Every Tuesday from 3-6pm, Sky High Sports hosts a special needs night with no music and dimmed lights. Admission is only $5/person, with one free parent or therapist admission!

Website: https://nap.skyhighsports.com/  or https://nil.skyhighsports.com/

Morton Arboretum

There’s lots to do at the Morton Arboretum! Whether you’d like to take a walk down their many paths and engage in a Troll Hunt, or would prefer to burn some energy on the playground, the Morton Arboretum has something for everyone to enjoy (even those ponds that are not meant for wading or swimming or launching random things in…!)! Giant Steps has provided some professional development for the staff on general/background information about autism spectrum disorders and how to best support individuals with autism. In the past, Navistar has generously sponsored field trips for our entire day school to go to this amazing place! The staff are friendly, helpful, and supportive to our students and adult participants, and have accessibility resources as well. There is a visual schedule resource available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Information Desk in the Visitors Center, and admission is free for one adult/staff to support a person with special needs.  Tip: Avoid Wednesdays due to typically large crowds due to discounted rates.

Website: https://www.mortonarb.org/

Pottery Bayou

Our Recreation Center participants have enjoyed visiting Pottery Bayou and creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! The staff who supported our participants were very welcoming and supportive, and everyone was able to enjoy the process of decorating pottery of their choice! Tip: call ahead for reservations and share helpful information about your loved one diagnosed with autism.

Website: http://www.pottery-bayou.com/