Sensory‑Friendly Events Happening In July - Westside Children’s Therapy

A smiling family of four embracing outdoors, representing sensory-friendly summer events for families in the Chicago area.

Sensory‑Friendly Events Happening In July

July brings long, warm days and a full slate of sensory-friendly opportunities across the Chicagoland area. Whether you are looking for a quiet museum morning, a chance to skate before the crowds arrive, or a beach-themed outing without the actual sensory overload of a real beach, this month has something for nearly every family.

We have rounded up eight sensory-friendly events happening across Chicagoland this July. As always, we recommend reviewing each event’s page before attending, as details and accommodations can vary. And if you have been to any of these, or have a recommendation we missed, we would love to hear from you.

July 2026 Sensory‑Friendly Events

Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sunday

📅 Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026

📍 Location: Chuck E. Cheese

41 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL

★ Free admission, cost to play

Chuck E. Cheese’s Sensory Sensitive Sunday offers a quieter, more accommodating version of the classic family favorite. Lights are dimmed, sounds are turned down, and the usual sensory chaos of the arcade is dialed back to make the experience more accessible for children with autism and sensory differences. A great low-pressure way to let your child enjoy pizza, games, and a little summer fun without the overwhelm that usually comes with it.

🔗 More info: https://www.chuckecheese.com/sensory-sensitive-sundays/

Sensory Friendly Morning at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 • 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

📍 Location: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614

★ Free, registration required

This sensory-friendly morning at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers families a calmer, less crowded way to explore the museum’s nature exhibits, live animals, and hands-on learning spaces. Reduced noise and smaller crowds make this an excellent fit for children who benefit from a slower-paced museum experience. Registration is required and free, so be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.

🔗 More info: https://naturemuseum.org/events/sensory-morning-9

Sensory Friendly Film Showings

📅 Date: Second and fourth Saturdays monthly • July 11 and July 25

📍 Location: AMC Theatres

Various Chicagoland locations

★ Cost of admission

AMC’s Sensory Friendly Film program continues its recurring monthly showings this July with dates on the 11th and the 25th. Lights stay up slightly, sound is turned down, and families are free to move around, talk, and react however feels natural. Check the AMC website for current film titles and your nearest participating location. A dependable, repeatable outing families can build into a summer routine.

🔗 More info: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films

Sensory Friendly Friday at The Insect Asylum

📅 Date: Friday, July 10, 2026 • 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

📍 Location: The Insect Asylum

2870 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

★ Cost of admission

The Insect Asylum’s Sensory Friendly Friday offers a unique, hands-on exploration of insects and arthropods in a calmer, more accommodating format. For kids who are curious about creepy crawlies, or for kids working on tolerance and exposure to new sensory experiences, this is a genuinely memorable and offbeat outing. A great option for families looking for something a little different than the usual museum or play space.

🔗 More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sensory-friendly-friday-tickets-1969999088304https://sensorysafe.events/event/sensory-friendly-friday-the-insect-asylum-chicago-il-76/2026-07-11/

2026 Summer Saturdays — Beach Bash

📅 Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026 • 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

📍 Location: Sensory Garden Playground

2751 International Drive, Lisle, IL 60532

★ Free

The Sensory Garden Playground in Lisle brings the beach to summer with a Beach Bash event as part of their 2026 Summer Saturdays series. Expect beach-themed sensory play, open-air exploration, and the calm, accessible design this playground is known for, all without the overstimulating crowds, heat, or texture surprises of an actual beach day. A fun, free way to spend a Saturday morning outdoors.

🔗 More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-saturday-beach-bash-tickets-1983546398674?aff=oddtdtcreator

Everyone at Play

📅 Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026

📍 Location: Kohl Children’s Museum

2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 60026 • (847) 832-6600

★ Paid admission

Kohl Children’s Museum’s Everyone at Play program offers designated sensory-friendly access during a specific time when the museum is quieter, crowds are smaller, and the environment is adjusted to be more welcoming for children with autism, sensory differences, and other developmental needs. The museum’s hands-on, exploration-based exhibits are a natural fit for children who learn through touch and movement.

🔗 More info: https://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/outreach-programs/everyone-at-play/

Autism Skate at Tinley Park Roller Rink

📅 Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026 • 9:30 to 11:30 AM (fourth Sunday of every month)

📍 Location: Tinley Park Roller Rink

17658 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, IL 60477

★ Free admission, cost to skate

Autism Skate at Tinley Park Roller Rink is a dedicated skate session designed specifically for individuals with autism and their families, held before the rink opens to the general public. No general crowds, no unfamiliar noise from strangers, and a space where every family belongs. Roller skating offers wonderful vestibular and sensory input, and this monthly session has become a reliable favorite for many Chicagoland families.

🔗 More info: https://www.tinleyparkrollerrink.com

Sensory Friendly Time at Build-A-Bear Workshop

📅 Date: Every Tuesday • First hour of the day

📍 Location: Build-A-Bear Workshop

Various locations

★ Cost of bear

Build-A-Bear Workshop offers sensory-friendly hours every Tuesday during the first hour the store is open, with reduced lighting and lower sound levels to create a calmer shopping and play experience. For kids who love the build-your-own-stuffed-animal experience but find a typical mall store overwhelming, this weekly window offers a dependable, low-crowd way to enjoy it. A nice option to build into a regular weekly routine all summer long.

🔗 More info: https://www.buildabear.com/sensory-friendly-events.html

We Will Keep Adding to This List

We share sensory-friendly events each month because we know how much it matters to find spaces where your child, and your whole family, can simply be. If you know of an event we missed or a resource you would like us to share, please feel free to reach out. We are always looking to grow this list.

And if you are looking for additional support for your sensory-sensitive child, whether through occupational therapy, ABA, speech therapy, or another service, the Westside team is here. For more information on Westside’s services, please call us at 815-783-2544 or submit a contact form.