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

A happy family with a young child enjoying time outdoors together at a sensory-friendly community event near Chicago.

Sensory‑Friendly Events Happening In May

ABA Therapy, Children Activities, Opportunities

May brings warmer weather, longer days, and a handful of wonderful opportunities for families in the Chicagoland area to get outside, explore, and experience the world together — without the sensory overwhelm that can make outings so difficult.

Whether your child is working on tolerating new environments, building confidence in social settings, or simply needs a space that’s designed with their comfort in mind, sensory-friendly events offer something most public outings don’t: a room (or a garden, or a museum) that was built with your child in mind.

We’ve rounded up seven sensory-friendly events happening across the Chicagoland area this May. From outdoor nature experiences to museum mornings, there’s something for a range of ages, needs, and comfort levels.

As always, we recommend reviewing each event’s details before attending, as accommodations and formats can vary. And if you’ve attended any of these — or have a recommendation we missed — we’d love to hear from you.

May 2026 Sensory‑Friendly Events

2026 Summer Saturdays — Garden Party

📅 Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

📍 Location: Sensory Garden Playground

2751 International Drive, Lisle, IL 60532

💚 Free event, registration highly recommended

Kick off the summer season with a Garden Party at the Sensory Garden Playground in Lisle — a space specifically designed with sensory-sensitive children in mind. The outdoor setting offers natural sensory input through textures, sounds, and movement in an environment built to feel calm and accessible. A great early-summer outing for families looking to enjoy the outdoors with a little extra peace of mind.

🔗 More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-saturday-garden-party-tickets-1983543207128?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sensory Sunday

📅 Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026

📍 Location: Volo Auto Museum

Volo, IL

Sensory Sunday at the Volo Auto Museum offers a designated time for families with sensory sensitivities to explore the museum in a quieter, more accommodating environment. Car-loving kids and curious families can take in the exhibits without the crowds and noise levels of a typical museum visit. A uniquely fun outing for children who light up around vehicles, history, or anything with wheels.

🔗 More info: https://mykidlist.com/event/sensory-sunday/2026-05-17

Everyone in Nature

📅 Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026

📍 Location: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

Willow Springs, IL

💚 Free event

The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center hosts Everyone in Nature — a program designed to make outdoor exploration accessible to children and families of all abilities. Nature is one of the most naturally regulating environments for sensory-sensitive children, and this program creates a structured, welcoming opportunity to experience it. Expect gentle pacing, accessible trails, and a focus on inclusion.

🔗 More info: https://mykidlist.com/event/everyone-in-nature/2026-05-27

Nature Is Accessible

📅 Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026

📍 Location: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

Willow Springs, IL

💚 Free event

Another accessible nature experience at the Little Red Schoolhouse, Nature Is Accessible is designed to welcome children and families who may face barriers to traditional outdoor programming. Whether your child uses a mobility aid, has sensory differences, or simply benefits from a slower, more supported outdoor experience — this event is built with them in mind. A wonderful way to close out May with fresh air and a sense of belonging.

🔗 More info: https://mykidlist.com/event/nature-is-accessible/2026-05-30

Nature Play For All

📅 Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026

📍 Location: The Morton Arboretum

Lisle, IL

The Morton Arboretum’s Nature Play For All event offers inclusive outdoor play in one of the Chicago area’s most beautiful natural settings. The arboretum’s wide open spaces, natural textures, and calming environment make it a natural fit for sensory-sensitive children — and this event is specifically designed to welcome children of all abilities. Whether your child loves to explore, dig, observe, or simply move through a beautiful space, this is a memorable outing.

🔗 More info: https://mykidlist.com/event/nature-play-for-all/2026-05-31

Everyone at Play

📅 Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026

📍 Location: Kohl Children’s Museum

2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 60026

Kohl Children’s Museum’s Everyone at Play program offers sensory-friendly museum access during a designated time specifically for families who benefit from reduced crowds, lower noise levels, and a more accommodating environment. The museum’s hands-on exhibits are a natural fit for children who learn through touch and exploration, and the sensory-friendly format makes the experience more accessible for children with autism, sensory differences, and other developmental needs.

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

Calm Waters

📅 Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026

📍 Location: John G. Shedd Aquarium

1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

Calm Waters at the Shedd Aquarium is one of the most well-known sensory-friendly events in the Chicago area — and for good reason. During this designated time, the aquarium reduces noise and stimulation, creates a calmer atmosphere, and welcomes families who find the typical aquarium experience overwhelming. If your child is drawn to water, marine life, or simply loves the magic of an aquarium without the crowds — this is a wonderful way to end the month.

🔗 More info: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/plan-a-visit/accessibility/calm-waters

We hope you and your family have a wonderful May — get out there and enjoy it! 🌸