Sensory-Friendly & Inclusive Events Happening In August 2026
Children Activities, Parent Education
August brings warm, full days and a packed slate of sensory-friendly and inclusive opportunities across the Chicagoland area. Whether you are looking for a quiet museum morning, a calm evening swim, a trolley ride through history, or a story time designed with your child in mind, this month has something for nearly every family.
We have rounded up the sensory-friendly and inclusive events happening across Chicagoland this August. 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.
August 2026 Sensory-Friendly Events
Sensory Hours at SkyZone Elmhurst
📅 Date: Every Monday in August • Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
📍 Location: SkyZone Elmhurst | 325 E. Lake Street, Suite A, Elmhurst, IL 60126
★ Cost of admission
SkyZone Elmhurst offers dedicated Sensory Hours every Monday, giving kids a calmer, more predictable trampoline park experience with reduced stimulation. A reliable recurring option for families looking for active, sensory-conscious fun throughout the month of August. Check the SkyZone website for current admission rates before you go.
🔗 More info: https://www.skyzone.com/elmhurst/programs/sensory-hours/
Community Day at The Insect Asylum
📅 Date: Wednesday, August 5 and August 19, 2026 • 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM (every other Wednesday)
📍 Location: The Insect Asylum | 2870 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
★ Discounted admission — $10 for everyone
The Insect Asylum’s Community Days offer a unique, hands-on exploration of insects and arthropods at a discounted flat rate of $10 for all visitors. For kids who are curious about creepy crawlies, or for children 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/community-day-at-the-insect-asylum-10-admission-for-everyone-tickets-1209218879219
Northbrook Park District Sensory-Friendly Pool Day
📅 Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026 • 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Northbrook Sports Center | 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL
★ Northbrook residents: $3 | Non-residents: $5
The Northbrook Park District’s Sensory-Friendly Pool Day offers a calmer, more accommodating swim environment for children with sensory needs and their families. With reduced crowds and a welcoming atmosphere, this is a wonderful way to enjoy the water without the overstimulation that typically comes with a busy public pool.
🔗 More info: https://www.nbparks.org/event/sensory-friendly-pool-day/
All Aboard Days at Fox River Trolley Museum
📅 Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026 • 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Fox River Trolley Museum | 365 S La Fox St, South Elgin, IL 60177
★ Ages 0–2: Free | Ages 3–11: $5 | Ages 12–64: $8 | Ages 65+: $8
The Fox River Trolley Museum’s All Aboard Days feature trolley rides all day long with the experience modified to be more sensory-friendly. The museum will also provide a dedicated sensory-friendly area at the Wayne Depot, giving families a calm space to decompress between rides. A one-of-a-kind outing that combines transportation, history, and thoughtful sensory accommodations.
🔗 More info: https://foxtrolley.org/visit/special-events/all-aboard-days/
Sensory Swim Night — Glen Ellyn
📅 Date: Monday, August 10, 2026 • 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Sunset Pool | 483 Fairview Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
★ Residents: $3 | Non-residents: $4 | Drop-in, no registration needed
Wind down the day with a relaxed, sensory-friendly evening swim at Sunset Pool in Glen Ellyn. No registration needed — just drop in and enjoy the water in a calm, low-pressure setting. A simple, affordable option for families in the western suburbs looking for a quieter end to a summer day.
🔗 More info: https://gepark.org/gepdevent/sensory-swim-night-august/
C.I.T.Y. of Support Playgroup — Elmhurst Public Library
📅 Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 • 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Elmhurst Public Library | 125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
★ Free — drop-in, no registration needed
This inclusive playgroup is designed for children who receive or are considering therapy services. Kids play with various developmental toys and crafts while families meet, connect, and find support in a welcoming library setting. Siblings are welcome. A meaningful option for families who want community alongside the play.
🔗 More info: https://elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16266722
Everyone in Nature — Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
📅 Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 • 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center | 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL 60480
★ Free — drop-in, no registration needed
Everyone in Nature is a free sensory class at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, open to individuals with disabilities and homeschoolers. Participants explore the natural world in a calm, guided format. All participants must be accompanied by an adult. A gentle, grounding outdoor experience for curious kids of all abilities.
🔗 More info: https://fpdcc.com/event/everyone-in-nature-9/
Summer Saturdays — Storybook Adventure at Sensory Garden Playground
📅 Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
📍 Location: Sensory Garden Playground | 2751 International Drive, Lisle, IL 60532
★ Free
The Sensory Garden Playground in Lisle continues its 2026 Summer Saturdays series with a Storybook Adventure event. Expect storytelling, imaginative play, and the calm, accessible outdoor design this playground is known for. A free, low-key Saturday morning option perfect for younger children and families looking for something gentle and fun.
🔗 More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-saturday-storybook-adventure-tickets-1983543252263?aff=oddtdtcreator
Sensory Sunday at Jurassic Gardens — Volo Museum
📅 Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026 • 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (every third Sunday)
📍 Location: Volo Museum | 27582 Volo Village Rd, Volo, IL 60073
★ Paid — cost of admission
Every third Sunday, the Jurassic Gardens at Volo Museum goes quiet. The entire 15,000 sq. ft. animatronic dinosaur park is kept still and silent from 10 AM to 12 PM for Sensory Sunday, giving children with sensory sensitivities a chance to explore at their own pace. This month, Rockin’ the Spectrum will also be on site with sensory tent activities. A truly unique experience that tends to be a big hit with kids who love dinosaurs.
🔗 More info: https://volofun.com/event/sensory-sunday-at-jurassic-gardens/
Sensory-Friendly Morning at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
📅 Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 • 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum | 2430 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614
★ Free — registration required
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum hosts a dedicated sensory-friendly morning hour before regular museum hours, giving children with sensory needs a quieter, less crowded environment to explore nature exhibits, live animals, and hands-on learning spaces. Registration is free but required, so be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.
🔗 More info: https://naturemuseum.org/events/sensory-morning-9
Adaptive Storytime — Schaumburg Township District Library
📅 Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026 • 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Schaumburg Township District Library | 130 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193
★ Free — registration required
The Schaumburg Township District Library hosts Adaptive Storytime designed for children with diverse learning needs. A calm, structured library experience that combines story, play, and connection. Free to attend, but registration is required — head to their events page to reserve your spot before it fills up.
🔗 More info: https://www.schaumburglibrary.org/events?age=Kids#
Adaptive Playtime — Westmont Public Library
📅 Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026 • 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
📍 Location: Westmont Public Library | 428 N Cass Ave, Westmont, IL 60559
★ Free — registration required
Adaptive Playtime at the Westmont Public Library offers a free, structured play session designed for children with varying abilities. A welcoming, low-key environment where kids can explore and play at their own pace. Registration is required, so be sure to grab your spot ahead of time.
🔗 More info: https://westmontlibrary.libcal.com/event/16488944
Everyone at Play — Kohl Children’s Museum
📅 Date: Sunday, August 23, 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/
Low-Sensory Mornings at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
📅 Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
📍 Location: Museum of Science and Industry | 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
★ Adults: $11 | Ages 3–11: $6.50 | Ages 2 and under: Free
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry hosts Low-Sensory Mornings designed for children and families who benefit from a calmer, more accommodating museum environment. Reduced noise and smaller crowds make this a wonderful way to experience one of Chicago’s most iconic and beloved institutions at a gentler, more comfortable pace.
🔗 More info: https://www.griffinmsi.org/events/all-access/low-sensory-mornings
Autism Skate at Tinley Park Roller Rink
📅 Date: Sunday, August 23, 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
Inclusive Storytime — North Riverside Public Library
📅 Date: Tuesdays at 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM • Aug 18, Aug 25, and Sep 1
📍 Location: North Riverside Public Library | 2400 Des Plaines Ave, North Riverside, IL 60546
★ Free — drop-in, no registration needed
Inclusive Storytime at the North Riverside Public Library is a free, welcoming, recurring weekly event open to all children and families. No registration needed — just show up and enjoy stories together. A dependable, low-barrier option that families can build into a regular weekly routine well into the fall.
🔗 More info: https://www.nrpl.info/events/
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.
