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Family watching sensory-friendly film

Things to Know or Do in Chicago

Welcome to Chicago! Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city boasts a vibrant mix of cultural, historical, and modern attractions that make it a unique destination and place to live in.

 

Chicago’s renowned museums and attractions offer a range of sensory-friendly programs and shows designed to welcome visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. These efforts are part of a broader aim to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and learn from Chicago’s world-class cultural institutions.

1.Visit Accessible Chicago Theatres

Chicago’s theatre scene, known for its diversity and vibrancy, offers accessible experiences across more than 250 venues. Inclusivity is a priority whether it’s Broadway hits in the downtown district or avant-garde pieces in neighborhood spaces.

Broadway

You can catch Broadway screenings at these five locations in Chicago: Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, Cadillac Palace Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, the CIBC Theatre, and the Auditorium Theatre.

 

Please note the following information about accessibility and services available at Broadway theatres:

 

  • Elevator access varies across theatres. To learn more about elevator access at each theatre, please contact the theatres directly. 
  • Accessible seating is available at all Broadway in Chicago theatres. You can purchase accessible seating tickets through Ticketmaster or by calling (312) 977-1700 or TTY (800) 359-2525. 
  • Audio-described performances are available regularly for blind and low-vision patrons. You can find a schedule of upcoming audio-described performances online. 
  • For deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons, Broadway in Chicago productions offer sign-interpreted and open-captioned performances. You can find the schedule of ASL-interpreted and open-caption performances online. All theatres also have assisted listening devices available at no cost to the patron. 
  • Sensory-friendly performances are available, and you can find the current schedule of Broadway in Chicago sensory-friendly performances online. 
  • Service animals are permitted at all of Broadway In Chicago’s Theatres. All service animals must be wearing a leash or harness.
Broadway cadillac palace theatre
Goodman Theatre

Downtown Theatres

Chicago has many theatres in its bustling theatre district. These venues include historic and modern spaces that offer a variety of shows to see. Comedy, musicals, and dramas are just a few of the options available. Some of the most well-known theatres in downtown Chicago are the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

 

Goodman Theatre

This is Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theatre, producing both classic and contemporary works, and offering a platform to a diverse range of artists and their visions. 

Please note the following information about accessibility and services available at Goodman Theatre:

  • Accessible parking is available at Government Center Self Park (181 N. Clark St.) and Theatre District Self Park (181 N. Dearborn). The theatre is centrally located in the heart of Chicago’s Loop and is easily accessible via all major CTA rail lines and many bus routes
  • The theatre’s main entry doors are electronic and can be opened automatically
  • A courtesy wheelchair is available to transport patrons to and from assigned seats. There are also accessible wheelchair/scooter locations available.
  • For those who are blind or have low vision, large print and braille programs are available from Guest Services on the day of the performance. Additionally, there will be one audio-described performance, including a touch tour, for each regular season production.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, there will be one ASL-signed performance offered for each regular season production at the Goodman Theatre. There will also be one open captioned performance for each scheduled production. Assistive listening devices are always available.
  • The theatre offers sensory-friendly performances that include a lower sound level, reduced strobe lighting, designated quiet areas, and more. Sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones are available at all performances.

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

This is located at Navy Pier and offers a variety of performances, including those by William Shakespeare. 

Please note the following information about accessibility and services available at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre:

  • Accessible parking is available at the Dedicated Parking Entrance (Entrance 1) on the north side of the Pier, as well as in both Navy Pier parking garages.
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in the Courtyard and Upstairs Theaters, as well as The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, while assistive listening devices are available for all performances. 
  • For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, the theater also offers open captioning and ASL-interpreted performances.
  • Those who are blind or have low vision will appreciate the large-print programs available for all performances, as well as the option to borrow braille programs from the Audience Services table. Audio-described performances are also available.
  • Service animals such as guide dogs are welcome, so don’t hesitate to bring them along – just be sure to inform the theater when booking your tickets.
Chicago shakespeare theatre
Lyric opera of chicago theatre

Lyric Opera of Chicago

A renowned opera company that performs in a beautiful Art Deco building. Visitors can enjoy various musical performances, from operas to Broadway shows.

 

Please note the following information about accessibility and services available at the Lyric Opera of Chicago:

 

  • To ensure accessibility, the main entrance of the Opera House has automatic exterior doors, and elevators are available on all above-ground floors. Accessible restroom facilities are also available.
  • For those who require special seating, removable aisle-side armrests are available for patrons who can transfer on their own from their wheelchairs. Wheelchair platforms are also available for those who wish to remain in their wheelchairs during a performance, with companion seating provided adjacent to each platform location.
  • Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can take advantage of sign language-interpreted performances scheduled for each spring musical. For all mainstage opera performances, English translations are projected above the stage. Assistive listening devices can also be checked out free of charge on the main floor, coat check 2.
  • Visually impaired individuals can obtain large-print programs for all performances, and Braille programs can be borrowed from Coat Check 1 on the main floor. High-powered opera glasses are also available at no cost on the main floor at coat check 1.
  • Service animals, such as guide dogs, are welcome. Those who plan to bring a service animal should inform the theatre when booking their tickets.

Neighborhood Theatres

Chicago’s theatre scene is not limited to the downtown area. You can find independent and storefront theatres in the neighborhoods that showcase cutting-edge and innovative works. 

Steppenwolf Theatre

Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. It is considered one of the best venues in the country for new works. 

Please note the following information about accessibility and services available at the Steppenwolf Theatre:

  • Accessible parking is available in the valet parking lot at 1700 N Halsted, located just north of the theatre. 
  • Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are also available in all of the lobbies. Additionally, wheelchair-accessible seats can be found in the Downstairs, Ensemble, and 1700 Theaters. 
  • The theatre provides an audio induction loop and complimentary assistive hearing devices in all theatre spaces. Open-captioned performances and American Sign Language-interpreted performances are also available. 
  • For people who are blind or have low vision, audio-described performances are available. Touch tours and artistic conversations are available before selected audio-described performances. The theatre provides playbills in braille, large print, and audio formats
  • Service animals are welcome, and a relief area is available in front of the theatre.
  • Sensory-friendly performances are available for individuals on the Autism spectrum, as well as family members, companions, and anyone who might prefer a relaxed environment. These performances include lowered lighting, reduced sound, and lower capacity.
Steppenwolf theatre

2.Watch Sensory Friendly Films

In Chicago, AMC Theatres offers Sensory Friendly Films, a program designed for families affected by Autism and other special needs. These screenings adapt to the typical movie environment, featuring brighter lights, lower sound, and a space where audience members are welcome to express themselves by speaking and moving around.

 

This initiative, in partnership with the Autism Society, showcases family-friendly movies monthly, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive cinema experience. For more information, visit the AMC Theatres website.

 

Catch Sensory Friendly Films here in these AMC Theatres near Chicago:

 

  • AMC DINE-IN Northbrook 14
  • AMC DINE-IN Yorktown 18
  • AMC Naperville 16
  • AMC South Barrington 24
Family watching sensory-friendly film

3.Visit Sensory-Friendly Parks and Attractions

lincoln park zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

As one of the country’s oldest free zoos, the zoo is located along the lakefront and offers sensory bags with special badges, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, and more. The zoo provides sensory information on all exhibits and zoo buildings, helping visitors identify areas that offer high or low visual and auditory stimulation, and plan a more comfortable zoo experience.

Garfield Park Conservatory

This is one of the largest historic conservatories in the nation. Filled with plants from around the world, it is often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” and is surrounded by 10 acres of outdoor gardens. A social narrative is available to help guests prepare for their visit, and the Sensory Garden is a large, raised bed filled with plants perfect for touching, smelling, and examining closely. The Garfield Park Conservatory offers free sensory tours designed for those with vision impairments or sensory processing issues.
Garfield park

4.Enjoy Sensory-Friendly and Accessible Museums

A woman with kid sitting In front of an aquarium

Shedd Aquarium

The aquarium is home to a variety of marine creatures from nearby lakes and oceans around the world. The facility offers a “Calm Waters” event series that provides a limited-capacity and quiet environment for veterans and guests with disabilities. Sound-reducing headphones are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis from the information desk, the 4-D Theater, and the Rice Amphitheater. Additionally, the quiet room located off the main foyer is available every day and can be used as a calming room, prayer room, or place to recharge mobility devices. The Shedd Aquarium’s sensory-friendly app is designed for guests with Autism and sensory processing disorders, which can be downloaded from iTunes or Google Play to prepare for the visit.

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry offers interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences for all age groups. During their free Low-Sensory Early Exploration events, guests are invited to explore select exhibits in a less crowded and more sensory-friendly environment. The entire museum will be more sensory-friendly until noon, and additional accommodations, such as a designated quiet space, will be provided. A sensory map and sensory notes regarding the museum’s various exhibits and experiences are available to prepare visitors for their visit.

Museum of science and industry

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is a magnificent museum that houses old-world masterpieces and modern marvels in a stunning historic building designed for the 1893 World’s Fair. The museum offers a sensory map that outlines sensory-friendly spaces inside the facility, including areas with fewer crowds, low-light spaces, and exhibits with tactile engagement and activities.

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the largest multidisciplinary museums in the country, dedicated to the art of our time. The museum offers a free, sensory-friendly program for neurodiverse visitors of all ages called Sensory-Friendly Mornings at the MCA. Preregistered individuals and their families can explore exhibitions at their own pace before the museum opens to the public. The lobby lights are less intense, and a quiet space is available for breaks. The Quiet Space on the first floor of the museum includes seating, tissues, and locks from the inside for privacy.

Connect to support the Autism Society of Chicago

Mom and Autistic son hugging smiling