The villages of Riverside and North Riverside, along with 11 other communities, partner with The West Suburban Special Recreation Association. Through WSSRA, residents of all ages can participate in year-round programming specifically designed to meet their individual needs.

To learn more about their programs and inclusion services, visit wssra.net.

THE SANDLOT UNIVERSAL PLAYGROUND

Address:1301 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook
Description: Fully fenced, accessible surfacing, ramps from bottom to top, transfer stations throughout, specialized seating and handholds, slanted/graduated climbing elements, dual track ride, saucer swing, roller slides and molded slides, musical elements.

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BUTTERFIELD PARK INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND

Address: 385 E. Van Buren St., Elmhurst
Description: The playground features sensory-rich structures and inclusive equipment such as specialized swings, ground-level play panels, sliding components, spinning structures, and accessible surfacing.

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SENSORY GARDEN PLAYGROUND

Address: 2751 International Dr, Lisle
Description: Sensory-integrated playground equipment and amenities along with gardening areas.

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OWEN’S PLAYGROUND FOR KIDS OF ALL ABILITIES

Address: 435 Jefferson Ave, Downers Grove
Description: A universally designed play environment with double-wide ramps, a Cruiser™ Wheelchair Accessible Rocker, sensory panels, and safety surfacing that accommodates wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

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DISCOVERY PLAYGROUND

Address: 1825 Short St, Lisle
Description: Fully fenced, accessible surfacing, ramps from bottom to top, transfer stations throughout, specialized seating and handholds, slanted/graduated climbing elements, high back swings, saucer swings, stainless steel and molded slides, musical elements.

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NAPERVILLE RIVERWALK JAYCEE PLAYGROUND

Address: 798 Jackson Ave, Naperville
Description: ADA-accessible playground including braille and sign language panels, climbers, wiggle ladder, centipede climber, slides, swings and more.

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NORTHSIDE PARK

Address: 1300 N West St, Wheaton
Description: Playground features a zip line, modern slides, swings, and climbing apparatuses set over a safe, soft turf surface.

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LESTER COMMUNITY PLAYGROUNDS

Address: 236 Indianapolis Avenue, Downers Grove
Description: Located at Lester Elementary, the east side playground features ramped access, a communication board, and synthetic turf. The west side playground features an inclusive spinner, two inclusive swing seats, and a communication board.

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DARIEN COMMUNITY PARK POSSIBILITIES PLAYGROUND

Address: 7100 Clarendon Hills Rd, Darien
Description: The playground is fully enclosed by a fence and is ADA accessible featuring rubber surfacing, wide pathways, adaptive equipment, musical elements, a sand area, and picnic tables.

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HARVESTER PARK

Address: 15W400 Harvester Dr, Burr Ridge
Description: A Route 66 themed playground with flat paved walking paths, accessible modern restrooms, and a mix of rubberized and sand playground surfaces.

WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM KIDS GYM

A kid’s gym made for all kids. “Finally a Place Where You Never Have to Say I’m Sorry”. The gym includes things such as trampolines, indoor play structure, suspended equipment with swings, crash pads, and more!

Naperville schedule and cost: werockthespectrumnaperville.com
Naperville Location: 5019 Ace Lane, #167, Naperville, IL 60564

Franklin Park schedule and prices: werockthespectrumfranklinpark.com
Franklin Park Location: 10123 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131

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FLYING HIGH SPECIAL NEEDS OPEN GYM

Flying High offersan Open Gym for kids with special needs and their families on the 1st Sunday of the month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Kids can enjoy 1.5 hours of jumping, climbing, running, and more during a sensory-friendly open gym. Suitable for all ages and siblings are welcome.

Cost: $15
Location: 5400 East Ave, Countryside, IL 60525

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URBAN AIR TRAMPOLINE & ADVENTURE PARK

An ultimate indoor adventure park equipped with trampolines, climbing walls, ziplines, rope courses, foam pit, go-karts, and more! Sensory-Friendly play is held on the SECOND Saturday of each month.

Cost: $22.99-$38.49; parent pass $11.49; “shorty pass” under 40” $11.49
Location: 7401 West 25th Street, North Riverside, Illinois 60546

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NINJA SQUAD GYM ADAPTIVE LEARNERS

A private class for kids with Autism, ADHD or other special needs. The one-on-one class offers a patient, calm, and safe environment. Fill out their private class request form at ninjasquadgym.com.

Cost: $95/month for a 30 minute class once a week
Location: 7918 W 26th St, North Riverside, IL, 60546

CLASSIC CINEMAS

All Classic Cinemas locations will have sensory-friendly screenings during their Wednesday Morning Movie Series (summer only). With the lights turned up and sound turned down, you can talk and move around, which can be helpful for young families or guests with special needs. See family movies on Wednesday mornings for $2 (*plus applicable tax). Get reserved seating tickets online or at the theatre. Doors open at 9 AM for entertainment and games. Showtime begins at 10 AM. Visit classiccinemas.com for details.

Cost: $2
Locations: Several throughout the west suburbs

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SLOOMOO INSTITUTE

“Joy through sensory play! Explore handmade slimes and textures that never end. Walk on slime. Slingshot slime. Dance in dayglow. Customize your very own slime at the world’s largest DIY bar.” The Sloomoo Institute is ADA accessible and offers occassional sensory-friendly hours (visit sloomoo.com/sensory-friendly-hours for dates and times).

Cost: $26.99+
Location: 820 N Orleans St., Chicago, IL 60610

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WONDER WORKS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

The museum feels like a giant playground with all exhibits on one level. There are 9 permanent exhibits with a range of different hands-on experiences and activities. During Wonder Works for Everyone play sessions, the museum opens an hour early for an accessible and inclusive environment. Pre-registration required, visit wonder-works.org for dates and times.

Cost: $15/person
Location: 6445 W North Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302

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SHEDD AQUARIUM: CALM WATERS

Calm Waters is an exclusive event for guests with disabilities and Veterans to explore Shedd Aquarium’s exhibits and experiences in a comfortable and accepting environment. Modifications for this event will include limited capacity and streamlined entry with advance registration. Visit sheddaquarium.org for dates and times.

Cost: Adults $39.95, Children (3-11) $29.95
Cost with EBT card: Adults $5, Children $3
Location: 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

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MORTON ARBORETUM CHILDREN’S GARDEN

Sensory-Friendly Times offer a relaxed Children’s Garden experience for those who need a quieter environment. On select Mondays, April through October, capacity in the Children’s Garden is limited to 75 people from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Sensory support backpacks containing headphones, fidgets, visuals, and other calming tools are available to borrow during at no cost and by leaving an ID. Visit mortonarb.org to find dates and sign up.

Cost: $16.95 - $23/adults; $10.95-$15.95/child; 3 and under are free.
Location: 4100 Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532

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WALMART

Walmart offers sensory-friendly shopping hours every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM accross all US locations. During this time, stores implement specific changes to reduce sensory stimulation including turning off the in-store radio and reducing noise, changing video displays and TV walls to static images, and lowering and dimming overhead lights where possible.