Chicago is a great travel destination for families with children of all ages. It’s a vibrant city, positively bursting with iconic landmarks, experiences, and natural beauty that everyone will love. But as a bustling city, it’s a place that can become quickly overwhelming due to crowds, traffic, and noise, factors which might make the visit a little more intense for little ones with sensory issues or for those who are neurodiverse. 

But don’t let these facts put you off visiting the Second City with your children. Chicago might be a hive of activity, but it also offers quieter and more sensory-friendly activities than you might think. In this guide, we’ll highlight how everyone can enjoy the calmer side of Chicago, from quieter hotels and peaceful parks to relaxed museum spaces and serene moments out in nature. Read on to find out more. 

Where to Stay: Tips and Advice

Where you stay during any vacation or weekend getaway is really important. It sets the tone for your trip, and it’s important to have somewhere safe and comfortable to return to after a long day sightseeing. If you’re looking for a sensory-friendly stay, then you’ll find that Chicago has plenty to offer right across the city, whether you’re looking for sound-treated rooms, calmer environments, or accommodation with easier access to the main attractions to reduce travel time. You’ll find plenty of deals on Chicago hotels that match your specific requirements. 

Quieter Neighborhoods

If you need something not too far away from the main attractions but would like to avoid huge, overwhelming crowds, then hotels in neighbourhoods such as The Loop are a good choice. Lincoln Park and the Magnificent Mile are worth looking at, too, as here you can avoid street noise, enjoy calmer, leafy streets away from the bigger crowds, and opt for centrally located rooms but without the intensity. 

What to Look For

When it comes to room amenities, again, you’re spoilt for choice. Whatever your child needs to enjoy their stay can be found with a little research or a simple phone call. Consider looking for rooms with the following features:

• Sound-treated rooms: Many hotels in busy areas of Chicago now offer soundproof rooms or suites to minimize street noise. Alternatively, consider requesting a room that faces an interior courtyard.
• Accessibility and Convenience: Proximity to elevators, quieter floors, or dedicated service elevators can reduce unexpected disturbances and give everyone the chance to relax.
• Private or Semi-Private Spaces: Look for rooms with private balconies or suites that provide extra separation from hotel activity, reducing auditory and visual stimulation and helping your child unwind after a busy day!
• On-Site Restaurants and Dining Options: Hotels that offer quiet breakfast rooms or dining areas can help you avoid noisy, crowded restaurants in the city. Ask if there are “quiet hours” or off-peak breakfast times at your hotel to make the experience feel more fun and exclusive! 

Sensory-Friendly Museums and Cultural Spots Your Child Will Love

Chicago is bursting with museums and plenty to see and do! So, no matter what your child is interested in, you’re sure to find an exhibition or entire museum dedicated to it! Also, Chicago’s museums often have quiet times or sensory-friendly programming for visitors who prefer a calmer environment, so it’s worth planning ahead and booking tickets for these times. Here’s where you might want to explore together:

• Art Institute of Chicago: If you’ve ever wanted to see Monet’s Water Lilies or Grant Wood’s American Gothic, then you’ll have the chance here. To avoid crowds, plan your visit for early mornings or weekday afternoons. Some galleries and exhibits are quieter than others, and there are low-stimulation areas where you can pause, sit, and take in the art at a pace that suits you and your family.
• Field Museum & Shedd Aquarium: Wonderful sensory-friendly options for all ages. With designated quiet zones, early-access hours, and smaller galleries to avoid overwhelming crowds. The Shedd Aquarium also offers calm viewing areas for popular exhibits like the Amazon or Wild Reef sections, allowing visitors to experience marine life without sensory overload. The lights, soothing sounds of the water, and the movement of the creatures are relaxing and intriguing; it’s sure to be a firm favorite.

Tips for a Sensory-Friendly Visit

• Plan your route ahead of time: A little research before your visit can help you plan where you want to go during your visit. This is ideal if your child doesn’t want to stay too long.
• Noise reduction: Bringing along some noise reduction equipment, like headphones or earplugs, can help in those unavoidable, busy areas.
• Take breaks: Remember to take breaks in seating areas or cafés to recharge before continuing your visit. You’ll both benefit from this. 

Peaceful Parks and Green Spaces 

Chicago is a bustling metropolis, but it also has plenty of open, green spaces and lakeside areas that provide an escape from crowds and the noise. Visiting the local parks means you can take in some fresh air, nature, and find some calm during your trip.

Millennium Park

It’s one of the city’s most loved areas, which means it can get a little busy as the day goes on. However, a trip to Millennium Park early in the morning means you and your child can enjoy strolls through the gardens, admire the public art installations, and explore the pathways and relaxing fountains before foot traffic becomes a little heavier. 

North Pond Nature Sanctuary

This hidden gem in the Lincoln Park area is full of winding paths, water features, and lots of opportunities for wildlife spotting. Again, fewer visitors in the early hours make the perfect place to spend a few hours together. 

Final Thoughts…

When you’re traveling with a child who has additional needs, it can feel a little daunting, but thinking ahead, plenty of research, and cherry picking everything from your activities to what amenities you need in your hotel can help you both to enjoy your visit to Chicago, no matter how you spend your time! What would your child like to experience in the Second City?

This is a contributed post.