Lightscape Sensory-Friendly Night at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Timed-entry tickets bought online in advance (15-minute entry windows); reduced capacity on this night. Free sensory backpacks on request. Nonmembers also pay for parking.

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About this adventure

One evening of the Chicago Botanic Garden's Lightscape light trail is run as a sensory-friendly night, with reduced crowd capacity and the lights and music turned down to make the walk more comfortable for children and adults with sensory sensitivities. Lightscape is a winding after-dark trail of illuminated installations set to music; this season's new pieces include a walk-in snow globe and a dancing ballerina made of light. The Garden publishes a social story for the December 2 night so families can preview the route, parking and entry before they come, and it lends free sensory backpacks with noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses and fidget toys (ask at the ticket booths and collect from the Visitor Center membership desk). Strollers are allowed. Stands along the trail sell hot and cold drinks and snacks for adults and kids. Dress warmly, as the event goes ahead in most weather and is cancelled only for hazardous conditions, with a decision by 2 p.m. that day.