Sensory Friendly Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Admission and parking can be bought online in advance or on arrival at the Main-North Gate; South Gate entry requires advance tickets and parking reservations. Members enter free.

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About this adventure

Brookfield Zoo Chicago runs one evening of its Holiday Magic light festival as a sensory-friendly night, presented with the inclusion nonprofit KultureCity. For this modified evening the lights are dimmed, the music is softer and visual effects are reduced, so children and adults who are sensitive to noise, crowds or flashing light can enjoy the displays in a calmer setting. Holiday Magic fills the zoo grounds with themed light areas — Candy Cane Lane, the Flamin-glow Forest, Sparkling Coast, Sweet Street, a glowing Holiday Magic Maze, light tunnels and animal-shaped displays — plus a holiday market. Dress for the cold, since the displays are outdoors. It suits families with autistic children, toddlers who are easily overstimulated, and grandparents who prefer a quieter walk. Members get free admission and free Main-North Gate parking; everyone else buys admission, and South Gate entry needs advance tickets and parking reservations.