Chicago was a quick nonstop flight for us, which I always appreciate when traveling with my son. Short travel days make everything smoother and help set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Millennium Park and The Bean

Our first stop was Millennium Park to see The Bean. We found street parking for $7 and walked over a bridge to get there. It is a highly visited area with heavy pedestrian traffic, so be prepared for crowds. We were there to take a quick picture and leave because it was very crowded.

If you plan to spend more time, there are plenty of family friendly things to do at Millennium Park, including:

• Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean

• Crown Fountain

• Maggie Daley Park

• Lurie Garden

• Jay Pritzker Pavilion

• The skating ribbon during seasonal months

• Open green space for picnics and play

It is a beautiful area, but if you have a child who gets overstimulated easily, go early in the morning to avoid large crowds.

Field Museum

We visited the Field Museum, and my son loved the dinosaurs. There are multiple exhibits beyond dinosaurs, so there is something for everyone. There is an admission fee, but check for discounts. We only paid $3 per person.

One thing I want to mention is that the museum had an old smell. If you have someone who is sensitive to scents, that is something to consider before visiting.

Right outside the museum is a large open area and the Shedd Aquarium. There were also a few food trucks nearby, which was convenient.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium was sold out the day we were there. If you plan to visit, purchase your tickets in advance. Do not wait until the day of, especially on holiday weekends.

360 Chicago and The Tilt Experience

We also visited 360 Chicago. I purchased tickets in advance, which was necessary because it was sold out. The line to enter was very long since we visited over Labor Day weekend.

While there, we did the Tilt experience. There was a line for that as well. My son was thrilled to tilt outward that high up. He was five years old at the time.

I purchased the all access tickets, and even the included drink required waiting in line. There was also a wait just to exit. There was a lot of standing and waiting, which can be challenging for children who get overstimulated.

If you can, avoid weekends and holidays.

One of the best parts of the visit was the view of Lake Michigan. The water was bright blue and beautiful. Yes, Chicago has blue water, and it is stunning from that height.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is free and one of the oldest zoos in North America. There are a good number of animals and plenty of space to walk around. For a free attraction, it offers a lot. It can also be a great sensory friendly option if you visit during non peak hours.

Where We Ate

For convenience, we used Uber Eats for several meals. Long restaurant lines can lead to overstimulation, so delivery worked well for us.

Harold’s Fried Chicken

I ordered wings and fish, and it was very good. My son loved the chicken.

Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

My son devoured the pancakes.

Giordano’s

Deep dish pizza in Chicago is a must. We ordered from Giordano’s and it did not disappoint.

Garrett Popcorn Shops

The Chicago mix is a favorite. It combines cheese and caramel popcorn. My son prefers butter popcorn.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Hilton Chicago in a suite. The room was spacious, which is important when traveling as a family. The bathroom was small, but the extra living space made up for it.

Sensory Friendly Things to Do in Chicago

If you are traveling with a child who has sensory needs, here are some options to consider:

• Visit Millennium Park early in the morning

• Explore Maggie Daley Park playground

• Walk along the Lake Michigan shoreline

• Lincoln Park Zoo during weekday mornings

• Chicago Riverwalk during non peak hours

• Museum visits right at opening time

• Beach time during quieter hours

• Indoor play spaces outside of peak times

• Boat tours with advance planning and noise reducing headphones

Planning ahead makes a big difference. Purchasing tickets in advance, avoiding weekends and holidays, and building in breaks can help reduce stress for everyone.

To see this adventure in action, check out the highlights from this trip on my Instagram page @autismspectrumadventures.