Sensory Friendly Springfield Illinois | Springfield, Illinois | Visit Springfield

  • January 15, 2025
  •      
  • Mike Riefler

Share this Blog

Resources for helping you plan a sensory-friendly visit.


Sensory-friendly tourism is a growing trend that focuses on providing inclusive environments, activities, and experiences that are accessible and welcoming for individuals with sensory processing challenges.  Many of Springfield’s sites and attractions offer sensory-friendly initiatives and events to help visitors.  Below are some resources to help you plan your trip for family and friends that may need accomodations.

KultureCity Venues

KultureCity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating more inclusive and accessible experiences for individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those with autism, ADHD, PTSD or other sensory processing challenges. The organization partners with various venues, events, and communities to make public spaces more welcoming and accommodating for people who may experience sensory overload in busy or overstimulating environments. 

KultureCity has partnered with these Springfield area venues/events:

UIS Performing Arts Center - Cultural and artistic venue located on the campus of the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). The center hosts a variety of events, including concerts, theater performances, dance shows, and comedians. (more information)

Henson Robinson Zoo - The zoo provides an educational and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, featuring a variety of animals from around the world. The zoo houses both native species and exotic animals, including animals like red pandas, lemurs, reptiles, birds, and various mammals. (more information)

Nelson Center Pool and Ice Rink – Located at Lincoln Park, the Nelson Center hosts a variety of activities and events.  The ice rink hosts ice skating times for the public as well other ice skating events and Springfield Jr Blues hockey games.  The outdoor pool at the Nelson Center is open during the summer and contains large swimming pool, a dedicated section for lap swimming, a water slide, locker room facilities, and a kiddy pool. (more information)

Illinois State Fair – Open for 10 days in mid-August at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, the Illinois State Fair celebrates Illinois’ rich agricultural heritage and culture.  The fair hosts’ agriculture exhibits and competitions, a Midway filled with amusement rides and carnival games, many food and drink vendors, and live entertainment. In addition to being a KultureCity partner the state fair also offers "Sunflower Hours".  The hours are designated times where they create a calmer and softer environment for guests.  (more information)

People planning to attend these sites can download the free KultureCity App to view available sensory features and access the Social Story that offers a preview of what to expect during their visit. These facilities also have a limited number of sensory bags with various sensory-inclusive items.  

Other Sensory-Friendly Sites 

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum – This world-class cultural and historical institution is dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Located in the heart of Springfield, the museum and library attract visitors from all over the world who are interested in learning about Lincoln's life and enduring impact on American history.  The ALPLM offers many sensory-friendly accommodations including sensory-friendly preparation packet, social story and Busy Bags. (more information)  The museum also hosts Abe for All: Sensory-Friendly Sundays on select Sundays in the year.  The museum will make special accommodations with lighting and sound during these days (check their website the next Abe for All event).

Kidzeum of Health and Science – The Kidzeum’s mission is to provide a hands-on, interactive learning environment that encourages children to explore, discover, and engage with educational exhibits.  The Kidzeum provides Sensory Friendly Visit Times (typically the first Sunday of the month at 9am – check their website for exact days/times). During these visit times lighting and noises will be reduced and the admission desk will have headphones available on a first come/first serve basis.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site - The site preserves the home and surrounding area where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861, before becoming the 16th President of the United States. The site includes the restored home, which is the only surviving residence of Lincoln, as well as several nearby buildings and the surrounding neighborhood that reflect the era of Lincoln's life in Springfield.  Visitors to the site can get a Sensory Kit at the Visitor Center that includes items like noise reducing earmuffs, nonverbal communication cards and more. (more information)

Other Sensory Accommodations

Sky Zone Trampoline Park - Indoor entertainment center that features a variety of trampoline-based activities. They feature foam block pits, Skyhoops, dodgeball area and more.  Sky Zone offers sensory-friendly hours with low lights, the music turned off, and private calm down rooms for breaks. This happens first Sunday of every month from 6pm-7pm. (more information)

AMC Classic Springfield 12 and AMC Springfield 8 – AMC Theatres has partnered with the Autism Society to provide special screenings of films with the lights turned up and the movie volume lowered.  The program is available the second & fourth Saturday of the month for family-friendly films and Wednesday evenings for mature audiences.  Please check with the theatres for specific show times. (more information)


---Special Sensory-Friendly Events---

From time-to-time, some of our sites will offer special sensory-friendly events.  Keep checking back here to see what events are offered.

January 26th Abe for All: Sensory-Friendly Sunday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
February 2nd, March 2nd, and April 6th Sensory Friendly Visit Time at the Kidzeum of Health and Science

---

For inclusive dining, grab breakfast or lunch at the Hope Inclusion Cafe and Play.  Staffed by the students from the Hope Vocation Program, the cafe serves sandwiches, coffee, salads and more... and has a sensory play area.

And if you're needing place to stay for your visit, please check out our Hotel Page