Santa Visits with Special Needs Children in Chicagoland and Northern Illinois
When you talk about children with special needs you’ll find that covers a wide range of disabilities that can be mental, physical and so much more. Special needs children have many disorders to deal with. They can include such things as epilepsy, autism, blind and vision impairment, down syndrome, spina bifida, mitochondrial disorders, ADD/ADHD, and numerous other conditions little ones have to endure.
Kids with special needs not only require lots of physical care but also lots of love. It’s really difficult for parents of these children to have to stand in line and wait to see Santa Claus, so "special events" really fill a need. They serve every child, from those who may be mildly retarded to others with severe physical and mental disabilities. which is why these events give special meaning to Christmas and the Holiday Season.
While many malls don’t have specific Santa events planned for special needs children, if you call the mall management office normally you can make arrangements with them for visits for children or groups of children.
Elmhurst
Santa at Special Kids Holiday Event
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Time: 3:30 pm - 8 pm
Sponsor: Special Kids Day Events
Event at: Elmhurst Art Museum
150 Cottage Hill Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
www.specialkidsday.org
For additional information:
(630) 530-7700
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Every year on the first Wednesday in December about four hundred special needs children, with physical and developmental disabilities, and families are treated to a delightful afternoon and evening where they get to bond with Santa Claus. The children have their picture taken, receive specially selected and appropriate toys, enjoy cookies and ice cream and activities such as face painting, visits from clowns and other performers and activities. This event that has been growing in size and popularity every year.
Naperville
Santa at Special Needs Nights at Riverwalk in Naperville
Tuesday, December 1st and Thursday, December 3rd
Time: 5 pm - 8 pm
Sponsor: Naperville Park District
Santa House location
Jackson Ave. & Webster St.
Naperville IL 60540
(along the Riverwalk)
www.napervilleparks.org
For reservations: (630) 848-3504
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
One of the most important events at the Riverwalk Santa House is Special Needs Nights. This is two evenings set aside for children with special needs and their families where they can visit Santa by appointment, so that there is no long wait. Santa and his helpers go all out to make this a special time for the children and their families. Space is limited and this event is popular.
Sunday with Santa in Naperville
Sunday, December 6th, 2009
Time: 12 noon to 3:30 pm
Sponsor: Western DuPage Special Recreation Association
116 N. Schmale
Carol Stream, IL 60188
www.wdsra.com
For registration information: (630) 681-0962
Ages: Children 5 to 13 years old
Cost: $25 per child
This is a special needs event for children who are members of the of WPDCC. It will start at the center in Carol Stream. They will prepare their Christmas lists, make some treats for Santa and then head for Naperville, where the old fellow will be waiting to see them at the Riverwalk.