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Lincoln Park Zoo offers a wide range of programming for people with disabilities. All zoo programs and events are intended to be engaging for all participants. We also offer programs specifically designed for and with people with disabilities.
Please review the information below about regularly available programs or more customizable programs available by appointment. Much like accessibility, these programs are not one-size-fits-all. So, when arranging a visit, please share any information that can help zoo staff support you in your visit!
Sensory-friendly Hours at Lincoln Park Zoo
Sensory-friendly Hours at Lincoln Park Zoo benefit guests of all ages who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, sensory sensitive, or autistic. These special events are also designed for people living with dementia, blind or low vision, or chronic illnesses, plus members of the Deaf community.
During sensory-friendly times such as Sensory-friendly Mornings, Sensory-friendly Days, and Sensory-friendly ZooLights, guests experience the zoo grounds and animal buildings in a comfortable and inclusive way. These events happen once a quarter.
Sensory-friendly Mornings are free events that give guests access to the zoo before regular opening hours. Animal buildings and attractions are available for self-paced exploration. Crowd size is limited, and this event requires registration.
The next sensory-friendly morning will be Sunday, September 13 from 8–10 a.m.
Sensory-friendly Days are full-day events that limit crowds in a designated part of the zoo. This is a free event, but guests must register. Please check here periodically for updates
Sensory-Friendly Night at ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd is when lights and sounds at ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd are turned turned down or made static and crowd capacity is reduced. For the 2026/2027 season, this night will take place on Tuesday, November 24. Learn more here.
Memory Enrichment at Lincoln Park Zoo is a welcoming place for people living with dementia and their loved ones and care partners. Socialize with friends of all ages and explore wildlife and nature with zoo staff. Activities include crafts, games, animal chats, music, low-impact movement, and more.
Memory Enrichment takes place the third Friday of each month. This is a free program, but guests must register ahead of time. Space is limited.
Loved ones and care partners must stay for the duration of the program. Memory Enrichment is intended to be restorative for all guests.
This is a free program, but registration is required. Space is extremely limited. Register here!
For Memory Care Communities or Senior Communities, please email [email protected] to learn about separate programming options. Memory Enrichment is intended to be a small gathering and cannot support groups from care communities.
For more information, or to ask questions about Memory Enrichment or accessibility at Lincoln Park Zoo, please visit the zoo’s accessibility page or email [email protected].
Memory Enrichment is supported by Sunrise Senior Living.
Sharing Wellness and Nature, or SWAN, is Lincoln Park Zoo’s premium program for adults (18+) who identify as neurodivergent and their friends or family members.
A small group of guests experience private demonstrations on animal care, meet with zoo experts, socialize together, and participate in mindfulness activities. Monthly Monday sessions provide a unique chance to learn about the zoo’s dedication to animal care in a private and supportive environment.
Sessions will involve some travel across zoo grounds and may be held partially outdoors. Seating is provided at demonstrations, but there may be space limitations. For this reason, spots in this program are limited. SWAN is a partnership between Lincoln Park Zoo and Dr. Evguenia Popova from Rush University.
Guided Description visits to Lincoln Park Zoo support guests who are blind or have low vision. Learning Department staff provide enhanced descriptions of animals, habitats, horticulture, and more. These visits emphasize the multi-sensory experience and the many stories the zoo has to offer. This program is ideal for individuals or small groups of five or less.
Guided Description visits are available upon request. Please make requests at least two weeks in advance and offer more than one date. To schedule a Guided Description visit for a small group, family, or individual, please email [email protected].
Beeping eggs are back at this family-friendly event on Saturday, April 4! A fun audio and tactile alternative, beeping eggs ensure that children who are blind or have low vision can join in on the traditional egg hunt experience. Beeping eggs will be available in the Green Zone during the 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. time slots.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are available for zoo visits and events by request. Email requests to [email protected]. Include in the email the day and time of your visit (please make your request at least two weeks in advance) and tell us how long the interpreter is needed.
In partnership with Columbia College’s ASL-English Interpretation program, Lincoln Park Zoo Guest Engagement demonstrations feature American Sign Language interpreters in spring, summer, and fall. Please contact [email protected] for more information and availability.
DreamNight is a free VIP event that gives families with children impacted by severe illness the opportunity to enjoy the zoo in a comfortable and fun environment. Enjoy access to animal habitats, carousel rides, and activities for all abilities all night long! It is a self-paced experience, so you can arrive and leave on your own schedule. This is a free event, but capacity is limited and requires registration.
We’re looking for partners! Organizations who support families living with severe or chronic illness and who wish to be a partner for DreamNight can email [email protected].
For more information, or to ask questions about DreamNight or accessibility at Lincoln Park Zoo, please visit the zoo’s Accessibility page or email [email protected].
Lincoln Park Zoo welcomes visits from people who identify as disabled. Part of this welcome is preparing for the visit: The zoo offers information, resources, and programming for schools, camps, senior communities, and community groups who focus on supporting or employing people with disabilities. The same resources, information, and programming are available for small groups, families, or individuals who are disabled.
Lincoln Park Zoo understands that an in-person visit is not available to all guests, but you can still participate in an educational program with the zoo. Virtual tours are for guests of all ages and can be specialized for group demographics. Zoom is the preferred platform, but other platforms are available.
For more information or questions about accessibility at Lincoln Park Zoo, please visit the zoo’s accessibility page or email [email protected].
Children’s Hospital Partners
Lincoln Park Zoo offers virtual tours of animal buildings for children in hospitals through a telepresence robot or over Zoom. These tours are led by Learning Department staff and can be one-on-one or for groups. Please email [email protected] to find out what option best fits your needs and to schedule a tour.
Contact Us
For more information about sensory-friendly events or accessibility at Lincoln Park Zoo, please visit the zoo’s Accessibility page. For specific questions, to schedule visits and tours, and to make requests, email [email protected].
