Summer in Chicago has a special kind of magic. Kids spend their days running through splash pads, playing outside until its dark, and staying up way past bedtime.

Routines loosen, schedules stretch, and the whole city seems to exhale. But as August winds down, and the back to school sales ads start popping up, reality taps us on the shoulder: school is coming.

For neurodiverse children, the shift is not a gentle nudge. It’s more like a sudden jolt.

One minute they’re living a lazy summer life, and then suddenly, they’re expected to wake up early, get to school, sit still, and follow directions.

That’s a big ask for any child.

Here’s the encouraging part. The last few weeks of summer are the perfect time to ease back into the school routine with small steps and playful practice so that the transition is gradual.

This guide was compiled from years of experience from the expert therapist at Blue Bird Day in Chicago.

We’ll walk through how to go from a lazy Chicago summer into the new school year with confidence. Making the transition smoother and easier for you, your child, and for your whole family.

If you’d like more personalized insights, pleas contact us today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Why the End of Summer Is a Big Deal for Neurodiverse Kids

When routines disappear, predictability disappears with them. Many neurodiverse children rely on structure to feel safe and regulated, so the sudden shift from “summer mode” to “school mode” can trigger:

• Social worries (new teachers, new classmates, new rules)
• Sensory overload (bright lights, loud hallways, crowded cafeterias)
• Emotional stress (fear of change, separation anxiety, performance pressure)
• Behavioral challenges (meltdowns, avoidance, resistance, sleep disruptions)

Chicago parents see this every year — the August wobble. And if that wobble feels overwhelming, your concerns are completely valid. Easing back into structure now can make the transition smoother and reduce anxiety once school starts.

It helps to remember something important: challenging behaviors like tears, avoidance, or resistance aren’t “bad behavior.” They’re clues. They’re your child’s way of saying “I’m overwhelmed” or “I need help.” When you read those clues early, you can respond with support instead of stress.

Gradual transitions tend to improve behavior, emotional regulation, and school readiness. Think of it like warming up before a workout. You’re helping your child’s brain and body adjust before the big day.

Start With Light Conversations

Begin by talking openly about school. Ask your child what they’re excited about and what feels scary. Keep the tone casual — like chatting during a walk along the lakefront or while eating a popsicle on the porch.

This builds trust and helps your child feel heard. You’re not “fixing” anything yet. You’re simply gathering clues about your child’s unique worries and hopes.

Try questions like:

• “What’s one thing you hope happens at school this year?”
• “Is there anything that feels tricky or confusing?”
• “What would make mornings easier for you?”

If your child struggles to put feelings into words, meet them where they are. Try:

• Emotion cards — pictures showing happy, sad, angry, or scared faces that help kids point to how they feel
• Simple drawings they can create together
• “Choose between” options (“Do you feel more nervous or more excited?”)
• Silly examples (“Does school feel like a roller coaster or a traffic jam?”)

You can also keep a small journal to track patterns. Does your child get fidgety during transitions? Do certain topics trigger anxiety? These notes become gold when you plan supports — and they’re helpful to share with your child’s care team later.

Build School-Ready Routines

Routines are anchors for neurodiverse kids. They create predictability, reduce stress, and help children understand what comes next. In the last weeks of summer, start shaping your days to look a little more like school — but keep it playful.

Morning Routine Practice

Try a simple morning flow:

1. Wake up at a consistent time
2. Brush teeth
3. Get dressed
4. Eat breakfast
5. Take a short walk (pretend you’re “walking to school”)

Breaking the morning into small, achievable steps makes each one feel doable instead of overwhelming. Make it fun:

• Race the timer
• Use stickers for each completed step
• Turn the routine into a “mission” (“Operation: Get Ready!”)

A visual routine chart with pictures for each step can foster real independence. Instead of nagging, you can simply point and ask, “What’s next?” Your child gets to be the expert on their own morning.

Mini Learning Blocks

After your pretend walk, try a short “school block.” Keep it brief — 10 to 15 minutes. A “first-then” approach works beautifully here: “First we do reading, then we get bubbles.”

Ideas:

• Reading time
• Puzzles
• Drawing
• Simple math games
• Writing a silly story

Then reward with something fun: bubbles, a snack, or a quick dance break. These positive rewards help your child connect learning with good feelings.

Evening Wind-Down

Shift bedtime earlier, slowly — maybe 10 minutes every few nights. A calming nighttime routine sets the tone for restful sleep. Add quiet activities like:

• Coloring
• Listening to calming music
• Reading together (a cozy “bedtime book basket” near the bed makes this even more inviting)
• Dimming the lights to signal it’s almost time to rest

Limiting screens before bed and keeping a consistent wind-down helps regulate sleep, so those early school mornings feel less brutal for everyone.

Helpful Tools

• Visual timers — show time disappearing, which is great for kids who learn by seeing
• Reward charts — stars, stickers, or tokens for completed routines
• Visual schedule planners — picture charts that show the whole day ahead

These tools quiet the “what if” worries and help kids anticipate transitions. Predictability is a gift you can give your child every single day.

Create Comfort in New Environments

School can be a sensory circus: bright lights, loud hallways, new smells, crowded spaces. For kids who feel sounds, lights, and textures more intensely, this matters a lot. Use the last weeks of summer to gently prepare your child.

Visit the School

If possible, visit the building before the first day. Walk the halls, explore the playground, peek into classrooms. Choose a quiet time so your child can absorb the environment without chaos. This is also a wonderful moment to connect with staff and ask whether there’s a designated calming space your child can use when things feel like too much.

Recreate School Zones at Home

Set up small “school zones”:

• A desk with bright lights
• A quiet reading corner
• A backpack station
• A pretend classroom

Practicing in a familiar space builds confidence before the real thing.

Sensory Prep

Gradual exposure works. Try:

• Sensory bins (rice, beans, fabric, sand)
• Holding pencils, markers, or scissors
• Wearing a backpack for short periods
• Practicing sitting at a desk

These small steps build tolerance for school tasks, one comfortable moment at a time.

Comfort Tools

Every child is different, so a personalized “sensory toolkit” helps you learn what soothes your child:

• Weighted blankets — gentle deep pressure that feels like a calming hug
• Chewelry — safe items to chew for kids with oral sensory needs
• Noise-canceling headphones — a lifesaver for loud hallways
• Fidget toys — squishy balls, spinners, or textured items

For some kids, compression clothing or seamless, tagless shirts make a huge difference too. Scratchy tags and tight fabrics can be surprisingly distracting. Introduce these tools during practice sessions so your child already knows what helps before day one.

Multi-Sensory Practice

Play sounds your child may hear at school:

• Bells
• Chatter
• Footsteps
• Classroom noise

Use a diffuser with a calming scent like lavender to help regulate emotions. Track what works in your journal so you can pack the right supports.

Practice Social Skills and Emotional Regulation

Social skills and emotional regulation are huge parts of school readiness — especially for neurodiverse learners. The trick is teaching them step by step: name the skill, model it, practice together, and cheer the effort.

Role Play

Act out everyday moments:

• Saying hello to a teacher
• Asking for help
• Sharing toys
• Taking turns
• Sitting in a group

Keep it silly and fun. Turn-taking and waiting for a response are skills that grow with practice, not pressure.

Small Playdates

Invite one friend for a short playdate. Practice:

• Turn-taking
• Sharing
• Simple games
• Handling winning and losing

Start small and short. One friend at a park bench beats a chaotic group anytime.

Emotion Practice

Use:

• Emotion flash cards
• Mirror faces
• “Feelings check-ins”
• Bedtime chats about the day

This helps your child name emotions and communicate them. Over time, it becomes a ritual — a moment of connection that builds real resilience.

Academic Warm-Up

Use the last weeks of summer to warm up academically — but keep it light. This isn’t about drilling; it’s about building confidence.

Ideas:

• Read aloud together
• Do simple puzzles
• Count objects during daily tasks (Cheerios work great)
• Practice writing names or letters
• Use dry-erase workbooks for reusable practice

Short, fun sessions build confidence without pressure. Celebrate effort over perfection.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. Small steps now create big wins later. By easing into routines, practicing transitions, and building comfort with school environments, you help your neurodiverse child start the year with confidence instead of fear.

Celebrate every success:

• “You woke up on time!”
• “You practiced your morning routine!”
• “You tried something new!”

These moments matter more than you know. Your next step is simple: pick one routine to start this week — maybe mornings — and add another next week.

With patience, humor, and a little Chicago summer magic, your child can walk into the school year feeling ready, supported, and confident.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start preparing my neurodiverse child for back to school?

For most kids, two to three weeks before the first day is a comfortable window. Starting earlier gives your child’s brain and body time to adjust gradually, without the pressure of cramming everything into the final weekend. Begin with one change — like shifting bedtime 10 minutes earlier — then add routines slowly. If your child struggles significantly with transitions, you might stretch this to four weeks. Watch your child’s cues and adjust the pace to fit your family. There’s no single “right” timeline, only the one that works for your unique child.

What if my child has a meltdown just thinking about school?

First, know that this is your child communicating real distress, not misbehaving. Stay calm, lower the stimulation around them, and offer comfort or space depending on what your child prefers. Once they’ve settled, gently explore what triggered the feeling using emotion cards or a simple drawing. Meltdowns often signal sensory overload or fear of the unknown, so previewing school through visits, photos, or social stories can ease anxiety over time. Keep conversations short and positive, and celebrate small moments of bravery.

How do I help my child adjust to a brand-new Chicago school or classroom?

Familiarity is your best friend. Ask the school for a quiet-time visit so your child can walk the halls, find the bathroom, and see their classroom before the crowds arrive. Take photos to review at home. Connect with the teacher early and share what helps your child feel calm — comfort tools, warning cues before transitions, or a designated calming space. Coordinating with your child’s current care team keeps support consistent across settings, so your child feels held by a whole team, not just tossed into something new.

This post was originally published in August 2025 and was rewritten in August 2026 to include updated strategies.

You watch your child playing in the sandbox, and suddenly another child approaches. Your heart skips a beat. What next? Will they share the bright red plastic shovel? Will they play nice or will there be tears?

These early social interactions are childhood milestones that build the foundation for life long skills and emotional resilience.

With nearly two decades of experience in early childhood therapeutic education, we’ve watched countless transformations through positive peer interactions.

Research dating back to the mid-20th century consistently shows that children who engage positively with peers benefit in four distinct areas: social skills, emotional growth, cognitive thinking, and self-esteem. This article will take a closer look at those areas.

If you would like more personalized insights, contact us today! We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Social Skills

Social interactions teach children essential skills like sharing, empathy, and cooperation. When children play together, they learn how to communicate their needs, resolve minor conflicts, and read social cues. Think about functional play—playing with toys exactly as they were designed to be used, like pushing a toy car on the floor or feeding a doll. When two children engage in functional play together, they must negotiate who gets to push the car first or who holds the doll.
These shared moments build a foundation for later communication. They learn to interpret a friend’s smile or recognize when a playmate feels upset. This environment provides a natural classroom where your child can practice taking turns and recognizing the feelings of others.

Emotional Growth

Being around peers helps children develop self-regulation skills. Self-regulation is the ability to manage big emotions and behaviors in response to the situation at hand. When a tower of blocks falls over because a friend bumped it, your child might feel immediate frustration. In a peer setting, they learn to manage that frustration, express joy when the tower is rebuilt, and cope with the anxiety of unpredictable social moments.

Through these interactions, children discover that emotions are temporary and manageable. They see other children expressing feelings and learn that it’s perfectly acceptable to feel sad, mad, or ecstatic. This shared emotional landscape builds deep emotional intelligence that serves them well into adulthood.

Cognitive Thinking

Playing and interacting with peers encourages problem-solving and critical thinking. Children are constantly challenged to think creatively and adapt to new situations when they play with others. If two children want to build a bridge but only have square blocks, they must collaborate to find a solution.

This collaborative play fosters massive cognitive growth. They test hypotheses, discover the properties of objects, and learn how things work together. Peer interactions require children to process information quickly and adjust their strategies, which stimulates brain development in profound ways.

Self-Esteem

Positive peer interactions boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Feeling accepted and valued by peers has a direct, positive impact on how a child views themselves. When a peer invites your child to join a game or praises their drawing, it validates their self-worth.

We see this beautifully demonstrated in therapeutic rotations—small, structured group settings that simulate a preschool or kindergarten day. In these settings, children receive tailored support while interacting with peers, allowing them to build confidence in a safe, guided environment. Knowing they have friends who appreciate them gives children the courage to try new activities and face challenges with a positive mindset.

Overcoming Common Social Challenges

Getting enough early childhood social interaction is not always easy. Families often encounter specific hurdles, including social anxiety, issues with conflict, a lack of inclusivity, and limited access to peers.

Social Anxiety

To help reduce social anxiety, parents can arrange small playdates in familiar environments. Initially, limit the number of children involved to keep the environment from becoming overwhelming. Gradual exposure to peer interactions can help build confidence and ease the anxiety.

You can also role-play social interactions at home. Pretend to meet for the first time or practice asking to share a toy. This allows your child to practice social skills in a safe, low-pressure setting. Over our decades of experience, we’ve found that practicing these scenarios at home drastically reduces anxiety when the real situation arises.

Conflict Resolution

Children will inevitably encounter conflicts when interacting with peers. Teaching your child different approaches to conflict resolution is essential. You can use role-playing scenarios to demonstrate effective communication techniques. Teach them to use “I” statements, such as “I feel sad when you take my toy,” and practice active listening.

Resolving disagreements is a learned skill. By providing your child with the script and the tools to handle conflict, you empower them to navigate complex social waters with grace.

Inclusivity

Ensuring that all children feel included during peer interactions can be challenging. Educating children about empathy and respecting differences makes a significant impact. It’s highly beneficial to plan activities where every child can participate, regardless of their ability level or background.

For children with specific developmental needs, structured environments can provide the perfect balance of support and peer interaction. We believe in a collaborative team approach to ensure every child feels included, valued, and completely supported.

Limited Access to Peer Interaction

Some children may have limited opportunities to interact with peers. Seek out local community groups, virtual playdates, or organized extracurricular activities that align with your child’s specific interests. Libraries, community centers, and online platforms often host events that help children build friendships with like-minded peers.

Actionable Tips for Parents to Increase Social Interaction

Here are proven strategies to help increase your child’s early social interactions:

Encourage Playdates: Organize regular playdates to provide opportunities for your child to interact with other children in a controlled environment. Keep the initial visits short and structured.

Join Parenting Groups: Participate in local parenting groups. These groups allow children to engage with others while you connect with fellow parents who understand your specific journey.

Enroll in Group Activities: Consider enrolling your child in group activities like sports teams, art classes, or music groups. These structured environments naturally promote social interaction around a shared interest.

Model Positive Social Behavior: Children learn by observing the adults around them. Demonstrate positive social interactions, polite greetings, and active listening. Encourage your child to mirror these behaviors.

Read Social Stories: Use books and stories that focus on social interactions. Social stories—short narratives that explain specific social situations—instruct your child about social dynamics, empathy, and expected behaviors in a highly visual and accessible way.

Effective Communication with Teachers: Teachers offer incredible insights into a child’s social interactions at school. They can identify areas where your child excels or might need additional support. Collaborate with educators to create strategies tailored to your child’s needs, ensuring consistent support both at home and in school settings.

Cultivating Emotional Intelligence: Children need to express their feelings and learn to recognize emotions in others. Have open conversations about emotions with your child, using everyday situations as learning opportunities. Discuss how different scenarios make people feel. Books and stories that include emotional themes or perspectives from multiple characters serve as excellent tools for discussing complex emotional experiences. Family movie nights featuring films that personify emotions are great ways to foster emotional literacy at an early age.

Toys and Games That Build Social Skills

The right tools can make learning social skills incredibly fun. Here are highly recommended toys and games that naturally encourage sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation:

• Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set: A classic block set that encourages cooperative play and sharing. Children must negotiate space and materials to build together.
• The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game: A fun game that teaches turn-taking, color matching, and friendly competition in a highly engaging way.
• LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box: Perfect for collaborative building projects. Children can work together to build entire cities, requiring communication and teamwork.
• Crayola Inspiration Art Case: Encourages group creativity and sharing art supplies. Passing the blue marker or collaborating on a mural builds silent social bonds.
• Alphabet Bingo: A great game for learning letters while practicing the social skills of listening and following rules.
• ThinkFun Zingo Bingo: Promotes interaction, quick thinking, and the ability to handle winning and losing gracefully.
• Hape Wooden Doll House Furniture: Encourages imaginative play and role-playing scenarios. Children can act out family dynamics and practice social scripts.
• Wonder Forge Richard Scarry’s Busytown: A fantastic cooperative game that teaches teamwork. Everyone works together to reach the goal, eliminating the stress of individual competition.
• Learning Resources New Sprouts Classroom Play Kitchen Set: Ideal for role-play and sharing. Children can practice serving others and taking orders, which builds functional communication.
• Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Colors: Great for group creativity, sharing ideas, and sensory regulation.

Early peer experiences play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. By encouraging positive interactions with peers, you help your child build the essential skills they need for a successful, fulfilling life. We’re here to partner with your family on this incredible developmental journey, transforming potential into beautiful progress.

Whether it’s answering your questions, providing guidance, or helping you explore our tailored programs, we’re here for you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can partner with your family on this incredible journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help my child build friendships if they are shy or have social anxiety?
Start with small, predictable playdates in a familiar environment and consider role playing social situations at home. Gradually expand the group size and provide positive feedback for brave social steps. Over time, children often gain confidence and start to initiate interactions more easily.

What if my child struggles to resolve conflicts with peers?
You can teach conflict resolution skills by encouraging open communication and using simple phrases like “I feel” statements. Practicing these at home helps children apply them when disagreements arise. Guided group activities and support from teachers or therapists can also help children build these essential life skills in real time.

Why do early peer experiences matter so much for children with developmental differences?
Meaningful peer experiences provide guided practice in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Children with diverse developmental needs benefit greatly from structured, supportive environments that foster social growth and confidence building, laying a strong foundation for future success.

Watching your child stand alone on the playground brings a heavy ache to your chest. You want to see your child laughing, sharing toys, and forming bonds with their peers. It’s possible!

To have a friend, you need to be a friend.

Through direct instruction, regular practice, and positive reinforcement, all children can learn how to find companions and be good friends.

Families can teach these abilities at home by encouraging structured interactions and by collaborating with schools to create meaningful social opportunities for kids. There are ample opportunities here in Chicago.

With years of experience in early childhood therapeutic education, our team knows exactly how to guide your family through this process.

We believe everyone deserves a friend. This article will give you some insight about friendship for neurodiverse children.

If you would like more personalized insights, contact us today! We are here to support you every step of the way.

The Value of Friendship

Developing relationships goes far beyond simply having someone to play with on a Saturday afternoon. When children connect with their peers, they unlock incredible benefits across every area of their development.

Emotional Growth

Learning to interact with others fosters emotional maturity. Children begin to understand and share the feelings of those around them. This shared experience builds immense personal confidence and internal pride.

Developing empathy and caring for others allows your child to look outside themselves and recognize the emotions of their peers.

Most importantly, forming friendships creates a deep sense of belonging. Knowing they have a place within a group gives children a secure foundation to explore the world.

Social Skill Development

Friendships provide the ultimate practice ground for communication. Practicing these abilities in real situations teaches children how to interact naturally. They learn to resolve conflicts peacefully when disagreements arise over a game or a toy.

Understanding social rules through genuine experience is far more effective than reading about them in a book. Children also build flexibility and learn methods for solving problems when they have to compromise with a buddy.

Academic Benefits

You might be surprised to learn that having friends directly impacts school performance. Children show increased motivation to participate in school activities when they know their friends will be there. They demonstrate better focus when they feel socially connected and secure in their environment.

Learning from peers in natural ways happens every day in the classroom. Furthermore, having a strong social network leads to reduced anxiety about school environments, making mornings much easier for your entire family.

Lifelong Skills

The social foundations your child builds today will serve them forever. They are building a foundation for future relationships in adulthood. They learn to advocate for their needs clearly and respectfully.

Developing resilience when facing challenges ensures they can bounce back from social setbacks. Ultimately, they are understanding how to be a good friend to others, which is a trait that will enrich their entire life.

How Schools Can Help Build Friendships

Schools are perfect places for children to practice interacting with others because they offer structure with clear expectations. They provide safety with adult supervision and consistency with daily routines. Children also have countless opportunities to interact with the same peers regularly.

Questions to Ask Your Teachers

Open communication with educators is vital. Consider asking the following questions to maximize your efforts.

• “What social opportunities exist during the school day?”
• “Which classmates seem to share the interests of my child?”
• “How can we practice social abilities at home that will help at school?”
• “What does a successful interaction look like for my child?”
• “How can we communicate about the social progress of my child?”

Information to Share With the School

Teachers can support your child much better when they have the right information. Share details about the interests and strengths your child possesses. Explain what social situations work well at home. Describe the signs that show your child is overwhelmed and needs a break. Share strategies that help your child calm down effectively. Finally, detail the communication style and specific needs your child relies on daily.

Creating Consistency Between Environments

Children thrive when their environments align. Use similar language at home and at school for social rules. Practice abilities at home that will be directly useful in the classroom. Celebrate the same types of social successes across both settings. Share strategies that work well in both locations to ensure everyone uses the same approach.

Play Dates

Taking the first step toward arranging interactions can feel daunting. However, setting up Chicago playdates for your child can be a smooth and enjoyable process when you plan ahead.

Collaborate with teachers to identify potential friends with shared interests who are suitable for the age of your child. Start with short sessions lasting fifteen to thirty minutes to match shorter attention spans.

Use familiar spaces like the local library, a quiet corner of the classroom, or a neighborhood park. In our city, visiting accessible spots like the quiet areas of Lincoln Park or a sensory friendly morning at the Chicago Childrens Museum can provide a wonderful backdrop.

Plan simple activities your child already enjoys, such as drawing or building with blocks. Having adults nearby offers flexible support without making the children feel crowded.

Successful Interactions

Structure is the secret ingredient for positive peer interactions. Clear start and end times are essential. Plan structured activities like collaborative art projects, games that require solving problems, or fun discussion prompts.

Always provide a quiet space for downtime if the excitement becomes too much. Establish practical rules for group interaction that everyone agrees upon before the fun begins. Most importantly, celebrate progress. Praise your child when they take leadership roles, show cooperation, or maintain sustained attention.

Sensory Considerations

Many children process the world differently, and sensory input plays a massive role in their comfort. Schedule activities in places with fewer sensory triggers when possible. Provide a calm space for breaks and a safe retreat from crowds. Consider the lighting, noise levels, and textures in the room, and always offer alternative options. Choose activities aligned with their sensory preferences, such as quiet reading or tactile building projects.

Communication Supports

Clear communication bridges the gap between peers. Use direct and respectful language while avoiding confusing idioms. Visual aids or digital schedules can help with planning the day and reducing anxiety. Give extra processing time and frequently check to ensure everyone understands the plan. Teach and rehearse simple scripts like “Can I join your group?” and “That was a good idea, here is mine.”

Conversation Starters

Sometimes finding the right words is the hardest part. Write simple phrases on index cards to give your child a helpful reference.

• “What do you like to do?”
• “Want to build something together?”
• “That looks cool!”
• “Thanks for playing with me!”

Steps for Solving Problems

Conflict happens in every friendship. Create a visual reminder to help your child navigate disagreements.

1. Stop and take a deep breath.
2. Say exactly how you feel.
3. Listen closely to your friend.
4. Think of a solution together.
5. Try again or take a break.

Practice Games for Skill Building

Games are powerful tools for teaching hidden social rules. Play games like Red Light Green Light to build impulse control. Play Simon Says to practice following directions closely. Use simple board games to enforce taking turns. Play a game of charades focused on emotions to improve the recognition of feelings in others.

Every Child Is Different

Remember that every child develops at their own distinct pace. Some children will pick up social cues quickly, while others need much more time and repeated practice. Some children will thrive with many friends, while others will prefer one or two close relationships. Both paths are completely normal and perfectly valid.

Consider reaching out to your Blue Bird Day team for further advice if you notice persistent challenges. Seek professional guidance if your child seems very isolated or withdrawn from their peers.

Ask for help if they express sadness about not having friends. Intervene if social situations consistently cause extreme distress. Reach out if you are not seeing progress after several months of consistent support. Finally, seek assistance if social challenges are negatively affecting their learning or daily activities.

Next Steps for Your Family

Taking action today sets the foundation for tomorrow. Here is a clear guide to help you move forward.

This week:

1. Talk with your child about friendship using simple and clear terms.
2. Contact the teacher to ask about available social opportunities.
3. Identify one specific social skill to practice at home.
4. Plan one highly structured and low stress social activity.

This month:

1. Try a structured interaction with a peer from school.
2. Start using visual supports to prepare for social situations.
3. Connect with another family who shares your developmental goals.
4. Celebrate small social successes with your child using specific praise.

This year:

1. Build consistent routines that include regular social opportunities.
2. Develop a strong support network of families and school staff.
3. Help your child develop at least one meaningful peer relationship.
4. Create positive memories around friendship and social connection.

Time is passing quickly, and the social expectations placed on children grow more complex with each passing grade level. Waiting to address these social gaps can lead to deeper isolation and missed opportunities for vital emotional growth.

We encourage you to reach out to our team of dedicated professionals right away to begin crafting a personalized plan that will transform the social future of your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I help my neurodiverse child start conversations and make friends?
Begin by practicing simple, direct conversation starters at home, such as, “What do you like to do?” Role play various social scenarios and provide visual aids like cue cards. Encourage short, structured playdates to build comfort and confidence over time.

2. What if my child struggles during playdates or social activities in Chicago?
It is common for neurodiverse children to need extra support during new experiences. Select sensory-friendly locations such as quiet parks or community spaces in Chicago, prepare your child in advance with a plan and visuals, and always have a calm space available for breaks.

3. When should I seek professional support for my child’s social development?
Reach out to a professional if you notice your child is consistently withdrawn, expresses ongoing sadness about friendships, or is not showing progress after several months of practice. Early, specialized support can strengthen your family’s approach and give your child the best chance to form meaningful connections.

For families with neurodiverse children, picnics offer a calming and enriching way to connect with nature. Unlike crowded indoor spaces or bustling restaurants, picnics provide a serene, open environment where learning, bonding, and therapeutic growth happen naturally. The joys of feeling soft grass under their feet or hearing the rustle of leaves can help children practice sensory integration while fostering emotional well-being and family connections.

Here's how picnics can be especially beneficial:

• Sensory Exploration: Children can explore natural textures, sounds, and sights at their own pace.
• Social Growth: Relaxed family interactions encourage communication and build social skills.
• Emotional Regulation: Fresh air and open spaces provide soothing comfort and reduce overstimulation.
• Confidence Building: Positive outdoor experiences help children develop a sense of accomplishment.
• Strengthened Family Bonds: Families enjoy uninterrupted time together, free from indoor distractions.

Time in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and promote overall well-being, yielding profound benefits for children with autism, ADHD, and other neurological differences. With thoughtful preparation, picnics can become treasured family traditions that inspire growth and togetherness.

Therapeutic Advantages of Picnics

Picnics combine play and nature, offering neurodiverse children therapeutic benefits in a relaxed, supportive setting. These experiences naturally weave sensory, social, and motor skill development into moments of joy and discovery.

Sensory Benefits

The outdoor environment offers countless opportunities for sensory exploration, from the feel of soft leaves to the sound of birds chirping. These natural stimulations can bring comfort to children with sensory sensitivities, helping them adjust to new textures and sounds in a non-threatening way. For example, walking barefoot in grass or watching a butterfly in flight can reduce anxiety and encourage a joyful connection to their surroundings.

Social and Emotional Growth

For many neurodiverse children, traditional social settings can feel overwhelming. Picnics provide a low-pressure space for developing key skills like sharing and turn-taking. Emotional regulation also gets a boost as children learn patience through small, meaningful activities such as waiting their turn to play or helping prepare the food.

Skill Development

Picnics can turn simple tasks into skill-building opportunities. Helping prepare food supports fine motor development, while outdoor play like running or jumping strengthens gross motor skills. Even small achievements, like successfully packing their own lunch, can build confidence and foster independence.

Planning for Success

Thoughtful preparation is key to ensuring a positive picnic experience for families with neurodiverse children. A few adjustments can transform a simple outing into a joyful and supportive adventure.

Choosing the Right Time and Place

Pick a quiet location with shaded areas to provide a calming retreat. Early mornings or late afternoons can minimize overwhelming heat or crowds, making the picnic more enjoyable for children with sensory sensitivities.

Essential Items

Pack wisely with the following items in mind:

• Sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or a weighted blanket.
• Sun protection, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit.
• A visual schedule featuring pictures for transitions between activities.

Flexibility and Inclusivity

Build the outing around your child's individual needs:

• Include familiar comfort items to ease any anxieties.
• Prepare allergen-friendly snacks and designate a "quiet zone" where children can decompress.
• Stay flexible—be ready to adapt activities based on your child's comfort levels.

A successful picnic doesn't require perfection. What matters most is creating a peaceful and enjoyable experience together.

Creative Picnic Food Ideas

The right foods can make picnics inviting and manageable for neurodiverse children, especially if sensory preferences or dietary restrictions are involved. Choose options that balance fun and adaptability while promoting healthy eating habits.

Prioritize items with varied but manageable textures. Crunchy vegetables like carrots or apples provide satisfying feedback, while smoother options such as yogurt or cheese cubes suit those who prefer consistency. Fruit skewers, made by threading berries, grapes, and cheese onto sticks, allow children to assist, developing coordination. 

Healthy recipe suggestions include pinwheel sandwiches with turkey, cheese, and vegetables rolled in tortillas and sliced into portions. A salad station with separate bowls of ingredients promotes independence. For desserts, frozen grapes offer a refreshing, low-mess treat. 

Choose gluten-free crackers, nut-free spreads, and other accommodating options as needed. Invite children to help mix, build, or arrange their meals to make food preparation a therapeutic, skill-building activity.

Simple touches, like adding fun shapes to foods or offering flavored water with cucumber or mint, elevate the dining experience while keeping it stress-free.

Enriching Activities

A picnic is more than just a meal—it's an opportunity for playful connection and discovery. Activities can be customized to meet the developmental and sensory needs of each child.

Relaxed Fun

• A nature scavenger hunt encourages mindful observation.
• Bubble-blowing offers calming, visual stimulation and light physical activity.

Group Games

Interactive games like freeze tag with resting zones or collaborative storytelling can help build social bonds. Gentle mindfulness exercises—like naming the shapes of clouds—promote emotional regulation while deepening the connection to nature.

Art and Sensory Crafts

Engage children with simple creative activities, such as leaf rubbings or building small sculptures with sticks and grass. These hands-on projects naturally encourage tactile exploration and self-expression.

Whether climbing small hills or quietly nestled in the shade, the activities you choose will be fondly remembered as part of the overall picnic experience.

Creating Lasting Memories

For families in Chicago, the city's green spaces provide idyllic settings for neurodiverse-friendly picnics. Here are a few excellent locations to explore together:

• Lincoln Park: Spacious lawns with calm ponds and a nearby zoo.
• Millennium Park: Shaded, wheelchair-accessible areas with stunning views.
• Jackson Park: Serene trails and tranquil gardens.
• Montrose Harbor and Beach: Ideal for lakeside picnics and birdwatching.
• Garfield Park Conservatory: Outdoor gardens that pair beautifully with indoor exhibits.

Planning for weather, crowd levels, and specific challenges will make these destinations even more enjoyable.

By prioritizing your child's unique needs, families can create engaging outdoor experiences filled with relaxation and growth. Celebrate each little success, knowing these shared moments become cherished building blocks for the future.

Picnics can be a source of confidence, discovery, and joy for your neurodiverse child, paving the way for countless "firsts" and strengthening your family bonds. Together, step by step, every picnic can become a enjoyable part of your child's summer.

Butterflies are truly magical. They come in all different sizes and colors, creating a vibrant display that can capture anyone's attention. There are around 20,000 species of butterflies around the world. Some are tiny like the Western Pygmy Blue, which is smaller than a penny. While others are huge, like Queen Alexandra's Birdwing, which has wings as wide as a notebook. 

Watching these insects flutter around can be a calming and inspiring experience for children, helping them appreciate the beauty in nature. One of the coolest things about butterflies is their metamorphosis. This is a fancy word for tremendous changes.

The Stages: It starts with a tiny egg on a leaf. Out hatches a caterpillar, who eats and grows (sometimes shedding its skin like outgrowing clothes). Then it forms a chrysalis for a quiet transformation rest. Finally, a butterfly emerges, ready to fly. This process can take weeks or months, teaching patience and perseverance to those watching.

Butterflies are some of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures in nature. With their bright colors and delicate wings, they seem like tiny works of art flying through the air. But did you know that butterflies can also be a wonderful way to help neurodiverse children connect with nature, learn new skills, and feel calmer?  

The Fascinating History of Butterflies

Butterflies have a long and exciting story that stretches back millions of years. They were here before humans or dinosaurs walked the Earth.

• Ancient Origins (Millions of Years Ago): Butterflies first appeared around 50-60 million years ago during the Eocene epoch, a time when the Earth was warm and full of forests. They evolved from moths (their nighttime cousins) and developed daytime flying habits. The oldest butterfly fossils, found in places like Colorado, show wings with scales that created early colors. Imagine: These ancient butterflies survived huge changes, like shifting continents and climate shifts, by adapting their wings and migration paths. It is a lesson in resilience – butterflies did not give up, and neither should you!
• Cultural Magic Through History: For thousands of years, butterflies have been symbols in stories and art around the world. In ancient Egypt (over 3,000 years ago), they represented the soul rising to the afterlife. The Greeks named them "psyche," which means both "soul" and "butterfly," linking them to emotions and change. In Aztec culture (from about five hundred years ago in Mexico), butterflies were seen as brave warriors' spirits, fluttering with strength. Some Native American tribes viewed them as messengers of joy and transformation. Even in fairy tales and myths, butterflies often stand for hope and new beginnings – perfect role models for our kids building self-efficacy!
• Scientific Discoveries (1700s to Today): In the 1700s, a scientist named Carl Linnaeus classified butterflies, giving them official names like "Papilio" (from the Latin for butterfly). Explorers like Charles Darwin in the 1800s studied how butterflies adapt to survive, which helped shape ideas about evolution. In the 1900s, researchers discovered amazing migration secrets – like how Monarch butterflies travel up to 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico each year, guided by the sun and Earth's magnetic field. Fun Fact: The first butterfly house (a place to raise and study them) opened in England in 1850, sparking global interest. 

Spot the Differences: Butterflies vs. Moths

Butterflies have close relatives called moths, and while they look similar, there are some key differences. Both are part of the Lepidoptera family (a large group of winged insects), but they have adapted in unique ways like how every student at Blue Bird has their own special strengths and styles! 

Learning these differences can be a fun way to practice observation skills, like noticing textures, colors, or patterns during sensory activities. Let us compare them step by step, with easy-to-remember tips.

• Antennae (Feelers): Butterflies have thin, straight antennae that end in a club or knob, like a tiny baseball bat. Moths have feathery or comb-like antennae that are often thicker and more tapered. Fun Fact: Antennae help them smell and navigate – butterflies use theirs for daytime adventures, while moths sense the night air. If you like tactile activities, imagine feeling the difference: smooth and clubby vs. fuzzy and feathery!
• Wings and Colors: Butterflies usually have bright, vibrant wings with bold patterns, and they hold their wings upright (like a book standing on a shelf) when resting. Moths often have more muted, earthy colors (though some are colorful too) and hold their wings flat or roof-like over their bodies. This helps moths blend into trees at night for safety. Sensory tip: Trace wing shapes while making art – butterflies' upright wings might feel "tall and proud," while moths' flat ones feel "cozy and hidden."
• Activity Time: Butterflies are daytime flyers (diurnal), loving the sun and flowers. Moths are mostly nighttime flyers (nocturnal), coming out under the moon and stars. Exceptions exist, like some daytime moths, but this difference is like day vs. night shifts! It reminds us of how you might prefer quiet morning routines or evening wind-downs. 
• Body and Resting Style: Butterflies tend to have slender, smooth bodies, while moths are often fuzzier and sturdier. When it is time to pupate (change forms), butterflies form a chrysalis (a hard, shiny case), but moths spin a cocoon (a silky wrap). Fun Fact: There are more moth species (about 160,000) than butterflies, making moths the "big siblings" in the family.
• Similarities to Remember: Both have scales on their wings (which can rub off like dust), go through metamorphosis, and help pollinate plants. They are both important to nature in their own ways, like how we celebrate everyone's unique contributions in our community. 

Challenge: During an outdoor session or telehealth activity, look for butterflies and moths (moths might hide in shady spots). Draw or describe one difference that stands out to you. This builds perseverance and helps with categorization skills, tying into academic goals. If comparing feels tricky, start with just one difference and build from there. 

Sensory Exploration with Butterflies

For neurodiverse children, exploring the senses can be both fun and beneficial. Butterflies are perfect for sensory activities because they engage multiple senses at once. Kids can feel the soft wings of a butterfly, watch the vibrant colors move, listen to the gentle sounds of nature, or smell the fresh flowers butterflies love. Even observing the tiny movements of butterfly antennae or the way they sip nectar through their long proboscis can be fascinating. These activities help children develop their sensory skills in a gentle, natural way. 

Butterflies as a Metaphor for Growth and Change 

One of the most powerful symbols related to butterflies is transformation. A caterpillar turning into a butterfly shows us that change can be beautiful and exciting. For children who experience challenges with change or routine, this story can be very inspiring. It teaches patience, resilience, and hope. It reminds us of that growth often involves going through various stages, and each step is part of a wonderful journey. 

Creative Activities with Butterflies 

Getting hands-on can be a fantastic way to connect with butterflies. You can create simple butterfly crafts, like making paper butterflies or painting wings with bright colors. Coloring pages featuring butterflies are also a fun way to promote focus and creativity. For a more outdoorsy activity, plant butterfly-friendly flowers—like milkweed, lavender, or butterfly bush—in your garden. Watching butterflies visit your garden can be a calming, rewarding experience for your child. 

Mindfulness and Calm Through Butterfly Watching 

Spending time watching butterflies can be a calming activity that helps children practice mindfulness. Encourage your child to sit quietly and observe a butterfly's gentle fluttering. Focus on the colors, the patterns, and the slow movements. This peaceful activity can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. If your child is sensitive to noise or busy environments, doing this in a quiet outdoor space can be especially soothing. 

Supporting Social Skills with Nature and Butterflies 

Sharing butterfly-related activities can also help children develop important social skills like patience, cooperation, and communication. For example, working together to plant a butterfly garden or discussing what they see and feel during butterfly watching can promote social interaction. It is a gentle way to encourage conversation and teamwork while enjoying nature. 

Books and Stories About Butterflies 

Stories and books about butterflies can be both educational and inspiring. Look for books that show diverse characters and themes of kindness, acceptance, and growth. Many picture books depict butterflies as symbols of hope and renewal, which can resonate with children facing challenges or transitions. 

Cultural Meanings of Butterflies

Many cultures see butterflies as symbols of hope, freedom, and transformation. Sharing these stories can add a special layer of meaning for your child, helping them understand that they are part of a bigger, beautiful world. For example, in some cultures, butterflies represent new beginnings—an inspiring message for children who are learning to navigate their own journeys. 

Creating a Butterfly Garden or Sanctuary 

One of the most rewarding activities is creating a safe space where children can experience butterflies up close. You can set up a butterfly garden with plants that attract butterflies or even build a small outdoor sanctuary. Watching butterflies visit the garden can be a calming and exciting activity, and it encourages your child to be gentle and caring toward living things. 

Visit a Butterfly Farm 

If you are looking for magical butterfly experiences that kids will love, check out the Chicago Botanic Garden. 

• Exhibit: Butterflies & Blooms — a 2,800-square-foot mesh enclosure filled with vibrant butterflies from around the world. 
• Highlights: Peek into the pupa room, observe metamorphosis, and explore species native to Illinois and beyond. 
• Location: 3555 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623 (847) 835-6807  Chicago Botanic Garden

Next time you see a butterfly fluttering by, take a moment to pause and enjoy the beauty and share that moment with your child. It might just be the start of a wonderful new adventure together.

 

At Blue Bird Day, we believe every child deserves an environment where they can thrive socially, emotionally, and therapeutically. That belief guided Dr. Laura Mraz in 2014 when she founded Blue Bird Day, the first therapeutic preschool and kindergarten program in the nation. Today, as we celebrate a decade of empowering children and families, we reflect on the profound impact Blue Bird Day has made.

Pioneering a groundbreaking model that combines multidisciplinary therapies under one roof, Blue Bird Day stands as a beacon of hope for families of children aged 2–7 with developmental challenges.

What Makes Blue Bird Day Unique?

Blue Bird Day isn’t just a preschool and kindergarten, it’s a path toward growth and achievement. Our proprietary therapeutic model tailors every aspect of the daily curriculum to meet the individual needs of each child. Every part is carefully crafted to create an immersive, supportive experience that fosters meaningful progress.

With three facilities across Chicagoland—West Loop, Northcenter, and Wheaton—our dedicated team of professionals has supported hundreds of families, helping children thrive and achieve incredible milestones they never thought they could meet.

Why Early Therapeutic Treatment Matters

Research consistently shows that early therapeutic treatment plays a critical role in addressing developmental challenges, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorders, ADHD, and Down syndrome. However, traditional preschool and kindergarten settings often fall short in supporting these specific needs.

Here’s what challenges many families face in traditional programs:

• Lack of Holistic Integration: Most programs offer isolated services instead of a unified, comprehensive approach.
• Generalized Environments: Facilities are often not designed to meet the sensory and developmental needs of children with special needs.
• Neglect of Individualized Goals: Programs that lack personalized care plans often miss out on creating impactful change.

At Blue Bird Day, we solve these challenges by combining evidence-based therapeutic methods with a dynamic, supportive learning environment that mirrors preschool and kindergarten settings.

The Blue Bird Day Model – A Blueprint for Progress

Our structured therapeutic programs integrate clinical expertise with engaging daily routines. Here’s how we make every moment count:

• Therapeutic Rotations: Daily activities are designed to promote social, sensory, and communication skills. Each rotation hones specific developmental areas, ensuring children consistently make progress on their goals.
• Tailored, Relationship-Driven Therapy: Our licensed therapists collaborate closely with families to create meaningful, achievable goals. From improving motor skills to feeding therapy and beyond, our care is uniquely customized for each child.
• Simulated School Environment: By reflecting the structure and routines of a traditional classroom, we ensure children are prepared for future success in mainstream educational settings.
• Evidence-Based Environments: Every detail in our facilities, from calming sensory areas to strategically designed classrooms, promotes client participation and engagement.

Building Bridges Between School and Home

At Blue Bird Day, therapeutic care extends beyond our doors. We know that meaningful collaboration between families and therapists is critical to ensuring consistent progress.

• Customized Tools and Strategies: Parents receive practical advice and strategies tailored to their child’s goals.
• Workshops and Consultations: Regular workshops provide parents with the tools to reinforce therapeutic techniques at home.
• A Team Approach: By building trust and communication, we empower parents to be active participants in their child’s success.

This cooperative model ensures that the progress children make at Blue Bird Day continues to flourish at home.

Always Innovating for the Future

At Blue Bird Day, we’re dedicated to staying at the forefront of therapeutic practices. Our team continually explores cutting-edge methods and techniques to enhance our programs. Regular training, research, and collaboration with leading experts keep us on the pulse of innovation in this space. This forward-thinking approach ensures that every child receives the highest level of care—tailored to their unique needs and designed to unlock their limitless potential.

Join the Blue Bird Day Family

With a focus on therapeutic intervention, personalized therapy, and a nurturing community, Blue Bird Day provides more than therapy—it offers a foundation for lifelong success.

Want to see the difference for yourself? Schedule a private tour of one of our state-of-the-art facilities in Chicagoland. Meet our expert team, explore our carefully crafted spaces, and learn how our programs can help your child reach their full potential.

Start your child’s journey toward growth, confidence, and independence.

Contact Blue Bird Day today to schedule your tour!

Together, we’ll give your child the care and support they need to blossom and succeed. Blue Bird Day isn’t just a preschool or kindergarten—it’s the first step in a brighter future.

What Is a Developmental Therapist? 

Your child's therapist may recommend a developmental therapist (DT), but if you've never heard the term before, you're not alone. "Developmental therapist" is such a broad title that many parents (and even some professionals outside the field) aren't sure exactly what it means or what a DT actually does. 

This guide breaks down what a developmental therapist is, what they treat, how someone becomes one, and how to know if your child could benefit from working with one.

What Does a Developmental Therapist Do? 

According to the Illinois Developmental Therapy Association (IDTA), developmental therapists focus on the everyday experiences young children have with their caregivers, and how those relationships shape a child's ability to build skills in problem-solving, communication, physical development, self-help, self-control, and relationship building. 

In simpler terms, a DT looks at your child's strengths and challenges across every area of development, not just individual skill in isolation, and uses that full picture to support your child's growth as a whole person.

 

The Five Areas of Global Development 

DTs are trained in what's called global development, meaning they understand how these five areas work together: 

• Cognition – thinking, problem-solving, learning 

• Communication – language, expression, understanding others 

• Physical development – gross and fine motor skills 

• Social & emotional development – relationships, regulation, emotional expression 

• Adaptive-living skills – daily self-help skills like dressing, feeding, and routines 

Rather than treating one skill area in isolation, a DT uses their knowledge of how these areas connect to help generalize so that your child can use a skill not just in therapy, but at home, at school, and with peers. 

How a Developmental Therapist Works With Your Child 

During sessions, a DT relies on relationship-based, play-based learning in natural daily environments, to help skills develop in a typical developmental sequence. 

In Illinois, DTs most commonly work with children from birth to three years old as part of Early Intervention, though this can vary by state and by provider. 

Do Developmental Therapists Only Work With Kids Under 3? 

Not necessarily. While DT services are closely associated with Early Intervention (birth–3), many children continue to benefit from developmental therapy well past their third birthday, especially those working on play skills, social interaction, attention, or group participation as they transition into preschool and classroom settings. 

At Blue Bird Day, our developmental therapists work alongside social workers to support children beyond the Early Intervention years. Our DTs: 

• Enhance collaboration and communication across your child's full therapy team 

• Provide parent education on typical developmental milestones 

• Support a "preschool-like" program structure 

• Build typical play skills in both individual and peer settings 

• Support development across all five global development areas, together 

Signs Your Child May Benefit From a Developmental Therapist 

Our DTs have experience supporting children with: 

• Limited or atypical play skills 

• Cognitive development delays 

• Difficulty with social interactions 

• Behavioral challenges 

• Trouble attending to or engaging with tasks or people 

• Difficulty participating in group settings 

If your child struggles to notice or engage with you or their peers, has a hard time with typical play, or needs extra support staying attention or engaged, a DT may be a great fit. Your therapy team can help determine the right level of support for your child's specific needs. 

How Does Someone Become a Developmental Therapist? 

If you're a parent, this section can help you understand the level of training behind your child's DT. If you're exploring DT as a career path, here's what the path typically looks like: 

In Illinois, becoming a licensed developmental therapist generally requires: 

• A bachelor's degree in a related field, such as child development, early childhood education, special education, psychology, or a related human services field 

• Coursework or specialized training in child development  

• Supervised clinical experience working directly with young children and families, often through Early Intervention or a similar structured program 

• State licensure or certification, through Early Intervention credentialing requirements and organizations like the Illinois Developmental Therapy Association (IDTA) 

• Ongoing professional development to stay current on best practices in child development and family-centered care 

Because DTs are trained across all areas of development rather than one specialty, they bring a uniquely holistic view to a child's care team, making them a valuable bridge between disciplines like occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral therapy. 

Water travel can be fascinating to adults and children alike. How lucky we are that we get to live in a city built on and for water. With Chicago’s rich water history, the activities for children in the city are plentiful. Not only is Chicago situated on Lake Michigan, it also has the Chicago River running straight through the city, branching as a connection for the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. This blog gives great ideas for some experiences involving water transportation in the city that can also be great for your child’s development and growth. Water experiences are also a great way to build your child’s expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language skills. Receptively, your child can learn new vocabulary about boats and water, follow directions given by the boat’s crew, and identify scenery pointed out by the captain. Expressively, your child can comment and inquire about all the new sights and tell others about their fun experience. Pragmatically, your child will build social skills by exploring new environments with new people and following social rules for being a passenger on a boat. Check out the following warm weather, child-friendly water activities that are available in the wonderful city of Chicago!

• Chicago Water Taxi: This inexpensive, easily accessible boat is a great way for children to see the city from the river from spring through fall. Both professionals commuting to work as well as tourists getting an inside look at the city use this means of transportation. Water taxis have various pick-up points, leaving from the heart of the city branching north to North Avenue and south to Chinatown. A 10-ride pass can be purchased for $20.00.

• Wendella Lake & River Tour: The Wendella boats are family-friendly and offer various sightseeing cruises throughout the day, spring through fall. Wendella tours have been operating since 1935 and are a great way to show your little one the big city. Children will love the experience of riding on the upper deck; with water below them and tall skyscrapers above them.

• Tall Ship Windy: This is Chicago’s very own pirate ship that is fun and education for children. This cruise leaves from Navy Pier and offers special rides that target tales of real-life pirates! Tall Ship Windy has a striking appearance with giant sails that will undoubtedly intrigue your child.

• Chicago River Kayaks: This is a truly unique way to see the city by water with your child. Renting a two-person kayak with your child is available spring through fall and gives your child an opportunity to be co-captain. Rides can be one hour or more and are a great way to see buildings, other watercraft, and ducks and fish as well.

• Chicago River Walk: If you’re interested in exploring water transportation with your child but do not want to board a boat yet, spending time on the Chicago River Walk is a great way to introduce your child to various boats and water travel. The River Walk has benches, cafés, and playgrounds from which to observe the hustle and bustle on the river.