Events
Building inclusive community, one gathering at a time.
The Includers Club hosts welcoming, low-pressure events and gatherings for neurodivergent children and their families.
From monthly sensory-friendly playgroups to community outings and special events, each experience is designed with flexibility, sensory needs, connection, and belonging in mind.
Featured Event
September Sensory-Friendly Playgroup
Sunday, September 13 · 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Villa Park, Illinois
Join us for an hour of flexible, sensory-friendly play designed for neurodivergent children and their families.
Kids can move, explore sensory activities, create, play alongside others, or take a break whenever they need one. There is no pressure to participate in any particular way.
Best for children in early childhood through early elementary. Siblings are always welcome, and caregivers stay with their children throughout.
Upcoming
Events
Welcoming opportunities for neurodivergent children and their families to connect, play, explore, and simply be together.
Touch-a-Truck
Saturday, September 5th, 9:00-12:00 PM
Berens Park — East Parking Lot
493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst
Climb and explore trucks, emergency vehicles, construction equipment, and more at this free Elmhurst Park District event.
The first hour, from 9:00–10:00 a.m., is a quiet hour with no horns, flashing lights, or sirens. The Includers Club will also be there throughout the event with our Take-a-Break tent, offering a lower-stimulation place for families to pause and regroup.
Family Fall Fest
Sunday, October 3rd, 9:00-12:00 PM
511 S York St Elmhurst, IL 60126
Enjoy Safety Town trick-or-treating, carnival games, inflatables, a family photo opportunity, food trucks, and more at this free Elmhurst Park District event.
The Includers Club will be there with our Take-a-Break space, offering families a lower-stimulation place to pause, regulate, and return to the festivities when they're ready.
October Sensory-Friendly Playgroup
Sunday, October 11th, 9:30-10:30 AM
Villa Park Recreation Center
320 E Wildwood Ave, Villa Park, IL
A relaxed, sensory-friendly morning where kids can move, explore, create, or simply take things in at their own pace. Caregivers stay with their children, siblings are welcome, and there is never pressure to participate in a particular way.
How We Create Welcoming Spaces
Come As You Are
Children are never expected to mask, perform, or fit a mold. Movement, sensory needs, stimming, observing, and different communication styles are all welcome.
Family-Centered
Our gatherings are designed with caregivers in mind, creating shared experiences where families can participate in ways that feel comfortable and supportive.
Comfort Over Compliance
We prioritize connection, flexibility, and emotional safety over rigid expectations or performance.
Flexible & Responsive
We aim to provide enough structure for families to feel prepared while remaining adaptable to individual needs.