Sensory Station at the Illinois State Fair

For the second consecutive year, The Illinois State Fair partnered with DHS - Serve Illinois to offer fairgoers a unique, sensory-friendly experience. The Sensory Station was initially envisioned in 2023 as a quiet zone to give those who need help processing the sights, smells, sounds, and crowds at the fair a chance to regroup.

By offering helpful tools such as weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, calming pods, and quiet time activities, The Sensory Station has become a popular reprieve for fairgoers. The Twinkle Tunnel, foam pit, and stuffed animal petting zoo were among this year’s most appreciated aspects, along with a separate section, complete with changing tables and curtained-off nooks that allowed parents with young children to get out of the heat and away from the hustle and bustle of the fair to feed or change their youngsters and avoid public restrooms.

Over 60 volunteers participated in helping to facilitate this year’s sensory-friendly experience, direct fairgoers where to go, and make them feel welcome. DHS - Serve Illinois and State Fair officials would especially like to thank the teams from UIC’s Division of Specialized Care for Children, EnRich at Richland Community College, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois, Youth with a Positive Direction from Decatur, and several returning volunteers who helped this year to make The Illinois State Fair a positive experience for all.

Formerly Kid's Korner in the Emerson Building, The Sensory Station was open all 11 days of the fair from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.