Day 1 – BBQ, Brookfield and Baseball

Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café 6501 West 79th Street, Burbank, IL 60459

Start the day off with a little southern comfort at Chuck’s! Your group will love this unique restaurant specializing in BBQ, Gourmet Mexican and Cajun. Whether you’re in the mood for a more traditional breakfast like Chuck’s Country Omelet with ham off the bone, country sausage and bacon or you want to completely change it up with a Chuck’s Machacado Omelet with smoked beef brisket, tomato, onion, jalapeno and cheese, they have everything that will give your group energy for the busy day ahead. Chuck’s will make certain you are comfortable and feel right at home. This is Chicago’s most inspired blend of Mexican, Cajun-Creole, good old southern cookin’ and the BEST slow cooked smoked BBQ. Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe has been featured on numerous National and Local television shows including Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Windy City Live. The party room holds up to 30-40 people and a local A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative school for individuals with developmental disabilities can testify that the breakfast and lunch are a MUST TRY!

You can choose from one of two activities or try both if time allows.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago (Allow 3-4 hours to enjoy) 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 (South Gate)

Now it’s time to see why Journalist David Perry wrote in Belt Magazine that, “The Brookfield Zoo Chicago has turned out to be one of the most inclusive major cultural sites I’ve ever encountered," (Zoo Camp for All, May 2015). Brookfield Zoo Chicago makes a concerted effort to make its grounds, pathways, buildings, exhibits and programs accessible to all visitors. For guests with sensory disabilities, Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers BZ Care Kits at the North and South Guest Relations. These include zoo visual schedule books, noise-deafening headphones, name tags, ID bracelets and stickers. Most of the exhibits at Brookfield Zoo Chicago have tactile elements to enhance their guests’ experience. The Hamill Family Play Zoo offers a variety of hands-on activities, including a quiet room for children who need a break. American Sign Language (“ASL”) interpreters are available for public programs and classes by advance request. There are plenty of food options for lunch or a quick snack. More information can be found at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago Accessibility Guide.

Chicago White Sox Major League Baseball (Allow 3-4 hours to enjoy) 333 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616

After wandering throughout Brookfield Zoo Chicago, it’s time to “sit back, relax and strap it down” at a Chicago White Sox MLB game at Guaranteed Rate Field. It’s fun to look around this stadium to see the history of the White Sox and celebration of the 2005 World Series Champion team. Guaranteed Rate Field also offers some of the best stadium food throughout the Midwest. Order some great Beggars Pizza, the official pizza of the White Sox (gluten free available in sections 101, 122, 155 and 522). A veteran favorite is the Corn off the Cob (sections 104, 127, 142 and 529) topped with an assortment of ingredients including butter, salt and pepper. The home to the Chicago White Sox has been specifically designed to accommodate baseball fans requiring special assistance or attention, and every staff member is trained to respond to your needs. Assistive listening devices are available free of charge at the Guest Relations Booths located behind home plate on all three concourses. Large print information brochures and schedules are also available. More information about Guranteed Rate Field services for fans with disabilities can be found by clicking here.

Day 2 – Rolling Out

EggCetera Café 10120 191st Street, Mokena, IL 60448

Enjoy your last day in Chicago Southland with one of the best breakfast restaurants in Mokena at EggCetera Café offering a variety of delicious breakfast fare and fresh ingredients. Their Farm Fresh Eggs come from Mussman’s Back Acres, a farm just a few miles south of Mokena. Cooking with Trans-Fat free oils and offering some Gluten Free choices make certain you’re eating quality meals that will make you ready for your day. From the minute your group enters the doors of EggCetera Café, you’ll be treated like family. You’re certain to have a sunny-side up kind of day when you start it off at EggCetera Café.

Laraway Lanes 1009 West Laraway Road, New Lenox, IL 60451

The eggs in your breakfast will certainly power you up for bowling at Laraway Lanes Bowl in New Lenox. Bowling is a very popular recreational and competitive activity enjoyed by individuals of all abilities. Laraway Lanes has six ball ramps, which can be used from the standing and sitting positions. Lincolnway Special Recreation Association highly recommends Laraway Lanes for your next group bowling event. You don't have to bowl like a pro to have fun and it can be enjoyed throughout all seasons.

Chicago Dough Company 1080 East Lincoln Highway, New Lenox, IL 60451

Celebrate your great bowling games over some pizza at Chicago Dough Company in New Lenox. It’s simply a MUST to grab one more bite of great Chicago Style pizza and this is the place to finish off your trip. They offer gourmet pizza with a salad bar and a lunch buffet. Groups of 35+ people can be accommodated.

Seasonal Events

Chicago Annual Disability Pride Parade - Annually in July, Chicago, IL 60605

Show your pride for all abilities at the Annual Disability Pride Parade, where the purpose is to celebrate and strengthen the pride, power and unity of people with disabilities. The parade route is a little more than a mile through the heart of downtown Chicago. Everyone who believes that disability is a natural part of human diversity and supports Disability Pride is invited to be a part of the Parade. More information about driving, parking and public transportation can be found here.

Special Christmas and Easter Events:

Orland Square Mall - Caring Santa and Easter Bunny

Chicago Ridge Mall - Signing for Santa

We can assist with transportation through the Chicago Disability Transit.

**Please note: Itinerary may be modified to meet your group’s specific needs. Locations and selections are subject to availability. Please contact Tobie at Tobie@VisitChicagoSouthland.com or 708-895-8200 to obtain current pricing and confirmation of dates and locations.