By Jennifer Allen
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As a travel writer for families with disabilities, I’m often asked to bring my family to different destinations to highlight accessible options and give feedback on any improvement needed. Along the way, we discover a lot of hidden gems with exceptional attention to disability inclusion. Here are our most recent favorites:
Have you ever heard of Bloomington, Minnesota? I hadn’t, but it completely blew me away with its diversity of activities and endless fun for people of all abilities.
- Mall of America, the nation’s largest mall, known for its indoor theme park – with a ride accessibility program and lifts to all rides.
- Track chair to get off the beaten path and into nature at Fort Snelling State Park.
- Shows and spaces designed to include all people at the Children’s Theatre Company.
- Unparalleled accessibility and convenience at Radisson Blu, providing accommodations right inside the Mall of America.
- Roll under and through the sharks at SEA LIFE, an accessible aquarium inside Mall of America.
The Adirondacks is one of the few places that we keep returning to, because it’s the easiest place for us to be able to enjoy the outdoors. In addition to the following favorites, you can find endless accessible trails and unique accessible dining options.
● Fully accessible lean-to camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking at John Dillon Park.
● Boardwalk paths right through the marsh, a butterfly house, and an indoor nature center at Paul Smith’s VIC.
● Boardwalk path over the treetops, an accessible ball run through the forest, animal encounters, and fun experiences for learning about nature at the Wild Center
● All of the things that make the Adirondacks a premier getaway destination, but condensed and shared in an accessible way at the Adirondack Experience.
Accessible boutique accommodations in historic luxury at the Hotel Saranac.
Vancouver Island is hailed as one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and the vacation destination of their own Prime Minister. They also have a clear dedication to accessibility across the island.
● Slowly inclined boardwalk ramp to 360 views from over the trees at the inclusively designed Malahat Skywalk.
● Boardwalk paths through ancient cedars and Wookie filming sites at Cathedral Grove.
● Accessible boats for whale watching through Whale Safaris.
● Mobi-mat and accessible restrooms for a wheelchair friendly beach day at Mackenzie Beach.
Goat love and farm animal experiences at accessible Beacon Hill Children’s Farm.
Yellowstone is not only the most inclusive national park we’ve visited, but it’s also the most fun for kids. These bullet points will seem less detailed than the rest, but only because of the inclusivity of the full experience. Very little planning is needed!
● Accessibility guide that details facilities and amenities in each area of the park available upon arrival.
● Paved or boardwalk viewing points at almost every pull-off, trail, and vista.
● Free access to beach wheelchairs.
● Accessible dining in and around the park.
● Accessible accommodations in and around the park.
Visit Jennifer’s website for more travel insights for families with disabilities