By Jennifer Allen
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We have a lot of unique experiences exploring accessible destinations and attractions. Every once in a while something sticks out as exceptionally fun and accessible – we share those, here.
National Ability Center, Park City, Utah
The National Ability Center puts a new spin on all inclusive vacations – this is the vacation where all abilities are included in all of the adventure. The NAC offers over 20 activities, adapted for all abilities. Want to swing across a ropes course with your kid in a wheelchair? Go for it. Want to ski down Olympic mountains with your sister who’s blind? Have at it. Want to race your mom with a limb difference up a rock wall? Done. Accessible accommodations, access to specialized gear and lessons, and partnerships with nearby ski mountains and outdoor recreation sites make the NAC a one stop destination for families with disabilities looking for adventure. Read more about our experience, here.
Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only place in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. The diamonds are mined from a field, which is difficult to navigate with a wheelchair, but the wet sifting station provides an inclusive experience for all. We were able to mine the edges of the field in a wheelchair, but we ended up working as a team to collect buckets of dirt from all over the field, and bringing them to wet sifting for the whole family to sort. The roll-under tables provide all day fun sorting through dirt in the safety of the shade. The museum, identification station and restrooms are all easily accessible. You can read more about our experience, here.
While not all Great Wolf Lodges are designed the same, we’ve had exceptional experiences in Williamsburg, Virginia; Mason, Ohio; and Perryville, Maryland. The water park loans out a water chair for manual wheelchair users to be able to navigate the park completely independently. If you’re able to sit without assistance, a companion can also help you to use the chair. The pools and splash areas are zero entry and the lazy river and hot tubs all have chair lifts. In addition to the inclusive waterpark experience, the entire resort is thoughtfully designed, making it clear that all are welcome. The kids’ events, hotel rooms, dining options, and all of the fun extras are all fully wheelchair accessible.
This one covers a little more ground, but there were too many accessible wins in Syracuse to highlight just one. The Museum of Science and Technology keeps everyone engaged with interactive exhibits built around an accessible traffic flow. Rosamond Gifford Zoo is easy to navigate with accessible pathways, exhibits, and entrances. Onondaga Lake Park has a fantastic accessible playground, scenic trails, and even a library and museum. Webster Pond provides a unique, wheelchair-friendly bird-feeding experience. Destiny USA gave us our first wheelchair-accessible laser tag experience. Read more about our experience and recommendations, here.