Kids are adventurous little explorers, aren’t they? One minute, they pretend to be pirates sailing the seven seas; the next, they’re double agents on a top-secret mission.
If you have a kid who loves to explore the outside world, why not take them to travel spots that match their wild imagination? The United States has different theme parks and accessible destinations for kids, with wheelchair-friendly rides, sensory play areas, and mind-blowing activities to create lasting memories. Let’s check them out!
Top Wheelchair-friendly Attractions for Families
Below are some of the best wheelchair attractions that promise giggles, learning, and non-stop fun:
Children’s Fairyland, Oakland, CA
The Children’s Fairyland is the perfect family-friendly destination to sprinkle some fairy dust on your travel itinerary. There are 10 acres of lush gardens where your little one can catch butterflies, play hide-and-seek in fairy-tale settings, or even help plant organic vegetables. With 60 whimsical storybook sets, kids can explore Jack & Jill Hill or tiptoe through Peter Rabbit’s Garden.
The park is also home to friendly animals, including miniature horses, Nigerian draw goats, chickens, and donkeys. While there are no thrilling roller coasters here, the kiddie train, Ferris wheel, and carousel can be quite fun for tiny tots. It’s important to mention that these rides are not wheelchair-friendly, so visitors with mobility issues may need to make alternative arrangements.
Fairyland’s calendar is chock-full of special events and performances, including the Book Festival, the spooktacular Halloween Jam, the enchanting Oakland’s Magic Kitchen, and the lively Puppet Show and Children’s Theatre.
This family-friendly park is mostly wheelchair accessible, with a convenient drop-off zone near Bellevue Ave. It also features sensory-engaging areas, calmer nooks for some downtime, and accessible restrooms.
Morgan’s Wonderland, San Antonio, TX
Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park designed for children and adults with special needs. Over 25 adaptive rides, including the ever-popular Jette’s Wonder Bikes and Rocket’s Skyglider, can accommodate wheelchair users. The Riverboat Adventure ride takes you through a jungle full of thrilling twists, with bird calls and animal sounds making you feel like you’re on a wild safari.
The park also has a Sensory Village that encourages creative play. When you need a break, The Picnic Place has you covered with shady spots for a munchy recharge. Morgan’s Inspiration Island is a fully accessible splash park offering three types of waterproof wheelchairs! You can even rent wheelchairs and power scooters to use during your visit.
Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia, PA
Whether your child is a tiny explorer, future artist, or little chef-in-the-making, the Please Touch Museum is the perfect place for ultimate fun. This accessible destination features engaging exhibits, art workshops, and fantastic “kids readiness” experiences for kids transitioning to kindergarten.
Their Museum Minis program teaches toddlers everything about animals, changing seasons, and transportation while helping them understand their unique selves through fun activities and self-expression.
The Please Touch Museum has amazing temporary and permanent exhibits, including WILD KRATTS®: CREATURE POWER!®, Centennial Innovations, Happy Camper, Nature’s Pond, and Rocket Room.
This destination is fully ADA-compliant, with features like designated parking and an accessible restroom. You can rent a wheelchair from the admission desk to access the water fountain and Carousel.
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Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
If your little one loves watching Sesame Street, take them to Sesame Place! Here, kids can rock out with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and Count von Count!
In 123 Playground, little ones can hop on different fun rides while the adults can relax in the shade. If you plan to visit during October, don’t miss The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular. When the hunger strikes, visit the Dine with Elmo & Friends to chow down on delicious food.
This theme park has earned the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation and is fully wheelchair accessible. While wheelchairs and EVs can be rented easily, Segways are prohibited at Sesame Place. The handicapped parking spaces cut down the hassle right at the start, while restrooms are marked clearly with wheelchair symbols, making them super easy to find even when the kiddos are in the “I GOTTA GO NOW” mode.
The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI
Located in Dearborn, the Henry Ford features four must-see attractions: the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and the Giant Screen Experience.
Here, kids can learn about cars that once ruled the roads, planes that conquered the skies, and gadgets that changed the world! Plus, the museum arranges interactive exhibits and different kid-friendly activities for preschoolers so they’ll actively learn without even realizing it.
This wheelchair-accessible destination offers wheelchairs for $4, while scooters can be rented for just $25. There are handicapped parking spaces for wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and elevators are conveniently located throughout the building. Ford Rouge Factory Tour buses are wheelchair-accessible and can accommodate smaller-model electric scooters.
Preparation Tips for Visiting Any Accessible Destination for Kids
When you’re traveling with kids, there are so many things that might make you pull your hair out. They may get cranky, forget where they put their favorite toy, or suddenly need five bathroom breaks in an hour. To avoid these stress-inducing scenarios, keep the following points in mind:
- Before visiting any destination, make a quick call to check if they have proper ramps, elevators, and friendly staff to help whenever needed.
- While overpacking might seem like a parent’s superpower, focus on essentials like medical kits, special equipment, fun distractions like coloring books, and lots of snacks!
- If you’re using a wheelchair or stroller, make sure it’s sturdy enough for rough terrain and comfy for long days. Bring along extras like padded cushions and sunshades.
- Before you hit the road, download some handy apps that can guide you to the nearest accessible restrooms, restaurants, and attractions.
- When booking a hotel, double-check that it offers amenities like accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers, adjustable beds, kid-friendly dining options, and perhaps even a pool with a lift.
Visit Kid-friendly Destinations with Wheelchair Getaways
Whether you’re visiting a museum or a theme park, Wheelchair Getaways is your trusty companion for unforgettable adventures. Our wheelchair-accessible vehicles come equipped with top-notch features, including easy-to-use ramps, plush and spacious interiors, hand controls, steering knobs, and advanced safety measures.
With our flexible rental schedule, you can book our vans for a 1-day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended vacation. If you’re interested in booking our van, fill out this online form to get a rental quote or call us at (866) 224-1750 for further assistance.