Snowy road trips look cute on Instagram, but the reality is a lot less aesthetic. When taking winter trips, you may struggle with loading and unloading in below-freezing temps, slushy roads that affect traction, fogged-up windshields, and snow-packed parking spots that are anything but accessible. Gloves? Useless. Wheelchair wheels? Slippery. And, if you wear glasses, be prepared to wipe your lenses every five minutes.
The good news? We’ve researched the top accessible indoor gems that feature handicapped parking, step-free entrances, reliable elevators, wide pathways, and moderate temperatures, so you can explore without fighting the weather every step of the way. Let’s check them out for a cozy winter road trip.
Why Choose Accessible Indoor Gems on Your Winter Road Trip?
When temperatures drop, most people prefer to stay home, packed under a blanket with hot cocoa and zero plans. And honestly? Fair. Studies show that frigid weather can heighten pain sensitivity, leading to joint pain, muscle stiffness, and flare-ups that make everyday movement more uncomfortable.
But that doesn’t mean accessible road trip ideas are off the table altogether. There are different wheelchair-friendly indoor attractions such as museums, aquariums, conservatories, indoor markets, and cultural centers, making it possible to enjoy the season while keeping you warm.
That said, even though most facilities are designed to be wheelchair-friendly, winter adds extra variables, so it’s smart to pack a few cold-weather essentials. This includes gloves with grip, hand warmers, a lap blanket, extra layers, backup chargers, a small towel for drying wheels, and anything you’d need if temperatures or road conditions change unexpectedly.
Northeast Accessible Indoor Gems for Winter Road Trips
If you’re located in the Northeast part of the US, the following are some of the best indoor winter destinations:
Boston Children’s Museum (Boston, MA)
Located in Massachusetts, Boston Children’s Museum is a parent-approved indoor attraction for little ones who want to touch, climb, build, splash, and question everything. This museum features science experiments, art stations, and pretend-play worlds that adults secretly enjoy just as much.
The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators reaching all three floors, wide pathways for easy maneuvering, and interactive exhibits designed at multiple heights. If the excitement gets a little too much for kids, guide them to the tent in Arthur & Friends or the shadow area in Peep’s World for a sensory reset.
Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, NJ)
While most museums are for kids, Liberty Science Center is shockingly fun for all ages. This Jersey City favorite is all about interactive chaos, starting with Ding Dong Adventures, where you can uncover ancient dinosaurs. Then there’s Wobbly World for little scientists to practice balance and motion, Energy Quest to learn about nuclear power, and Brain Games that dares you to trust your instincts.
The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium offers a sit-back-and-stare moment, while the 3D Theater adds extra drama without requiring you to go back out into the cold. Their LSC After Dark events feature themed nights, matching menus, a dance floor, live DJ, a full bar, planetarium, and laser shows on select Thursdays from 6:00 to 10:00 pm.
Regarding accessibility, there’s a convenient drop-off circle near the entrance, along with a level entrance and spacious interior throughout the building.
Midwest Indoor Wonders Worth a Stop
The Midwest may be famous for its winters, but the following indoor wonders are perfect for warming up:
The Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
When you step inside The Art Institute of Chicago, the biting cold becomes someone else’s problem. Over here, you can explore Bruce Goff’s Japanese Print, Raqib Shaw’s Paradise Lost, the artwork of Monet and Van Gogh, and different ancient artifacts. When hunger strikes, swing by The Café to gobble down sandwiches or head over to the Modern Bar for a hot cup of joe.
Millennium Park Garage, East Monroe Street Garage, and Grant Park North Garage offer accessible parking, with ramp access at the Michigan Avenue Entrance and Modern Wing Entrance. Thanks to the museum’s spacious layout, you can comfortably use a manual or power wheelchair throughout the galleries. Plus, all auditoriums include designated wheelchair seating, so you can take it all in without rushing back out into the cold.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal (Cincinnati, OH)
Housed inside a jaw-dropping Art Deco train terminal, the Cincinnati Museum Center bundles multiple museums under one enormous, warm roof. Once inside, you can check out the rotating exhibit “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.”, an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
If you’re in a party mood, break out the leg warmers and tease that hair at “After Hours: 80s Edition”. Or join “Well-Seasoned: Adult Cooking Workshops” to learn all about Mediterranean food.
The best part? CMC features various mobility amenities, such as push-button controls on doors, elevators, accessible restrooms, wheelchair-accessible seating at the OMNIMAX Theater, and additional seating throughout the museum.
Twisted Room Escapes (Indianapolis, IN)
Twisted Room Escapes is one of those rare winter stops where the cold vanishes the second the door locks behind you. The venue offers accessible rooms like Submarine, Sweet Shoppe, The Cabin, The Collection, Alice’s White Rabbit Rescue, and Murder on Baker Street, each built around immersive stories rather than physical stunts.
With spacious layouts, reachable puzzles, and staff who are genuinely happy to talk through accommodations before you start, it’s an easy win for a cozy yet brainy winter stop.
Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our newsletter and get new updates directly to your inbox.
South and Southeast Indoor Escapes
When traveling to the southeast part of the US, we recommend visiting the following climate-controlled indoor destinations to beat the cold:
Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)
If you want to see marine life without visiting a beach, the Georgia Aquarium pulls it off beautifully. This Atlanta favorite offers close-up animal encounters with beluga whales gliding gracefully, dolphins zipping through the water, sea otters floating on their backs, and penguins waddling around in their comically determined parade.
If you’re visiting with family, the Sleep Under the Sea program allows you to spend the night inside the aquarium while fish drift past the windows.
Accessible parking is available on Level 3 of the Aquarium Parking Deck. Once you’re parked, request a golf cart to reach the entrance. Keep an eye out for wheelchair emblems on the floor that mark the best spots for unobstructed views of your favorite animals.
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater (Las Vegas, NV)
Las Vegas has many shows, but Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is the only one where rescued animals might steal the spotlight.
Gregory Popovich runs the stage alongside 30 house cats leaping through hoops, dogs pulling off perfect timing, parrots stealing scenes, and a miniature horse and a mini pig who somehow land both “aww” and laugh-out-loud moments in the same breath.
Accessible seating is available in all showrooms, with designated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. If you want to sit with your friends, request the staff to arrange aisle seating within regular sections.
West Coast Accessible Indoor Gems
If you want to trade the gloomy and drizzly West Coast weather, consider including the following accessible indoor gems in your winter road trip itinerary:
Barcade – The Original Arcade Bar (Los Angeles, CA)
Ever wanted to beat your own high score at an arcade game? Barcade – The Original Arcade Bar is the perfect place to do that.
With up to 75 video games and pinball machines, you can mash, whack, and slam your way through classics like Bubble Bobble, Crazy Taxi, Donkey Kong, Frogger, Ms. Pac-Man, and The Legend of Zelda.
When your thumbs need a break, swing by the bar area for draft beers and seasonal craft cocktails. While most arcades are quite cramped, this hotspot features wide aisles and comfy seats, so you can loop around machines and rack up points without worrying about tight corners.
Chihuly Garden and Glass (Seattle, WA)
At Chihuly Garden and Glass, you might find yourself whispering “don’t break” to a 100-foot-tall sculpture that fills the space with warm orange, yellow, and red hues.
The Galleries display a comprehensive collection of Dale Chihuly’s work, while the Garden includes colorful trees and flowers, giving you little “wow” moments at every corner. If you’re visiting between January and March, keep an eye out for quirky events like yoga, pilates, and even dancing inside the glasshouse.
This museum features ADA-compliant entrances and exits through wide doors, and its single-floor exhibition space makes it easy to view the artwork. The theater space can accommodate 2-4 wheelchairs along the sides and back to watch shows without feeling squished.
Enjoy an Accessible Winter Road Trip with Wheelchair Getaways
When planning a winter road trip, Wheelchair Getaways reduces logistic issues by offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles in more than 210 locations across the U.S.
Our fleet of vehicles includes side-entry and rear-entry conversion vans from BraunAbility and VMI, featuring ramps and lifts for smooth boarding, extra headroom, secure tie-downs, and all the little accessibility details that make road trips comfortable.
With our flexible rental schedule, you can rent a van for a quick grocery run or go wild with a week-long winter adventure to theaters, live shows, museums, and attractions. Unlike other rental companies that charge extra for accessibility features, we offer deals and discounts to keep your trip affordable. For more information, fill out this online form or call us at (866) 224-1750.
Enjoy an Accessible Winter Trip with Wheelchair Getaways
Whether you’re planning a snowy road trip, escaping to a holiday cabin, or just following the sun through frost-covered roads, Wheelchair Getaways has you covered with reliable accessible vans across the USA.
We offer both side-entry and rear-entry conversions, as well as full-size vans, so you can choose what works best for your chair, your crew, and travel plans. Each van features lowered floors, secure tie-downs, roomy interiors, and layouts that don’t punish you for packing winter gear.
Need the van for a long haul instead of a rushed weekend? Our flexible rental periods mean you’re not racing the return clock. And yes, we run deals and discounts, which always helps when winter travel already costs more than planned.
For more information, call us at (866) – 224-1750 or fill out this online form to get a rental quote.