Rainy days often divide people into two groups: the “I’m never leaving this blanket” crowd and the “Rain won’t stop me” adventurers. If you’re in the second group but don’t particularly enjoy getting soaked, there are plenty of wheelchair-friendly spots where you can stay dry and still have an awesome time.
You can visit indoor botanical gardens to enjoy that fresh, rainy smell without the actual downpour, museums to stare at weird yet beautiful paintings, or aquariums where the fish look just as confused about the weather as you are. There’s also the classic coffee shop escape, where you can sip something warm while judging how prepared (or not) everyone else was for the rain.
Must-Have Wheelchair Accessible Adventures for a Rainy Day
Below are some of the best wheelchair-friendly adventures that will keep your spirits high, even when the skies are gray.
Explore Wheelchair-Friendly Museums and Art Galleries
If you’re in the Washington D.C. area, the Smithsonian Institution boasts 21 museums, including the National Museum of American History, the Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Portrait Gallery, so you’ll get to see legendary aircraft, moon lander’s spacesuit, 19th-century contemporary art, and even presidential portraits.
Regarding accessibility, there are dedicated handicapped parking spaces, at least one accessible entrance in every Smithsonian building, and manual wheelchairs available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
New York’s Wheelchair-friendly museums and art galleries are also warm, dry, and full of fascinating exhibits that will transport you through time, space, and the depths of human creativity.
At The Metropolitan Museum of Art, you can check out different exhibits ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to stunning European paintings and Renaissance masterpieces. The Impressionist Collection showcases Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and every artist who ever made you want to paint water lilies or the famous Starry Night.
The museum’s parking garage at Fifth Avenue and 80th Street has designated spaces for disabled parking permit holders. The museum itself has accessible entrances. Once inside, you can borrow a wheelchair from the coat check on a first-come, first-served basis.
Some other worth-visiting museums in the USA include the Kidspace Children’s Museum, the National Civil Rights Museum, the Arizona Railway Museum, The Poe Museum, and the Henry Ford Museum.
Visit Wheelchair-Accessible Shopping Malls
For many of us, rain can’t stop a good shopping spree, so why not visit a wheelchair-accessible shopping mall? Located in Bloomington, MN, Mall of America is one of the biggest shopping centers in the U.S., with plenty of shopping, entertainment, and dining options. After shopping, you can check out the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park, CoComelon Playdate attraction, SEA LIFE Aquarium, or even the mini-golf course if you’re in the mood to test your putting skills.
Plus, the whole mall is wheelchair-friendly, with dedicated parking spaces in the East and West parking ramps, smooth pathways, elevators, accessible restrooms, and plenty of spots to rest when your shopping bags start feeling heavier than your enthusiasm. You can rent wheelchairs ($12/day), electric carts ($45/day), and shopping carts ($12/day) at any guest service desk with a $25 refundable deposit.
Westfield Century City is another upscale shopping center in LA that makes rainy-day retail therapy feel classy. This mall has an ADA-compliant access ramp, elevators, accessible entrances, smooth pathways, and plenty of delicious food options that you might forget you even came to shop. You can shop at Princess Polly or Tiffany and Co., eat scrumptious pasta at Eataly, or cozy up in the AMC theater with a massive bucket of popcorn.
Check Out Ocean Wonders at Aquariums
While there are many ways to spend a rainy day, few things beat watching sea creatures glide through the water. If you’re anywhere near California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is an absolute must-visit. Over here, you’ll find leopard sharks, moon jellies, giant Pacific octopuses, green sea turtles, and a whole lineup of fascinating marine life from the beaches, kelp forests, open waters, and the deep sea.
This wheelchair-friendly aquarium features awe-inspiring exhibits of playful sea otters, flashing fish, hypnotic jellyfish, and swirling sardines. As for accessibility, this aquarium has electronic-assist doors, ramps, and elevators that take you to all exhibits, accessible restrooms featuring stalls and lowered sinks, and plenty of seating space throughout the aquarium and outdoor viewing areas. Even better, the touch pools have lower sections, so guests using wheelchairs can still get up close and personal with some sea creatures.
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Wander Through Any Indoor Botanical Garden
During the rainy season, gardens usually have muddy puddles, damp benches, and the overwhelming smell of wet mulch. However, indoor botanical gardens let you soak up nature without these issues.
Phipps Conservatory is a wheelchair-friendly garden paradise featuring winding, accessible pathways through lush tropical plants, vibrant orchids, and stunning seasonal displays. One moment, you’re strolling past towering ferns in a rainforest setting, and the next, you’re checking out the Tropical Forest Panama exhibit.
This indoor garden offers designated accessible parking spaces near the entrance. The entire conservatory is wheelchair-accessible except for the Stove Room, which has a short flight of stairs.
If you’re in New York, check out the New York Botanical Garden. Its fully accessible Enid A. Haupt Conservatory lets you wander through various ecosystems, from misty cloud forests to desert landscapes. You can admire magnolias, cherry blossoms, daffodils, daylilies, succulents, and spiky agaves or breathe in the crisp scent of witch hazel as you explore the seasonal displays.
Seasonal exhibitions are held in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and the Mertz Library, both of which are fully accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers. Wide pathways and smooth flooring make it easy to navigate, and you can borrow a wheelchair for free at the Garden entrance.
For parking, designated accessible spaces are available near the Main and Mosholu Entrances, at the Watson Education Building, and offsite at the New York Botanical Garden Parking Garage.
Gaze at the Stars in a Planetarium
A rainy day usually means no stargazing, but planetariums let you explore the cosmos without needing clear skies.
At Adler Planetarium in Chicago, IL, you’ll find Stargazer’s Hub, Mission Moon, Universe In Your Hands, and Chicago’s Night Sky — each offering a unique look into space exploration. The sky show, Niyah and the Multiverse, takes you on a journey through parallel universes, while Planet Explorers is a hands-on space adventure designed for kids aged 3–8.
The planetarium features smooth, accessible paths to explore different exhibitions. Its theaters have wheelchair-accessible seating, making it easy to sit back and enjoy the stars despite the grey and gloomy weather.
Watch a Movie or Live Show
Rainy days are perfect for getting lost in a good story—whether it’s on the big screen or on a live stage.
The iconic Broadway Theaters in NYC are an ideal spot to enjoy world-class performances such as Wicked, Othello, The Lion King, Glengarry Glen Ross, Aladdin, and Moulin Rouge! The Musical, MJ, Hamilton, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Many of these theaters offer accessibility services, including wheelchair seating, ramps, and accessible restrooms.
Similarly, the Kennedy Center is a top-tier destination for live performances in Washington, D.C. Whether you’re in the mood for a musical or a night of laughter, this venue ensures an inclusive experience with accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and designated wheelchair spaces.
Hit Up an Indoor Entertainment Complex
When you’re bored of constant drizzle and grey skies, visit an indoor entertainment complex to shake things up. Dave & Buster’s boasts arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and classic bar food. Over here, you can test your luck at coin pushers, rhythm games, multiplayer shooters, and giant claw machines while enjoying a burger or two.
If you’re more into bowling, 30 Strikes, Uptown Alley, and Pinz Bowling Center might be the ideal spots for you. Many locations have wheelchair-friendly lanes and ball ramps, making them great choices for a casual night out. The best news? There’s probably a bowling alley near you, no matter where you live, so you can hit the lanes anytime.
Plan a Rainy Day Adventure With Wheelchair Getaways
April showers bring May flowers, but let’s be honest — rainy days can be a logistical nightmare. Puddles make it challenging to reach subway stations, while rideshare apps leave you stranded with endless “searching for a driver” messages. And let’s not even talk about trying to squeeze into a packed bus while dodging dripping umbrellas.
That’s where Wheelchair Getaways comes in to solve your rainy-day travel woes. With nationwide availability, you can rent a wheelchair-accessible vehicle almost anywhere, so you’re never stuck waiting in bad weather. Thanks to our flexible rental schedule, you can book for a day, a weekend, or even longer. Plus, we offer several deals and discounts to keep your trip affordable.
For more information about our vehicles, call us at (866) 224-1750 or fill out this online form to reserve your ride.