When the mercury dips below freezing and snow piles up, it’s beyond tempting to bundle up and sleep the day away. But if you’re anything like us, the idea of doing nothing all winter might feel like missing out. Thankfully, there are different accessible indoor activities in Michigan that’ll make you forget about the cold entirely. You can visit mesmerizing planetariums, chic art spaces, and even indoor water parks that promise to turn your winter blues into wows. The best part? Almost all of them have ADA-compliant layouts, so you can enjoy every moment.
Accessible Museum, Entertainment and Recreation Venues in Michigan
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone who loves to learn new things, the following accessible museums, entertainment, and recreation venues that’ll warm up your spirit:
The Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn)
Located in Dearborn, The Henry Ford Museum is for history buffs and tech geeks alike. There,, you’ll marvel at award-winning race cars that have set the tracks on fire, check out America’s agriculture equipment, get up close to presidential cars, admire the giant steam engine locomotives, or check out some of the most extraordinary furniture dating back to 1670.
Although the Henry Ford Museum is fully wheelchair-accessible, the interiors of some exhibits, like the Allegheny Locomotive, Rosa Parks Bus, and a couple of others, have stairs. But don’t worry — virtual tours are available when physical access isn’t possible. You can also rent wheelchairs for a nominal fee of $4, while scooters can be rented for $25 per day. Accessible restrooms are located throughout the venue.
Michigan Science Center (Detroit)
The Michigan Science Center is a must-visit for anyone with a curious mind. This center has over 220 hands-on exhibits, including the Space Gallery to explore the history of human space travel and even tour the galaxy, the Motion Gallery to experiment with light, sound, and energy, the Health Gallery to learn all about good nutrition and fitness, and Math Mountain to tackle exciting math challenges and puzzles that turn numbers into an adventure.
The center boasts four unique theaters, including the IMAX Dome Theatre for immersive cinematic experiences and a Planetarium to explore the night sky.
As for the accessibility, the entrances and exits are super close to the parking areas, which means no long, uncomfortable commutes. There’s a glass elevator that gives you stunning views of all the exhibit floors. Theater directions are clearly marked, so you won’t get lost. There’s plenty of comfy seating and benches scattered throughout the center. Need to freshen up? Restrooms are available on two levels, including family and gender-inclusive options.
Dave & Buster’s (Grand Rapids)
If you’re in the mood for games, food, and endless fun, look no further than Dave & Buster’s! They have everything from classic games like Connect 4 to the newest and coolest virtual reality experiences where you’ll be battling zombies, racing cars, or chasing dragons.
You could easily spend hours hopping from game to game, collecting tickets, and winning some awesome prizes. The best part? The aisles are wide, and the games are designed to be easily accessible for all.
Since all that gaming might work up quite the appetite, you can order juicy burgers, crispy chicken wings, cheesy nachos, and plenty more. Plus, if you’re in the mood for a drink, they’ve got classic cocktails and specialty drinks, including 22 oz. draft beers like Miller Lite, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Coors Light for as little as $5. Delicious and affordable? Yes, please!
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium (Auburn Hills)
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium is your underwater paradise. In this 180-degree underwater tunnel, you’ll come across sharks, clownfish, jellies, sea horses, and stingrays swimming right above your head.
Accessibility? Check! The pathways are designed for wheelchairs and scooters, making it easy to explore every nook and cranny of this magical place. They even have touch pools where you can feel the starfish and sea urchins — a totally hands-on experience. If you need assistance during your visit, you can ask for an ADA Carer ticket to enjoy the facility.
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The Bay Theatre (Suttons Bay)
If you can’t resist the charm of holiday-themed movies, then the Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay should definitely be on your list. At this cozy, accessible theater, you can watch a feel-good holiday movie, including ELF, The Polar Express, The Holiday, A Christmas Story, and It’s a Wonderful Life, among others, while the snow gently falls outside.
If you’re around on January 18th or 19th, you’ve hit the jackpot. The theater is hosting an epic youth jazz concert where local talents will be rocking it out on stage with soul-stirring melodies that’ll have you tapping your feet.
Zehnder’s Splash Village (Frankenmuth)
When you’re ready to trade your winter coat for a swimsuit, Zehnder’s Splash Village might be the perfect destination for loads of fun. At this indoor waterpark, there is a six-story family raft ride, water basketball and volleyball, a splash landing play area, a dumping bucket, a lazy river, a whimsical hot tub, and a zero-entry activity pool with water geysers to splash around in.
If you’re up for some non-aquatic fun, check out the 2,500-square-foot arcade that’s packed with awesome games and challenges to keep the fun going long after you’ve dried off. Zehnder’s Splash Village also offers deluxe hotel accommodations with wheelchair-accessible rooms, making your stay quite comfortable. Just a tip — consider visiting during the weekdays to avoid the crowds and enjoy all the attractions at your own pace.
Tips for Planning Your Indoor Accessible Winter Getaway
Winter travel requires a bit more preparation, especially when accessibility is a top priority. You need to consider venue details, weather conditions, and on-the-go essentials; otherwise, you might be stranded in a snowstorm with no way to get home safely. To avoid that, keep the following tips in mind:
- Familiarize yourself with the accessible entry points and pathways of all the attractions you plan to visit. Some older buildings may have tricky layouts, so it’s good to know the most convenient routes beforehand. Also, look out for things like automatic doors, ramps, elevator access, wide and smooth pathways, and accessible restrooms.
- Even though you won’t be outdoors much, Michigan’s winter chill can sneak in. Pack warm but lightweight layers, comfy blankets, and heating pads. You should also bring gloves and a scarf to stay snug when transitioning between indoor locations.
- Winter weather can be harsh on your wheelchair or scooter. Pack essentials like a tire pump, WD-40, and a small toolkit for any quick fixes. If you use a powered wheelchair, make sure to bring an extra battery or charger.
- Popular indoor attractions and nearby hotels can fill up quickly during winter. Make your reservations well in advance to get an accessible room with all amenities, including an adjustable bed, lowered vanity, and bathrooms with grab bars and shower seats.
- Many fantastic Michigan eateries are wheelchair-accessible. Still, it’s wise to call ahead and confirm seating arrangements and wheelchair access, just in case they draw the curtain between cozy and cramped.
Secure Your Ride With Clock Mobility
Whether you’re exploring museums in Kalamazoo or beating winter blues at an arcade in Detroit, Clock Mobility has sorted out all your travel plans. We have an impressive collection of wheelchair-accessible vehicles that can be purchased or rented for a day, a week, or even longer.
Besides rentals, we offer various services, including tire alignments, preventative maintenance, electrical diagnostics, oil changes, and heating services to keep you cozy and comfortable during your winter getaway.
For more information or to book your ride, feel free to call us at (866) 380-3326 or visit one of our four convenient locations in Michigan!
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