Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Houston, Texas, USA!

Minute Maid Park

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Minute Maid Park, Houston

Welcome to Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros and a beacon of accessibility and fun in the heart of downtown Houston. This itinerary ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience, tailored for visitors using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Getting There

Minute Maid Park is well-connected and accessible. For those driving, ADA parking is available in the Diamond Lot and Lot A, both offering easy park access. If you’re using public transit, the METRORail"s Green and Purple lines stop at Convention District Station, just a short, accessible path from the park.

Start Your Tour at Union Station

Begin at the historic Union Station, located on the west side of the park. This 1911 landmark, now the main entrance, features level access and is a perfect spot for some pre-game photos. Inside, visit the Astros" Team Store, where accessible counters make shopping a breeze.

Explore the Ballpark

Join a pre-game wheelchair-friendly tour, which provides elevator access to all levels. Highlights include the broadcasting booth, luxury suites, and the dugout, where you can feel like part of the team. Each tour spot is steeped in stories, like how the retractable roof and natural grass bring the outdoors inside, catering to Houston’s variable weather while ensuring a perfect game day experience.

Refresh and Refuel

For a bite, head to the FiveSeven Grille, offering spacious dining areas and an accessible menu. Located behind center field, it serves classic ballpark fare with a Texan twist, ensuring you don’t miss the Astros" spirit in every bite.

Catch the Game

Finish your visit by watching the Astros in action. The park offers excellent ADA seating with unobstructed views. These spots, coupled with accessible restrooms and concessions nearby, ensure comfort throughout the game.

Minute Maid Park not only champions the spirit of baseball but also ensures every fan enjoys the game day to its fullest, making it a grand slam for accessibility!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Houston Zoo

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable wheelchair-friendly adventure at the Houston Zoo, an enchanting sanctuary for over 6,000 animals from around the globe. Nestled in Hermann Park, the zoo is accessible via Main Street, with options to drive or use public transportation. If you"re using METRORail, the Museum District stop is your gateway, followed by a pleasant stroll or roll through the park to the zoo entrance.

Upon arrival, start at the African Forest, ingeniously designed with smooth, navigable pathways. Here, you come eye-to-eye with charismatic chimpanzees and majestic rhinos. The exhibit"s design allows for exceptional viewing from a seated position, ensuring everyone enjoys a great view of the animals and their antics.

Next, wheel over to the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat, a sprawling enclosure where you can watch the zoo"s gentle giants bathe in their large pool, a delightful sight especially refreshing on warm Houston days. The viewing areas here are thoughtfully designed with lower-level guardrails for unobstructed views.

Don"t miss the Kipp Aquarium, a mesmerizing underwater world home to exotic fish, fascinating sea creatures, and colorful coral species—all visible from accessible viewing windows. The smooth, flat surface inside the aquarium makes maneuvering easy.

For a break, head to the Twiga Café, offering accessible dining right beside the giraffe exhibit. Enjoy a meal or a quick snack while watching these towering creatures.

Before you leave, explore the beautiful McGovern Children"s Zoo, a must-visit for families. It features a range of interactive and tactile exhibits, perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities.

The Houston Zoo provides complimentary wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis, and all restrooms and dining areas are accessible. With thoughtful exhibit design and comprehensive accessibility, the Houston Zoo ensures a delightful visit for everyone, making it a jewel in Houston’s crown of attractions.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Kemah Boardwalk

Why Visit?

Kemah Boardwalk Wheelchair-Friendly Adventure

Welcome to Kemah Boardwalk! Nestled along the shores of Galveston Bay, this vibrant entertainment complex offers a marvelous experience for visitors using wheelchairs and mobility scooters. With a flat and navigable layout, Kemah Boardwalk ensures a seamless and enjoyable visit for everyone.

Getting There

For those driving, ample accessible parking spaces are available near the main entrance. Public transportation options also service the area, with accessible features to accommodate all travelers.

Begin Your Journey at the Boardwalk Entrance

Start your day under the iconic Kemah Boardboard sign. The entire boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, with wide pathways perfect for navigating and exploring the shops and attractions.

Morning Explorations

Head over to the Boardwalk Tower for a panoramic view of the bay. The tower’s elevator makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the scenic vistas. Then, stroll to the nearby Aquarium Restaurant, where a fascinating underwater adventure awaits. The restaurant features ramp access and ample space for a comfortable dining experience alongside a 50,000-gallon aquarium.

Lunch at The Flying Dutchman

Savor the flavors of the Gulf with a seafood lunch at The Flying Dutchman. The restaurant is fully accessible and offers breathtaking views of the water.

Afternoon Fun

After lunch, roll down to the Midway. Many of the carnival games are accessible, allowing everyone a chance to try their luck and win a prize. For a relaxing end to your adventure, cruise along the boardwalk’s perimeter on the Kemah Train, which is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible carriage.

Did You Know?

Kemah Boardwalk was named one of the top boardwalks in the United States and takes pride in its commitment to accessibility, ensuring all rides and attractions are enjoyable for everyone.

Wrap Up Your Visit

As the sun sets, enjoy a peaceful dinner at Landry’s Seafood House, which provides both accessible indoor seating and an outdoor deck with stunning sunset views.

Kemah Boardwalk promises a delightful and accessible day out, filled with fun, food, and fantastic views, ensuring every visitor leaves with cherished memories.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Children"s Museum of Houston

Why Visit?

Welcome to a day of fun and exploration at the Children’s Museum of Houston, designed with accessibility at its heart. This itinerary ensures a seamless experience for visitors using wheelchays or mobile scooters.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day by arriving at the museum early to beat the crowds. The museum is situated at 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX and offers designated parking spots for visitors with disabilities near the entrance. Once inside, head directly to the Information Desk to pick up a map highlighting wheelchair-accessible routes.

First Stop: EcoStation

Begin your adventure in the EcoStation, an outdoor exhibit where you can engage with nature. The paths are firm and flat, perfect for wheelchair users. Learn about native plants and ecosystems through accessible, interactive displays.

Second Stop: Invention Convention

Wheel your way to the Invention Convention, a hub of creativity and engineering. The exhibit features adjustable-height workstations and accessible tools, ensuring everyone can participate in inventing and building prototypes.

Lunch Break: Fresh Café

By midday, grab a bite at Fresh Café, offering a variety of healthy options with easy-access seating. The café ensures all tables are accessible, with ample space for mobility devices.

Afternoon: PowerPlay

After lunch, venture into PowerPlay, where physical science meets health. This exhibit showcases an accessible body-weight scale and interactive games designed to promote physical activity in a fun, inclusive environment.

Final Stop: Tot*Spot

Conclude your visit at Tot*Spot, perfect for visitors with young children. This gallery is designed for kids under 35 months of age but delights with its universal design, allowing parents or guardians on wheels to participate equally in play.

Departure

As your day ends, exit through the gift shop, which is spacious and navigable, offering unique keepsakes from your visit.

The Children’s Museum of Houston not only offers an array of wheelchair-accessible displays but also provides rental wheelchairs free of charge. Every exhibit is a doorway to new discoveries, making it a perfect venue for explorers on wheels!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Market Square Park

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful and accessible adventure in the heart of Houston at Market Square Park! Renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, the park is a perfectly inclusive destination for visitors on wheels.

Arrival and Access

Market Square Park is conveniently situated in downtown Houston and is easily reachable via public transit or car. For those using the METRORail, disembark at Preston Station — just a short, smooth roll away. If driving, accessible parking spaces are readily available along Milam Street, ensuring a stress-free start to your day.

Morning Exploration

Begin your tour at the iconic Lauren’s Garden, a tranquil spot featuring a memorial to Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas, a passenger on United Flight 93. The garden pathways are wheelchair-friendly, allowing you to navigate through the serene environment effortlessly. The area provides ample shade and seating, perfect for a reflective morning.

Midday Entertainment and Lunch

As noon approaches, roll over to the central open area where local artists often perform. The park hosts free events ranging from movie nights to concerts, all visible from accessible viewing spots. For lunch, enjoy a picnic on the lawn or visit Niko Niko’s located right in the park. This eatery offers Greek and American classics with accessible dining arrangements.

Afternoon Leisure

Post-lunch, indulge in a leisurely stroll through Market Square’s wide, paved pathways. Enjoy the vibrant flower beds and the bustling ambiance of the surrounding historic district. Don’t miss the art installations and the informative plaques detailing the square’s storied past — once the original City Hall site!

Departure

Conclude your visit with some relaxation by the park’s dog run, a favorite spot among local pet owners and a great place for people-watching. Accessible restrooms are available throughout the park, ensuring comfort until you decide to depart.

Market Square Park not only offers a glimpse into Houston’s heritage but also provides a fully accessible and engaging experience for all visitors.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.