From amazing sights of astounding geological formations to museums full of historical heritage and wildlife parks, Arizona is the haven of fun activities to indulge in this summer. Regardless of your level of mobility, the following activities and places are accessible, allowing your entire family to experience Arizona’s rich culture and beauty.
Here are our top 5 mobility-friendly activities and places to visit in Arizona.
- Enjoy Awe-Inspiring Views at the Grand Canyon
Known as one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is a grandeur of beautiful picturesque scenery. The paved trails on the park’s South Rim make it wheelchair accessible. For adventurous sightseeing, your family can board the Grand Canyon Railway, which showcases a reenactment of a train robbery with horses and all. Besides the wheelchair-accessible train, you can take a 45-minute Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter ride over the iconic Colorado River.
- Experience an Under-the-Ground Journey to the Kartchner Caverns State Park
Fitted with wheelchair-accessible trails, Kartchner Caverns State Park is one of the few disability-friendly caves in the world. These extensive caverns mimic a journey into the ground and are easy to navigate. Besides the pristine formations inside the cave, other attractions include the world’s first disclosed sighting of turnip shields, the largest brushite moonmilk formation, and the longest soda straw stalactites.
The accessible trails accommodate scooters, rubber-tipped canes, and manual and motorized wheelchairs. Crutches and walkers are not permitted. Further, there are railings on the pathways, sitting benches, rest areas, and frequent tour stops for you to take breaks.
- Sea Life Watching at the OdySea Aquarium
As part of the larger entertainment complex OdySea in the Desert, OdySea Aquarium has a lot to offer. It features nine huge spherical aquariums hanging from the ceiling at the Aqua Lobby. From sharks to seahorses and stingrays, there are more than 500 species of animals on display at the massive OdySea Aquarium. The aquarium is fully accessible, and wheelchairs can be borrowed from the Concierge Desk in the Aqua Lobby.
- See Different Types of Plants at the Desert Botanical Garden
With over 50,000 plants spread out on a 55-acre facility featuring a herb garden, an agave yucca forest, a cactus, and a butterfly garden, the desert Botanical Garden is the place for your nature-loving family. The garden has paved walkways making it accessible for individuals with strollers and mobility equipment. Rented wheelchairs and ECVs are also available at the SRP Visitor’s Center.
The garden hosts the popular guided flashlight night tours during the summer. Other activities you can enjoy here include making s’mores, live music performances, a farmer’s market, and a refreshments bar.
- Go Swimming at the Ability 360 Sports & Fitness Center
One of only two of its kind in the U.S., Ability 360 is designed specifically for those with physical challenges. You can come for a swim at the complete lap pool, whenever you need to cool off on ahot summer day. The pool has a chair lift and an elevator to help you get into the water. Whether you want to spend an afternoon by the pool or watch wheelchair rugby, wheelchair lacrosse, power soccer, or wheelchair basketball games, Ability 360 has you covered.
There are endless mobility-friendly activities in Arizona to keep your family entertained. If you need help finding the right mobility aide to help you access our great state, reach out to the Copper Star store nearest you so that we can help get you on the move today!
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