Mobility Friendly Activities in Syracuse, NY

Syracuse, New York, and Onondaga County are wonderful wheelchair-accessible destinations.

With plenty of outdoor activities, family experiences, attractions, and restaurants.

Let's get into why Syracuse is a great place to visit. Throughout the month of July, and for the rest of the year, we celebrate and recognize Disability Pride.

For The Outdoorsy Folk

Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park is known for its two stunning glacial lakes surrounded by lovely wooded forest terrain. Both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic lakes, which means the layers of water, unlike most, do not mix, giving off a calming and green appearance. Lakes of this category are known to show a high potential for evidence of ancient plant and animal life. Worldwide, there are only 36 meromictic lakes that we know of.

Thanks to a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a Hippocampe Beach/All Terrain wheelchair is available at Green Lakes State Park to access the beach and the trails. The wheelchair is available seasonally for use at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm. Please check with the lifeguards at the beach for availability.

Upper Onondaga Park / Hiawatha Lake Loop

This almost 1 - mile loop trail offers a great view of the city of Syracuse while you’re in town. This low-grade trail is doable for the whole family and is said to be an easy to moderate experience. The trail is wheelchair accessible. Parts of the loop are paved. There’s a gorgeous stone bridge, and some grassy areas, a pavilion, and plenty of benches along the pathway.

The Erie Canal Trail

The famous Old Erie Canal State Historic Park runs through Onondaga County from Dewitt to Rome and stretches more than 35 miles. There are a number of entry points throughout the county. All offering well-manicured, paved trails for a fun day out by yourself, with a group, your family, or anyone. There are bridges, winding roads, wildlife, and unique plants.

For The Traveling Family

The MOST

The Museum of Science and Technology offers a plethora of activities for children of all age groups and families of all accessibility and sensory levels. All public entrances to the museum and most exhibit attractions are accessible by wheelchair, scooter, stroller, and walker. The MOST continues to provide equal opportunity for its visitors and members.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo

The mission of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is to conserve, educate, and have fun with friends, family, and animals. Nearly 60 percent of the zoo exhibits are indoors, and both indoor and outdoor pathways throughout the zoo are wheelchair, stroller, scooter, and walker-accessible. Wheelchairs are available for free at the membership desk on a first-come, first-served basis.

RedHouse Arts Center

With shows happening throughout the year, RedHouse Arts Center is a wonderful experience for the entire family. This upcoming season features the beloved musical, Annie, from December 4 - 13. The building's entrance is at ground level, with the lobby, hallways, restrooms, and theater offering plenty of space for wheelchairs. Please call the Box Office at (315) 362-2785 or email info@theredhouse.org to arrange seating.

For The Adventure Seekers

Axe Throwing

Far Shot Syracuse not only offers axe throwing in a fun and safe environment, but they also offer knife throwing and archery. They are ADA-compliant and are excited to make axe throwing an experience for all. The employees will make sure everyone stays safe and enjoys their time.

iSMASH

iSMASH is a great place to rage, smash, break, laugh, and have a blast. Being ADA compliant, iSMASH in Syracuse makes sure that no matter what type of accessibility you’re looking for, you’ll have a good time participating in the activities they offer.

Catch a Game

No matter the season when in Syracuse there’s always a game to catch. All main venues to sporting contests are proudly ADA complement and look forward to welcoming spectators of all accessibility through their doors.

Winter: JMA Wireless Dome to see the Syracuse Orange basketball team play in the NCAA Division. Syracuse Crunch hockey at the Upstate Medical Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial.

Spring + Summer:Historic NBT Stadium to catch a Syracuse Mets game the triple A affiliate to the New York mets. Their 2023 schedule kicks off March 31st and will run through September where they will roughly play 150 games.

Fall: JMA Wireless Dome will be back in action for the Syracuse Orange Football team.

We can’t wait to see you next in Syracuse and Onondaga County.

For more accessibility-friendly hotels, attractions, and restaurants, visit our page on Wheel the World. Each location has been personally reviewed by an ADA-compliant mapper, who has accessed room entrances, bed heights, bathroom features, and common building spaces. You can book your trip entirely through Wheel the World to ensure your trip to Syracuse fully supports your needs and interests.

Want to read more? See this Accessible Guide to Syracuse, NY on the Wheel the World website.