Indoor Wheelchair-Accessible Activities in the Twin Cities
Written by: Brianna Palkki, Sr. Recruiter & Marketing Manager at ACR Homes
As we say goodbye to sunny autumn days, we welcome the cozy vibes of winter and opportunities for indoor fun. While the transition can sometimes be tough, there's no need to count down the days until spring. Have fun during the winter months by using our list featuring indoor wheelchair-accessible activities in the Twin Cities and make the most of the season.
1. Visit Your Local Mall
Even if you're not planning to buy anything, browsing around your local mall is a great opportunity to get out of the house, engage with the community, and get some great exercise in the process. Malls usually have some fun and quick dining options so you can combine your shopping trip with lunch or dinner.
Speaking of malls, if you head to the Mall of America, be sure to visit the Festival Of Trees for a fun winter experience. Try and find the Christmas tree decorated by ACR Homes!
Twin Cities mall options include: Rosedale Center, Maplewood Mall, Northtown Mall, Burnsville Center, Mall of America, and more.
2. Midtown Global Market
Located in Minneapolis, you'll find Midtown Global Market for a different type of shopping experience. Filled with internationally themed gifts, foods, and events, you're sure to have a great time. Step out of your usual routine and visit this Minneapolis gem.
3. Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington isn't just for swimming and hotel stays. This wheelchair-accessible hotel features shops, restaurants, gem mining, and even a Build-A-Bear location for a fun day out.
4. Twin Cities Railroad Museum
For a less ordinary experience, pack the car and head to St. Paul's Twin Cities Railroad Museum. In this handicap accessible space, people can enjoy realistic looking model trains running on tracks. Even better, they decorate for Christmas if you're looking for an outing that's festive.
5. Pinz Bowling & Arcade
Featuring a large open space with wide walking and wheelchair paths, you'll be sure to have hours of fun bowling or playing arcade games at Pinz. Don't waste your time leaving for lunch or dinner, you can dine on-site at their restaurant in-between games.
For bowling in other areas of the Twin Cities, visit these websites: Andover Lanes in Andover, MN | Bowlero in Brooklyn Park, MN
6. Como Zoo Conservatory
In the middle of winter when the grass is covered by snow and the sun is covered by clouds you can find yourself wanting a fresh experience. Head over to the conservatories at Como Zoo to get your green fix. The best part is that it's either free or you can leave a donation in the amount of your choosing.
7. European Christmas Market
For a limited time each winter St. Pau's Union Depot turns into a winter wonderland with a beautiful European Christmas Market. At it you'll find crafts, a holiday train, and vendors. Not only that, but architecture lovers will enjoy the beautiful historic building. Although the market is housed in a historic building, it's been updated to be wheelchair-accessible with elevators circumventing staircases. To find out when they're open, visit the European Christmas Market website.
8. Minnesota Orchestra
Going to the orchestra doesn't have to be a fancy and formal experience. With the introduction of family friendly concerts, anyone can experience the orchestra. Wheelchair users will especially appreciate their wheelchair accessible seating. Additionally, they go out of their way to make the experience as accessible for as many people as possible. To view tickets, and find out more about accessibility, visit the Minnesota Orchestra website.
9. Color Me Mine Ceramics
If you're an art lover, you'll appreciate this handicap accessible ceramics art studio in Woodbury, MN. Guests can choose from a wide variety of pottery figurines/decorations and customize them to their liking with paint. Go on your own or invite a group by booking a party there. Stay toasty warm while having fun on this creative adventure.
10. Minneapolis Institute of Art
Rounding out our list of indoor wheelchair-accessible activities in the Twin Cities is the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Go and spend an hour or go and spend the day. With multiple levels, and a variety of art and artifacts featured, anyone can find something they like. Admission is free unless you want to visit one of their featured exhibitions.