11 Best Wheelchair Accessible Things To Do In New York, USA

1. See the world's greatest collection of dinosaur fossils

Are you fascinated by the early life when dinosaurs lived and prospered? Or do you have kids who love dinosaurs? In that case, a tour of the American Museum of Natural History is a must. This museum houses an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils—the largest of its kind in the world!

The museum is committed to ensuring that everybody feels welcome, so all exhibitions are made accessible by a wheelchair, and all levels are reachable via elevator. The property also offers accessible entrances, restrooms, and free wheelchairs for hire.

2. Cruise around New York's famous spots

The Statue of Liberty is an icon in New York, representing universal freedom, while Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge are the stunning suspension bridges in the city. While there are many vistas to closely examine these famous landmarks, how about trying something unique by cruising around on the waters?

This boat tour is expected to last for an hour, allowing you to glimpse at most of New York’s awe-inspiring spots and includes a live guide to give you a background to the sites you will encounter. Best of all, the vessel is accessible for push-wheelchairs.

3. Unleash your inner Friends-aficionado self

If you are a fan of the popular American sitcom Friends, you will be delighted to enter the world of FRIENDS™. Invite your close friends to indulge in this interactive experience collectively. The set is spread over two floors, and all surfaces are wheelchair-friendly. Assistance pets are also allowed to help guests with special needs navigate the place conveniently.

Grab the chance to discover what it is like to sit on the legendary orange couch consistently featured in almost all of the show’s episodes. Fantastic photo opportunities await in this place, and limited merchandise is in stock!

4. Learn more about LGBTQIA+ history and culture at Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center

Opened in June 2024, the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is the first LGBTQ+ visitor center in the US National Park Service and a landmark addition to New York City’s cultural landscape. The history museum tells the story of the 1969 uprising through interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and immersive installations. Designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind, the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center has ADA-compliant entrances and is wheelchair-accessible. There’s also an available wheelchair for use when visiting the museum.

Just a few minutes from the museum, The Marlton Hotel and famous hotels in New York City offer a perfect base for exploring the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center

Address: 51 Christopher Street Manhattan, New York City 10014

Website: Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (Tuesday to Sunday)

5. Climb the top of Empire State Building

Comprising 102 floors, Empire State Building is the perfect spot to marvel at New York’s dramatic skyline. Upgrade your ticket to the express option to be granted expedited entry by skipping all queuing lines.

This high-rise structure prides itself on being ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design). This place even has a handicapped-accessible main entrance. All wheelchairs are also permitted within the building’s premises, and ramps and accessible restrooms are in place.

Additionally, low-height viewing glass walls with binoculars are present for kids and those in a wheelchair.

6. Stroll around New York Botanical Garden

A natural breathing space for green panthers is in the cards of New York Botanical Garden. Stroll around the 250 acres (101 hectares) of landscaped gardens, including an admission pass to seasonal exhibitions and the Orchid Show curated by Lily Kwong. The tram tours can accommodate one wheelchair.

On a first-come-first-serve basis, you can borrow a manual wheelchair or scooter for free on-site. Other power-driven mobility devices are authorized on outdoor grounds as long as they meet the minimum ADA requirements. You can also let your service animal tag along if they qualify under the ADA.

7. Take your kids to Museum of Ice Cream

Your little ones will surely have a great time in Museum of Ice Cream, packed with 12 multi-sensory installations to entertain you. Feel free to heal your inner child as you drop down a three-story slide or dive into the massive sprinkle pool. Satisfy your sweet tooth with unlimited ice cream in different flavors and shapes.

The immersive museum endeavors to create an all-inclusive environment for all visitors, so any form of discrimination is never tolerated. All branches of this museum, including the one in New York City, are wheelchair-accessible and child-friendly for a stress-free experience.

8. Step into the world of contemporary art in Guggenheim Museum

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is accessible at every turn and welcomes service animals to assist guests with reduced mobility. An elevator comes in handy to conveniently explore all the museum floors, except for the High Gallery, with two low stairs at the entrance. The ground-floor elevator continuously operates even though the rotunda is closed to the public.

Meanwhile, the rotunda highlights a spiral ramp, so guests in a wheelchair can roll around without any hassle. Get the chance to catch sight of the exclusive special exhibits too!

9. Appreciate the artworks in MoMA without the crowds

Every surface and part of Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is accessible via wheelchair. Elevators are available throughout the museum, and there are entrances with power-assist doors in select areas. Motorized wheelchairs are permitted for a fuss-free tour, and guests can use the free wheelchairs on a first-come-first-served basis.

By booking this, you can escape the bustling crowds and appreciate the artworks peacefully in MoMA before the museum’s official opening hours. A professional art historian will guide you throughout the tour, so expect to leave the place equipped with new knowledge. The pieces feature the works of renowned artists, such as Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Andy Warhol.

10. Discover the secrets of a sacred underground

Discover the underground secrets and mysteries at Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. This walking tour covers exclusive access to off-limits areas to spice up your trip more. The ticket also includes complimentary tea lights and an expert tour guide.

The catacomb level requires visitors to take a flight of stairs before reaching the underground. However, assistance can be provided for wheelchair users upon prior agreement with Tommy’s New York. Moreover, service animals are welcome here.

11. Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory art experience

SUMMIT takes you to great literal heights. All its four floors, perched atop One Vanderbilt, are fully accessible using mobility devices. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests can use the lifts to go up and down the multiple floors. Well-trained service animals are also accepted to accompany a person with a disability.

Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory art experience intricately designed by Kenzo Digital as you marvel at the breathtaking panorama of Manhattan from the tower’s crest. The place is surrounded by mirrors and glass ledges, giving the illusion that you are floating in the sky.

Strive for big things in the Big Apple!

Being a prime tourism driver destination that draws many people every year, the Big Apple offers accessible attractions to welcome guests with physical limitations. While here, strive for more extraordinary things to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Check out these best wheelchair accessible things to do in New York, USA.