11 Fall Activities for Wheelchair Users You Shouldn’t Miss This Season

Fall is a magical season when nature puts on its most colorful display. The summer heat starts to fade, the nights become cooler, and leaves change color. Autumn truly is the king of all seasons and offers the perfect time to head outdoors.

Whether you want to soak in the vibrant fall colors or enjoy fun seasonal traditions, if you are looking for wheelchair-friendly activities this season, you’ve come to the right place. Curated by experts at Build My Wheelchair, these 11 fall activities will help you make the most of this beautiful season.

Let’s get started.

1. Plan A Scenic Drive

Fall foliage is one of the biggest highlights of the season, and a scenic drive is a wonderful way to experience it. From roads lined with gold and red leaves to picturesque overlooks, fall drives are peaceful and stunning.

You can stop for a short snack break and take your time watching the leaves fall. Some top accessible destinations include the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Skyline Drive in Virginia. If you live in Texas, you can visit Texas Hill Country, which has many popular scenic fall drives.

2. Visit The Local Pumpkin Patch

No fall season is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch. Thankfully, many pumpkin patches offer wheelchair-friendly activities, allowing everyone to take part in the fun.

Once you’ve picked your pumpkins, enjoy some at-home pumpkin carving. You can even use adaptive carving knives when doing this. Whether you're carving jack-o'-lanterns or creating fall-themed decorations, this activity is fun for the whole family!

3. Go Camping

Camping is one of the best fall activities for wheelchair users, especially if you love refreshing weather and fewer crowds. Many national and state parks have wheelchair-accessible campsites with paved paths, accessible bathrooms, and cabins equipped for those with mobility needs.

Spending time outdoors can reduce stress and improve overall well-being. So, whether you're telling stories around the campfire or simply relaxing under the stars, fall camping can be a rejuvenating experience.

4. Check Out a Trail

Fall is a perfect time for a nature walk, especially with the changing leaves and cool air. Many national and state parks now offer accessible trails, making this one of the popular fall activities for wheelchair users.

If you are up for it, you can check out the scenic trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Yosemite National Park. Of course, you can find a local accessible trail and spend your weekends taking in the beautiful fall colors and crisp air.

5. Go Birdwatching

Since this is the season for bird migration, it’s the perfect time for birdwatching. With many state and national parks offering accessible paths, you can put it down on your wheelchair-friendly activities this autumn.

Other than keeping your wheelchair in top shape, you’ll need to bring a good pair of binoculars and perhaps a birdwatching app with you for this fun activity. Some of the popular accessible bird watching locations include the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland and Bosque del Apache in New Mexico.

6. Get Lost in A Cornfield Maze

Corn mazes can be one of the classic fall activities for wheelchair users, especially since some farms are now accessible. However, if you can’t find an accessible corn maze nearby, you can try other activities like pumpkin patches, autumn baking, or farm markets that are equally fun.

7. Explore Local Fall Festivals and Events

From harvest festivals to art fairs, fall is filled with local events. The best part is that many of these festivals offer fall activities for wheelchair users, with ramps, accessible seating, and flat pathways. You can use Google to search for such festivals near you.

Typically, you can enjoy seasonal foods, handmade crafts, and live music at these festivals. Many events offer accessible restrooms and wide walkways, so you can spend an entire day at a local fair without worrying about getting around.

8. Jazz Up Your Home Sweet Home

Fall is the season to bring cozy, warm vibes into your home. Decorating with fall colors and seasonal themes can help you embrace autumn spirit. Whether you're hanging a fall wreath, placing pumpkins around the house, or adding warm-toned blankets, it’s one of the most leisurely fall activities for wheelchair users.

For wheelchair users who love DIY projects, adaptive scissors or ergonomic handles can make decorating easier. You can also buy pre-made decorations that are simple to hang or place, allowing you to get creative without much fuss.

While jazzing up your home, don’t forget to add some seasonal flair to your wheels. You can easily attach small pumpkins, faux fall leaves, or garlands to your chair using zip ties or Velcro strips.

If you're feeling creative, you can even design fall-themed cushion covers with fabrics in shades of orange, red, and gold. These simple decorations let you bring the spirit of autumn wherever you go.

9. Try Fall Cooking

Fall brings delicious seasonal flavors like pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon. Cooking comforting fall dishes at home can be one of the most rewarding wheelchair-friendly activities. Try classics like pumpkin pie, apple cider, or a hearty stew.

Adjustable cutting boards, jar openers, and one-handed can openers can help you prepare these meals. Plus, cooking with seasonal ingredients can bring the wonderful smells and tastes of fall right into your kitchen.

10. Spend The Weekend Stargazing

Stargazing is one of the simplest yet awe-inspiring fall activities for wheelchair users. With a clear night sky and crisp air, you can spend hours stargazing. The best part is you don’t have to go far - even your own backyard can be the perfect spot for this activity.

All you need is a telescope or binoculars designed for easy handling or a stargazing app that helps identify constellations. And yes, don’t forget to grab a blanket and some snacks and enjoy the peaceful autumn night sky with your family.

11. Light Up a Bonfire

As the evenings get cooler, there's no better way to warm up than by hosting a cozy bonfire, and you can set it up in your backyard. Just make sure it is easily accessible and safe. You can hang out with your friends, roasting marshmallows and telling stories. It's a great way to unwind before you head back to school again after a short fall break.

Conclusion

There is no shortage of fall activities for wheelchair users. Whether you're driving through scenic landscapes, decorating your home, or relaxing by a bonfire, there are countless things to try this season. So, grab your cozy sweater, gather some friends or family, and make the most of this wonderful season!

Want to enjoy your fall adventures stress-free? Check out our wheelchair accessories.