Eight Activities for Wheelchair Users in St. Louis

Navigating the world when using a wheelchair comes with its fair share of challenges. From curb cuts to elevators, public places must check a few things off your list to be labeled wheelchair accessible. Paraquad is dedicated to helping you find things to do inside the St. Louis area that are both accessible and fun — read on to explore a few of our favorite activities for wheelchair users. 

1. Forest Park 

Forest Park sits in the heart of the city, featuring 1,300 acres of beautiful forests, ecosystems and attractions. The park is ideal for wheelchair users of all ages looking for a day in the great outdoors. Paved trails and gravel pathways also meet grade and transition standards outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Searching for wheelchair-accessible activities near you for your kids? Children who use wheelchairs can visit the Variety Wonderland Playground and the Nature Playscape for playground equipment, benches and picnic tables designed with accessibility in mind. 

2. Missouri History Museum 

Visitors of the Missouri History Museum are able to explore history from a new perspective. All buildings, levels and exhibits are accessible to wheelchair users through ramps, automatic doors and elevator access. With exhibits on a variety of St. Louis and Missouri topics, a visit to the museum offers endless corners of history to explore with the whole family. 

3. St. Louis Art Museum 

The St. Louis Art Museum displays exceptional works of art pulled from nearly every time period. With unique shopping and dining options also available, a visit to the museum can pack anyone’s day with cultural experiences. An accessible entrance sits in the East Building — from there, all galleries provide elevator and ramp access for wheelchair users. 

4. St. Louis Zoo 

The St. Louis Zoo is home to over 16,000 animals, making it a favorite for tourists and community members alike. Nearly every attraction throughout the park has smooth pathways and inclusive attractions, such as train and carousel rides — making the Zoo one of the best things to do inside the St. Louis area, with many activities for wheelchair users. 

5. Anheuser-Busch Brewery 

The Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Downtown St. Louis crafts some of America’s most beloved beers, including Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob Ultra. The facility offers fully-accessible entrances, elevators and even a lift into the tram for non-motorized wheelchair users. 

For wheelchair users over 21, the brewery tours reveal how each beverage is made and give you the chance to try some yourself. Visitors of all abilities may also choose to meet the iconic Clydesdales, attend a movie night or try out beer & food pairing at the Biergarten.

6. Saint Louis Science Center 

The Saint Louis Science Center offers countless science-related activities for wheelchair users and their guests. Elevators and ramps are available in the center’s public areas, including the OMNIMAX® Theater, McDonnell Planetarium and GROW Pavilion and Gallery. Notably, the OMNIMAX® Theater offers seating space for visitors in wheelchairs via the third-floor theater entrance. 

7. St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station 

Opened in 2019, the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is one of the most fascinating things to do inside the St. Louis area. The aquarium features nearly 50 exhibits with over 13,000 creatures from around the world. Walkways, ramps and elevators make it easy for people who use wheelchairs to view the exhibits and participate in animal encounters. 

8. Gateway Arch 

Last but not least, the Gateway Arch is the symbol St. Louis is known for, but there’s much more to do beneath its iconic curve! While the tram ride to the top is not wheelchair accessible, there are many activities for wheelchair users available, including the Museum, Tucker Theater and the Virtual Reality Theater. 

Gateway Arch National Park also offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature along the historic St. Louis Riverfront. With over 5-miles of accessible paved paths and ramps, people of all abilities are able to explore the wonders within one of our city’s largest greenspaces. 

Keep Up with St. Louis Accessibility 

Paraquad champions equity and inclusion for people of all abilities, particularly in the St. Louis area. Our team helps people explore what independence looks like for them — and find some fun along the way. 

Keep an eye on the Paraquad blog for our next list of wheelchair-accessible activities near you!