Story by Elizabeth Perkin
One of our viewers reached out to see if we could compile a list of activist for the #CTbucketlist that are disability friendly. Check out some fun activities everyone can do this summer!
Mystic Seaport: The outdoor history museum has a variety of wheelchair accessible entrances. In addition the village roads are firm and stable for wheelchairs and strollers. The Museum covers 19 public acres, has more than 40 historic and reconstructed buildings, and many vessels for you to board through wooden gangways. They provide 50% discount on admission to people with special needs. They allow service dogs and have wheelchairs available. They have handicap parking in the front of the buildings and handicap accessible restrooms throughout. Click here for more info.
Prospector Theater: The perfect activity for a rainy day. The movie theater offers closed caption glasses and descriptive narrative headsets. They have also integrated accessible seating in prime viewing locations throughout the theater. For more information check out their website https://www.prospectortheater.org/about.
Elizabeth Park Gardens: Looking to a have a relaxing time than visit the Elizabeth Park Conservancy. It is one of the most photographed places in Connecticut because of the stunning rose gardens and beautiful walkways. This is the perfect location for a sunkissed picnic in the park, or a breeze filled walk through the pines at one of Connecticut’s best attractions, all wheelchair accessible. For more information click here.
Hammonasset Beach State Park: Become one with nature and camp at Hammonasset Beach State Park. It has six campsites that are disability friendly, with close proximity to the restroom facilities, electrical outlets, and can be reserved. They also have accessible swimming/ beach surf chairs free of charge. For more information visit https://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325078.
Select State Parks with Accessible Restrooms: It’s that time of year to get outside and enjoy that summer air at one of Connecticut’s many state parks. All locations listed are handicap accessible and are sure to provide a great outdoor experience that’s fun for everyone. Click here for more info.
- American Legion State Forest in Pleasant Valley
- Black Rock State Park in Thomaston
- Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison
- Housatonic Meadows State Park in COrnwall Bridge
- Kettletown State Park in Southbury
- Lake Waramaug State Park in New Preston
- Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic
Select State Parks with Accessible Swimming/ Beach Surf Chairs: Cool off from these hot summer months with a dip in the water. These state parks offer accessible swimming/ beach chairs free of charge on a first come/ first serve basis. Click here for more info.
- Hammonasset Beach
- Rocky Neck
- Sherwood Island
- Silver Sands
- Squantz Pond
Accessible Fishing Platforms: Cast a line into any of these freshwater or saltwater rivers and ponds from accessible platforms and see what you can catch. Click here for more info.
- Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake Boat Launch at Bigelow Hollow State Park
- Connecticut River at Haddam Meadows State Park
- Day Pond State Park in Colchester
- Devils Hopyard state Park in East Haddam
- Pataconk Lake in Pataconk Recreation Area and Conckaponset State Forrest
- Schreeder Pond at Chatfield Hollow State Park
- Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield
- Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury
- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London
The Saugatuck Universal Access Trail: Explore what Centennial Watershed State Forest in Redding has to offer on its wheelchair accessible trail. Click here for more information.
ACCESSibility for all: Provides a list of family fun activities that are sure to excite the whole family. Whether it’s feeding seals at Maritime Aquariums or wandering the trails at the Audubon in Greenwich, all these places are sure to provide an experience for all to enjoy.
Earthplace, The Nature Discovery and Environmental Learning Center: Come together with nature and the environment at Earthplace. There are a variety of trails and activities for all. In addition to offering many programs for children with disabilities. Click the here for more info.
Hartford Yard Goats: All lots have handicap parking; the closest lot is 58 Chapel Street North. ADA seating is available behind the back row of our sections at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. Please call (860)246-4628 to speak to a ticket sales representative in order to ensure a seat that will meet your needs. An elevator behind Section 111 is accessible for those fans with tickets for the Premium Level or Dugout Suites. There is a ramp located on Pleasant Street, with access to the concourse or the Main Gates located at the intersection of Main and Trumbull are ADA accessible.
Nature for All – Braille Trail and Valley Falls: The Braille Trail at Valley Falls Park in Valley Falls, Connecticut can be found at the front of the park. With a guide rope to grasp and eight stations with Braille educational signs, visually impaired visitors can wind their way through many of the relics and foundations remaining from the Valley Falls Industrial era. Some more information:
Nearby City: Valley Falls
State: Connecticut
Location: Historic Vernon Park
