Accessible Adventures in Denver Over the Holidays

There’s nothing better than an inclusive place where every single individual’s needs are taken into consideration. And we should take a moment to pat our state on the back for its efforts in this regard. After all, Colorado is known to have some of the best places in America for its offerings of attractions that are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

While Colorado is renowned for its mountainous landscape, heightened sense of adventure, and even higher elevations, there are several supportive-device-friendly, and inclusive places for the entire family to enjoy.

Take a look at our list of festive, accessible, and fun Holiday adventures right here in Denver.

Denver Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens in Denver are a terrific place to visit. Featuring a beautiful Sensory Garden that was established to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act’s 20th Anniversary, this picturesque location is a must-visit. The Sensory Garden is located close to the visitor center and features wide pathways, traction, and mild inclines to make navigating with an assistive device easier. Additionally, elevated flower beds are the perfect height for wheelchair users to properly appreciate (and smell) the blooms.

Wheelchair users can access virtually all of the interior and outdoor gardens, services, and restrooms as well, making the Botanic Gardens an overall highly accessible experience.

Running through Christmas Day, the Gardens’ signature event for more than three decades, Blossom of Lights’ annual holiday light extravaganza transforms their York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland. Join us for this family-friendly event that has become a holiday tradition for thousands of Front Range families. In line with our core value of sustainability, all lights used in the event are LED.

The Art Museum, Denver

This remarkable art museum, which houses over 70,000 works of art in the recently renovated iconic Gio Ponti-designed Martin Building and the new Sie Welcome Center, is among the most fascinating places to go when visiting Denver – especially if you have a love of interesting architecture.

It’s most well-known for its vast exhibit of Native American art – which is worth the trip alone. In addition, this museum has the distinction of being one of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago!

The museum provides wheelchair rentals for those who may need one, and each area is wheelchair friendly. You will have no trouble moving through the exhibits, and restrooms are available in several accessible locations throughout.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Stop by the Shop to find the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the art lovers in your lives! Check out our holiday gift guide to find 10 items handpicked by museum staff for some inspiration.

And now through December 24, if you give a loved one a membership to the DAM, they will get 14 months for the price of 12! Just use the code GIFT22 at checkout to take advantage of the offer.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Visitors can touch, hear, and engage with several of the one million pieces in the exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Travel down a mining tunnel (feel the stone walls as you go). Learn about the butterfly’s entire lifecycle using big contact models. Smell the musk of a deer. Make contact and explore a Navajo hogan, and hold fossil dinosaurs. We engage with our environment through our senses, and this location allows for a wonderland of sensory exploration.

And to top off this ode to exploration, museum activities and exhibits are made as accessible as possible. Free American Sign Language translators are available, as well as free auxiliary aids for hearing – provided on a first-come, first-served premise. Visitors can also make use of canes and courtesy wheelchairs available at the information desk.

Denver Zoo

When it comes to holiday magic, you can always count on Zoo Lights—where natural wonders take on a whole new illumination. This year, their newest installations highlight nature’s brilliant animation, with enchanting additions like Aurora Borealis, Savannah Sunset, and Electric Jungle.

As you wander through this winter wonderland, keep an eye out for nightly ice-carving demonstrations, cozy fire barrels, and all kinds of festive holiday food and drink! Light traditions abound for many families throughout the holiday season, and Zoo Lights never disappoints!

Don’t Miss Out on Amazing Natural Wonders!

❄️Over 1 million lights

❄️ Live ice-carving exhibitions with local artisans

❄️ Seasonal craft cocktails and holiday treats

❄️ Special add-on packages w/Holospex + more

Zoo Lights Schedule

Nov 1: Member tickets on sale

Nov 15: General public tickets on sale

Nov 21–Dec 2: Members-only dates

Dec 3–Jan 15: General admission run

Dec 31: Low-Sensory Night

Are the Zoo Lights Accessible?  Absolutely, but please keep in mind that the paths may be icy in some spots. Please use caution. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available.

Convergence Station – Meow Wolf

Looking for something a little different? We’ve got just the thing!  Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station is without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Check out this 4-story immersive art exhibition and explore psychedelic, mind-bending art, and an underlying rich narrative as you take a journey of discovery into a surreal, science-fictional epic.

This location features art from 300 creatives – with over 110 coming from right here in Colorado. With 70+ unique installations, rooms, and portals, they tell an unforgettable, cathartic tale of converged worlds.

All are welcome at Meow Wolf. Offering a variety of supportive services and accessibility options, visiting Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station is a blast for the whole family.

Meow Wolf’s projects are intended for all visitors to enjoy through cross-ability play and exploration. Due to the nature of exploration and nonlinear storytelling, each participant — regardless of ability — has a different experience in their spaces.

To bring their accessibility to the next level in order to help develop the best experience possible for all guests, they have partnered with Artful Access, a Denver-based organization with over 60 combined years of experience bringing direct experience, skills, and advocacy in the areas of arts and accessibility.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to inclusivity, Colorado excels, offering not only adaptive and assistive devices but also working to improve the use of inclusive language and practices. Overcoming barriers is essential in making everyone feel welcome.

And we can all play a part.

Exploring the world and embracing adventure is incredibly fulfilling – at any age. Here at Adam’s Camp, we want to make sure that the experiences of our whole community are all the more wonderful and memorable through continued support, resources, adventure, and respite.

Contact us to learn about our programs.

Want to help support Adam’s Camp? Set up a recurring donation. Select Donate Monthly to set up recurring donations on the Adam’s Camp page.

Want to volunteer? With so many different ways to help out, there really is something for everyone. Reach out. You won’t regret it!