The feeling of a crisp breeze, the leaves changing, and mums and pumpkins abound. It can mean only one thing, fall is here! Fall is my favorite time of year. As a mom of five, I love all the fun activities that this season brings, to spend quality time as a family. I also know the unique challenges of trying to plan family events while having a child who is disabled who relies on accessible venues and events to enjoy himself alongside the family. Below are my favorite fall activities, that are not only packed with fun, but are accessible for all.
Prancing Ponies Pumpkin Festival
Prancing Ponies, located in Westfield, is a great venue for the family year round. They host a variety of events throughout the year, but we love going to their Pumpkin Festival! They have a very flat and even farm, perfect for navigating with a walker or wheelchair. The owners are great and very accommodating to differently abled children. They have hay rides, a pumpkin patch, fresh produce, a fun play area, and of course pony rides! If your child needs assistance riding the pony, they will allow the parent to help, so that everyone can participate. Get your tickets here!
Stuckey Farm
Stuckey Farm is such a great place to go for a family day. They have a variety of activities, great food, and an awesome farm store packed with produce and local products. We like this venue because it is very flat, has handicap accessible parking, and will allow you to fold down a walker or wheelchair, and bring it with you on a wagon ride around the farm. Learn all about this fall festival, and the fun things to do there.
Indianapolis Zoo
Nestled in the heart of Indianapolis, is the beloved zoo. Every year, they host a Halloween event called Zoo Boo! Our family does not miss a year, and I would argue this is the most accessible and inclusive fall event we do each year. All activities are on pavement, there are non food related treats for those who have dietary restrictions, and they have a fun mirror maze that is even wheelchair accessible. This year, they are running this special event 7 days a week, from October 7 through November 1, from 2-7pm. On Fridays, and Saturdays, the event will stay open until 9pm. Due to capacity limits, reservations are required and can be made here.
Headless Horseman
Conner Prairie is a great place to go and play as a family, and offers a variety of accommodations for differently abled people. Every fall, they host the Headless Horseman event, which is a spooky fall festival, equipped with an enchanted hayride with the headless horseman! Though your child would need to be able to transfer for the hayride, they do have stairs to get up and down. In addition, the venue has handicap parking, plenty of even and flat terrain to navigate, and lots of seasonal activities and photo opportunities that are handicap accessible.
The Children’s Museum Monster MASKarade
This brand new event is being unveiled this season by The Children’s Museum. Due to social distancing guidelines, they have opted to host their Halloween festivities outside this year. The museum has been a frequent spot for our family to visit, and their outdoor sports venue is handicap accessible, and so fun! They have announced a list of spooky activities that you can join in on, and all the details are in the link above. If your child has a condition that restricts their ability to wear a facemask, see guest services, where they will give you special accommodations, so that your family can still join in on the fun.
Tuttle Orchards
Tuttle Orchards is in Greenfield, but worth the drive for a day of family fun. They offer a huge playground, pumpkin patch, apple orchard, and handicap accessible hayrides each fall. In addition, the farm store and café are open year-round, serving up local eats and produce for your family to enjoy. The corn maze is not very accessible (let me know if you find one that is!) but, overall, this farm is a great option for a walker or wheelchair.
Fall is here, and the family outing options are endless. Plan with confidence this season that your children, despite their abilities, will be able to enjoy themselves this fall. For more great accessible fall outings, check out this list of The Best Accessible Farms and Orchards.
