With kids! 
We drove out to Syracuse to put ourselves in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse. We made it into a long weekend so we could enjoy the wheelchair accessible family fun in the area. Even though it ended up being too cloudy to see the sun during the eclipse, we had an unforgettable weekend discovering wheelchair accessible Syracuse!
When to go
With sunshine and warm weather, summer is ideal for walking through town, exploring the city’s numerous parks, or hiking trails in nearby green spaces. Summer in Syracuse is also a great time for festivals and events. Winter also brings fun festivals and outdoor winter fun. That said, we also found enough wheelchair accessible indoor fun to make it a great destination regardless of the weather!
Getting there and around
We drove our personal vehicle, which was nice because we could also explore outside of the city. While we didn’t use public transportation, I did notice that the bus stops were all clearly marked for accessibility, and most of the stops that we passed were accessible. The city is very spread out, so you can’t get the full experience by just walking or rolling through town.
If you’re looking for a wheelchair accessible van rental, check out Braunability or Agorenterprises.
What to do
Overall, we found Syracuse to be an easy city to navigate with wheels. Almost every curb had a curb-cut, the bus stops were accessible, the majority of attractions, shops, and restaurants were zero entry or ramped. We only spent a long weekend, but the following were our accessible favorites!
The MOST
The Museum of Science and Technology offers three floors of hands-on educational fun. Their diverse exhibits reach a wide age-range from toddler play areas to tech and engineering for the big kids. The state of the art ExploraDome increases awareness and understanding of STEM in a whole new way (only the second of its kind to exist). We stayed until closing, but we would’ve enjoyed more time! It’s also a great location for walking to lunch – so make a day of it!
The main flow of traffic is fully accessible, so you’re in the center of the action at all times.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Not only is the Rosamond Gifford Zoo an incredible testimony to the power of conservation and an animal experience that’s accessible to all, they also have twin baby elephants, twin baby goats, and twin baby tigers! Go now! (Spring 2024)
All paths are accessible, each exhibit has accessible view points, and most entrances are zero entry with automatic doors. The zoo is home to more than 900 animals. Plan to spend the day if you want to experience some of their programming and visit with all of the animals. Don’t miss the Animal Health Center. More than just a play space for kids, it’s a look into the care and conservation of animals at the zoo.
Onondaga Lake Park
Onondaga Lake Park drew us in with their massive all abilities playground, and kept us with the accessible trails and nature play! Beautiful views, yard games, accessible restrooms, and a library and museum right on site.
Webster Pond
When you arrive somewhere and the man in charge is in a wheelchair, it’s a pretty safe bet that you can have an accessible experience.
Webster Pond is a wheelchair accessible bird sanctuary right in the city. Some of the birds used to be pets, so it’s a unique experience for up-close encounters. Don’t bring your own food, but the volunteers will sell you healthy options for the birds so you can enjoy feeding them. It’s a small pond with mostly geese, swans, and ducks. My kids all made “friends” and can’t wait to go back!
Destiny USA
Never before have I recommended a mall on an itinerary, but never before have I encountered a mall like Destiny USA. When you enter the mall, you’re greeted by kids driving around on giant powered stuffies. Look up and you’ll see more families having fun on the ropes and adventure course above your head. In addition to hundreds of shops and restaurants, the mall has endless options for kids (some that don’t even require parents in attendance). There are race tracks, arcades, a Dave and Buster’s, an IMAX theater, an upside down building and indoor amusement park and dozens of other options. Our favorite was the wheelchair accessible laser tag at Wonderworks.
Where to eat
So. Much. Food. This may be the number one reason I wish we’d had more time to spend in Syracuse.
The Daily Diner
The Daily Diner is a popular spot, so plan to arrive early! You’ll understand the hype when your food arrives. I enjoyed my California Benny, but their pancakes are known for being the best!
Easy accessible parking and zero entry access.
Stella’s Diner
Stella’s is a classic diner with all your favorite diner favorites. It’s a local favorite and it won’t take you long to figure out why.
Easy accessible parking and zero entry access.
Spaghetti Warehouse
Spaghetti Warehouse is all the vibe without sacrificing any of the flavor. They serve up authentic Italian food in eclectic rooms that include arcade games, a piano for guests to play, an old popcorn maker, and an old trolley car parked inside.
The building is full of character, but thoughtfully designed with ramps and easy accessibility.
The Brooklyn Pickle
The Brooklyn Pickle makes any sandwich you can imagine, served just the way you like. It’s the kind of sandwich that creates a satisfied sigh with your eyes closed.
Easy accessible parking and zero entry access.
Things I wish we’d tried
I can’t speak to accessibility for these because we didn’t make it to them, but I wish we’d had time for Dinosaur BBQ, Heritage Hill Brewery, and Jake Hafner’s Restaurant.
Where to stay
Holiday Inn & Suites Syracuse Airport
Some people stick to big chains for the simplicity of knowing what you’re getting, but I can also recommend the Holiday Inn & Suites Syracuse Airport for their exceptional customer service. The accessible room was easy to navigate, the pool and hot tub had chair lifts, and kids eat free.
HomeExchange
There are wheelchair accessible homes in the area, depending on your travel dates. It’s always nice to be able to spread out and save money.
Let’s Go!
Syracuse makes a great wheelchair accessible trip any time of year. Let me know if you have any questions or need any help planning! If you’re making a road trip out of it, don’t miss wheelchair accessible Niagara USA or the Finger Lakes!
