Going out during the harsh Hoosier winters can be a challenging quest. That’s why we’ve compiled the following list of indoor attractions that offer visitors with disabilities smooth, accessible and enjoyable experiences once they get there.
IMAX Theater at the Indiana State Museum: Escape the cold and warm up with a movie this winter at the state’s largest IMAX theater. The screen here is six stories high, immersing audiences in a truly larger-than-life experience. In addition to accessible, complimentary parking in the underground White River State Park garage, the theater has a whole row designated for accessible seating. For viewers with hearing impairment, a personalized closed caption system is available for all digital film showings.
NCAA Hall of Champions: This museum is every sports fan’s paradise. On the first floor, visitors can browse exhibits highlighting all 24 NCAA-sponsored sports. At each one, you can engage in trivia challenges, watch game highlights and see current team rankings. On the second floor, visitors can more fully immerse themselves in the games, whether exploring a 1930s-era retro gym, hitting the slopes through a ski simulator or seeing a tennis ball fly toward them at 80 miles per hour — behind the protection of plexiglass, of course.
The entire facility is fully accessible thanks to ample aisle space, ramps, elevator access and free wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis. Trained service animals are also permitted, and ASL interpreters are available upon seven or more days of advance notice. The parking garage offers ADA-compliant spaces and can accommodate raised roof fans.
Newfields: For blind or low-vision guests, the Touch & Audio Descriptive Tour allows them to still engage with the artwork here. Exhibition wall labels feature extra-large font as well. Audio devices are available upon request, as well as ASL interpreters — with advance notice for the latter. Captioning accompanies all gallery videos.
In terms of other accessibility features, complimentary indoor and outdoor wheelchairs are available, with ADA pathways marked on the museum campus map and Braille signage available in the “Garden for Everyone.” Service dogs or service dogs-in-training are welcome in all of the museum buildings as well as the aforementioned garden.
Science Central: Operating out of the first power plant in Fort Wayne’s history, this entertaining and educational space offers fun for folks of all ages and abilities. It provides accessible parking, restrooms and seating along with free wheelchairs, assisted-listening devices, sound-protection earmuffs, fidget toys and weighted blankets. Trained service animals are also permitted as well as Emotional Support Animals on a case-by-case basis.
Science Central features 200-plus exhibits aimed to wow visitors with the magic of science and technology. You can take a ride down a two-story slide, interact with animals or learn about Earth and space through a 3D digital globe. Science Central is ringing in its 30th anniversary in 2025 with a brand-new planetarium and a new exhibition opening in January called Hubble and Webb Space Telescopes: New Views of the Universe. Developed by NASA and the Smithsonian, this exhibition features iconic Hubble images and data of planets, galaxies and many other captivating cosmic entities.
Taylor’s Cereal Bowl Kitchen: In addition to creamy milkshakes topped with all sorts of cereal, this unique dessert shop in Jeffersonville serves a sensory-inclusive experience for families with neurodivergent children. The space hosts a variety of activities that help build critical thinking and fine motor skills. Guests can choose to interact with a wide range of sensory toys, games, 3D printers and more. To build this space, owners Marshall and Donique Pence drew from their personal experience with neurodivergent loved ones as well as years of research. Their dedication earned the shop a sensory inclusion certification. They hope the store will serve as a support network for families like their own.
The Wine Shop: Sure, you can get nice and toasty with a boozy beverage here, but this space in New Albany is far more than a bar. In addition to serving non-alcoholic drinks, this is a great hangout spot or gathering place for birthdays, graduation celebrations, bridal showers, etc. The floor plan is designed with wheelchair access in mind, and the space is filled with an overall inclusive spirit. For example, its website warns people to “leave homophobia, racism and ableism at the door.”
These are just a few of the many accessible, inclusive places where you can warm up and have a wonderful time this winter.