16 Fun Wheelchair Activity Ideas for Kids
As a parent of a disabled child, it can be a struggle to think of wheelchair-friendly activities for them to enjoy.
No child deserves to be left out, and there are plenty of ways to adapt modern sports, games, and tasks to be wheelchair accessible. Staying active and having fun is not only good for our cardiovascular health but our well-being, too!
This is particularly beneficial for children in wheelchairs, as active movement can help prevent their muscles from seizing up, improve digestion, and enable better gross motor skills.
Whether you’re looking for some outdoor fun or indoor games to play with your child, we’ve created a list of wheelchair-friendly activities for kids (with options for every weather!)
1. Painting and Drawing
Creativity and art are not only good for the soul, but they also help to develop your child's imagination and express themselves.
Set up an accessible art station with adaptive tools, such as pen grippers, washable paint, and large sheets of paper.
2. Clay Modelling
If your child is into creative activities, clay modelling is another fun crafts activity to enjoy with family and friends.
Purchase soft, air-dry clay or modelling dough that is easy to handle and shape. This sensory activity is perfect for calming the nervous system and giving your child something to focus on and create.
3. DIY Crafts
From bracelet making to creating collages and creating shadow puppets, there are plenty of ways to turn a rainy day into an enjoyable day indoors.
We recommended buying an arts and crafts box, so you have plenty of different opportunities to create something fun with your child.
4. Wheelchair Basketball
Whether your child loves competitive sports or is looking for a new active hobby, wheelchair-adapted basketball is ideal.
You can purchase a basketball hoop for your garden and invite your child's friends over to play or find a wheelchair-friendly basketball team for them to join.
5. Tabletop Games
Games that require little movement, such as table tennis, table football, pool, or even card games, are perfect indoor activities.
You can find game tables that are designed for kids so your child can reach in their wheelchair or adjust the legs yourself if necessary. Board games like Connect Four, Monopoly, and cards are always a great idea!
6. Wheelchair Rugby
As a lot of upper body movement is required, wheelchair rugby is ideal for children who have great upper body mobility and strength.
Rugby is perfect for kids who love action-packed games, allowing them to exert a lot of energy and get involved in team-building and friendship-making. Many adaptive sports organisations offer beginner sessions so your child can test out the sport in a safe environment.
7. Bowling
Bowling is something that most kids love to get stuck into; it’s competitive and challenging and is a great way to bond with friends and family.
All bowling alleys provide ramps to make the game wheelchair-friendly. You can even use lightweight plastic pins and balls for a mini-bowling alley experience at home. Just buy a small ramp to go with it!
8. Video Games
If your child is anything like the kids in the modern generation, then they’ll love to play video games.
This is the perfect activity for when your kids are stuck indoors, with a wide variety of games to purchase and play. For wheelchair users, VR gaming offers a unique way to explore new worlds, play exciting games, and stay active, all from the comfort of their chair.
9. Dancing
Dance is a great way for kids to express themselves, and there are many ways to make dancing a wheelchair-friendly activity.
From dance classes designed for disabled children to YouTube videos focused on inclusive dance routines, there are plenty of ways for your child to get involved. Just Dance on the Wii also has dance routines that are accessible to children in wheelchairs.
10. Learn Musical Instruments
Music is a great way for children to connect to their feelings and express them in a healthy way. It’s also a great way to bond with family and friends.
You can buy instruments that are designed to be played sitting down, such as small keyboards, flutes, or string instruments. Ukuleles or small harps can be adapted with assistive tools, making it easier for kids to strum or pluck.
11. Interactive Music and Dance Games
Interactive games, such as musical chairs with a twist, can keep your children entertained.
To make this wheelchair friendly, use markers or coloured mats as targets. Kids can move their wheelchairs to the music and stop at the closest marker when the music stops. Freeze dance is a perfect party game that everyone can play.
For smaller children, tie a parachute to their chair and wave it to the beat of the music. Add balls or other light objects for a fun and sensory experience.
12. Accessible Nature Trails
If your child loves to explore the great outdoors, then there are plenty of accessible walking trails you can find in most nature reserves.
These feature smooth surfaces and gentle slopes, allowing your child to enjoy the beautiful view and go wildlife spotting. You can make this activity more interesting by creating a scavenger hunt list of things they need to find along the trail.
13. Inclusive Playgrounds
Every child loves to play about at a playground, and that’s no different for children in wheelchairs.
Most parks now have wheelchair-accessible playground equipment, such as swings, carousels, and climbing structures. You can also find sensory panels and musical elements for children with additional needs.
14. Fishing
Does your child love wildlife? If so, fishing is the perfect way to bond with them and relax with a fun outdoor activity.
Many fishing lakes and piers have wheelchair-friendly platforms with railings for safety. You can buy lightweight rods and reels that are easy to grip and control so your child can learn a new hobby at a pace that’s perfect for them.
15. Adaptive Kayaking or Canoeing
Modern-day kayaking and canoeing now include various modifications for children with disabilities and illnesses to enjoy in a safe environment.
You can find outdoor adventure centres online that offer adaptive equipment, such as stabilisers and supportive seats. This caters to children in wheelchairs, providing modified techniques to accommodate their needs when partaking in water sports.
16. Swimming
Swimming promotes physical fitness and builds confidence, which is beneficial for children with mobility challenges.
Most public swimming pools, by law, have to include wheelchair ramps, pool lifts, and shallow areas so wheelchair users can enter safely. You can also enrol your child in adaptive swimming classes, where they can learn basic strokes, floating, or even water aerobics.
Discover the Perfect Mobility Solutions for Your Child
At Millercare, we understand the unique needs of every child and are committed to providing a wide range of high-quality paediatric mobility products.
From specialised wheelchairs to adaptive accessories, we’re here to support your child’s comfort, independence, and active lifestyle.