How to Have a Backyard Adventure Without Leaving Your Wheelchair

A woman in a wheelchair smiles outdoors in a garden with trees and colorful bunting. She wears sunglasses, a white top, and has a tattoo on her arm and a wrist brace.

Adventure doesn’t have to mean getting in a car or hopping on a plane. Sometimes, the best place to explore is right outside your own back door. With a little imagination, your backyard can become a place to relax, create and connect with nature, all from the comfort of your wheelchair.

With the right home accessibility tools in place, getting outdoors can be easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re using a ramp, porch lift or a smooth outdoor path, your adventure starts just a few feet from your door.

Turn Your Yard into a Campsite

A backyard campout is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. You can set up a tent or shaded space with blankets, bring out snacks, and play music or tell stories under the stars. If you want to get extra cozy, use a fire pit or tabletop s’mores maker for a treat. Add string lights or lanterns for a classic “camp vibe.”

Having a ramp or porch lift can make it easier to get in and out of your home safely, especially if you’re bringing along blankets, snacks or camping gear. Many families choose to install a portable ramp or outdoor stairlift for smooth, daily access to the yard.

Grow a Garden That’s Within Reach

Gardening is a peaceful and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all abilities. Raised garden beds or large planters set at the right height make it easy to plant, water, and harvest from your wheelchair. Herbs, vegetables, flowers — you choose what brings you joy.

If your backyard has uneven terrain, an accessible pathway or ground-level deck can make rolling around the garden safer and smoother. Adaptive gardening tools with longer handles or soft grips can provide you with better control as you work.

Host a Backyard Movie Night

Turn your outdoor space into your own open-air theater. A basic projector and a white sheet or screen are all you need to watch your favorite movies under the stars. Add snacks, drinks and comfy seating for a perfect night in.

Having accessible paths or deck space allows you and your guests to move around comfortably, no matter your mobility level. A ramp leading to a patio or deck helps make sure no one is left out of the fun.

Explore with a Scavenger Hunt

A backyard scavenger hunt is a great way to add excitement to your day. Make a list of things to find, like a smooth rock, a bird or something colorful. You can play on your own or with friends and family.

To make it easier to explore, consider creating a level path through your yard. MobilityWorks offers solutions like outdoor ramp systems and nonslip surfaces that make it easier to enjoy your space without obstacles.

Relax and Take in the Outdoors

Sometimes the best adventures are the simple ones, like sitting outside, breathing in fresh air and watching the world around you. Bring out a book, some music, or a cool drink, and enjoy the moment.

If getting outside is a daily challenge, small accessibility upgrades like threshold ramps can make a big difference. When your outdoor space is easy to reach, it becomes a true part of your home.

Make Every Day an Adventure

You don’t need to go far to enjoy the outdoors. Your backyard has everything you need for fun, peace, and connection, especially when it’s set up with your needs in mind. Whether you’re planting a garden, watching a movie or enjoying a quiet moment under the sky, the right home accessibility tools can help you get there with confidence.

Need help making your home and backyard more accessible?

MobilityWorks offers a variety of home solutions, from ramps and porch lifts to outdoor mobility aids, to help you live more independently and enjoy every part of your home, inside and out.