ACCESSIBLE SUMMER VACATIONS

By Golda Turner

   With summertime coming, many families are busily planning their vacations. No matter how many or few days you have, how many kids to squeeze into your vehicle, or what “different ability” you have to take into consideration, there are plenty of wonderful places to enjoy spending time creating special family memories.

     Though our son, Meir Efraim, has Cerebral Palsy and is wheelchair bound, we have always treated our fifteen children to a family vacation trip. We have traveled both by van and by mobile home, and have been fortunate to find many places that are family friendly, enjoyable for all ages, and reasonably accessible.

     When planning your trip, you need to take into consideration availability of Kosher food and minyan, ages and interests of your family members, and any special accommodations needed. Do you need wheelchair accessibility? Do you have a child who does not do well with too much noise and big crowds, or cannot wait long on lines? Does the attraction issue a pass which gives your special needs family member priority by letting you skip the line?

     Bear in mind that guidebooks and websites may not have accurate accessibility information. Too often, only part of an attraction is actually wheelchair accessible. It always pays to call ahead and speak to a live person who is more familiar with the individual attraction.

NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA

     Niagara Falls is an experience that is comparable to no other. The first time that we went, one son complained, “Why are we driving so many hours just to see a waterfalls? Why can’t we go somewhere fun?!?”

     Well, we not only had fun, but went back many times since then for a repeat performance.

     Though you need to have proper documentation to cross the Canadian border, it is definitely worth ‘going the extra mile’. The Falls area is beautifully landscaped, full of family friendly things to do, and mostly wheelchair accessible. Many of the attractions are located in the same general area. Many hotels have wheelchair accessible rooms, available by request. The website www.Accessibleniagara.com was a great help in planning our trip.

Kosher meals and a minyan are available in the summer season through Chabad Niagara (Rabbi Zalman Zaltzman, 905-356-7200, www.JewishNiagara.com).

Discount admissions to many attractions can be obtained through Chabad Niagara either online or at the minyan. Some coupons are available in local tourist leaflets.

     Here are some of our family favorites:

  • Niagara Falls Viewing—The entire Niagara Falls in all of its splendor can be seen from the long promenade facing the breathtaking falls. The area is a beautifully landscaped park, where you can enjoy the spectacular view, relax, jog, take beautiful pictures, and enjoy the day together. Nighttime brings the ‘illumination of the Falls’, where the Falls are bathed in changing colors of lights for your viewing pleasure.

  • Maid Of The Mist—This ship takes you for a ride up the river up and gets very close to both the American and Canadian Falls. It is an awesome experience, as it rides straight into the powerful turbulence and spray of the Falls. Be prepared--Though they hand you a souvenir disposable raincoat to wear, you will get wet! The ship is accessed through a ramp, and is wheelchair accessible. Cost is $19.75 for adults, $12.65 for children, under 5 free. 905-358-5781, www.maidofthemist.com.

  • Journey Behind The Falls—This is a ride down an elevator to tunnels carved out of the cliff behind the falls. You can actually stand in openings right behind one of the falls, and see the full power of the falling water. This wheelchair accessible attraction costs $14.95 adults, $9.95 child, under 5 free. Entrance is by the Table Rock Welcome Center. www.niagaraparks.com

  • Butterfly Conservatory—This was a favorite for all ages. It is the most fascinating feeling to have a large, colorful butterfly sit on your hand, shoulder, or head. Multiply that experience by 10, or 20, or 30, and you will get an idea of the fun we all had at the Butterfly Conservatory. In this rainforest housed in a huge, wheelchair accessible dome, over 2,000 of the most beautiful butterflies roam free, often landing on their astonished guests. Cost is $12.95 adult, $8.25 child, under 5 free. Located at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. www.niagaraparks.com/garden-trail/butterfly-conservatory.html.

  • Clifton Hill—This is the tourist area, with various small attractions of all kinds. Some are accessible, while others are not. However, be aware that the street is quite steep, and may be difficult to push up and down. www.cliftonhill.com.

  • Marineland Theme Park—This is a combination amusement park and aquarium, with something for everyone. The dolphin show is one of the best we have seen, with accessible viewing. There are also the usual whale and animal feedings, plenty of rides (some accessible), and other activities. Outside food is allowed. Cost is $42.95 adult, $35.95 child, $20.95 handicapped upon request, under 5 free. Located at 7657 Portage Rd.
    905-356-9565 www.marineland.com

  • Niagara Skywheel—A large ferris wheel located on Clifton Hill providing a view of Niagara Falls. Wheelchair accessible cars are available which have room for other passengers, too. Cost $10.99 adults, $6.99 children. Under 3 free. www.cliftonhill.com.

  • Skylon Tower—A 755 foot high observation tower on a mountain overlooking Niagara Falls. Small yellow elevators glide up the sides of the tower to the observation deck, where there is an unsurpassed view of the area. Cost $11.99 adult, $6.99 child, handicapped $5.75 for the mobility impaired who can only access the glass enclosed observation deck, not the open air deck. The basement area contains a shopping mall, arcade, and other activities. Located at 5200 Robinson St., 905-356-2651, www.skylon.com

  • Konica Minolta Tower—A 500 foot high tower with a 360 degree view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the Niagara area seen through floor to ceiling, wall to wall specially treated non-glare glass windows on the 25th floor Observation Deck. On a clear day visitors can see as far as Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Buffalo. Cost $5.00 adult, $2.50 children under 12. 905-356-1501 or 1-800-461-2492, www.niagaratower.com

As you can see, it is easy to enjoy quality time with your family this summer while building cherished memories. Differing abilities should never hold you back from having fun together. If you can dream it, you can do it!