9 Wheelchair-Accessible Things to Do in NYC, Westchester, and Long Island This August 2026

Summer is still going strong! There is still plenty of time to get outside, spend time with family, enjoy the sunshine, and make a few more summer memories before fall arrives. From peaceful gardens and exciting museums to beach days, live music, and family attractions, there are many wonderful wheelchair-accessible places to visit throughout New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island this August.

1. Enjoy the Flowers at the Conservatory Garden

Location: Central Park, Manhattan

Sometimes you do not need a packed schedule to have a wonderful day. A peaceful garden, beautiful flowers, and good company can be more than enough.

The Conservatory Garden is Central Park’s formal garden, featuring fountains, colorful flowers, landscaped lawns, and quiet places to sit and enjoy the view. The wheelchair-accessible entrance is located at the North Gate near Fifth Avenue and 105th Street.

The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk. Guided Conservatory Garden tours are also scheduled during August, but advance registration may be required.

Plan your visit: Central Park Conservatory Garden

Bring a bottle of water, take your time, and do not forget your camera. It is a beautiful place for couples, families, seniors, and caregivers looking for a relaxing afternoon.

2. Explore Art and History at The Met

Location: Fifth Avenue, Manhattan

When the August heat becomes too much—or when summer rain changes your plans—The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a great place to spend the day indoors.

The museum is filled with paintings, sculptures, fashion, musical instruments, and historical objects from around the world. Instead of trying to see the entire museum, choose one or two galleries that interest you and enjoy them without rushing.

The Met offers step-free access, accessible restrooms, elevators, and manual wheelchairs that visitors may borrow from the coat check at the 81st Street entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessibility and visitor information: Accessibility at The Met

Take breaks, enjoy lunch or a snack, and explore the museum at your own pace. A fun day out should never feel like a race.

3. Visit the Animals at the Bronx Zoo

Location: The Bronx

The Bronx Zoo can turn an ordinary August day into a family adventure.

Many public areas welcome guests using manual and power-driven wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and other mobility devices. Several exhibits and experiences are accessible by ramps, and the zoo provides additional information to help visitors plan the most comfortable route.

Because the Bronx Zoo is large and some areas can be hilly, it helps to decide which animals and exhibits you most want to see before arriving. Give yourself plenty of time for breaks, food, and water.

Accessibility information: Bronx Zoo Accessibility Guide

Pack sunscreen, stay hydrated, and make sure your phone is charged for all those animal pictures.

4. Find a Free Summer Event in an NYC Park

Location: Parks throughout New York City

New York City parks are filled with activity during August 2026.

Depending on the day and location, you may find free concerts, outdoor movies, story times, arts and crafts, fitness activities, educational programs, and family events. The NYC Parks calendar identifies activities taking place at accessible locations, making it easier to find an event that works for your family.

See upcoming events: NYC Parks Events Calendar

Before leaving home, check the individual event page for information about the location, pathways, seating, accessible restrooms, and weather-related cancellations.

Pack a small picnic, invite a friend, and enjoy some free summer fun in the city.

5. Visit Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers

Location: Yonkers, Westchester County

Untermyer Gardens is one of Westchester’s most beautiful places to visit during the summer.

The gardens feature colorful plants, fountains, stonework, peaceful pathways, and views overlooking the Hudson River. Admission is free, and the gardens are open daily.

The path leading to the Walled Garden and the paths inside it are generally flat and covered with stone dust. There are also ramps providing access to parts of the Walled Garden, accessible parking spaces, and restroom stalls. Other areas of the property can be steep, so visitors may wish to focus their outing around the Walled Garden.

Hours, directions, and accessibility: Visit Untermyer Gardens

Bring your camera because there seems to be a beautiful photo opportunity around every corner.

6. Listen to Live Music in Westchester

Location: Communities throughout Westchester County

There is something special about listening to live music outside on a warm summer evening.

Throughout August 2026, communities across Westchester are hosting concerts, dance performances, workshops, family programs, and other arts events. Arts Westchester’s calendar includes activities in White Plains, New Rochelle, Peekskill, and other nearby communities.

Explore August events: ArtsWestchester Events Calendar

Accessibility may vary depending on the venue, especially when an event is held outdoors. Contact the organizer before attending to ask about wheelchair seating, parking, entrances, restrooms, and ground surfaces.

Arrive early, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy the music with family or friends.

7. Roll Along the Jones Beach Boardwalk

Location: Wantagh, Long Island

A New York summer does not feel complete without at least one day near the ocean.

Jones Beach offers a long boardwalk, ocean views, picnic areas, and plenty of space to enjoy the beach atmosphere. Even when you do not plan to swim, rolling along the boardwalk, enjoying a snack, and feeling the ocean breeze can make for a perfect August outing.

At Zach’s Bay, beach wheelchairs may be available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors should ask the lifeguards or beach attendants about availability when they arrive.

Park and accessibility information: Jones Beach State Park

Call the park before your trip to confirm current beach conditions, accessible facilities, and equipment availability.

8. Discover Sea Life at Long Island Aquarium

Location: Riverhead, Long Island

The Long Island Aquarium is a fun choice for a hot, rainy, or unpredictable August day.

Visitors can see sharks, penguins, sea lions, colorful fish, and many other marine animals. The aquarium provides accessibility information for guests with disabilities and allows trained service animals in public areas in accordance with its policies.

Plan an accessible visit: Long Island Aquarium Accessibility Information

The aquarium is a great destination for children, grandparents, caregivers, and multigenerational families. Afterward, you can enjoy lunch or explore more of Riverhead.

Check the aquarium’s hours, admission prices, and daily schedule before leaving home.

9. Enjoy the Shore at Robert Moses State Park

Location: Babylon, Long Island

Robert Moses State Park is another beautiful place to enjoy Long Island’s coastline.

The park has nearly five miles of shoreline, along with picnic areas, a boardwalk, playground space, and ocean views. Beach wheelchairs are available at First Aid offices at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. During the summer season, mobility mats are available at Fields 2, 3, and 5 to provide easier beach access.

Park and accessibility information: Robert Moses State Park

Even when you stay near the boardwalk or picnic area, you can still enjoy the sunshine, ocean breeze, and sound of the waves.

A beach day is not only about swimming. It is about relaxing, laughing, and spending time with the people who matter most.

Do Not Let Summer Pass You By

Planning a wheelchair-accessible outing can sometimes feel stressful. You may worry about transportation, parking, entrances, restrooms, or how far you will need to travel once you arrive.

But with a little planning and the right support, a wonderful day out is possible.

Choose a destination that feels comfortable, review its accessibility information, and call ahead when you have questions. Give yourself plenty of time, take breaks when needed, and do not feel pressured to fit too much into one day.

The goal is not to do everything.

The goal is to enjoy the moment and make a memory.

Let Ride A WAV Help You Get There

Ride A WAV provides caring and dependable wheelchair-accessible transportation throughout New York City, Westchester County, Long Island, the Bronx, and surrounding areas.

We can take you to much more than a doctor’s appointment. We are here for beach trips, museums, family dinners, shopping, concerts, sporting events, weddings, airport transportation, and all the places that make life more enjoyable.

Our professional drivers are trained to safely secure wheelchairs and assist passengers with patience, respect, and care.

You choose where you would like to go. We will help you get there safely and comfortably.

Call Ride A WAV at 914-339-6005 or book your wheelchair-accessible ride online.

Ride A WAV — Moving People Forward.

Accessibility features, operating hours, event schedules, admission prices, beach equipment, and weather policies can change. Please check the destination’s official website or contact the location directly before visiting.