6 Top Wheelchair Accessible Date Ideas in Denver, Colorado

Check out the best wheelchair-accessible date ideas in Denver, Colorado, and how planning ahead ensures the most unforgettable and romantic date possible.  

Picking out perfect wheelchair-accessible date ideas is an exciting prospect with many different possibilities. Luckily for Denver residents, the city offers the perfect backdrop for a whole range of different wheelchair-accessible dates that are bound to offer memorable and successful first (and subsequent!) dates.

Wheelchair-accessible dates require a little prior planning to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Thorough research and the right plan will allow you both to shine on your special day.

1. Rock Out at Red Rocks Amphitheater

18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465

Red Rocks Amphitheater is a stunning open-air amphitheater nestled within dramatic sandstone rock formations. This breathtaking venue welcomes some of the biggest names in live music and offers a unique experience for anyone looking for an impressive first-date experience.

Rows 1 and 70 of the venue are both wheelchair accessible but be sure to choose an accessible seat when you purchase your ticket. Be aware that exchanging regular seats for wheelchair-accessible seats is only subject to availability. Wheelchair users can purchase up to a maximum of three companion seats too; more than enough for you and your date.

Are Wheelchairs Available to Rent at the Venue?

Red Rocks Amphitheater doesn’t offer wheelchair rentals. Visitors from outside of Denver may wish to consider a power wheelchair rental from a specialist in mobility devices. Companies at the forefront of the industry like Mobility Plus Colorado deliver to any address in Colorado, meaning you can pick up your wheelchair or motorized scooter at the venue or your accommodation. They’ll even pick up your device again after your date!

2. Catch a Game at Ball Arena

1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204, United States

Ball Arena is a sporting venue home to the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Mammoth. Catching a game is an awesome date idea for sports-mad couples, offering a mix of adrenaline, competition, and (of course!) snacks.

The arena offers accessible seating on all levels. Accessible seating is well connected with arena entrances, restrooms, concessions stands, and other areas of the arena. Look out for seating in section 200 as it includes Club Level, bleacher seats, and wait service. Otherwise, accessible or disabled seating offers great views of the court throughout the arena. 

Note that Ball Arena doesn’t offer general admission, meaning all seats are ticketed. Take special care to select an accessible seat when purchasing your tickets.

ADA Parking Spaces at the Ball Arena

The Ball Arena offers more than 100 standard ADA parking spaces plus 11 accessible spaces for vans. It’s wise to get to the arena in good time as these spaces are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. The Classic Movie Date Night

A movie night is a classic date night plan, and with good reason. Movies offer a pressure-free plan for nervous first dates and give the couple a good icebreaker to get the conversation flowing.

Many theaters in Denver provide designated wheelchair seating alongside companion seats. This means you and your date are free to enjoy the movie with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. Throw in some popcorn, candy, and a drink and you have the ingredients for a perfect date.

4. Breathe In the Fresh Air at Denver’s Local Parks

Denver boasts several parks that offer excellent accessibility for a wheelchair-friendly date. Some of the top picks include:

1. City Park

City Park is one of Denver’s largest urban parks. Enjoy the miles of paved pathways perfect for leisurely strolls and rolls plus its beautiful lakes, gardens, and scenic views of the Denver skyline and the mountains.

The park is also home to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Denver Zoo (both of which are wheelchair accessible) if the date is going well and you wish to extend it with another activity! Accessible restrooms are available throughout the park.

2. Washington Park

Washington Park features paved paths surrounding two lakes, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience for wheelchair users. The park is known for its beautiful flower gardens, particularly the flower beds surrounding the boat house. The park provides accessible bathrooms for wheelchair users plus picturesque picnic areas, two large lakes, and beautiful views.

3. Cheesman Park

Cheesman Park offers paved pathways and beautiful views of the city skyline and the mountains. You’ll love the historic pavilion and well-maintained grounds, the perfect space for a sunny date that takes in the sights and sounds of the city with a chill vibe.

5. Get Retro at the Bowling Alley

Denver’s bowling alleys serve up a perfect retro-inspired date night for fun-loving couples looking for a little competition. Modern bowling alleys are usually designed with accessibility in mind. Look out for venues that offer ramps, level entrances, and spacious lanes that make it easy for wheelchair users to navigate the environment. Most alleys will also offer bowling ramps or other devices to help wheelchair users easily roll the ball down the lane.

Bowling alleys often have a lively, energetic atmosphere with music, lights, and a sense of camaraderie. All of these contribute to a fun and memorable date experience. Most venues also have food and drink options, providing an opportunity to relax and socialize after the game.

Always call ahead or check online to make sure your chosen bowling alley offers wheelchair-accessible options.

Bowling: Ideal for a First Date

Bowling is a great idea for a first date as it’s the perfect ice breaker. Bowling alleys are places where the emphasis on simply having fun creates a lighthearted atmosphere and little scope for awkwardness! Many shyer couples will also appreciate having an activity to focus on and talk about, taking the pressure off couples to constantly look at and interact with each other.

Bowling is also a great way to get an insight into your potential partner’s personality. Sports or competitive activities often reveal things like how someone reacts to winning or losing, their sense of humor, or how they encourage other people.

6. Go on a Voyage of Discovery at Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf Denver is an immersive, interactive art experience. Their mind-bending multimedia and immersive art installations make this much more than your traditional art museum. Rather, it’s a walk-through, explorable environment where you become part of the art.  

All the exhibitions at Meow Wolf meet the accessibility standards set by the ADA and are navigable by wheelchair users. That said, some of the exhibition floors may require more guidance from the exhibition’s staff. But don’t fear; taking different paths through the installations may even lead to new and unexpected discoveries!

The museum even offers 2-3 manual wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Let Your Personality Do the Talking in Romantic Denver

Dates aren’t always easy to navigate, and planning around wheelchair access can seem like an added obstacle to your perfect day or night out. However, Denver offers a wide range of options to make fairy-tale dates a reality.

The best wheelchair-accessible date plans will allow you both to feel comfortable enough to let your personalities shine through and enjoy your date’s company completely at ease. Let beautiful Denver be the setting for a romantic date you’ll remember for years to come.