Looking for fun things to do with a quadriplegic? Whether you’re a friend, family member, or a quadriplegic yourself, it’s important to know that life after a spinal cord injury can still be full of joy, creativity, and connection. While quadriplegia affects mobility in the arms and legs, there are still plenty of activities—both adaptive and inclusive—that make fun, fulfillment, and social engagement possible.
In this article, we’ll explore 23 fun things to do with a quadriplegic, ranging from accessible sports to artistic hobbies and tech-based games. These activities are designed to support independence, boost confidence, and most importantly—bring a little more joy into everyday life.
Fun Activities for People with Quadriplegia or Paralysis
Before we get into the activities, it’s important to understand that your loved one is so much more than their disability.
Quadriplegia refers to paralysis of the arms and legs. However, depending on the severity of one’s spinal cord injury, quadriplegia can range from mild to severe. Similarly, depending on the location of one’s SCI, quadriplegia may only affect certain parts of the arms. For example, someone with a C8 spinal cord injury may have normal shoulder, elbow, and wrist movements but experience weakness in the hands while someone with a C4 injury can be paralyzed from the neck down.
Remember, quadriplegia presents itself so differently in each individual, so don’t assume that your loved one will or will not be able to participate in a specific activity. Most activities can be adjusted so that your loved one can participate, so consider the individual’s interests and hobbies.
Without further delay, let’s jump into the activities!
1. Singing
Following a C5 or higher level spinal cord injury, individuals with quadriplegia may experience diaphragm weakness. However, singing can help increase respiratory muscle strength and control. That makes singing a form of rehab as well as a fun activity for a loved one with quadriplegia.
2. Go to the Movie Theater or Drive-In
Going to the movie theater or a drive-in theater provides a completely different experience than watching a movie from home. Whether it’s a traditional movie theater or a nostalgic drive-in, going out to see a film can be a fun and memorable outing for someone with quadriplegia.
Most modern theaters offer accessible seating, spacious aisles, and companion seats so you can sit together comfortably. If your loved one uses a power wheelchair or manual wheelchair, you can usually call ahead or book online to ensure the best spot.
Drive-in theaters are another great option, especially for those who prefer a more private setting—you can adjust the environment, bring your own snacks, and enjoy the movie under the stars.
It’s a simple yet meaningful way to enjoy quality time together.
3. Attend a Sporting Event
There’s nothing like the excitement of seeing your favorite team play in person. The crowd’s energy, the shared team spirit, and the live action make attending a game a thrilling and unifying experience. It’s a great way to bond, cheer together, and feel part of something bigger.
For individuals with quadriplegia, most stadiums offer accessible seating with great views and space for companions. These areas are designed with ease of access in mind—often near restrooms, concessions, and parking. Be sure to check in advance to reserve accessible tickets and ensure a smooth experience.
Whether it’s a major league game or a local team, attending a live sporting event is a fun thing to do with a loved one with quadriplegia.
4. Take a Scenic Stroll
Staying indoors all day can get stuffy. Consider going outside a little bit every day to get some fresh air. Especially because individuals with spinal cord injuries have a greater risk of osteoporosis, getting your daily dose of vitamin D from the sun will help keep the bones strong.
5. Have a Picnic
Another fun activity with a loved one with quadriplegia? Pack up all your favorite snacks and have a picnic! This is a great way to get a change of scenery and spend quality time together. Plus it offers an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
6. Visit a Museum, Aquarium, or Zoo
Museums offer an enriching way to explore history, art, science, and culture. If you’re more of an animal lover, aquariums and zoos can provide a fun and sensory-filled experience for a quadriplegic. In addition, many of these venues are fully wheelchair-accessible and offer companion assistance, sensory-friendly hours, and hands-on exhibits designed for all abilities.
It’s the perfect mix of fun, learning, and adventure—all in one accessible outing.
7. Check Out Your Local Farmers Market
Going to a farmers market is a completely different experience than going to your typical grocery store. There are lots of fresh and unique items, so it’s a great opportunity to be adventurous and try something new. It also provides the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the local activities which is always a bonus!
8. Throw a Social Event
A social event such as a trivia or game night draws upon the interests of the person living with quadriplegia. It provides a fun way to get friends and family together and enjoy each other’s company. You can easily adapt the setup to ensure comfort and accessibility, and even include virtual guests via video chat.
9. Bowling
Heavy objects and paralysis don’t sound like a very good match, but bowling is a fun activity that can be easily adapted for people with quadriplegia. For example, the individual could use a bowling ramp and push the ball forward.
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10. Photography
Plan a photoshoot with your loved one! Coming up with an idea, picking out scenery and outfits, staging, taking the photos, and editing them is an immersive experience that promotes creativity and helps reduce stress.
11. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding at an equestrian center that offers therapeutic riding for people with disabilities is a fun activity that can help improve balance after a spinal cord injury. One person will guide the horse while another will walk alongside the individual with quadriplegia to ensure their safety.
12. Go to the Pool
Getting into a pool is another fun activity for individuals with quadriplegia. Water has unique properties that can help promote mobility. For example, buoyancy makes you feel lighter, helps keep you afloat, and reduces pressure on the joints.
Additionally, individuals with quadriplegia can use products like noodles, floaties, belts, vests, and boogie boards for extra support.
If swimming sounds appealing to you and your loved one with quadriplegia, try to find a therapist/rehab clinic with a pool where you can get some guidance on safety before doing this on your own.
13. Handcycling
Individuals with greater mobility in their arms may enjoy handcycling. It’s just like bicycling, except you pedal with your arms. If the person with quadriplegia struggles with gripping functions, they can use special gloves and an elbow lever brake.
14. Pottery
Pottery is a fun and creative activity that individuals with quadriplegia can partake in to develop their hand functions. The resistance of the clay can help strengthen the hand muscles and improve control.
15. Paint/ Draw/ Color
Other creative activities include painting, drawing, or coloring. Individuals with quadriplegia who struggle with gripping objects can use a universal cuff. Practicing these activities can help maintain full range of motion in the wrists and improve fine motor skills.
16. Try Out the MusicGlove
The MusicGlove offers another fun activity for individuals with quadriplegia. This engaging computer/tablet game turns hand therapy into a fun, interactive experience by combining music, gaming, and rehabilitation. Designed for individuals with weakened hand function, it keeps users motivated while encouraging the high-repetition movements essential for recovery. In fact, it’s clinically proven to improve hand functions in just 2 weeks!
17. Play an Instrument
Learning to play an instrument is a great way to improve hand functions. For example, individuals can practice spreading their fingers apart and pressing the keys of a piano, or gripping onto a pair of drumsticks and beating the drums.
18. Cooking
Cooking is another fun activity that can help individuals with quadriplegia develop their upper extremity functions. For example, mixing ingredients together can help develop strength while decorating a pizza with toppings practices fine motor skills.
There are tons of adaptive cooking devices that can allow people with disabilities to do things safely in the kitchen. If you’re having trouble finding the right items, talk to your occupational therapist to get ideas.
19. Card Games
Playing card games can help someone with quadriplegia develop a wide range of motor control in their hands. Tasks can include shuffling the deck, picking a card out of a pile, or hitting a card. There are even special card holders if your loved one is having trouble holding the cards!
20. Jenga/ Board Games
Board games are a fun activity that can encourage spinal cord injury patients with quadriplegia to practice pinching their fingers together to grip small items and develop dexterity.
21. Gardening
Planting flowers, vegetables, and fruits can become a great source of purpose for many people. It offers something to look forward to and a reason to get outside every day. Similar to spinal cord injury rehabilitation, gardening requires daily commitment and patience.
If you have the means, consider getting a raised garden bed/elevated planter if your loved one is not able to reach or get down to the ground to help.
22. Try a FitMi Workout
Finally, our last fun activity for a loved one with quadriplegia is a FitMi workout. FitMi is a full-body rehab device designed to turn exercise into an interactive game—making therapy feel more like play than work. It has been clinically proven to be 3x more effective than traditional therapy alone. In addition, the FitMi adapts to your ability level and encourages you to push a little further with each session.
For individuals with quadriplegia (especially those with some upper body mobility), a FitMi workout can help stimulate movement, build strength, and improve range of motion. Best of all, you can do it from home, at your own pace—making rehab more consistent and enjoyable.
Fun Things to Do with People with Quadriplegia Are Not Limited
Finding fun things to do with your loved one with quadriplegia means thinking about what they would enjoy. As you can see, these activities can generally be enjoyed by anyone and are not limited to people with quadriplegia. As long as the individual with quadriplegia is willing to adjust, they can continue to participate in many of their favorite activities.
We hope you try some of these activities with your loved one.
