If you’re staying overnight, I would recommend staying downtown. The wide sidewalks make getting around by foot or chair easy, especially on a beautiful day. The downtown hotels are central to many amenities and everything else is just a short drive away.
Accessible Activities in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Promenade Park
Promenade Park is a one-of-a-kind park that joins our natural rivers to our thriving urban center and is your destination for recreation, arts, and culture. Plus, it is one of Fort Wayne's most disability-inclusive parks with wheelchair friendly trails, an accessible kayak/canoe launch, smooth transitions from sidewalk to grass, sensory experiences, and an accessible playground. Learn more about how Promenade Park is a park for everyone here.
Make sure you take advantage of our many trails as they are accessible as well.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
At the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, a KultureCity.org Sensory InclusiveTM Certified Venue, kids can get nose to nose with a goat, families can explore a misty jungle trail, and watch giraffes roam a vast grassy hillside. The Zoo is internationally recognized for its innovative displays, award-winning animal exhibits, and well-manicured grounds. Pathways in the zoo can be accessed smoothly with a wheelchair and there are designated areas available for families to go if they need a quiet place to rest.
Learn more about new exhibits and other accessibility features at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.
TinCaps Baseball Game
Going to a Fort Wayne TinCaps game is a summer favorite for residents and visitors alike. Since 2011, AWS Foundation has collaborated with the TinCaps to host local disability service providers at a day game. Over 1,000 individuals with disabilities, families, and caregivers come together on one day for the joy of baseball. Because of this yearly event, staff at the award-winning Parkview Field understand the needs of various types of disabilities and how to accommodate. With ample space for wheelchairs, sensory kits, and accessible seating, you can’t go wrong with a TinCaps Baseball game.
Discover what other accessibility features Parkview Field has to offer!
Taylor’s Dream
Indiana’s first Boundless Playground, Taylor’s Dream, is nestled in Kreager Park. You will love this beautiful playground accessible to all. The accessible playground surface type is engineered wood fiber for easy wheelchair use and there is also wheelchair charging available. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes because the splash pad will be hard to resist!
Learn more about all of the amazing features at Taylor's Dream!
Science Central
Spark your imagination at Science Central! Home to more than 200 hands-on exhibits, all but one, the Confusion Illusion Room, are accessible. The Demonstration Theater has voice-to-text and back-support bleacher chairs and wheelchair accessible seating for science programs. Science Central hosts regular Disability Days events when modifications are made to the building, exhibits, and staffing to make the visit more enjoyable for all. Each day includes special programming to provide fun, science education for participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Learn more about all the fun Science Central has to offer!
Note: The next two attractions may require medical information from your doctor to participate. Consult the organization before visiting, but trust me, it will be worth the effort.
Turnstone
I can’t talk about disability-friendly attractions in Fort Wayne without mentioning Turnstone. Their state of the art Plassman Center boasts adaptive exercise equipment and a warm-water pool with accommodations for users of all abilities.
Even if you don’t want to use their facility, call and ask for a tour. You can also check out their events calendar to maybe catch an adaptive sports tournament.
Camp Red Cedar
No, I’m not suggesting a week at camp (though if your child is interested, definitely check it out). In addition to the camps, Camp Red Cedar offers individual horseback riding sessions that can accommodate all abilities.
Horseback riding can be therapeutic for people with disabilities, plus it is so much fun! All skill levels are welcome, and you can sign up for one or multiple private sessions.
These are just a few examples of what Fort Wayne, Indiana has to offer for people of all abilities. Don’t be afraid to try something new on your next visit to Fort Wayne, Indiana, you may find a new passion.
