Only In Your State recently highlighted Fort Wayne as "the best family-friendly getaway in the Midwest" after a visit from writer, Sarah McCosham. From our accessibility, parks, museums, restaurants, and nationally acclaimed Zoo, the McCosham family did it all and has a jam-packed itinerary to share with you.

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What Only In Your State Loved About Fort Wayne

"From beautiful parks and indoor entertainment to impressive museums and a fabulous food scene, there's no shortage of family-friendly things to do in Fort Wayne, Indiana."

Combat area at Lazer X showing laser beams and multi level barriers and structures

Midwest's Largest Laser Tag and Arcade

Sarah and her family visited Lazer X, the Midwest's largest laser tag and arcade for hours of entertainment and fun. Crazy Pinz finished the experience with 80,000 sq ft of family fun like bowling, indoor go-karts, a ropes course, and mini golf. 

Visitors view sea lions and harbor seals through large glass panels at the Coastal Cove exhibit at the Fort Wayne Zoo, featuring shaded walkways and rock formations.

Accessible Parks, Zoo, and Preserves

Fort Wayne is known for its miles of trails and beautiful parks systems. Sarah's family recommends these three from their visit:

  • LC Nature Park: "a total treasure" for trails, preserved natural environments, and the wild bison and elk
  • Fort Wayne Zoo: an impressive variety of animals from dingos and Tasmanian devils to the reptile and amphibian house
  • Promenade Park: "Fort Wayne's most glorious crown jewel" featuring a river walk, access to the wider trail system, amphitheatre, kayaking, boat rides, and more.

exterior of science central science museum at night

Science Museum

Science Central was deemed a "STEAM powerhouse" on their trip with its incredible, immersive exhibits and accessible, hands on stations and experiments for kids.

The new lobby of the Arts United Center Education Wing

Arts and Theatre Options

The family enjoyed a production of Footloose by the Civic Theatre at the Arts United Center in downtown Fort Wayne and noted the intentionality of accessible and inclusive spaces as well as the universal design for all audiences and performers. If you're into theater or live events, they recommend scheduling your trip around the Civic Theatre's performance calendar for this outstanding experience.

Next stop, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art—"world class and quite possibly one of Indiana's most captivating hidden gems." Sarah's family loved the wide variety of mediums displayed throughout this modern museum from the nearly 8,000 American paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs to the stunning permanent glass exhibit.

Cake at Moo-Over in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Food Scene

As a vegetarian family, Sarah was happy to find so many options for varied diets throughout Fort Wayne. Her family visited:

  • Loving Cafe - "a plant-based restaurant full of delicious options (my oldest loved the Impossible Burger and the fries were addicting"
  • Three Fires Pizza - "a huge hit with the kids"
  • Moo Over - "an all-vegan ice cream shop"
  • Hop River Brewing - "the Vegan Loaded Tots were 100% kid tested and approved"
  • Nawa - a favorite for the adults—"the curries were exceptional"
  • YLNI Farmers Indoor Market - "one of my favorite hacks when traveling with kids is visiting local farmers markets. I love supporting local growers and artisans, and can easily build a meal out of fresh produce." This indoor market transitions to outdoor in the summer known as the YLNI Barr Street Market, voted the #1 Farmers Market in the State!

Bottom Line

"For a fun and affordable place for a family-friendly vacation in the Midwest, Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a destination that checks all of the boxes and will absolutely impress you. In terms of variety of accessible activities and attractions with all-ages appeal, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more charming Midwest getaway."

Explore More of Fort Wayne

Sarah's itinerary was packed, but here are a few more recommendations to make the most of a family-friendly getaway to Fort Wayne.

The Fairfield in downtown Fort Wayne is a new family favorite with food and fun all in one place. Pinhouse Social on the main floor offers duckpin bowling and a full menu, while Urban Golf on the second floor features golf simulators (with more games than just golf!) and another full menu of food offerings.

Allen County and Fort Wayne parks and trails systems offer more than 140 miles of trails connecting neighborhoods to urban life to rural escapes.

Fort Wayne has been growing in national attention as a destination for people of all abilities. Known for Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities, the 4th largest Paralympic training site in the country, Fort Wayne has surged ahead in amenities for residents and visitors with disabilities. Learn more about Fort Wayne's growth in universal design and accessible offerings here.

For more arts and entertainment, the Fort Wayne Ballet offers a family series that focuses on shorter performance times, audience engagement, and pre or post-show activities for kids. See this season's schedule here.

Arlin Graff River Otter Mural

The public art in Fort Wayne is unmatched for volume, quality, variety, and beauty! Gamify exploring each piece with the Fort Wayne Public Art Trail, a free mobile pass that guides you through Allen County's public art pieces and earns you prizes along the way!

Find one of the many family-friendly hotel stays in Fort Wayne like the Hilton Garden Inn North where Sarah stayed for an on-site pool, free parking, and close access to family recreation like Lazer X, Crazy Pinz, and Combat Ops to the Fort Wayne Zoo, playgrounds, trailheads, shopping, dining, and more. Find all of the best hotel options at VisitFortWayne.com/Hotels.

See why national media is taking notice of our destination, and start planning your Fort Wayne getaway today!