Located about 25 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis in Hancock County is the town of Fortville, Indiana. Some people have never heard of it. Some people have heard of it but never been. Yet, some even live in Fortville and do not know about all the truly cool family fun stuff to do! Here is your official invitation to downtown Fortville. My family of four spent an entire day in Fortville and could not fit everything on my list into our day.

Sunrise Donuts

Our first stop was for breakfast at Sunrise Donuts and Coffee at 101 W. Broadway St. Fortville, IN 46040. The options were plentiful. Sunrise makes their donuts and pastries by hand. They have a fun looking cream-stuffing machine that they would not let me play with. Instead, I had a seasonally appropriate pumpkin muffin –it was HUGE and delicious! My girls devoured their frosting and sprinkle covered donuts and my husband enjoyed two wonderful glazed chocolate cake donuts! They have a huge train set up in a glass case that the kids did not want to leave. Please note that Sunrise Donuts and Coffee will be moving to 104th and Olio in Fishers in January 2020. Follow their Facebook page for up to date information

Kewpies Kloset Sewing Studio

Our second stop was Kewpies Kloset Sewing Studio at 12 Noel Ave. Fortville, IN 46040. Owner, Andrea greeted us at the door. We walked into a semi-refurbished 1930 weigh building for the mill station next door. Andrea had the building decorated with antiques, collectibles, sewing notions, and various projects she has completed. She set us up at a long table with our three year old to work on a “mommy and me” sewing project. My husband and I helped our little one make a bracelet out of buttons and folded fabric. Then she made a beautiful beaded necklace. While we were creating this together, Andrea took my seven year old to the sewing machine to teach her some sewing basics. Andrea guided my oldest with kindness and patience. They made a bracelet and a scrunchie. Each girl’s project took about an hour to complete. Kewpie’s Kloset hosts Scout troops, Girls-Night-Out events, showers, birthday parties and a variety of classes. Andrea says “Sew together, grow together” and she is right. It was a fun bonding experience that peaked an interest I did not know existed in my kids. Andrea loves to utilize upcycled fabrics in her creations and can do alterations for the locals as well. Check Kewpie’s Kloset out on Facebook for their current hours and class schedule.

Fortville ATA Black Belt Academy

Next on our list was the Fortville ATA Black Belt Academy at 225 S. Main St. Fortville, IN 46040. They offer a free trial class for first timers so of course we had to give it a go. My seven year old jumped right in. She thoroughly enjoyed the ninja warrior style warm up course. Then they dove right in to technique and drills. What a great way to work on coordination and listening skills in a structured learning environment. She loved the class and immediately begged to go again. I spoke with a couple parents of current students and they mentioned that they have noticed an increase in self-confidence and discipline. ATA Black Belt Academy offers birthday parties, after school care and camps during school, summer, spring and fall breaks. Visit their website for schedule, hours, and pricing information.

Ten West Center for the Arts

After our Taekwondo class we walked to Ten West Center for the Arts at 10 W. Church St. Fortville, IN 46040. Their mission is “to help youth stay creative” and just walking in the doors that was very clear. Ten West offer a Children’s Theatre for students ages 6-14. The Children’s Theatre puts on two shows a year and caters to all skill levels. My 7 year old is very interested and I have already emailed their director about the upcoming production. Ten West Center for the Arts also has a Youth and Adult Theatre program for those in high school through adulthood. Ten West currently has student actors from eight different school systems in Central Indiana. If your child is not interested in being on the stage, they may enjoy watching others on the stage. Check the website for show performances and ticket information.

Cortona’s Italian Cuisine & Wine Bar

For lunch, we went to Cortona’s Italian Cuisine & Wine Barat 209 S. Main St Fortville, IN 46040. They do not specifically have a kid’s menu but we love Italian and wanted to try it. It was very nice. My oldest devoured a bowl of the “create-your-own” pasta and while my three year old got a sample of everyone’s plates, she LOVED the breadsticks! The staff was very accommodating and the food was very good. My husband and I will be back for a date night soon.

Boardworks Studio

After lunch we walked to Boardworks Studio at 305 S. Main St Fortville, IN 46040. We were ready to paint some wooden signs. Donna assisted us in selecting from the pre-taped options that range from $10-$30 each. The girls had fun getting to pick their boards and paint colors. My three year old picked a horseshoe on a white board and painted it blue (Go Colts!) while my seven year old picked a more intricate design for the fall season. It was nice that the boards dried quickly and we could take them home with us. The Boardworks Studio had plenty of premade boards ready to purchase and a large upstairs area that hosts larger groups. Boardworks Studio is moving to Fishers in November 2019. Please follow their Facebook page for more information.

Libby’s Ice Cream and Gifts

After creating our newest works of art, we were ready for a treat! Libby’s Ice Cream and Gifts at 11 S. Main St. Fortville, IN 46040 Libby’s serves Sundae’s brand of hand-dipped ice cream (another area favorite), warm cider floats, and seasonally appropriate milkshakes like the monster milkshake that is bright green with a giant eyeball floating atop it. My seven year old decided on popcorn-flavored ice cream. Interesting but oddly good. The three year old settled on the tried and true vanilla while I went with a peanut butter chocolate deliciousness. The ice cream shop is set in the back behind a gift shop full of adorable local and regionally crafted items. They also have a wide selection of Mellissa and Doug toys for sale and to play with. That’s right, to play with. The girls played with the table of toys while my husband finished off the uneaten ice cream – can’t let it go to waste, right?! Follow Libby’s on Facebook to see their seasonal hours and available delicious treats.

At Home with Us

After our snack, we really wanted to make fairy gardens at At Home with Us at Indiana 202 S Main St Fortville, IN 46040. Scheduling did not work out for us but I really think the girls would love to make little gardens of their own – they love all things butterflies, flowers and whimsy. We stopped by and the store is so cute. They offer lots of home and garden décor. The studio area in the back has plenty of space and the fairy garden options for the kids are plenty with multiple sizes and price points to choose from. We will be back to create our own little gardens for the fairies soon, maybe we will see you there! Visit their Facebook page to see the shop’s special events and schedule your own workshop!

Studio 309

Another Place we wanted to visit but did not get on our schedule is Studio 309 at 309 Noel St. Fortville, IN 46040. Studio 309 reminds me of a wine and canvas art studio but with so much more. Here you can paint, sculpt, draw, take group or private lessons and celebrate anything you desire. It would be perfect for a birthday party; I think my oldest would love celebrating with her friends here! I could also see a girl’s night out with my friends or hosting a baby shower. Get pricing and contact information on their website.

Landmark Park

We capped off our day at Landmark Park at 223 E. Staat St. Fortville, IN 46040. This park is home to classic swings and a huge metal slide my kids love zipping down. Throughout the summer the park hosts a summer concert series and various holiday festivals complete with entertainment, vendors and food options. There is a cute gazebo to relax in the shade and watch the kids play.

Family Friendly Food Options in Fortville

Taxman

Fortville 29 S. Main St. Fortville, IN 46040

Panda Chinese Restaurant

21 S. Main St. Fortville IN 46040

Mozzi’s Pizza (carry out/delivery only)

23 S. Main St Fortville, IN 46040

Los Maguelles

222 S. Main St. Fortville, IN 46040

There is usually something going on every weekend in Fortville. I love their festive spirit; Treats-On-Main in October, Winterfest in December, and Forth Fest in July are always crowd pleasers. It seems like the whole town comes out to celebrate but it never feels too packed or over-crowded. Be sure to check the events page on the town’s website to keep up to date.

Did you happen to notice that most of the addresses listed in this article are on the same street? It really is a small town. You can park your car and walk everywhere. Fair warning though: there are train tracks that run right through town, you will walk (or drive) across the tracks multiple times if you follow our route. It can get loud. The kids thought it was cool. Choo Choo!