Vol. XXVI, No. 10, October 2026

A breakdown of adults ages 21-45 with and without children.

As we wrote in this enewsletter, for decades the vast majority of the community location-based entertainment industry has described itself as family entertainment. In fact, until recently, all venues were categorized as ‘family entertainment centers (FECs).' That label quietly shaped everything from attraction mixes and décor to menus, hours, and marketing. It has also fostered a costly assumption that households with children are the most valuable market and should be targeted. They are not. Adults, especially younger adults, represent a larger market, more visit occasions, and greater per-capita spending than households with children.

Here's a breakdown of the market for adults ages 21-45:

With children ages 2-12, the primary market for family-oriented FECs
With other age groups, children ages 0-1 and teenagers, the ages when parents don't typically go to entertainment centers with their children (teenagers generally go out with other teens)
Adults with no children living at home

Adults with children ages 2-12 make up only 38% of adults ages 21-45. Among adults with no children, 62% are single (31% of all adults 21-45).

Subscribe to monthly Leisure eNewsletter

Vol. XXVI, No. 10, October 2026

[ Index of Previous eNewsletters ]

Vol. XXVI, No. 10, October 2026

A breakdown of adults ages 21-45 with and without children.

Vol. XXVI, No. 10, October 2026

LOCATION-BASED LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT