Fort Wayne with Kids: A Travel Guide
Indiana is the state of corn. We have all heard that said. But do you know that one of the largest cities in Indiana is full of kid-friendly activities that have (almost) nothing to do with the farm?
Over the summer, my family and I had the opportunity to travel to Fort Wayne, the second-largest city in Indiana. Here, we stayed for the weekend with the intent of checking out as many kid-friendly activities as we could.
***Disclaimer- My family and I were invited by Visit Fort Wayne to spend a weekend touring the city’s many kid-friendly locations. Tickets to these attractions, as well as lodging at Hilton Fort Wayne, were complimentary in exchange for my honest opinion and experiences during our time in the city. All opinions you read here, however, are my own (and some of my kids as well). ***
What did we find?
That Fort Wayne has enough children-oriented locations to keep you busy for much more than a weekend, and that trying to fit it all into three days is doable, but exhausting!
Seriously, there is that much to do in Fort Wayne!
After our visit concluded, I was left in awe over just how much this city has to offer. From science and animal friends, to fun in the great outdoors, there is a little bit of everything to see. This leaves just one question.
Where do you start?
Fort Wayne Outfitters
The very first activity booked for us to enjoy on our trip to Fort Wayne was a bike ride through Fort Wayne Outfitters.
With a 9-year-old, 4-year-old, and 1-year-old, plus myself and my husband, this made me a bit nervous to say the least.
Meeting with the Fort Wayne Outfitters staff upon our arrival, however, my worries were quickly dismissed. As a matter of fact, I was in absolute awe at the ability of the staff here. Not only did they outfit my entire family in a comfortable set of biking gear, but their overall concern was to meet our skill, comfort and overall biking needs.
Once outfitted, we set out comfortably on an hour-long bike ride through the beautiful trails around Fort Wayne. Never in my life did I think I could enjoy biking so much! We were able to cross bridges, bike by the fort, and even see some beautiful church architecture up close as we progressed through our ride.
My husband was rather sad to see this part of our trip come to an end. Seeing that Fort Wayne Outfitters also had the ability to outfit water sports made him even more reluctant to leave. This is definitely a “must-do” for any Fort Wayne visitor’s list!
Crazy Mom Talk
We set aside a morning for this trip, which seemed to be just about the right amount of time. Plan to be at the location for about 20-30 minutes before beginning your ride to be outfitted. These guys are meticulous with safety and want to ensure you are on the proper equipment for your crew. Allowing ample time for them to do that just makes everyone’s life easier.
Also, be sure to ask questions about the map if you are uncertain about directions when explained. We wound up lost on more than one occasion because we should have asked just a few more questions. All in all, though, this trip was awesome!
Science Central
Looking to get your kiddo out from in front of the screen, and into the science? Then Science Central in downtown Fort Wayne is the place for you!
During our trip, we spent an afternoon exploring this interactive science center. We were pleased to find activities for every age here. From a top rail bicycle that allowed Addi to ride 25 ft in the air, to a house that kept Brendan falling from wall to wall. To say my kids had a blast would be an understatement. Even Ellie enjoyed herself playing in the water tables in Kid Central, a space designed specifically for kiddos 7 & under to explore.
Science Central also hosts touring exhibits, like the Into the Dark exhibit highlighting all the creatures nocturnal that were there during our visit. The location also hosts the first of its kind “Science on a Sphere” exhibit, allowing you to view the world in a unique, new way.
Crazy Mom Talk
Overall, we were impressed by the exhibits Science Central had to offer for the size of their location. Pro tip to moms out there, however, be mindful that the giant slide featured at this location has a height requirement for safety reasons. This totally caused us a small meltdown from my four-year-old who simply saw a slide mom said “No” to.
While a family with one child, or even similarly aged children could easily spend all day playing and learning here, my crew was a bit too much of a spread. (My younger kids needed more time to process exhibits, while my oldest was running from one to the next.) Thus, we spent an afternoon here comfortably, though I do not know if I would have pushed it much past that.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
A zoo, is a zoo, is a zoo, right? Wrong!
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo was a zoo that went above and beyond our expectations. Not only did it provide our children with the opportunity to see a vast array of animals up close and personal, but it also educated them along the way! From interactive signs and props to Keeper Chat where the kids got to chat with the keepers of the birds and beasts, learning fun was everywhere!
Outside of the learning, however, my kids were also able to get in on some fun and unique experiences of their own! On the African Journey, Addi and Brendan were able to feed giraffes as they came to explore the kids on a raised platform above their exhibit. (Ellie screamed through this…apparently the giraffes are NOT her favorite.)
On the Australian Adventure, the kids got up close and personal, petting southern stingrays as they swam past.
And in the Central Zoo, all three kiddos enjoyed a farm away from their own at home! At the Indiana Family Farm, we were able to pet and play with all sorts of barnyard friends.
Crazy Mom Talk
You could totally spend a whole day at this zoo if the weather cooperates. There are several play areas, as well as a small, shallow man-made creek area for your kids to play, that will give them a break from the animals throughout the day and a place to run off the wiggles.
Also to be noted, this zoo hosts a variety of ride experiences to keep you on your toes! From a skylift that will give you a rather unique view of the zoo, to a carousel featuring only endangered species, there is a fun extra for everyone in your crew to be found here. Just be prepared, these experiences will cost you a bit extra.
Fort Wayne Botanical Conservatory
Normally when I think of places to take my kids exploring in a new city, a botanical garden would not be the first thing to come to my mind. The Botanical Conservatory of Fort Wayne however, had kids at the top of their priority list.
Walking into the Botanical Conservatory to begin our self-guided tour, the first area that you walk through is one that is devoted entirely to youth. With a large, interactive tree, a reading nook, a playhouse, coloring, and more, this area is a nice way to engage with your kids in an educational setting.
Upon entering the gardens, we found that the fun for the kids did not end!
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During our visit, there was a beautiful butterfly exhibit that featured butterflies from all over the world. A few minutes inside of the enclosure, the kids found themselves fascinated by the different colors and sizes of these delicate creatures.
Throughout the rest of the gardens, we discovered cactus plants of all shapes and sizes, beautiful flowers, small trees, and even a waterfall! Once outside, my children were able to skip along the spacious outdoor patios while enjoying the shrubs, trees, and even goldfish!
Crazy Mom Talk
In between a couple of the indoor garden’s, there is an additional play area complete with a slide and tunnels for the kids. This must have been strategically placed, as it was the one thing that kept me from losing it when the kids wanted to touch EVERYTHING in the previous garden. It makes for a nice break in between gardens and gives you a moment to remind yourself that your kids a discovering in the garden too, even though they are trying to trample your nerves in the process.
Also, there is an AMAZING bee exhibit located in the Botanical Conservatory. This exhibit gives a rather unique look at the life of a honey bee and was very cool to see it up close. (Even though bees totally creep me out!) If you are making a visit to the conservatory, make sure you do not miss seeing this!
While the conservatory was a very unique experience for my kids, this was another one that I would only intend on spending a couple of hours exploring. The gardens are absolutely stunning, however, start to look like a playground to young minds left to idle for too long. Overall, however, we rather enjoyed our time at this location.
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
When it comes to taking my kids new places, in the past I have avoided the word “museum” unless “children” immediately proceeded it. After a visit with my kids to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, never will I land in this mindset again.
This trip was the highlight to our Fort Wayne adventure for my oldest, who was absolutely fascinated by the galleries of artwork. Our favorite exhibit by far, was Kirsty Mitchell’s Wonderland, which transported you into a storybook world through her breathtaking photographs.
Also a major interest to my kids was the numerous sculptures found on the patio, and outside of the museum. Crafted using different materials, each one was unique and inspiring to view.
We were also able to check out the Early Learning Center in the museum, which was an added delight. This area was a great resource for the kids to wind down and process the pieces they had just seen. Here they could also create their own masterpiece, using the center’s Draw area. There are also areas for your kiddo to build, read, and simply learn about age-appropriate artists.
Crazy Mom Talk
Be mindful when progressing through this museum, that art is expressed in many forms, and every piece may not be appropriate for your children. During our visit, there was a specific exhibit in which several pieces became learning opportunities for my 9-year-old, who can read. (Some moms would have regarded these as inappropriate or vulgar.) Knowing how to handle these conversations is a must.
Each artist in this world shares their view of the world in a different light. Thus, their pieces all reflect these views in drastically different ways. I mean, how different is this lesson from how different people progress through life in other careers differently?
Tin Caps Game at Parkview Field
Summer is for baseball, right?
Ok, so truth. Prior to attending a Tin Caps game at Parkview Field during our Fort Wayne trip, I had never been to a baseball game. (Let alone had I taken my kids to one.)
What I found attending an evening game with my kids however, is that baseball is actually a ton of fun!
Aside from just watching the sports side of the game, the Tin Caps work hard to engage the audience throughout the event! From little games for all ages between innings to the quirky-themed nights for each game (our game was 80’s night), there is entertainment to go around!
Plus, games here are an incredibly affordable event, and you can get in for less than it will cost your family to go to the movies!
Crazy Mom Talk
Worried your kids will get restless sitting in the stadium seats throughout the game? (I was!)
Luckily, these guys have thought of everything!
In the stadium, there is a large fountain where kids gather to play, while the pro’s do their thing. Make sure to dress your kids in their swimsuits underneath their clothes, and take them through a run through the fountain before the end of the night!
So what was our impression overall?
If you live in the Midwest, Fort Wayne is a city I recommend taking your kids too. Quite honestly, it is one of the more kid friendly cities I have been to in Indiana when it comes to activities for your little ones. Our kids not only enjoyed themselves here, but continue to ask when we will be returning.
If you live in Fort Wayne (or in the surrounding areas) and you have not been to one or more of these locations, then you are seriously missing out! With locations such as these, there are so many fun and educational opportunities to be had.
SO WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Seriously mama, start planning your trip today! If you have additional questions, the staff over at the Fort Wayne Visitors Center would love to help you out! Give them a call at (260) 424-3700 and let them help you schedule your getaway today.
Needing info on where to eat, snack, and stay while you are in Fort Wayne? Be on the lookout for my follow-up post that will be highlighting all of this and more! Until then, safe travels.
