Summer vacation never seems long enough, especially when your to-do list is miles long. Fort Wayne, Indiana, is full of fun, family-friendly options to help assure that your kids think back to the summer of 2024 with nothing but smiles and good memories.

Savor Your Last Weekend of Summer in Fort Wayne!

Downtown Fort Wayne Skyline Drone Photo - Fort Wayne, IN

The Best Back to School Activities in Fort Wayne

1. Trek through Fort Wayne's Trails

Take to the trails and explore more than 140 miles of hiking, biking, and paddling along Fort Wayne’s network of trails and rivers. Discover parks, preserves, wetlands, and fun activities along the way! Use the free Fort Wayne Outdoor Pass to help guide you on a tour of the these gorgeous trails.

Crowd at Taste of the Arts

2. Wander your favorite festival

Headwaters Park turns into festival central during the summertime. Depending on your schedule and interest, there’s sure to be one perfect for your family.

Local favorites include the Three Rivers Festival in July, Dragon Boat Races in August, and Taste of the Arts later in August.

3. Go to a TinCaps game

Parkview Field took home the MiLB Best of the Ballparks 2018 fan vote on Ballpark Digest and continues to deliver amazing experiences year after year. For an ideal family night, opt for the lawn seats. Tickets come as low as $7 each, and the seats are perfect for families with small kids.

Science1-357

4. Play at Science Central

When the weather is too hot to deal with, step indoors at Science Central and have a blast in the process. From a giant slide and engaging demos to water-play activities, Science Central offers something for kids—or adults—of any age.

Log ride at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo in Fort Wayne, Indiana

5. Visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

It’s on every summer must-hit list because it is, simply, a must hit. There’s a reason TripAdvisor named it one of the top 10 best zoos in the country with Red Panda Ridge ranking as a Top 10 exhibit. 2024 is the zoo’s 59th anniversary. Take a look at their ticket calendar for general admission and specially priced visiting windows.

Hot caramel sundae with peanut butter and pecans at DeBrand Fine Chocolates

6. Tour DeBrand Fine Chocolates

Get in out of the heat and learn all about how Fort Wayne’s favorite chocolate comes to be. After the DeBrand Fine Chocolates 30- to 45-minute tour, stick around and indulge in one of the chocolatier’s towering sundaes. Tours run $10 per person and include a $10 rebate off a $20 purchase.

10105 Auburn Park Dr.

This post was originally published in May 2021 and has been updated.