The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo has won many accolades over the years, and locals can tell you why. It's hard to think of a better place to spend a day, whether you have a bunch of kids with you, you are on your own, or visiting with a friend.

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During your next visit, here are the highlights you can't miss! Enjoy the "best of the best" in all four areas of the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo!

Girl with Sea Lion at Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

The Best Things to Do at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

Central Zoo

Best Ride

After you've spent a while on your feet, a ride on the Z.O.&O. Railroad is a must. Its path around the Zoo and its surrounding areas offers refreshment on a hot day, and it's interesting to view parts of the Zoo you don't see on a typical visit. Enjoy the lake, and look closely — you may spy a dinosaur hidden in the trees!

Best Snack

Popcorn isn't flashy, but it's a fun, easy-to-eat snack that is perfect for warding off hunger between meals. Pick up a bag at the refreshment stand near the pony trail.

Baby penguin swimming at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Best New Animal

Be sure to check out Zuko the penguin chick, hatched here in December 2018. He's easy to spot for now, in his pre-molted blue coat.

Best Hands-On Experience

Two vie for the title here — you can get all the attention you want (and more!) in the Indiana Family Farm goat exhibit. Feed or pet the goats and you're guaranteed several furry friends. For the child who has always wanted a pony, riding on the pony trail (near the entrance to the Indonesian Rain Forest) is a must. The gentle ponies will take your little one on a few circles of the trail at a calm pace.

Children petting stingrays at the Stingray Bay exhibit at Fort Wayne's Children's Zoo in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Best of Australian Adventure

Best Ride

I nominate my personal favorite Zoo ride — the Crocodile Creek Adventure. Step into your carved-out log boat, and you're in for several minutes of relaxation as you meander around the Australian Adventure on a gentle waterway. Narration alerts you to things to look at, and you're sure to spot more on your own. There are kangaroos, swans, dingoes, and more to see as you float under a canopy of green foliage. The Crocodile Creek Adventure is a great way to enjoy a little time off your feet.

Best Snack

No need to head to Disney for a Dole Whip — you can find them in the Australian Adventure at Matilda's. So refreshing!

Best New Animal

Check out the cool reef, where you'll see new giant groupers Yindi and Miki, interacting with the sharks. At around 40 pounds each, these are not your typical fish!

Best Hands-On Experience

Be sure to visit Stingray Bay, where you can "pet" a stingray as it swims past. Does its skin feel the way you would expect? You can easily find out in this hands-on exhibit.

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo - Giraffe Encounter in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Best of African Journey

Best Ride

When I asked my girls their favorite ride at the zoo, it was no contest: Sky Safari was the big winner. Treat your entire group to a bird's-eye view of the African landscape in this gentle ride, which lifts you 38 feet into the air. Dangle your feet in the breeze and enjoy the animals from high overhead. It's an experience you're sure to love.

Best Snack

It's hot in Africa — both the actual continent and the Zoo's version. So enjoy a cooling ICEE, which you'll find at the Market Oasis.

Best New Animal

Meet Sukari, the youngest member of the reticulated giraffe tower! The baby giraffe was born at the zoo in late 2020 and she's been growing up fast! The zoo says that she is bold, independent and very inquisitive. 

Best Hands-On Experience

Head over to the giraffe area where you can hand-feed one of these gentle giants from a high treehouse platform.

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo Carousel - Fort Wayne, Indiana

Best of Indonesian Rain Forest

Best Ride

Make your way through the Indonesian Rain Forest, and you'll emerge to the sound of festive organ music. You're not in church — that's the Endangered Species Carousel. This ride is perfect for even the youngest tots, who can ride on a variety of brightly-painted Southeast Asian animals or ride in a seat if they're feeling less adventurous. The carousel provides a great break under a cool canopy before you head out to see more of the rain forest animals.

Best Snack

You've worked up an appetite on your journey through Southeastern Asia. Stop at the Treetops Cafe (next to the carousel) for a tasty and filling flatbread pizza.

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo - Children at the Orangutan Exhibit - Fort Wayne, Indiana

Best New Animal

Meet Sanji, the male Clouded Leopard! He isn't new this year, but was born and joined the zoo family in 2020! He loves to play and see new friends at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. You can find him in the Indonesian Rain Forest showing off his climbing skills.

Best Hands-On Experience

Spend some time in Dr. Diversity's Research Station, located just prior to the entrance to the rain forest dome. Here, kids of all ages can peer through microscopes, view a Komodo Dragon close-up, and see various tropical giant bugs and snakes.

Now it's your turn! What are your favorites at our Fort Wayne Children's Zoo?

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FORT WAYNE CHILDREN'S ZOO

Address: 3411 Sherman Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: (260) 427-6800
Visit website for hours.

This blog was originally published in May 2019 and has been updated. Last updated: May 2022

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