10 Tips and Tricks for your next visit to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
1. A Zoo Perfect for Children (of All Ages!)
Families love this award-winning Zoo that was built for children – no need to pick up your child to see over walls! Plus, the Zoo has a compact footprint allowing guests to easily walk between exhibits. But, it's not JUST for kids. There's so much for teenagers and adults to explore and love at the Zoo!
2. Interactive Activities
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is always a crowd favorite, offering interactive activities in every part of the Zoo. Feed or pet a stingray in Australia, brush a goat at the Indiana Farm, or feed a giraffe in Africa.
3. Rides
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo offers rides in every part of the Zoo. Take your tokens to the Sky Safari in the African Journey, the Z.O.& O. Railroad on your way to the Australian Adventure, the Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride in the Australian Adventure, and the Endangered Species Carousel in the Indonesian Rainforest.
4. When to Visit
The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon. During these times, animals tend to be the most active. Plus, the Zoo comes alive after 5 in May, June, and July, open until 7pm during those summer months.
5. Bring Your Camera!
Make sure you bring your camera! There are so many fun things happening around the Zoo every day. You won’t want to miss your child making a new discovery with an animal. Plus, there are a few fun photo opportunities around the Zoo such as the tortoise in front of the Aldabra Tortoises, Sumatran Orangutan right before you enter the Indonesian Rainforest, Lil’ Poof stationed near the Z.O. & O. Railroad, and the butterflies near the American Alligators. Don't forget to grab a photo with the iconic ZOO letters at the front gate!
6. Learn from Zookeepers
Check Keeper Chat times to plan your visit. Keepers schedule time out of their day to “chat” with guests at the animal exhibits, and answer any and all questions they may have about the Zoo animals in their care. This is a fun way to interact with the animals and learn so many cool facts about them!
7. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
If you go to any of the Zoo restaurants, ask to fill up your water bottle with ice and water for FREE! There are also bottle-filling drinking fountains located around the Zoo. If you didn’t bring a refillable water bottle, purchase one in the Wild Things gift shop!
8. Vote for Your Favorite Nature Conservation Effort!
Use your recycled washer that you receive from the front gate to vote at the Kids for Nature Conservation kiosk. Help the Zoo direct $280,000 to worthy animal conservation projects at home and around the world.
9. Ride Passes
Purchase a Ride Pass online or at the front gate. When you have a ride pass you can ride any of the four Zoo rides — and you don’t have to fumble with ride tokens!
10. Save!
There are two great ways to save on admission to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo!
Option 1: Fort Wayne Adventure Pass
The mobile Fort Wayne Adventure Pass offers you discounted admission at FOUR Fort Wayne attractions: the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Science Central, Botanical Conservatory, and Museum of Art.
Pay once to purchase the pass — which includes all four admissions at a discounted price — and simply present your pass at each attraction to enter. Learn More
Option 2: Reciprocal Zoo Program
Are you a member at your local Zoo? Bring your Membership Card and picture ID to receive 50% OFF admission rate! See participating Reciprocal Zoos at Kidszoo.org/membership.
11. Purchase your Tickets Today!
FORT WAYNE CHILDREN'S ZOO
Address: 3411 Sherman Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: (260) 427-6800
Website: Visit Website
Visit website to view hours.
This blog was originally published in May 2019 and has been updated. Last Updated: April 2023
