Family-Friendly Winter Fun in Fort Wayne, Indiana
1. Sledding at Franke Park or Cross-Country Skiing at Fox Island
The Fort Wayne parks don't stop just because the weather turns cold. Franke Park and Fox Island both have fun winter activities that allow you to get outside and stay active. Franke Park is home to over 300 acres of wooded forest.
Tucked in the middle of that lies the Soap Box Derby Hill. This hill makes the perfect sledding location in the winter. There is parking close by, and usually the crowds are not too bad. Bring all the sleds and snowboards and take advantage of the hill. You could easily spend an afternoon traversing the slopes of the hill, creating great sledding lanes and even building snowmen in the surrounding fields. Or if cross-country skiing is more your speed, head to Fox Island. You can rent equipment there and follow over six miles of trails. Warm up in the nature center and read all about the local flora and fauna. Before you head to the park, just be sure there are more than four inches of snow to ensure skiing success.
2. Ice Skating
Ice Skating at Headwaters Park is another way to get active in the cold weather. Bring your skates or rent some at the rink when you arrive. Located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, the rink at Headwaters Park truly is a great hangout spot. The kids can meet their friends and enjoy an afternoon of fun that will guarantee they sleep through the night. The pavilion provides some shelter from the cold wind, and hot chocolate and snacks are available for purchase as well.
Pictured: Botanical Speedway Winter Exhibit in the Botanical Conservatory's Showcase Garden
3. Botanical Conservatory
The Botanical Conservatory is truly an oasis in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. All winter long, you can visit the conservatory and walk through the lush foliage of their three indoor gardens: the Showcase Garden, Tropical Garden, and Desert Garden. The Showcase Garden changes seasonally, offering a festive winter wonderland for the holidays and switching to a fun new display starting in January. The staff at the Botanical Conservatory does a great job keeping kiddos in mind, often incorporating exciting elements of play and physical activity into the January-March exhibit. Kids can run and play while adults can soak up the warmer temperatures, surrounded by the beauty of plants and nature.
4. Winter Break Fun at the Library!
The Allen County Public Library has a whole calendar of events over the winter break to make sure the kids are entertained. Plan a visit to enjoy storytimes, crafts, and lots of great activities! Additionally, The Studio (formerly Maker Lab) can also provide a great afternoon activity. The Maker Lab often holds courses and demonstrations of how to use the 3D printer. Watching the creations take shape is really a cool experience and sure to keep the kids entertained. Check their full calendar of events and pick the events your kids would most enjoy!
Pictured: Science on a Sphere at Science Central
5. Science Central
Science Central is a great place to spend a cold winter afternoon sheltered from the elements. Open to kids of all ages, Science Central combines fun and learning in a way that almost doesn't seem like learning. Kids can experience what it would be like to land on the moon, try their hand at meteorology, and identify animals in the Nature Nook. Be sure to check out a crowd favorite, Science on a Sphere, recreating Earth, the moon, and other stellar bodies in a 3-D format. You'll also want to enjoy a live science experiment in the accessible Demonstration Theater. A trip here will certainly be one they won't soon forget!
These are just a few of the attractions going on this winter! Visit our calendar to see a list of events and ongoing activities, and find more winter trip ideas here.
This post was originally published in February 2015 and has been updated. Last revised May 2025.
