A wonderful gift comes with the mature years… grandchildren! And not only do the young ones bring joy to the elders, but the feeling is also mutual.
That grand connection provides the kids with something special. Call it spoiling if you wish; we call it making memories. Plan a seasonal getaway with your grandkids to build the bond and find the fun together in and near Fort Wayne, Indiana.
A Grandparents Getaway in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Discover A-maze-ment!
Go on an adventure without leaving Allen County. Create a story and spark imaginations as you and the kiddos make your way through the corn maze at Kuehnert Dairy Farm.
Are you in the jungle? On another planet? Have a blast traveling the real-life puzzle. From the tiniest toddlers to the moxiest middle schoolers and beyond, everyone gets a kick out of a visit to local orchards and pumpkin patches to select their own pumpkins. Then, adapt the activity to age as together you carve Jack-o’-lanterns, draw a face, or just marvel at nature’s colors and shapes.
Stop by Courtney’s Bakery or another of the city’s bakeries for some pumpkin muffins, and savor the flavor as you talk about garden-to-table bounty.
Be a Sport
It’s always exciting to go to a game for Fort Wayne’s pro sports teams. Give the kiddos the freedom to yell! Start a tradition with your own family cheer for Komets hockey. Add a souvenir as a lasting reminder of a great time together.
Leave the Hustle and Bustle for a While
Listen to the soothing sounds of nature on a relaxing stroll through Fox Island, identifying trees and enjoying the glory of the changing autumn colors. Later in the season, the crunch of the fallen leaves on the park’s trails is a sensory delight for little ones.
Watch for Fall-ing Stars
Enjoy a free event for nature lovers and science buffs of all ages. The Fort Wayne Astronomical Society will guide your skywatching at some of their various events.
Sweeten the Scene
Make your time together the sweetest with caramel apples and chocolates chosen at DeBrand Fine Chocolates. Take a tour to see how the confections are made. Then, to warm up a cool fall evening, sandwich a marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers, and pop in the microwave for a few seconds to make ooey, gooey gourmet s’ mores.
Shine at the Night of Lights
Launch a great family tradition by setting the stage to transition from the autumn mindset to the Christmas spirit at Downtown’s Annual Night of Lights event the night before Thanksgiving.
Start the evening with dogs and chili at the renowned Coney Island on Main Street. Then mingle with the other revelers as you watch the lighting of Santa and the reindeer on the side of the PNC Bank building, the huge Christmas tree, and other displays and surprises.
Hot cocoa, anyone? Extend the mood with some carols in the car on the way home. Whichever fun times you create, keep the camera handy, so together you can review your brag book photos and relive each grand moment.
This post was originally published in October 2013 and has been updated.