Explore Fort Wayne, Indiana with Grandkids
Outdoors
How about having a picnic outside, or strolling through a rose garden?
Lakeside Park features beautiful reflection pools and plenty of rose bushes to explore. Best seen in the summer and early fall, the rose garden is frequently the site of weddings, but it is also a place where some locals like to take a fishing pole and lawn chair to spend a quiet afternoon. Bring your camera for some lovely photos of your grandkids with the flowers.
To burn off some energy in a less-staid setting, try Kreager Park, with an all-abilities playground called Taylor's Dream, soccer fields, tennis courts, and plenty of walking paths to scramble around.
Northside Park offers a public pool, playgrounds, tennis, and lots of space to enjoy the outdoors (without too much wildlife) near downtown Fort Wayne.
If you want to enjoy hiking or bird watching, check out our county parks, like Metea County Park (northeast part of town) and the Fox Island County Park (southwest part of town).
Metea has five miles of trails, Cedar Creek (designated as a state scenic river), and cross-country skiing (when there are at least four inches of snow on the ground). Fishing is also available, with a $2 charge and an Indiana fishing license.
Fox Island has 605 acres of outdoor space, miles of hiking trails, a swimming beach at Bowman Lake (no lifeguard on duty), and a Bird Observation Building. As you explore, keep an eye out for hundreds of different species of wildlife and plants!
Don’t forget the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Open in the spring, summer, and fall, this zoo is full of wide walkways and plenty of animal experiences! Feed the stingrays and giraffes, ride a dugout canoe through the outback or an old-fashioned steam locomotive through Central Zoo, or climb the two-store ropes course near Red Pands Ridge! There’s something for every level of adventure.
And, no trip to Fort Wayne is complete without taking in a TinCaps Baseball game! Cheer on the home team at Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne. Tickets start at just $7 - so it's affordable for all. Kids will love a scoop of ice cream served in a mini baseball hat, and the post-game fireworks wrap up a truly memorable experience for kids and grandparents alike.
Fort Wayne Museums and Activities
If you want to spend some time indoors, explore the three gardens at the Botanical Conservatory downtown. The Showcase Garden features new exhibits each season, while the Tropical Garden and Dessert Garden transport you to different environments and climates.
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is also a downtown staple. From Chihuly glass to modern art and folk art, there’s a little bit of everything here to explore. Check their website to find out which exhibits are currently on the floor, and stop by the Early Learning Center for a variety of kid-driven activities, like drawing on the wall with markers, a story corner, and more.
Check out the History Center, housed in the old City Hall building. Some exhibits are shown on a rotating basis, but the museum's focus is showcasing Fort Wayne culture and industry. There are items from the Revolutionary War and the American Indian groups of the area, a mock-up foundry and blacksmith shop, and items invented and manufactured by Fort Wayne citizens (think of Vera Bradley, Sweetwater Sound, and magnet wire.)
Or, if you're looking to take up a large chunk of an afternoon, consider Science Central. With many hands-on science-focused activities, you'll discover science and have a great afternoon learning and playing with your grandchildren!
Performing Arts in Fort Wayne
Want to take the kids to a live show? Check out the Fort Wayne Youtheatre, which offers kid-acted plays in different venues around the city. The Fort Wayne Ballet offers a Family Series with presentations like Thumbelina, the Little Prince, and Celebrating Dr. Suess. Kids can sit up front on the carpet during these 30-minute shows, and stick around for fun crafts and creative movement experiences!
The Memorial Coliseum is the place to find ice shows, character shows, music programs, and all sorts of live entertainment. Be prepared – with seating for over 10,000 spectators, shows at the Coliseum can be a little loud. So if you have kids sensitive to loud sounds, bring some ear protection. The Embassy Theatre also hosts exciting sing-along shows and stage performances with some of your favorite characters!
Shopping in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne has two great malls that cater to kids’ attention spans and adult shopping needs. Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center, an outdoor shopping experience on the southwest side of town, is home to Kids Empire, featuring floor-to-ceiling climbing walls, play structures, and a drop-in ball pit. Catch an IMAX movie at the AMC theater, or stop by Rocket Fizz for old-school soda and candy.
Glenbrook Square Mall is an indoor space on the north side of town with lots to offer the younger set. Located next to the children's soft play area, check out Build-a-Bear Workshop where kids can pick out and stuff their own stuffed animal! Visit the fountain next to JCPenney – toss in some coins and make a wish. Or, stop by the carousel for a spin near the food court.
Of course, there are many more activities for you to enjoy in Fort Wayne, discover more at www.VisitFortWayne.com/tripideas!
Fort Wayne offers plenty of attractions and activities for grandparents and their grandkids to enjoy together. So, come on over and start your adventure!
This blog was originally published in 2017 and has been updated. Last Updated: June 2024
