Get Away with Grandkids in Fort Wayne, Indiana
8-9 AM
Stop by Union Street Market at Electric Works and fall in love with the many food and drink selections. Explore the historical setting of the fully renovated General Electric campus, and check out the Summit City Farmers Market on weekends.
9-10 AM
Visit the Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, and their children’s section. Each child could pick a favorite title and Grandma could look for one of her own to read to them (maybe a chapter from Nancy Drew?). The places to sit in this area are comfortable for all ages for a personal story time.
10-11 AM
Visit the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, 226 W Washington Blvd, next door to the library. Kids can get up close and personal with fire trucks on the first floor and learn fire prevention tips on the second floor. The iron lung may intrigue older kids to learn more about polio and how firefighters helped polio patients from the past.
11-12 PM
Within a few blocks of the downtown area is a plethora of quick restaurants. Grab a seat at Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island, W Main St, for a classic coney dog lunch, and then grab an ice cream treat that is sure to delight kiddos at the Lincoln Tower Soda Fountain, 116 E Berry St. Afterward, step into the Lincoln Tower bank to gaze at the art deco adorning its walls. Gorgeous!
12-1 PM
During the week, the Allen County Courthouse is open for visitors to stroll through. Remember to leave your cell phone in the car, as they are not allowed in the courthouse. Ask for a self-guided tour brochure, and check out the spellbinding art and architecture of this National Historic Landmark.
2-5 PM
Spend the afternoon exploring Fort Wayne's nationally ranked zoo, offering families 40 acres of animals, rides, and beautifully landscaped grounds. If you're looking for an afternoon activity, Science Central's more than 200 exhibits are sure to engage the whole group.
Then, make a unique dinner stop at Don Hall's Hollywood Drive-In for burgers, chicken, and curbside service. And if you want to continue the fun past dinner, take the kiddos to Kids Empire, an indoor playground, to burn off some energy or check out our Calendar of Events to see what's happening while you're here!
Note: If you need a downtown map, the Visitor Center is open on Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm through September or during the week on Mondays from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday-Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm, and Fridays from 8 am to 4 pm.
You’re probably all exhausted, but it’s been a fun, memorable day. Be sure to photograph your multi-generational day together and plan for the next one starting now!
This post was originally published in August 2012 and has been updated. Last revised August 2026.
Fort Wayne, Indiana derives its name from a U.S. military fort established in 1794 by General Anthony Wayne. This fort (built in what is now downtown Fort Wayne) is located where the St. Joseph and St. Mary’s rivers come together to…
Make plans to visit the Vietnam War Memorial Wall at the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum.
Traveling to Fort Wayne, Indiana with older kids and teenagers? Check out these fun activities designed for teenagers to enjoy during your stay. From laser tag to escape rooms – from putt putt to go-karts, we have dozens of activities…
Fort Wayne also offers dozens of other great museums and entertainment options, from Science Central, where you can test your imagination (and the rules of gravity!) in a hands-on laboratory - to the Botanical Conservatory, where families…
