Hubble and Webb Space Telescopes: New Views of the Universe
Come to Science Central to see their NASA-sponsored traveling exhibit on space exploration! This exhibit, open until September 7, 2025, includes hands-on stations that let young explorers learn about how telescopes are put together, how thermal protection happens, and how solar power works. The exhibit introduces visitors to the new James Webb Space Telescope and includes images taken by the Hubble and Webb space telescopes. This exhibit was created through a joint effort of NASA and the Smithsonian, and is now a traveling exhibit. The exhibit is open during regular Science Central hours with general ticketed admission.
Star*Quest Observatory
After you’ve checked out the Science Central exhibits, get a look at the stars with your own eyes at the Star*Quest Observatory, hosted by the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society. You can check out their website here for tips on when the skies will be clear over the Summit City area. If it's a Saturday night between April and November, the observatory should be open at 1720 Webster Road in New Haven, Indiana. Bring your own telescope, or let the trained volunteers at the observatory help you peer into the heavens with the Society’s gear. The observatory is open starting one hour after sunset and ending two hours later.
Animal Talks at the Zoo
The Fort Wayne Zoo is home to many different animals, from red pandas to giraffes and goats. If animals are your thing, check out the Keeper Chats! The Zoo has a schedule announcing which keeper chat is happening on what day, from the capuchin chat at 10 a.m. on Mondays, to Friday’s North American river otter chat at 2 p.m., or the daily 5:30 p.m. binturong chat. There are also interactive animal experiences, when visitors can feed lettuce to the giraffes, fish to the stingrays, and more. In order to help the animals maintain a healthy diet, feedings happen at scheduled hours, so you’ll want to get your feeding tickets ahead of time. Keeper chats are free with admission, feedings have an extra ticketed fee. Find more information here.
Little River Wetlands and Little Hikes
The Little River Wetlands Project is a nature preserve of some 1,300 acres in the southwest of Allen County. Encompassing Eagle Marsh, Arrowhead Marsh, Arrowhead Prairie, and Buttonbush Bottoms, this privately-held preserve offers special hikes for kids ages 3-5 with their caregiver every Wednesday of the month. Hikes focus on different topics, like birds and nests or wildflowers and pollinators. Check the schedule to find the time and location of the next hike! RSVP is encouraged but not mandated.
Lightning Beetles, Ponds, Mushrooms, and More
Allen County’s parks host a variety of activities, from Metea Park’s Lightning Beetle Fest on July 12 (celebrating Indiana’s state insect!) to birds, mushrooms, and pollinators. You can download iNaturalist, an app that lets you catalog the wildlife you observe at Fox Island County Park. There’s also a spring scavenger race (choose preschool or older kid quiz sheets) and an owl program. Find worksheets for self-guided activities here. For Allen County Park’s calendar of events, click on this link. Admission to the park is $3 per person, free for kids age 6 and under. Family passes are available. Click here for hours and admission details.
Calling all Railroad Engineers!
Fort Wayne hosts plenty of miniature train events for railroad enthusiasts of all ages! The Botanical Conservatory hosts a huge display every spring called the Great Train Connection; the Fort Wayne Train Show and Swap Meet is in October at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum; Science Central hosts a Steamsgiving in November, and there are train-focused artifacts at the Fort Wayne History Center. From watching model trains zoom through an elaborate landscape to chatting with old-time railroad enthusiasts and experts, you and your young engineer can find plenty to do!
