The snow has melted, the sun is shining and daffodils and tulips are emerging from the grass.
Spring is here (finally), and it makes for a beautiful time of year to explore Fort Wayne, Indiana, and appreciate all it has to offer.
Whether you want to head to downtown Fort Wayne or venture beyond the limits, there's plenty to during this season of rebirth.
10 Spring Activities in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Zesto
Nothing says warm weather like a razzle from Zesto. Or a cone, if that's your thing. Even if you have to huddle up for that first trip, stopping by the family-owned shops that dot the city is a great way to celebrate the season change.
Outdoor Dining
As the weather improves, the city's vibrant dining scene is full of opportunities to eat outside. The Deck at Don Hall's is the place in the summer, where patrons can enjoy signature cocktails while looking at the city's riverfront. Plus, there are more than 50 other restaurants offering outdoor seating!
Botanical Conservatory
The Botanical Conservatory is a welcomed retreat any time of the year. However, the spring is the perfect time to enjoy a stroll through their 3 indoor gardens, and four outdoor gardens lush. The annual live butterfly exhibit will also be making its appearance, starting April 25. Lose your coat, and enjoy a stroll through the Botanical Conservatory's spring flower displays, and exhibits for a fun indoor spring activity.
Fort Wayne TinCaps
Fort Wayne TinCaps Baseball might seem like a summer's game but Parkview Field hosts 60 games for the Fort Wayne TinCaps, the first of which is April 9th. Grab a nice blanket (maybe a plush one from Fort Wayne's own Vera Bradley) and head to the game!
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
Spring is the perfect time to visit the award-winning Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. It's not too hot, and the children are excited to see the animals after a long winter break. The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo opens daily for the season on April 27, but with spring previews select days in April.
Promenade Park
After being cooped up in the house all winter, there's no better time to get out and enjoy nature and Fort Wayne's riverfront at Promenade Park. This one-of-a-kind park joins Fort Wayne's natural rivers to its thriving urban center and is your new destination for recreation, arts, and culture. Adventure the trails along the water, discover family fun attractions like the tree-top canopy trail and kids' canal, and take to the water on a riverboat cruise or kayak rental!
Lakeside Park & Foster Park
Whether it's landscaped gardens or wildflowers, the city's parks offer visitors a chance to stop and smell the roses. Lakeside Park, just east of downtown, is known for its roses and the city's boulevards are home to colorful daffodils and tulips. My personal favorite, though, might be a stretch of Foster Park where lilac bushes perfume the stretch of rivergreenway between Bluffton Road and the entrance off Old Mill Road.
Find more outdoor trails and adventures with our very own OUTDOOR PASS! Click here to learn more.
The Landing
The Landing is where Fort Wayne began and now continues to grow. Today, The Landing is a place to socialize with your friends and enjoy downtown. You can walk down and gaze at the historical architecture, or just enjoy the environment. It is a great place to take a walk during the warmth of spring.
The Landing has much more to offer than just its scenery. There are multiple restaurants like Papi's Pizza, Nawa, Marquee, Mercado, and Dana's, where you can stop and get a bite to eat. (Check out this guide to dining on The Landing.) Along with a great lunch or dinner, you can also enjoy a casual stroll, or even get your hair done at Jeffery Benjamin Hair!
This post was originally published in March 2018 and has been updated. Last updated: April 2024