As Indiana’s second-largest city, Fort Wayne is the perfect urban destination for families.
Discover downtown attractions including Science Central, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, the Botanical Conservatory, and Parkview Field, the #1 fan experience in minor league sports; and enjoy one of the best zoos in the nation, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.
Celebrate at many of Fort Wayne’s summer festivals in Headwaters Park happening almost every weekend.
And, in 2019, there are new opportunities for visitors to enjoy and discover Fort Wayne!
What to Expect in Fort Wayne, Indiana Summer 2019
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a crowd favorite, from rides and interactive activities in every part of the zoo to some amazing animals including Tasmanian Devils, Stingrays, Lions, Orangutans, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The zoo is built for children - you can easily enjoy every experience from a child's height. Plus, the interactive activities will keep everyone busy for a full day or an afternoon.
This summer, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has two new exhibits to explore.
As you enter the zoo, you are greeted by the new Monkey Island – the new home for the capuchin monkeys in Central Zoo.
And, everyone’s favorite River Otters have a new home as well! Also located in Central Zoo, the river otters' home features land and water areas where guests experience an underwater viewing cave.
Promenade Park
River aficionados love to adventure along our eight miles of rivers by kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboards, and riverboat cruises.
This summer, visitors can enjoy the cornerstone attraction of the new Riverfront Fort Wayne: Promenade Park. Promenade Park will feature amenities like a new restaurant, a Parkview Tree Canopy Trail, Doermer Kid’s Canal, and activities for every day and season – think bonfire pits, hammocks, yard games, adult swings, events, docking systems, and an amphitheater.
The Tree Canopy Trail will be a unique experience for all ages and abilities, featuring a slide into the PNC Playground, and one of the best views of downtown Fort Wayne – a true bird’s eye view of the city.
Plus, Promenade Park will feature fun outdoor recreational opportunities for all abilities. The Auer Lawn will feature special grass that allows access for wheelchairs, specialized boat cradle systems allowing easy access to enjoy Fort Wayne’s rivers, and many more thoughtful details that allow people of all abilities to discover Fort Wayne’s riverfront.
These new developments will only enhance Fort Wayne’s current offerings including our arts and cultural experiences at Science Central, The Old Fort, and the existing outdoor recreation opportunities including kayaking, boat rides, bike trails, and more.
The Landing
In the 1800s, Fort Wayne, Indiana was nicknamed the “Summit City” for our spot at the highest point of the Wabash and Erie Canal. At the time, the canals landed along what is Columbia Street today.
Historically, The Landing as it was called, was a key stop along the canal route. Today, The Landing will be a new destination for visitors to enjoy! Visitors can enjoy restaurants, including a Brewery/BBQ spot, a local coffee shop, and other retail and dining areas like Nawa, which is already offering some great Asian fusion foods in a spectacular setting. Explore this new downtown destination for retail, dining, office space, and cool urban living.
We can’t wait for you to experience Fort Wayne, Indiana's new visitor assets!