Grandparent's Getaway

Looking to spend a day in Fort Wayne with the grandkids? We have a few suggestions to help you make memories together!

THINGS TO DO:

Let's go to the Zoo: The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is one of the best children's zoos in the country, and has plenty of places to sit and enjoy the animals. There are free zookeeper chats throughout the day where your grandkids can learn more about wildlife. Try to get to the zoo early, as animals and grandchildren get tired as it gets hotter. Be sure to take a picture with the orangutan statute by the Indonesian Rainforest. No visit is complete without a photo of you and your grandkids at this iconic spot.

Experience the Arts: Get your grandkids into the arts in Fort Wayne! See dance and ballet performances, experience different kinds of theatre, or hear music from around the world. On the Last Saturday of every month, check out special discounts on downtown activities and special arts events.

Play Ball: Get ready to play! Fort Wayne has fun sports for all ages. Catch a TinCaps baseball game at Parkview Field. Tickets start at $5, and there are a variety of seating options to suit all families. In addition to the game, your grandchildren can run around in a kids play area or have fun in the splash pad (don't forget the swimsuits!). In the colder months, see a Komets hockey or Mad Ants basketball game at the Memorial Coliseum.

Indoor Fun: For days when the weather's not so great, take your grandchildren to the main branch of the Allen County Public Library downtown. There's a great children's area for kids to play as well as curl up with a good book. If your grandkids are the right age, find a spot and read to them from one of your favorite books. When you all get hungry, take a DeBrand factory tour. Your grandkids will love to learn how chocolates are made and get to sample a few along the way. In the winter, try ice skating in Headwaters Park.

Learn something new together: Stop by Science Central, where your grandchildren can learn while having fun! Explore Science on a Sphere or zip down a two-story slide. Head over to the Botanical Conservatory to discover plants from your backyard and around the world or The History Center to learn about Northeast Indiana's past. See the inside of the Allen County Courthouse to see art depicting Indiana's history. Don't forget to stop by the Old Fort to see the structure Fort Wayne is named after.

PLACES TO EAT:

Blast From The Past: Cindy's Diner, a small historic valentine diner, is "serving the whole world, fifteen at a time." Grandkids will love the small space and classic food. A cultural landmark and home to great hot dogs, youngsters will enjoy the food and maybe learn a little something too. For a real trip back in time, stop by the soda fountain at Lincoln Tower, built in the same style as the Empire State Building, for ice cream and sandwiches.

Food with a View: Many downtown restaurants that have more to offer than just food. Local favorites The Deck and Pint and Slice offer outdoor seating. The Deck overlooks the St. Mary's River and Pint and Slice offers a view of all of the activity on Calhoun street.

Experience: Add some entertainment in with dinner at Takaoka of Japan. This teppanyaki grill-style restaurant has trained chefs who cook your meal before your eyes on a grill table. Your grandkids can learn about Japan, as the restaurant is named after Fort Wayne's sister city, Takaoka, Japan. Fill your stir fry fix at Jefferson Pointe's Flat Top Grill, where grandkids can choose exactly what they want in their dish. For outdoor eating, take the grandkids to one of Fort Wayne's many food trucks for delicious food from the street.

Kid-Approved Favorites: Got picky eaters? 800 Degrees, with two locations in Fort Wayne, has cheese pizza for the grandkids and more interesting fare for those who are more adventurous. For notable local burgers, try the Lunch Box Café or Don Halls Hollywood Drive-In.

Sweet Tooth: No visit with the grandkids is complete without a treat! Visit Zesto, a Fort Wayne favorite for more than fifty years, for ice cream. For great pastries around town, check out, Cookie Cottage, Pembroke Bakery & Café, or Waynedale Bakery.

ACCESSIBLE FORT WAYNE

If anyone in your party needs additional information about Fort Wayne’s accessibility, we urge you to search Accessible Fort Wayne for information on the accessibility of our attractions, restaurants and hotels.