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 in the Asian Trek section. 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 under $10, 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 game at the Memorial Coliseum.
Indoor Fun: 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. For a sweet treat, take a DeBrand factory tour. Your grandkids will love to learn how chocolates are made and get to sample a few along the way. Burn off some energy at one of the many recreational venues in Fort Wayne.
Learn something new together: Stop by Science Central, where your grandchildren can learn while having fun! 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 Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island, a 100-year-old restaurant serving Coke in a glass bottle, classic coney dogs, hamburgers, and more.
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. Marys River and Pint and Slice offers a view of all of the activity on Calhoun street, plus building sized murals and interactive sculptures for photo ops.
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! Browse the Dessert Trail to find their favorite treats for the perfect ending to a fun day.
