Top Family Activities in Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne is a city that has a little something for everyone, especially the kiddos. Rated by Travelocity as one of the top-five best cities in the U.S. to visit with kids, there are plenty of delightfully hands-on and uniquely Fort Wayne activities that will keep your whole family entertained from start to a cozy finish at The Bradley. We couldn’t possibly list them all here — but scroll on for our five favorites. 

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

 Only a 7-minute drive from your hotel, this award-winning and innovative zoo is a popular spot for families to spend a sunny day, featuring popular exhibits like the Australian Adventure and the African Journey. Kids can enjoy hands-on experiences like feeding giraffes and goats, rides that take them (safely) through crocodile swamps and the habitats of endangered species, and they can even play with creepy-crawly creatures. The zoo recently welcomed two new red pandas into their family — Oolong and Anne — and visitors can catch them very adorably eating breakfast or dinner in the mornings or evenings. The Children’s Zoo is open seasonally until October 31. 

Fort Wayne Museum of Art

With a focus on the preservation and presentation of fine and decorative American art from the 19th century to the present, and with a vision of inclusivity and diversity, families can view an educational range of pieces in a single afternoon at FWMoA. For extra tiny guests, the Early Learning Center is a special hands-on experience that builds visual literacy skills through drawing and storytelling. FWMoA also hosts numerous interactive kid-friendly art-themed events throughout the year, like the Chalk Walk. 

Minor League Sports

Did you know that Fort Wayne was named #1 City in Minor League Sports by the Sports Business Journal? It’s no wonder, with the city being home to three top tier teams: TinCaps Baseball, Komet Hockey and Mad Ants Basketball. Fans of all ages can enjoy catching a reasonably priced game, stadium snacks and all, and will find they won’t miss the major league crowds or egos — but don’t be surprised if the super-talented players you’re watching wind up in the big leagues soon enough. 

Ride a Bike

Fort Wayne has over 100 miles of public, paved multi-use trails, perfect for easily exploring the city on two wheels in the fresh Indiana air. Check out these itineraries for family-friendly rides that will take you on 2 – 12-mile trips through scenic fields, interactive parks, great restaurants and urban cityscapes. And if you don’t have a bike of your own, you can rent a bike or e-scooter through Fort Wayne Bikeshare.  

Promenade Park

Three sparkling rivers, which all flow in different directions — the St. Mary’s, the St. Joseph and the Maumee — meet to create a confluence in downtown Fort Wayne. Once the main source of the city’s commerce and trade, now the Riverfront is the lively center of Fort Wayne’s outdoor entertainment and play, and the beating heart of its spirited community. The park offers kayak and paddle board rentals, an exciting tree canopy trail, dining, live music, games, a special kids’ canal for safe swimming and a playground.