Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
This is ranked as one of the top ten zoos in the country, with 40 acres of animals and rides. It’s a must-see for visitors to Fort Wayne. There are four sections with their own distinct animals: African Journey, Australian Adventure, Indonesian Rain Forest, and The Central Zoo. Feed giraffes by hand. Ride the Sky Safari to view the animals from 38 feet in the air. Pet a stingray. Take a canoe ride to explore The Outback. Get up close with animals at the Indiana Family Farm. Hop aboard the Z.O.&O Railroad. Everyone loves the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.
Cost: $18 for ages 13+, $14 for kids ages 2-12, free for children under age 2.
Address: 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808.
2.9 miles north of the Grand Wayne Center
Coney Island
Probably the most famous restaurant in Fort Wayne (and a huge favorite of the Fetters clan) is Coney Island. It is the city’s oldest operating restaurant, dating back to 1914. Located at 131 W. Main Street, just a few blocks north of the Grand Wayne Center. Hours: 9 am to 9 pm.
Check out their website.
Riverfront Fort Wayne
Enjoy the three rivers which converge in downtown Fort Wayne. Rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from Fort Wayne Outfitters (1004 Cass Street, fwoutfitters.com). Take a airboat ride ($35 adults, $25 children). Stroll up to the popular Promenade Park, which opened in 2019 just a few blocks north of the Grand Wayne Center. Take a guided cruise on a riverboat from the Promenade Park Boat Deck (202 West Superior Street).
Eagle Marsh
Eagle Marsh is a 716-acre wetland preserve with eight miles of trails. It’s home to bald eagles and 200 other kinds of birds, plus other wild creatures. It’s 6 .4 miles from the Grand Wayne Center.
Address: 6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Three Rivers Festival
Fort Wayne’s premier summer festival will be in progress during the US National Conference. It’s located in the downtown area with family-friendly food, rides, arts, crafts, concerts, and various special events. Read more about the 54th Three Rivers Festival.
The Festival concludes at 10pm on July 15 with a big fireworks finale.
Science Central
Over 200 exhibits and demonstrations designed for kids. A fun and innovative place.
Located at 1950 N Clinton St (1.6 miles from the Grand Wayne Center)
Open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: #12 at the door ($10 online)
Science Central website
Glenbrook Square
Glenbrook, one of Indiana’s largest malls, with over 150 stores. It is located about three miles north of the downtown. There are also many restaurants in and around the mall, including:
Red Robin
Chick-Fil-A
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Portillo’s
Bandido’s (Mexican)
Missions BBQ
Charleys Philly Staks
Granite City
BJ’s Brewhouse
Olive Garden
And many more.
Located 3.1 miles north of the Grand Wayne Center
Address: 4201 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Visit their website.
River Greenway
Fort Wayne is home to more than 80 parks and more than 100 miles of trails, the most prominent of which is Rivergreenway. The Rivergreenway Trail stretches 25 miles from Fort Wayne to New Haven, winding along the banks of the rivers. This trail is perfect for walking, jogging, rollerblading, biking, and more. You can rent a bike from Fort Wayne Outfitters. VisitFortWayne.com has several suggested travel map itineraries.
Botanical Conservatory
Located across the street from the Hilton, the Botanical Conservatory features three indoor gardens (Showcase, Tropical, and Desert) and four outdoor gardens. You’ll find over 1200 plants from over 500 species, including 72 types of cactus. It’s a lush oasis in the heart of the downtown. The Conservator includes a coffeeshop and a boutique-style shop.
Cost: $7 adult, $5 youth
Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
PrayerWorks
Located .9 miles west of the Grand Wayne Center. An easy walk.
This ministry, launched at the beginning of 2023, is described as, “A 24/7 prayer room for anyone to pray, encounter Jesus, and bring new levels of peace and unity in Fort Wayne, the region, and world.”
It’s always supervised by at least two hosts. A real tribute to how the city has “Come Together” in prayer.
Not tied to a church, organization, or denomination
Address: 1030 Swinney Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN
PrayerWorks website
Jefferson Pointe
Jefferson Pointe is an open-air mall with over 70 stores. You’ll also find a number of excellent restaurants, including:
Biaggi’s (Italian)
Logan’s Roadhouse
Chick-fil-a
Smokey Bones Steakhouse
Panera Bread
McAlister’s Deli (sandwiches)
Bear Barrel Pizze & Grill
BurgerFi
Chipotle
O’Charley’s
Cold Stone Creamery
FlatTop Grill
Eddie Merlot’s
DeBrand’s Chocolates
Starbucks
Located 3.3 miles west of the Grand Wayne Center.
Visit Their Website
