We love our Great Lakes. But not every weekend adventure has to involve a long drive “up north.” Fun weekend getaways can be closer than you think.
Ft. Wayne, Indiana is a short two-hour drive from Ann Arbor, and it offers plenty of family friendly activities that are sure to create happy summer memories. We recently explored the city to see what it has to offer, and we were pleasantly surprised by our destinations.
If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, make sure to get a Ft. Wayne Adventure Pass to save up to 30 % on entrance tickets.
Day one:
Ft. Wayne Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd. 260-427-6800. fwzoo.com.
Open from March-October, 9am-6pm daily
Admission: $25/adult, $23 kids 12 and under
Have you ever visited a zoo in the summertime that felt like you were baking in a concrete jungle? Not this zoo! The Ft. Wayne Zoo, which operates from March until the end of October, feels more like a stroll through a lush and vast metropark. Paths wind through towering shade trees, gardens and prairies, with ponds and fountains interspersed throughout. At the African Journey, visitors can see zebras, ostrich and wildebeests wandering in the plain. Venture further, and you can see a variety of monkeys and orangutans, as well as African lions. Kids can even feed a leaf of lettuce to a giraffe.
The zoo also features a bamboo forest, an Indonesian Rain Forest, a Reef Aquarium and Australian Adventure. Tigers, red pandas, leopards? Check! Kangaroos, sharks, and stingrays? Check!
Kids can visit a mini Indiana farm, where they can brush the goats and feed the chickens.
In addition, the zoo offers a playground and fun rides like Sky Safari, train ride, water ride and peddle boats.
Hungry? Pizza by the slice, burgers, wraps, ice cream treats, drinks and snacks are offered throughout.
Where to shop
Sweetwater
5501 US Hwy 30W. 260-432-8176. sweetwater.com
Open Mon-Thurs 9am-10pm, Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Musical prodigies will love a trip to Sweetwater’s Campus. This vast music store is an experience, and features the largest on-site inventory of any music store in the U.S. Not only will you find your next musical instrument, but you can also visit the cafe, diner, arcade or theatre. A pavilion also features live performances. Check the website for future events.
Where to eat
The Hoppy Gnome
203 E. Berry St.
This downtown gastropub specializes in unique tacos and entrees. Kids can choose from a menu that is sure to please, with cheese pizza, mac and cheese, tacos and quesadillas. Moms and dads can choose from soup and salads, burgers or street tacos. Indoor and outdoor sidewalk seating available.
We opted for a trio of street tacos: the I’m a Funghi, the Bob Marley (with pineapple!) and the smoked brisket. These were some of the best tacos we’ve ever tasted (Trust me, we’re taco snobs!).
RELATED: Explore Hamilton County, Indiana
Day Two:
What to do
Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory
Photo by Maryrose Kulczak.
1100 S. Calhoun St. 260-427-6440. botanicalconservatory.org
Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Thurs 10am-8pm, Sun 12-4pm
Admission: $7/adult, $5 youth ages 3-17, kids under 2 free.
Located downtown, this conservatory features indoor and outdoor exhibits. In the Showcase House, we entered Color in Motion, a swirling exhibit of exotic butterflies. Next, we traveled to the Tropical House, the Desert House, the Exploration Garden and the Terrace Garden. Exhibits feature kid friendly activities to explore and learn.
Salomon Farm Park
817 W. Dupont Rd. fortwayneparks.org/facilities/saloman-farm-park.html
Open daily 6am-11pm
Indiana has a rich farming history, and this sweet farm park is the perfect example. Visitors can explore the historic homestead and the old barn, and learn about farming at the Wolf Family Learning Center. Walk the 1.8 mile trail while doing some bird watching, or check out the goats and sheep at the barn. Stop in on a Wednesday evening from 4-7pm and visit the farmer’s market. Events and classes are held throughout the season, so check the website to learn more.
Where to shop
Sugar Love Boutique
538 E. Dupont Rd. 260-267-9601. sugarloveboutique.com
Open Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm, closed Sunday.
Does Mama need some retail therapy? Visit Sugar Love Boutique just down the road at 538 E. Dupont Rd. Featuring an assortment of clothing, jewelry and accessories, this boutique is consistently voted the best in the area.
Where to eat
Don Hall’s “The Deck” at the Old Gas House
Photo by Maryrose Kulczak.
305 E. Superior St. 260-426-3411
Open Mon-Sat 10am- Midnight, Sun 11am-9pm
Situated along the St. Mary River, this fun outdoor dining experience offers an eclectic beer garden along with an array of salads, sandwiches and burgers.
We chose the Portabella Sandwich and the Chicago Burger, with a side of tater tots. The local hard lemonade from 2 Toms Brewing was a refreshing choice to sip on the deck on a warm summer day.
Extending your stay? Here are some more fun destinations to explore:
Science Central
1950 N. Clinton. 260-424-2400. sciencecentral.org
Admission: $12/ages 3 and up, kids under 2 free. ($11 tickets of purchased online)
Features over 200 hands-on exhibits.
Ft. Wayne Museum of Art
311 E. Main St. 260-422-6467. fwmoa.org
$25/family, or $10/adult and $8/students
Ongoing displays, as well as current exhibits.
Water parks, trails, playgrounds and more
Need to cool down? The kiddos will love the many free water playgrounds that Ft. Wayne has to offer! Kayaking, canoeing, biking and hiking are also available for outdoor adventurists. Step back in time at the Old Fort and learn about the history of the city, the War of 1812, and more.
Historic Ft. Wayne. 1201 Spy Run Ave. 260-437-2836. oldftwayne.org
Ft. Wayne TinCaps
1301 Ewing St. parkviewfield.com
Catch a game with this minor-league team at Parkview Field.
Festivals and Musical Performances
Check the calendar for the many events and festivals held throughout the season, like the Dragon Boat Races in August, or the Johnny Appleseed Festival in September. Catch a concert with a tribute band or choose from a list of popular performers slated to appear at Foellinger Theatre.
