Visit Fort Wayne This Summer For A Perfect Getaway
Fort Wayne combines high-quality attractions, affordable family fun, and a welcoming “big-city, small-town” vibe that makes it a perfect summer getaway. Explore the best things to do this summer and find out why so many families put Fort Wayne on their “Must-visit” list!
1. Consistently ranked as one of the “best zoos in the nation” the Fort Wayne Zoo is a must-visit on any family getaway. See for yourself as you pet a stingray, feed a giraffe, climb the new Bamboo Forest ropes-style course, and so much more!
2. Play ball! Rated as one of the best minor-league experiences, a TinCaps baseball game at Parkview Field is a must. Enjoy fun on and off the field, then stick around for the post-game fireworks. Soccer fans can also cheer on Fort Wayne FC in their first year in USL League One and catch the action at their new home, Ruoff Mortgage Stadium.
3. Built on three rivers that converge in downtown Fort Wayne, you can explore 140 miles of connected trails, kayaking or paddle boarding, or destinations like Promenade Park – a one-of-a-kind park that features a kids’ canal, permanent ping pong and corn hole games, a tree canopy trail, porch swings, river access, and more. Check out Fort Wayne Outfitters for kayak and canoe rentals.
4. Take the fun indoors at Science Central, where more than 200 hands-on exhibits make learning exciting for all ages. Catch a live science experiment in the newly renovated accessible theater, splash in the water zone, and enjoy the brand-new Planetarium, where daily demonstrations are included with admission and immersive shows make space exploration even more fun.
5. Immerse yourself into a Live Butterfly exhibit at the Botanical Conservatory – Fort Wayne’s botanical gardens featuring three gardens under glass. Plus, discover the
beauty awaiting in the Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s glass wing featuring a new collection of work.
6. Take in the flavors of the season while dining outdoors! You’ll also want to visit The Landing district for a dozen delicious restaurants within one block and experience the culinary creations at Union Street Market food hall.
7. Explore vibrant pieces of art around every corner! Use the Fort Wayne Public Art Trail on your phone to find 150+ murals and sculptures around town. Check-in at public art pieces on the pass and earn prizes!
8. Headwaters Park is downtown Fort Wayne’s festival park, and it comes alive every summer weekend with music, food, and drinks. Cultural festivals like Fiesta Fort Wayne, Greek Fest, and Germanfest fill June with vibrant sights and sounds, while July brings Pride Fest and the Dragon Boat Races. In August, Taste of the Arts offers a flavorful look at Fort Wayne’s creative scene. Visitors can learn more about these events and others at visitfortwayne.com/events.
9. Fort Wayne’s many entertainment centers offer fun for the whole family, from duckpin bowling at Pinhouse Social and Ducky’s to mini golf and laser tag at Crazy
Pinz, Lazer X, Putt-Putt, Georgetown Entertainment, and Combat Ops. Younger kids will also enjoy newer destinations like Kids Empire at Jefferson Pointe, with lots of space to run, climb, play, and explore.
