GUIDE Fort Wayne · The Summit City

Things to do with toddlers and little kids in Fort Wayne: the parent guide.

Fort Wayne is easy with little kids: a hands-on science center, a well-loved zoo, a warm indoor garden downtown and free storytimes at library branches across Allen County.

Around town15 spots · checked Oct 18

The Fort Wayne places we go back to, again and again.

Not this week’s events, just the reliable stuff. Where to eat with a toddler, where to burn off energy when it rains, where to splash, what’s worth the admission, and where to spend a night without going far.

Eat

Kid-friendly restaurants

Places where a dropped fork is no big deal and nobody minds a little noise.

2 spots

Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island

Downtown, 131 W. Main St.

Fort Wayne’s oldest restaurant, serving coney dogs on Main Street since 1914. Quick, cheap and easy with kids.

Menu prices

Kids’ meals No kids’ menu posted; a coney dog is $2
Entrées Coney dogs $2; chili soup bowls from $3.95

Good for: A fast downtown lunch near the library and the Conservatory.

Skip if: you want a big menu; it’s mostly coneys.

Mon–Thu 9am–9pm · Fri–Sat 9am–10pm · Sun 9am–8pmSite ↗ for Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island

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Mad Anthony Brewing Company

Broadway, 2002 Broadway

A local brewpub that brews its own root beer and red cream soda, with a $6.50 kids’ menu that includes fries and a drink.

Menu prices

Kids’ meals $6.50 (fries and a drink included)
Entrées Burgers $13–$16.50

Good for: An easy family dinner with a house root beer.

Skip if: you want a quiet room; it’s a busy pub.

Site ↗ for Mad Anthony Brewing Company

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Featured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Fort Wayne that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →

Play

Indoor play and rainy days

For rainy mornings, cold afternoons and anyone who needs to run in circles for an hour.

All indoors5 spots1 free

$15 ($14 online)per child (3+)

Science Central

North Clinton St., 1950 N. Clinton St.

A hands-on science center in an old power plant, with animal interactions and science demos through the day.

Tickets

Adults $15 ($14 online)
2 and under free

$5 with EBT, SNAP or WIC (Museums for All), covers immediate family

Good for: A rainy morning of hands-on play; arrive early for the day’s demos.

Skip if: it’s a Monday or Tuesday; it’s closed.

Wed–Sun 10am–5pm (school year)Site ↗ for Science Central

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$5per child (3–17)

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

Downtown, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

A warm indoor garden downtown, with a desert house and tropical plants year-round.

Tickets

Adults $7
2 and under free

$1 admission Thursdays 5–8pm

Good for: A short, easy outing with a stroller; Thursday evenings are $1.

Skip if: it’s a Monday; it’s closed.

Tue–Sat 10am–5pm (Thu to 8pm) · Sun noon–4pmSite ↗ for Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

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Free

Allen County Public Library, Main Library

Downtown, 900 Library Plaza

The big downtown library, with baby, toddler and music storytimes most weekdays and Saturday mornings.

Good for: Free storytimes and a lot of picture books.

Skip if: you need a quiet hour; storytimes can be busy.

Site ↗ for Allen County Public Library, Main Library

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$13 ($15 with grip socks)per child

Sensory Fun and Playroom

Georgetown Square, 6746 E. State Blvd.

A sensory open gym with a cheaper rate for walkers under 2.

Tickets

Walkers under 2: $8

Good for: A cold Thursday or Friday afternoon.

Skip if: it’s a Monday; it’s closed.

Thu–Fri 10am–7pm · Sat noon–6pm · Sun noon–6pm · Mon closedSite ↗ for Sensory Fun and Playroom

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$19.90 all dayper child (1–12)

Kids Empire Fort Wayne

Southwest, 4130 W. Jefferson Blvd.

A big indoor playground for ages 1–12, with a toddler zone of mini slides and soft blocks and same-day re-entry.

Tickets

Under 1 free with a paying sibling

Good for: A long rainy day, open late on weekends.

Skip if: you forgot socks; everyone needs them (sold at the desk).

Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sun 10am–10pmSite ↗ for Kids Empire Fort Wayne

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Featured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Fort Wayne that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →

Splash & ride

Parks and outdoor play

Pools, fountains, zoos and theme parks: the big all-day outings.

6 spots4 free

Franke Park, 3411 Sherman Blvd.$$

Fort Wayne Zoo

A well-loved zoo with an Indiana Family Farm and Stingray Bay; seasonal, with Wild Lights in winter.

Good for: Toddlers who love animals and trick-or-treat weekends in October.

Skip if: it’s winter on a non-Wild Lights night; check the calendar.

Site ↗ for Fort Wayne Zoo

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Fort WayneFree

Salomon Farm Park

A free city farm park, settled in 1871, where kids can visit chickens, goats, Valais Blacknose sheep, a mini horse, pigs and rabbits through the fences any time the park is open.

Tickets

Free

Good for: A free farm-animal morning with toddlers.

Skip if: it’s pouring; some animals head into their barns in bad weather.

Daily 6am–11pmSite ↗ for Salomon Farm Park

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Downtown riverfrontFree

Promenade Park: PNC Playground and Doermer Kids’ Canal

The downtown riverfront park, with the PNC Playground and the Doermer Kids’ Canal; certified sensory inclusive, with sensory bags to borrow at the Park Foundation Pavilion.

Tickets

Free

Good for: A free downtown playground stop.

Skip if: you want free parking; the nearby garage charges a fee.

Daily 6am–11pmSite ↗ for Promenade Park: PNC Playground and Doermer Kids’ Canal

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Kreager ParkFree

Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground (Kreager Park)

An inclusive playground built for kids of all abilities, with ramps up to elevated play, an Aero Glider that fits two wheelchairs, a cozy cocoon and splash pads.

Good for: A free all-abilities playground morning.

Skip if: you came for the splash pads in cold months.

Site ↗ for Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground (Kreager Park)

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600 Lindenwood Ave.Free

Lindenwood Nature Preserve

110 free wooded acres with four short trails (a quarter mile to one mile); the Trail of Reflection is accessible as far as the pond.

Tickets

Free

Good for: A short woods walk with a preschooler.

Skip if: you need real restrooms; there are portable ones only and no running water.

Site ↗ for Lindenwood Nature Preserve

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Southwest Fort Wayne, 7324 Yohne Rd.$

Fox Island County Park

An Allen County park with a nature center; kids under 7 get in free.

Tickets

Kids 7 and up $3
Children under 7 free

Good for: A nature-center morning any day of the week.

Skip if: it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas; the parks are closed.

Nature center Mon–Fri 10am–6pm · Sat–Sun 9am–6pmSite ↗ for Fox Island County Park

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Featured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Fort Wayne that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →

Explore

Museums, zoos and big outings

Museums, animals and farm days that hold a little one’s attention.

2 spots

Fort Wayne Museum of Art

Downtown, 311 E. Main St.

The city’s art museum downtown, free for kids under 2 and free for everyone the 2nd Thursday of each month, 5–8pm.

Tickets

Kids 2–17 $8
Adults $10
Children under 2 free; free 2nd Thursday 5–8pm

Good for: A free 2nd-Thursday evening, or a Sunday afternoon.

Skip if: it’s a Monday; it’s closed.

Tue–Sat 10am–6pm (Thu to 8pm) · Sun noon–5pm · closed MonSite ↗ for Fort Wayne Museum of Art

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The History Center

Downtown, 302 E. Berry St.

Allen County’s history museum, with Saturday hours and free entry for kids 2 and under.

Tickets

Kids 3–17 $5
Adults $7
Children 2 and under free

Good for: A short history stop downtown, Saturday morning or weekdays.

Skip if: it’s a Sunday (except the first Sunday of the month).

Mon–Fri 10am–5pm · Sat 9am–5pm · first Sun of the month noon–5pmSite ↗ for The History Center

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Featured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Fort Wayne that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →

These don’t change week to week. Last checked Oct 18, 2026. Hours and prices change, so check the place’s own site before you go. Know a spot we missed? Tell us at hello@littlesweekly.com.

No ticket needed

Free things to do

Where a family can go in Fort Wayne without paying for admission. For free days, free events and this week’s free outings, see every free thing to do in Fort Wayne.

Downtown, 900 Library PlazaAllen County Public Library, Main LibraryThe big downtown library, with baby, toddler and music storytimes most weekdays and Saturday mornings.FreeIndoor

Fort WayneSalomon Farm ParkA free city farm park, settled in 1871, where kids can visit chickens, goats, Valais Blacknose sheep, a mini horse, pigs and rabbits through the fences any time the park is open.Free

Downtown riverfrontPromenade Park: PNC Playground and Doermer Kids’ CanalThe downtown riverfront park, with the PNC Playground and the Doermer Kids’ Canal; certified sensory inclusive, with sensory bags to borrow at the Park Foundation Pavilion.Free

Kreager ParkTaylor’s Dream Boundless Playground (Kreager Park)An inclusive playground built for kids of all abilities, with ramps up to elevated play, an Aero Glider that fits two wheelchairs, a cozy cocoon and splash pads.Free

600 Lindenwood Ave.Lindenwood Nature Preserve110 free wooded acres with four short trails (a quarter mile to one mile); the Trail of Reflection is accessible as far as the pond.Free

Littlest explorers

Best for under 3s

Free or cheap for babies and toddlers, and easy with a stroller.

North Clinton St., 1950 N. Clinton St.Science Central2 and under free.$15 ($14 online) each2 and under freeIndoor

Franke Park, 3411 Sherman Blvd.Fort Wayne Zoo1 and under free.

Downtown, 1100 S. Calhoun St.Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory2 and under free.Kids $5Adults $72 and under freeIndoor

Downtown, 900 Library PlazaAllen County Public Library, Main LibraryBaby storytimes.FreeIndoor

Every week

Library storytimes

Recurring and free. Times change by branch, so check the calendar.

Weekday mornings at most branches, plus Saturday at Main

Allen County Public Library

Free Baby Storytime, Toddler Storytime and First Steps in Music at branches across Allen County.

Schedule ↗

Babies and 1-year-olds

With a baby or a 1-year-old in Fort Wayne

Baby storytimes, places where babies get in free, and where to change and feed. For rainy days, see indoor play places; for zero-cost ideas, see free things to do.

Baby and lap-sit storytimes

Thursdays at 10:15am and 11am · Aboite Branch

Baby Storytime · Allen County Public Library

Birth to 18 months. Rhymes, songs, bounces, and books just right for your little one.

Storytime calendar ↗

Mondays at 11am · Dupont Branch

Baby Storytime · Allen County Public Library

Birth to 18 months. Rhymes, songs, bounces, and books just right for your little one.

Storytime calendar ↗

Wednesdays at 10:15am · Georgetown Branch

Baby Storytime · Allen County Public Library

Birth to 18 months. Rhymes, songs, bounces, and books just right for your little one.

Storytime calendar ↗

Mondays at 10am · Main Library

Baby Storytime · Allen County Public Library

Birth to 18 months. Rhymes, songs, bounces, and books just right for your little one.

Storytime calendar ↗

Babies get in free

Science Central

2 and under free

Admission page ↗

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

2 and under free

Admission page ↗

Sensory Fun and Playroom

Walkers under 2: $8

Admission page ↗

Kids Empire Fort Wayne

Under 1 free with a paying sibling

Admission page ↗

Fort Wayne Museum of Art

Children under 2 free; free 2nd Thursday 5–8pm

Admission page ↗

The History Center

Children 2 and under free

Admission page ↗

By season

Seasonal spots

Santa visits and Christmas lights only run part of the year, so they have their own pages with this season’s dates and prices.

Santa in Fort WayneBreakfast with Santa, Santa photos and Santa trains, with 2026 prices

Christmas lights in Fort WayneDrive-thru and walk-through displays, start times and 2026 prices

This week

What’s on this week in Fort Wayne

The guide is the evergreen list. Here’s what’s happening in Fort Wayne right now.

See all 27 this week →

Good questions

Things to do with toddlers in Fort Wayne: the FAQ

Is Science Central good for toddlers?

Yes. Children 2 and under are free, and there’s plenty to touch and try.

Are there free things to do with little kids in Fort Wayne?

Yes. Allen County Public Library, Main Library, Salomon Farm Park, Promenade Park: PNC Playground and Doermer Kids’ Canal, Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground (Kreager Park) and Lindenwood Nature Preserve are free or have a free entry. See the free list.

What can we do in Fort Wayne on a rainy or cold day with a toddler?

Go indoors: Science Central, Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Allen County Public Library, Main Library and Sensory Fun and Playroom. They’re all under one roof, and most work for a short visit around nap time.

What’s good for babies and kids under 3 in Fort Wayne?

Science Central: 2 and under free. Fort Wayne Zoo: 1 and under free. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory and Allen County Public Library, Main Library are also easy with a baby or toddler. Free for the littlest: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory (2 and under free), Sensory Fun and Playroom (Walkers under 2: $8), Kids Empire Fort Wayne (Under 1 free with a paying sibling) and Fox Island County Park (Children under 7 free). See best for under 3s.

Where are the free storytimes in Fort Wayne?

Allen County Public Library: Weekday mornings at most branches, plus Saturday at Main. Library storytimes don’t need a ticket, but times change by branch, so check the calendar first. See library storytimes, and this week’s dated sessions are on the Fort Wayne weekly list.

How do you choose the places in the Fort Wayne guide?

Every one of the 15 places is somewhere we’d take a baby, toddler or preschooler, with a note on who it suits and when to skip it. Prices, hours and menus come from each place’s own site, and 12 of them have checked admission or menu prices. The guide was last checked Oct 18, 2026. How we choose and check.

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