If you are a person who loves both animals and adventures then ‘Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo’ is a place where you should visit once with your family. As it is named Children’s zoo that doesn’t mean it’s only for children. It offers multiple activities and adventures to do for all ages, which provides a lot of fun on your trip. The zoo covers around 30 acres of large space for the animals. And, also have a lot of attractions, exhibits and multiple rides. The Zoo is situated in Fort Wayne’s USA, and is known as a family friendly destination. Apart from this, the zoo also offers several indoor restaurants and cafes offering a huge variety of cuisines, drinks and desserts. In this blog, you will get to know all about how to reach the zoo, best time to visit, where to stay and eat, nearby attractions and all the basic information and tips for a great journey.
Must-See Attractions at Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
There are multiple attractions to visit in the Fort Wayne Children’s zoo. From which you will get to learn and know something new about the wildlife culture and also enjoy the wonderful attractions.
African Journey Exhibit
One of the most iconic exhibits in the zoo that offers different adventurous activities to the visitors of all ages. Some of its most famous activities include the Shady African village, where you can climb a 14 foot platform to feed a Giraffe. A Sky Safari, where you can get a bird’s eye view as they soar up in a ski-lift type ride. Apart from these adventures, you can take part in a unique experience where you can feed giraffes up at the giraffe platform. But, you can’t feed the food which is brought from outside of the zoo. You have to purchase it from the inside shops, which cost $2 for one piece of lettuce and $6 for four pieces of lettuce.
Indonesian Rainforest
This forest is designed to immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of the exotic country of Indonesia and its Tropical jungles. The entry to the forest lies between the existing pony rides and lemur exhibits. It’s a 2.5 acre immersive exhibit within the Asian Trek, Sumatran tigers, Javan gibbons. The forest is again an amazing attraction to see in your journey.
Australian Adventure
Visit the Australian adventure which begins at the train station where you can cross the track to enter the newly remodeled plaza. It includes an aquarium exhibit called as Reef, where you can see all sorts of clown fish, puffer fish, and more in its 20000 gallon tank. After this, don’t miss the 50000 gallon Shark tank where you see big sharks just in front of your eyes which will blow your mind. Along with this, visit the two aviaries where you see various Austrian’s finest birds and parrots.
Central Zoo Area
Another stunning area, from where you can start you visit by exploring the heart of the zoo. Here, you can visit various species of animals like snowy owls, Capuchin monkeys and more, along with the multiple activities like paddle boating, monkey island or penguin beach. After visiting all these attractions, complete the visit by a ride at the Z. O.&O. Railroad, which is a 1860s miniature train ride.
Zoo Timings, Tickets & Entry Information
Before visiting the zoo, must check the opening hours, tickets prices and all other information regarding the entry on its official website. Starting with the timing of the zoo, which is from 9AM to 8PM all days a week. For getting here, you have multiple options like bus, taxi or driving your own car. The ticket prices for entering the zoo are different for all ages. Like, for the adults between the age group of 19-61, the price is $14. For children aged between 2-18 the price is $10. For the seniors of age 62 or above the price is $12. And for the kids of age 1 or below the entry is free of cost. Along with this, to enjoy the rides of the zoo you have to take tokens. Which are of different prices and available at the machines located throughout the zoo.
Essential Tips before visiting the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Here are some basic tips that you should follow to have fun on your journey.
- Get there in very comfortable and light clothing like trousers, T-shirts and dresses, as you have to enjoy a lot of rides and other activities.
- If you are trying to be budget conscious. Then, bringing a whole family lunch and at least one big bottle of water will be good for you.
- Also, bring the basic accessories like sunglasses, sunscreen and hats. Especially during the summer, as the heat and sun burn can ruin your day.
- When you are venturing in the Australian adventures, don’t miss the Stingray Bay which is best for the kids to test their luck on getting to touch a stingray with the close encounter area.
- Don’t miss the pony rides inside the Indonesian Rain forest. It is also a kids’ ride for ages 2 and above with the cost of 6 tokens per child.
- Take your time to explore the area as there’s a lot of creatures to see and a lot of activities to do which will really entertain you. Like the rain forest, wonderful rides, multiple attractions and exhibits and activities to feed the animals.
Facilities & Visitor Services
The Fort Wayne Zoo offers all basic facilities to the visitor, no matter if you are a local or outsider. The zoo provides a large area for parking vehicles, multiple restrooms and baby care areas. And, different gift shops from where you can buy any item for gifting someone or just for keeping with you as a memory. Along with this, the zoo is also wheelchair accessible and provides multiple pathways all around the zoo except the gravel paths in the Australian Adventure.
Nearby Attractions in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne’s Forellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
The Conservatory is essentially an indoor/outdoor botanical garden. Where you can surround yourself with nature at the showcase garden, wander through the tropical garden. Or retreat to the quiet beauty of the Desert Garden. The staff is extremely friendly and gives you an overall sense of how to experience the Conservatory. And, even point out what would be of greatest interest to the arrow. This type of service is so helpful to a family visiting an attraction for the first time.
The opening hours of this place is from 10AM to 5PM for all days except Monday. Although, it is recommended to check the official site before visiting.
The entry fee for the adults is $7, for youth between the age group of 3 to 17 it’s $5. And, for the kids of age 2 and under the entry is free of cost.
Science Central
Walk into the Science Central and visit the exciting discovery of science. This place offers hands-on science education and fun for visitors of all ages. You can explore 120+ permanent hands-on exhibits and national touring exhibitions. All the exhibits use computers and video projectors to show earthquakes, tsunamis, and other activities occurring on earth. The visiting time for all days is from 10AM to 5PM except Monday and Tuesday as it is closed on both these days. Although, the timing might change during the winter season. Along with this, the entry fee is $9 for everyone of age 3 and above, and for children of age 2 and below, there is no fee.
Headwater Park
A 30 acres park situated in Downtown Fort Wayne. Providing setting for a wide range of public and private events including concerts, festivals and other parties. It is an excellent centerpiece for trails in Fort Wayne and many of the trails in the city meet in Headwaters Park. The park offers many adventurous activities including a free splash pad which opens from spring to fall. And, Ice Skating opens from late November through February if the weather permits.
Ideal Time to Visit Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
There is no best time to the Fort Wayne Zoo, you can visit any time and at any season in the whole year. But, according to the travellers and visiting ratio, Summer and Autumn are the best seasons to visit this place. From June till September, all are the peak summer season. But, these months the temperature goes up to 40 degree celsius, so make sure to stay hydrated, and sun protected during the visit. The Spring season from April to May is known for its frequent tornados in Indiana. If you are visiting this place during Autumn/Fall season then you are definitely going to enjoy the pleasant weather. As this season is much drier and more sunny. The zoo is generally closed during winter from November through April and on special occasions.
Why Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is Perfect for Families?
The Zoo offers a family-friendly environment to everyone. You can visit various exciting things, whether it’s the rides, restaurants, or feeding animals. You can also enjoy Fort Wayne’s festival park which is alive with music, food and drink every weekend all summer long.
Food & Dining Options Inside the Zoo
There are plenty of delicious food restaurants to stop at where you can treat yourself with their unique cuisines and drinks.
Ray’s Barefoot Grill
It’s a casual dining restaurant that offers daily special cuisines and a variety of grilled dishes. The restaurant specializes in burgers, sandwiches, wraps and more which you will love to have. It mainly focuses on simple, flavored food and a relaxed setting.
Peacock Cafe
One of the most beautiful cafes located just inside the front gates of the zoo. Offering multiple varieties of food and snacks like coffee, smoothies, beverages and more. The Cafe provides an opportunity to the guests, to grab a cup of coffee and other special drinks before starting their zoo adventures. It opens during the same zoo hours and closes half-an-hour before the zoo closes.
Market Oasis
Market Oasis, a stop at the African Journey where you can enjoy hot-off-the-grill specialties and snacks like soft pretzels or popcorn. Here you can sit across the way from Nature play, have ice to cool down. And, children are welcome to run around and explore the Nature Play area.
Bamboo Snack Station
Don’t miss a quick bit at the Bamboo forest snack station, which is situated inside the Asian Trek adventure. The station is featured with an outdoor seating area with picnic tables where guests can also eat outside food brought into the zoo. Along with this, it specializes in grab-and-go food and light bites which are designed for quick stops while visiting the exhibits.
Conclusion
This is all about the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. A place that offers a memorable experience for a lifetime, because of its wonderful rides and diverse animals. It’s a must visiting place for all the animal lovers, as you will get a close view of the animals and a chance to feed them. No matter whether you are visiting here for a day or for a long vacation, you are definitely going to enjoy every moment at the zoo. If you want to travel here, with a comfortable and cost-effective journey, then you can consider booking a Charter Bus that provides you with all the basic travel facilities in your journey.
