The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo (kidszoo.org) houses more than 1,500 animals on 38 acres. The zoo is open daily; hours vary by season. Admission prices are based on age -- seniors and children 2 to 14 receive reduced rates. Children 1 and younger are free. Discounts are available for groups with 15 or more children. Parking is free. In addition to animals, the zoo offers a variety of rides, including a sky safari, train, pony rides, a carousel and river ride. Stroller and wagon rentals are available. Wheelchairs may be rented for a refundable deposit.
Families with children of all ages will enjoy one of the professional sports teams in Fort Wayne. From April to September, the TinCaps (minorleaguebaseball.com) minor league baseball team plays at Parkview Field (parkviewfield.com) in downtown Fort Wayne. Game times and special events vary throughout the season.
The Fort Wayne Mad Ants (nba.com) -- an NBA development team -- provides the excitement of an NBA team at a family-friendly price November through April. Komets Hockey team (komets.com), whose season runs from October to April, is the city's oldest professional sports team. Both teams play at Memorial Coliseum (memorialcoliseum.com) in Fort Wayne.
Science Central (sciencecentral.org) is a hands-on learning museum for children with more than 130 permanent and temporary exhibits. Permanent displays include a Swap Shop, an Observation Gallery, a Prediction Gallery and an Investigation Gallery. Hours of operation vary; the museum is closed on holidays. Children under 2 are free.
Housed in a renovated firehouse, the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum (fortwaynefiremuseum.com) offers children an up-close look at 160 years of firefighting. Featuring equipment and photos, children will learn the history of firefighting and about fire safety. The museum is open Monday through Saturday with a minimal admission fee.
Lazer X (lazerxfw.com) offers more than 9,000 square feet and four levels of laser tag entertainment. Open seven days a week, Lazer X also has an extensive arcade and is conveniently located near Glenbrook Mall. Putt-Putt Fun Center (puttputtfw.com) offers three Putt-Putt golf courses, an arcade, go-karts and a snack bar. The facility is open every day April through October; hours and operations vary November through March.
Children can try their feet at roller skating at one of Fort Wayne's two Roller Dome (rollerdomenorth.com) facilities, which offer open skate times, all-night skates, lessons and parties. Both locations have concessions and skate rental is available.
