Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

You won’t want to miss a trip to “One of the Top 10 Zoos in the Nation”. With over 38 acres of animals, rides and beautiful landscaped grounds, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is sure to be a family favorite. Did I mention it’s only around 3 hours from Detroit? The short distance from Detroit makes the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo the perfect road trip for family, friends, significant others and more. Since it’s only three hours away you can even day trip it, if you’re just looking to fill some wanderlust in your life.

What sets the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo apart from others:

Affordable ticket prices, $15 for adults and $10 for children 18 and younger the zoo makes for an affordable day trip that’s jam-packed with fun for the whole family.

2019 Ticket Prices
Adults (ages 19-61) $15.00
Child (ages 2-18) $10.00
Seniors (ages 62+) $12.00
Babies (ages 1 and under) FREE

All Zoos are designed with children in mind, however, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo takes it to the next level by allowing kids to get up close and personal with several animals, including feeding the giraffes. Unfortunately, when I was around the giraffes they didn’t want to come to eat some yummy lettuce… maybe next time. As someone who is 4’10” it’s nice to not have to stand on my tippy toes in hopes of getting a glimpse at the animals – therefore I personally loved it being catered to children and their height.

There are four distinct sections of the zoo offering rides, hands-on experiences and of course amazing animals.

Begin your trip around the zoo in the African Journey area. Here you will find lions, hyenas, monkeys and more!

Hands-on experience: Hand-feed giraffes.
Take a ride: Hop on the Sky Safari (like a ski lift) and take a ride 38 feet in the air to get a bird’s eye view of lions, zebras and much more!

G’day mate! It’s time to head on an Australian Adventure. Here you will find kangaroos, the reef and more.
Hands-on experience: Pet a stingray.
Take a ride: Climb into your own dugout canoe and explore the Outback on the Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride. During this ride, you’ll see the life cycle of a crocodile while you float past kangaroos and dingoes.

Head to the jungle and come nose-to-nose with orangutans, tigers and more in the Indonesian Rain Forest.
Hands-on experience: Trek the Tree Top Trail.
Take a ride: Take a spin on the Endangered Species Carousel.

Don’t miss out on some of the newest exhibits located in the Central Zoo including Monkey Island and river otters.
Hands-on experience: Brush a goat at the Indiana Family Farm.
Take a ride: All aboard the Z.O.&O Railroad or take a pony ride.

What to Eat? 

When lunchtime comes around there are plenty of delicious food spots to stop at where you will find burgers, sandwiches, chicken fingers, wraps, cold drinks, Dole Whip and more. I decided to eat at Ray’s Barefoot Grill and went with an Italian wrap, bag of barbecue chips and ice-cold lemonade.

Don’t forget to add the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo to your summer adventure list. The Zoo is located at 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN, and parking is free!