Two years ago I visited Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo during a press trip. Even through the zoo hadn’t opened for the season yet, I could tell from what was available to see during my visit that it was an outstanding zoo for children and adults alike. Therefore, when I made a return visit to Fort Wayne, Indiana, this year I wanted to go back to the zoo and see it in mid-season. I had planned to spend an hour or so in the zoo but ended up staying over three hours—and that’s without children. With about 1,000 animals, beautiful landscaping and five rides, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is, by far, the nicest non-major zoo I have visited.

The animals

About a thousand animals live in the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Other than pachyderms, there seemed to be as big a variety of animal species as at larger zoos, just fewer in number. We saw an orangutan, zebras, large cats and wildebeest.

Giraffes are especially popular with kids, since you can purchase lettuce and hand feed them.

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Many small mammals, reptiles and birds kept us entertained, as did the sea lions and numerous fish in the aquarium.

I was surprised to see penguins, as that’s one animal you don’t typically see in smaller zoos.

Interactivity was big at the zoo, as well. Besides being able to feed the giraffes, you can catch an occasional Keeper Chat. I politely declined holding a snake during our visit. Been there, done that, and once was enough for me.

Children seemed fascinated by an ostrich feather and the size of an ostrich egg that a volunteer was demonstrating.

The landscape

The landscape at the Fort Wayne’s Children’s Zoo rivals any zoo I’ve visited, with lush greenery and shaded walkways. A walking path surrounds a pond on which swans, ducks and geese float.

Peafowl roam freely. In fact, it was the first time I have ever seen a peacock fan its feathers.

Additionally, in the Australian Adventure area, you can walk among the kangaroos.

The tropical landscaping at the Indonesian Rain Forest area of the zoo is especially gorgeous.

The rides

I was happy to see that Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo also offers five different rides. It gives you a break from walking the entire day. The newest ride, the narrated Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride, takes you down an Australian river in a log boat. Watch for the “crocodiles” on shore.

The Sky Safari provides a panoramic view of the zoo grounds. Although it’s set quite a distance away from any animals, we still had a beautiful view of the wildflowers below.

A train, pony rides, and a carousel round out the rides.

If you visit Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, located at 3411 Sherman Boulevard in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is open late April to mid-October. Check the website for hours, admission fees and other details.

Accommodations: I stayed at the Hotel Fort Wayne during my stay in Fort Wayne. Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

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Disclosures: My visit to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo was hosted by Visit Fort Wayne and the zoo. My admission was complimentary; however, any opinions express in this article are my own.
This article contains an affiliate link. If you book a room through the link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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