Point of Interest: Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo


The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is one of Indiana’s premier family attractions, located at 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808. Founded in 1965, this 40-acre zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore diverse habitats and ecosystems from around the world. The zoo is recognized as one of the top children’s zoos in the country and is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.


The zoo is divided into four main regions, each offering an immersive experience:


The African Journey: Visitors can explore the savannas of Africa, where they will encounter majestic lions, zebras, and giraffes. A key highlight of this area is the ability to hand-feed giraffes, offering a memorable interactive experience.

Australian Adventure: This section transports you down under, where you can stroll through an aviary filled with free-flying birds or visit kangaroos and Tasmanian devils. Visitors can also take a boat ride through the Australian Outback.

Indonesian Rainforest: In this lush, tropical environment, guests will see orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and a variety of exotic birds. The treetop trail provides a bird’s-eye view of the entire rainforest area.

Central Zoo: The heart of the zoo, the Central Zoo, offers opportunities to view red pandas, sea lions, and more. Kids can also enjoy petting goats at the Indiana Family Farm.

For more details about exhibits and seasonal events, visit the official Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo website at https://kidszoo.org/.


Surrounding Areas

The zoo is located within Franke Park, which offers additional attractions and activities. The park features picnic areas, hiking trails, and playgrounds, making it a great spot for family outings. Additionally, the city of Fort Wayne is filled with cultural and recreational points of interest. Just a short drive from the zoo is Promenade Park, a beautiful riverfront destination that offers walking trails, boat rentals, and scenic views of the St. Marys River.


For those looking to explore further, Fort Wayne also boasts a vibrant downtown area filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, another popular attraction, is located just a few miles from the zoo and offers stunning indoor and outdoor gardens year-round.


Learn more about Franke Park at https: //www.fortwayneparks.org/.


History of the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo was the vision of Earl Wells, the former director of the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, and was opened to the public in 1965. Originally covering just 5.5 acres, the zoo has expanded significantly over the years, growing to include multiple themed regions that offer a comprehensive view of wildlife from around the world.


The zoo has remained committed to conservation efforts, both locally and internationally. It supports various programs aimed at protecting endangered species, educating visitors about wildlife conservation, and encouraging sustainable practices. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo continues to evolve, with ongoing renovations and improvements to enhance visitor experiences.


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Driving Directions from Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo to 3421 Hoagland Ave, Fort Wayne, IN

  • Start at Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo: 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
  • Head south on Sherman Blvd toward Franke Park Dr.
  • Use the right lane to take the ramp onto IN-930 E/W Coliseum Blvd.
  • Continue on IN-930 E/W Coliseum Blvd for about 1.5 miles.
  • Take the exit toward Lafayette St.
  • Merge onto Spy Run Ave.
  • Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Lafayette St.
  • After about 2 miles, turn right onto Hoagland Ave.
  • Continue on Hoagland Ave for about 0.2 miles, and you will arrive at your destination:
  • 3421 Hoagland Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46807.
  • This route covers approximately 4.5 miles and should take about 10-12 minutes, depending on traffic. Enjoy your trip!