This is part 2 of 3 I’ll be doing with Fort Wayne for my media trip. I see us having a lot of family fun in Fort Wayne for many years so I’ll keep the updates coming. Seeing the awesome growth they’re in tells me I’ll have lots more to share with each visit.
I ended with a hard hat tour of the new Promenade Park on Day 2 in part 1 of the series. I’ll start right up where we left off which would be a visit to the arts district.
Family Fun in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne Museum of Art and Arts United
When we walked into the FW Museum of Art my first thought was ‘I love how art is right in your face as soon as you walk in.’ You didn’t have to go through the lobby to get to the exhibit halls. Straight away you’re greeted with sculpture and glass pieces that are phenomenal. As you walk through the exhibits you’ll see stunning pieces of all mediums. My favorite area was the 2019 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards (there until April 6). The talent and heart put into these pieces is truely inspiring for all ages. The museum also has a children’s area that they’re in the planning stages to re-vamp to make friendly for more ages. It’s a space where kids can be hands on with art and an invitation to be creative in their own way.
We only saw a portion of the Arts United campus which includes the Arts United Center, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Auer Center, Parkview Physicians Group ArtsLab, Hall Center, History Center and Rankin House. We stopped in the Auer Center to see a beautiful exhibit called Mother Sea Haha Naru Umi by Sayaka Ganz. She defines her work as “3D impressionism,” assembling various pieces of plastic to emphasize movement and bright colors, using her materials like the broad strokes of a paintbrush.
Coney Island
If you know me well, you know that hot dogs are my favorite food. I have them as my birthday dinner every year because I love them that much! I was excited to see on our itinerary that we were heading to Coney Island because I saw it featured in People magazine in 2018. Coney Island boasts to be the oldest hot dog stand in America opening in 1914. It’s a great way to step back in time and their prices can’t be beat.
Science Central
I was impressed to say the least with Fort Wayne Science Central. I’m extremely familiar with the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and have been to the Smithsonian’s and big Chicago museums. That being said, there’s something about the science centers that have me more entertained for longer than the other museums. I think it’s the hands-on aspect of learning science that intrigues me so much. There is such an incredible amount to learn for all ages at this museum (it’s not just for kids!)
My favorite part was the Science on a Sphere exhibit where you can learn all about our earth and the rest of our galaxy from a massive sphere suspended from the ceiling. They’re also in the planning stages of adding on a planetarium to add to this exhibit! Science Central can easily take up an entire day (or two) so bring along your packed lunch and snacks because you won’t want to leave!
The Embassy Theatre
I really did not want to leave Science Central but was excited to head over to one of the oldest theatres in Indiana, The Embassy Theatre. The Embassy Theatre was built in 1928 celebrating it’s 90th birthday last year! It is such an ornate theater that it’s worth just going inside for a peek at the architecture and detailing. They have an awesome line up of all kinds of performances from the FW Philharmonic to Broadway series performances. The King and I, Harry Potter in Concert, Chris Angel and Neil Degrasse Tyson! A lot of shows go to The Embassy because it is such an iconic theatre, they completely pass up Indianapolis.
Tincaps Baseball Diamond
As a Mom who likes to introduce my family to new experiences that are inexpensive, I loved visiting Parkview Field, home of the Tincaps minor league baseball team. One of their biggest focuses is making going to the ballpark with your whole family affordable anytime. They have 360 degree viewing capability of the entire diamond which is unheard of anywhere else. They have fun themed nights like The Office, Harry Potter, Superheros and Turn the Park Pink where the players have themed jerseys for the game! Parkview Field has fireworks every Friday and Saturday home game and has special savings nights like:
- Sundays: Postgame Autographs presented by Subway
- Mondays: US Foods Family Feast Nights ($1 food deals)
- Thursdays: Thirsty Thursdays™ presented by Rudy’s Shop ($1 beer & other drink specials)
- Fridays: Theme Nights
- Saturdays: National Entertainment Acts
- All Games: Run the Bases presented by Trine University Fort Wayne
DeBrand Chocolate
Quite honestly, I stumbled upon DeBrand Fine Chocolates when I was 8 months pregnant and spotted a sidewalk sign that said ‘ice cream and chocolate’ in Keystone. Since then, I can’t go to that area of town without stopping to buy our family our very favorite chocolate. Fort Wayne is home to the factory where they make these wonderful fine chocolates and you can actually take a tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays! TIP: take the tour before buying your chocolate because they give you samples.
This is the perfect place to break and continue on to the rest of my trip in the next and final post. Keep in mind that I’ll also be writing about our family trip when we visit in June where I’ll be able to share our family’s perspective on visiting Fort Wayne. Again, huge massive thanks to Visit Fort Wayne for being such lovely hosts on this trip!
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