Get Out and Play - June 16-20

No, this isn't the Shoaff Park splash pad.  I didn't have a picture of that one.  Bonus points to anyone who can correctly identify it!

Monday - Take a virtual trip Chicago's Field Museum through activities and crafts at your nearest Michael's craft store.  Today is the start of Michael's seven week Passport to Imagination, featuring crafts inspired by seven of the country's top museums - every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10-noon until August 1.  The link gives an overview, stop by the store to pick up a full list of which craft will be offered each day.  Drop-ins are welcome, space permitting.  One catch -- a parent needs to stay in the store during the two hour class.  10am-noon, $2.

Tuesday - Summer weather is here!  Take a walk through one of the trails at Shoaff Park, and then cool off in the splash pad.  6401 St. Joe Road.

Wednesday - Take a color scavenger hike through Eagle Marsh at Short Hikes for Short Legs. Ages 3-5 with their adults, 9-10am, 6801 Engle Road, meet at the barn.

Thursday - Explore the sweet side of science with hands-on Candy Science experiments at the Hessen Castle Library.  This program runs at 10:30am and 1:30pm.

Friday - Drive 20 miles SW of Fort Wayne to the Huntington Drive-In Theater.  Grab some dinner at the concession stand and listen to the movie through your car's radio.  Movie will be announced later in the week, movies start around 9:30pm.  1291 Condit Street, Huntington.  Ages 12 and up $8, 3-11 $3, under 2 free.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - June 14-15

I seem to have no relevant pictures, so Max would like to offer you this generic high-five.

Germanfest and Steuben County's Renaissance Faire headline the festival scene this weekend.  And don't forget those ongoing concert series, strawberry picking is still in full swing, and it looks like it'll be a great weekend for just about any sort of outdoor plans you want to make.  Enjoy this Father's Day weekend!

Saturday, June 14
Familienfest at Germanfest - Midway rides, moonwalks, historic reenactments from the local SCA, free carriage rides, and wiener dog races.  11am-6pm.  Additional Germanfest activities (not necessarily for the kids) continue until 1am.  Germanfest admission $2 from 2-5pm, $5 after 5pm.

Turtle Days Festival in Churubusco wraps up today.  Parade at 6pm, fireworks at 10:15, complete schedule here.

Enchanted Lakes Renaissance Faire in Steuben County Park, 100 LN 101 Crooked Lake, Angola, 10am-8pm

Ice Cream Social benefiting Kate's Kart - Kate's Kart is a non-profit that gives books to children during hospital stays.  (We've been the recipient of several Kate's Kart books.  Hospitals are boring places for children, and the books were a welcome distraction.  Also, there's something nice about being given a gift when you're going through a rough time with a child.  So, good cause, go buy some ice cream!)  Ice cream, of course, and also games, prizes, pony rides and live entertainment. Grace Point Church 8611 Mayhew Road, 11am-3pm, donations accepted.

Tincaps vs. Bowling Green - QuickChange performs their show of dance & magic, and stick around for fireworks after the game.  7:05pm.

Sunday, June 15
Enchanted Lakes Renaissance Faire in Steuben County Park, 100 LN 101 Crooked Lake, Angola, 10am-5pm

Tincaps vs. Bowling Green - Stick around after the game to get your favorite players' autographs.  1:05pm.

Get Out and Play - June 9-13

A hive of bees practices for Friday's dance at the Fort Wayne Dance Collective.

Monday - Magician Daniel Lusk combines science & slight of hand in shows at each of the Allen County Public Library branches as part of the Summer Reading Program.  Today he'll be at Monroeville at 3:30pm, at Tecumseh at 6:30pm.

Tuesday - Get outside to Foellinger Theater for a free concert from the Fort Wayne Area Community Band.  7:30pm.

Wednesday - Teams of two compete to stuff plush pigs into sausages at Germanfest's annual Ferkel Wurst Stuffin'.  Free to watch, free to play, just sign up your team at the information booth. 6-8 year-olds at 1pm, 9-12 year olds at 5pm (and adults can come back and try their hand at the game at 9pm.)  Germanfest admission is $2 from 2-5pm and $5 after 5.

Thursday - Celebrate World Oceans Day with special events at the Children's Zoo.  Special activities from 10am-3pm, zoo open 9am-5pm.  Activities free with regular admission (adults $14, ages 2-14 $9).  P.S. - Any day you want to go to the Zoo, check out this schedule of animal feedings, zoo keeper talks, and K'Zoo sightings.

Friday - The Fort Wayne Dance Collective presents "Three Sisters Who Changed the World."  Follow three sisters as they learn about the world--with help from the FWDC dancers.  Adults $13, students $11, South Side High School, 3601 S. Calhoun.  7pm.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - June 7-8

Is everyone done with school now?  Everyone?  Oh, good, it's finally summer!  We'll be spending our weekend introducing Toby to the Star Wars movie--which has nothing at all to do with local events, or summertime, or the fabulous weather, but it's all we've heard about in our house for the past two weeks.  I'm pretty sure we can't top that, but once the movie is over I'm hoping for some time in the sun, some fresh veggies and some free music.

Saturday, June 7
McMillen Park Community Center reopens to the public.  This redone facility now houses sports fields, a dance studio, a walking track, an art room and more.  All day passes to use the facilities are just $1.  The Center opens with a ribbon cutting at 11am and a community carnival from noon-5pm.  3900 Abbott Street.

Canal Days in New Haven - this local festival finishes today.  There's a parade at 11am, Kids Day activities & reduced price midway wristbands from noon-3pm, and you can end the day with the Rhett Walker Band on the main stage at 7:30.  Full schedules here.

Strawberries are ready for picking at Cedar Creek Produce (8am-6pm 11709 Clay Street, Leo) and Hilger Family Farm (8am-7pm, 5534 Butt Road.) Check their websites for times on Sunday and throughout the week, too.

Barr Street Market - Listen to the sounds of the Fort Wayne Children's Choir and Pinky Swear, meet the SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) duck and enjoy children's activities hosted by SCAN, and make & take an art project with the Library crew.  Oh, and buy some veggies.  9am-1pm.

Andy Grammar concert at Jefferson Pointe - hear "Keep Your Head Up" & more at this free concert.  2pm.

Siege of Fort Wayne 1812 at the Old Fort - 10am-6pm.  Guided tours will be offered, advanced tickets recommended.  Parking available at Headwaters and Lawton parks.

Rock the Plaza - Black Cat Mambo, Velvet Soul, Freak Brothers.  6pm-10pm.

Voyage of the Dawn Treader - A Fort Wayne adaptation of the C. S. Lewis classic.  Put on by Kinetic Revelation Academy of Dance.  7pm, Salvation Army, 2901 N Clinton St, tickets $8.

Sunday, June 8
Siege of Fort Wayne 1812 at the Old Fort - 10am-4pm.  Guided tours will be offered, advanced tickets recommended.  Parking available at Headwaters and Lawton parks.

EuroFest gathering of European Cars - IPFW parking lot #16, 2101 Coliseum Blvd. 10am-4pm, spectators free.

Gera Accordion Orchestra - Kick off Germanfest with a free accordion concert.  (The festival tent opens up on Wednesday.)  4:30pm, 3355 Elmhurst Drive.

Voyage of the Dawn Treader - A Fort Wayne adaptation of the C. S. Lewis classic.  Put on by Kinetic Revelation Academy of Dance.  3pm, Salvation Army, 2901 N Clinton St, tickets $8.

Free Summer Concert Series

Hooray for summertime, when parents don't have to get a babysitter to dance around to loud music!  Free concerts abound around the Fort, and this monster of a post has the schedules for ongoing concert series.  Have I missed any?  Let everyone know in the comments!

Living Fort Wayne Concert Series
5-9pm, Headwaters Park West

We skipped the first concert of the summer because it looked like rain, and then it was beautiful out and I regretted it.  Here's hoping we'll make it out to the next one, because those YLNI folks always put on a good event.

5:00 - Food, drink, and acoustic music.
6:30 - Showtime

June 4 - Sunny Taylor, Fernando Tarango and the Wickersham Bros
July 2 - Left Lane Cruiser, Unlikely Alibi
August 6 - Adam Strack, Bluebird Revival

Lunch on the Square
Thursdays from noon-1:30
One Summit Square

More than anything else around town, lunching at One Summit Square makes me feel like I'm taking a trip into the big city.  Button-downed downtown office workers, families pushing strollers, hipsters enthusiastically greeting their friends in line for fancy hot dogs -- there's something for everyone.  Toby loves the very-climbable (you didn't hear that here) new bike sculpture and the big, green, lawn for running.  Max loves dancing to the music.

A hint?  Park at the Library's east lot, it's just two blocks away.  Finish off your lunch with a trip inside the library to pick up a few more summer reads and get your ticket punched.  Parking is free if you have an Allen County library card and $1 per hour if you don't.

*The lines for food trucks were ridiculous at the first concert this summer--at least they were when we got there at 12:15.  But when we were leaving at 1:15 there were no lines at all.  Next time we go I think we'll bring our own sandwiches and splurge on dessert from Ginger Kitchen, where there is never a line.  (Not because they aren't awesome, they are, but because their ice cream is pre-packaged and the transactions move quickly.)  Or if I'm hankering for food truck fare, then we'll snack well, play first, and grab food at the end.

June 6 - Shade & Shannon
June 12 - Fernando Terrango & Ken Jehle
June 19 - The Jay Taylors
June 26 - The Todd Harold Band

3 - Honey Badger
10 - Joe Justice
17 - Jug Huffers
24 - Night to Remember
31 - Pop 'n' Fresh

August 7 - Fringe Preview
August 14 - Scratch 'n' Sniff
August 21 - Mike Connely
August 28 - Grand Finale!


Rock the Plaza
900 Library Plaza, outside the Main Library, under the big red tent

Pint & Slice is out every week offering pizza, snacks, and drinks, and Dunkin' Donuts is open during shows.  Bring your blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the show on the library's lawn.

More than the other concerts, Rock the Plaza is loud (I know, I'm old), and there's not a whole lot of space to do much other than sit on your blanket and listen to the music.  Which sounds like a fine way to spend an evening, unless your 5-year old gets antsy after 3 minutes.  Next time we go I'll be bringing some sit-down toys -- plastic dinosaurs, coloring books, maybe some sidewalk chalk or bubbles.  And snacks.  I think adding some props that make relaxing easier for the kid will make the next concert more enjoyable for everyone.

May 31 - Walkin' Papers, URB, and Orange Opera

June 7 - Black Cat Mambo, Velvet Soul, Freak Brothers
June 14 - Bonafide, Jug Huffers, Pop-N-Fresh
June 21 - Tim Herrington Band, Sparrow 5, Sum Morz
June 28 - Earphorik, Ivory West, Shelly Dixon & Jeff McRae, Kill The Rabbit

July 5 - Roustabout, The Rescue Plan, Brother
July 12 - Soft N Heavy, Marnee, Small Town
July 19 - the Humanity, Taj Maholics, Unlikely Alibi, Moser Woods
July 26 - PFL, Clusterfolk, the Insta-Gators, Tone Junkies

August 2 - Bekah Bradley Band, Casket Sharp, Sunny Taylor Band
August 9 - Joel Young Band, ButtonHead, Infantry Of Noise, Cougar Hunter
August 16 - Seattle Rain, Trackless, Hip-O-Fonic
August 23 - Yellow Dead Bettys, Mike Conley & Jane Heald, Dan Dickerson's Harp Condition, Quincy & Q-Tet
August 30 - Grateful Groove, Pink Droyd


Friday Nites Live at Jefferson Pointe
6:30-8:30pm by the Fountain

If you're interested in the music, bring your lawn chairs out early to claim your spot near the fountain.  If you're more interested in a place to picnic while the kids run & you chat with friends, then you'll find plenty of seating in the lawn around the corner -- you'll hear the show but you won't see it.  Remember that the Fort Wayne Farmers Market is also at Jefferson Pointe on Fridays from 4-7, over by the movie theater.

June 6 - Junk Yard Band
June 13 - Goodnight Gracie
June 20 - Sugar Shot
June 27 - Fort Wayne Jazz Orchestra

July 11 Hubie Ashcraft and The Drive
July 18 - Big Caddy Daddy
July 25 - Sierra Shame

August 1 - Urban Legend
August 8 - Ty Causey
August 15 - Loudmouth Soup
August 22 - New Millenium Orchestra
August 29 - Rosemary Gates

September 5 - Todd Harrold Band

Get Out and Play - June 2-6

Monday - Get to your nearest branch of the Allen County Public Library and pick up your reading log, the Summer Reading Program begins today!  Yes, even babies are invited to play along.  For every six hours spent reading or doing other literacy activities your kid will get a prize -- first a toy (duckies for the littles and airplanes for the bigger kids) and then two books.

Tuesday - While the big kids are still in school, check out Toddlerpalooza with your 1-3 year old at the New Haven Library Branch.  This program is planned especially for the littles, and if you miss it today, it'll be traveling to all of the branches over the next few weeks.  We got a preview of the toddler activities at the Main Branch last week, and it was great fun for the 1, 2 and 3 year old (yup, one of each) that I brought along.  10:30am.

Wednesday - Take in the first of three free concerts this summer sponsored by Living Fort Wayne.  Sunny Taylor plays acoustic at 5pm and Fernando Tarango and the Wickersham Bros rock out at 6:30. (And check out Living Fort Wayne's blog for more ideas of stuff to do in the Fort this summer!)  Headwaters Park West.

Thursday - Kick off Lunch on the Square with a free outdoor concert from Shade & Shannon.  Pack a lunch, get takeout from one of the many nearby restaurants, or grab a taste from the food trucks parked right on the square.  One Summit Square, corner of Wayne and Calhoun, noon-1:30pm.

Friday - School is out for pretty much everyone in the area by now, so celebrate with a late night movie at New Haven's Canal Days.  Chris Worth plays at 7pm, and Despicable Me 2 starts around 9:30 or 9:45.  Schnelker Park, New Haven.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - May 31-June 1

Last Saturdays are always full of special events downtown.  Start at the Barr Street Market, take a ride on the river at Riverpalooza, play I Spy at the Library and end the day with the first Rock the Plaza concert of the summer.

Saturday, May 31
Spring Bonsai Show at the Botanical Conservatory - Explore a forest of miniature trees cultivated by our local bonsai club.  Admission is reduced to the entire Conservatory today, adults $3, kids $2, free for 2 and under.  10am-3pm.

Sounds of the City, A Downtown Scavenger Hunt - Celebrate the 3rd annual Hearing Awareness Day by searching for sounds on a scavenger hunt around downtown.  Freiman Square, 11am-2pm.

I Spy at the Main Library - On the last Saturday of each month, the library has special activities for children of all ages and their grown-ups.  This month play I Spy around the entire department, and make a game to take home.  2pm, Main Library.

Northern Imperial Garrison Weekend at the Old Fort - French and Russian troops from the Seven Years War era will be going through a variety of drills and exercises.  10am-5pm, donations accepted.  Parking available at Headwaters and Lawton Parks.

Riverpalooza - Take a boat ride down the river, build your own cardboard boat, and watch local teens compete in Fort Wayne's Almost Famous talent show.  Wells Street bridge downtown, 11am-6pm.

Tincaps vs. West Michigan - 7:05.  BirdZerk provides entertainment and there are post-game fireworks.

Rock the Plaza starts up for the summer.  Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, food and drinks will be for sale. Tonight featuring Walkin' Papers, URB, and Orange Opera.  Outside of the Main Library, under big red tent.  6-10pm.

Sunday, June 1
Tincaps vs. West Michigan - 3:05.  It's Bark at the Park day!  You can bring your dog along to the ballpark IF you register them ahead of time.  It's a Sunday afternoon game, so fans are invited to get the player's autographs after the game.

Sculpture with Purpose - IPFW Edition

I've been watching the Sculpture with Purpose bike racks pop up around downtown, and I love how they are becoming a part of our everyday landscape.  I wanted to see their sister-sculptures around IPFW, too -- and a visit from the grandparents became a good excuse to get the family all onto campus for a walk and a picnic over the holiday weekend.

To start off, we picked up a map of the sculptures from the Fort Wayne Visitors Center (927 Harrison Street) downtown.  I haven't been able to find the map online anywhere, and it was useful enough to make the extra stop worthwhile.  Parking is free and plentiful on evenings and weekends all around IPFW, and over the holiday weekend we nearly had the place to ourselves.  We managed to see all the sculptures on the main campus -- we'll need to make another stop sometime to see the one sculpture that lives across Crescent over by the dorms.

You know what's great about kids on college campuses?  Christer and I noticed this at our own reunion last year.  Everything is designed to be indestructible.  So go ahead, run around through the gardens, climb on the artwork, walk on the benches.  Whatever damage your 5-year-old can attempt, I guarantee its been tried before by a tipsy college student three times his size.  Toby loved racing ahead to find the sculptures, running in circles through the twisting sidewalks, and exploring the various little gathering spaces around campus.  The grown ups on our hike hadn't spent much time wandering IPFW either, so we all enjoyed exploring and taking in the beautiful spring day.

If you're going to search out all the sculptures, make sure to find the hidden (sometimes not-so-hidden) triangle on each one.  Take a picture of you pointing at the triangle, and you can enter each picture in a raffle.  Take a picture at each sculpture and you can enter 50 times (although, I'll admit, some of the downtown bike racks still have us stumped).

This cute mastodon was the last stop on our tour -- and he was the only sculpture we saw who was fulfilling his purpose as a bike rack.

Get Out and Play - May 27-30

Tuesday - Bring boots if you have them and head out to Eagle Marsh to observe the life in a dipper full of pond water.  Two more land-based mini-bioblitzes are happening on Wednesday and Thursday at the same times, if you'd rather not wade through the marsh.  5:30-6:30pm, meet at the Eagle Marsh barn.  6801 Engle Road.

Wednesday - If the weather stays warm and dry, head out to Shoaff Park to splash in the splash pad.  6401 St. Joe Road.

Thursday - Reading to pets can help kids, especially new readers and uncertain readers, build confidence in their reading skills.  Young readers can stop by Paws to Read at the Pontiac Library at 5pm today to share stories with borrowed pups.  2215 S Hanna Street.

Friday - It's time for the Toddler Play Day at the Main Library.  Come for storytime (Babies at 10am, Toddlers at 10:30 and 11) and stay for sensory activities that engage your toddler's hands, feet, ears, eyes and nose.  Main Library, 900 Library Plaza, 11am, ages 1-3.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - May 24-26

Sculpture with Purpose bike rack outside of Arts United.

After last weekend's flurry of festivals, Memorial Day weekend is looking decidedly lazy around the Fort.  It's a good chance to check in on some of the old favorites -- Science Central is opening a new exhibit about bats, the butterflies are still fluttering at the Botanical (reduced admission this Sunday), the Art Museum has some kid-friendly exhibits (always free on Sundays), you couldn't ask for better weather for a trip to the Zoo, and the Tincaps are in town (and starting this weekend there are fireworks at most weekend evening games).

In addition, splash pads and pools are opening up around town.  And on Monday the Memorial Day Parade is a good introduction to the holiday for kids.

Many Allen County Public Library branches change to their summer schedule this weekend.  The Main Library is now closed on Sundays, and several other branches will be closed on Saturdays.

Water Openings this Weekend
Many of the city's water features open this Saturday, including Fort Wayne's Splash Pads, Fort Wayne's Northside Pool, and New Haven's Jury Pool.  The Pocahontas Swim Club (Poco Pool) is open to non-members this Saturday only ($3 per person).  The YMCA's pool at the Jorgensen branch opens on Saturday, and the Parkview branch splash pad opens on Monday -- both are for Y members and their guests only.  Make sure to check the times & rates before you go, as many of the pools have shortened hours for these first few weeks.

Saturday, May 24
"In The Dark" begins at Science Central. Through September 7. Ages 3+ $8, 0-2 free, 10am-5pm.

Family Garden Close Up: Intriguing Insects - Each Month the Botanical Conservatory hosts activities for families and their young children.  This month learn about insects.  11am-1pm.  Included in regular admission, $5 for adults, $3 for kids, ages 2 and under free.  1100 S Calhoun Street.

Tincaps vs. Lansing - Tonight's entertainment features the Russian Bar Trio performing aerial acrobatics and fireworks after the game.  (If your littles aren't fans of the noise, we recommend watching from the King Gyros parking lot across the street.) 7:05

Sunday, May 25
Iris Show at the Botanical Conservatory - View a variety of irises at this annual competition.  Admission to the entire Conservatory is reduced today, adults $3, kids $2, free for 2 and under.  Noon-3pm.

Memorial Day Observance at the Old Fort - Remember veterans of past wars with historic reenactors.  Noon-5pm, donations accepted.  Parking available at Headwaters and Lawton Parks.

Tincaps vs. Dayton - Stick around for post-game fireworks!  7:05

Memorial Day, Monday, May 26
Memorial Day Parade - The public is invited to support the Allen County Council of Veterans during this annual parade and ceremony.  The Parade follows Parnell from State north to the Memorial Coliseum.  Parking and seating are generally plentiful in the neighborhoods along Parnell.  A Memorial Day Ceremony at the Coliseum begins after the parade.  Parade starts at 11am.

Tincaps vs. Dayton - 1:05

Get Out and Play May 19-23

Monday - Sail away at the playground at Johnny Appleseed Park.  Enjoy the riverfront park before the mosquitoes realize it's summer.  1500 E Coliseum Blvd.

Tuesday - Pack the kids into the bike trailers and get ready for a 7 mile ride with Trek the Trails.  Tonight's ride starts at the Deer Ridge Elementary parking lot (1515 S Scott Road).  Rides continue every Tuesday evening, the locations and distances are posted on the link.  6pm.

Wednesday - It's Letter O Play Day in the Early Learning Center at the Main Library.  O-themed activities and crafts will be set out in the ELC all day.  Visit for preschool storytime at 10:30, or stop by anytime from 9am-8pm.  Ages 0-6.

Thursday - I mentioned Lindenwood Nature Preserve when it opened for the season on a cold and rainy day.  Now that the weather is a bit warmer it's time to enjoy the trails, search for early wildflowers, and visit the pond. Open today 9am-6pm, 600 Lindenwood Avenue.

Friday - It's Star Wars Night at the Tincaps!  Stick around for the post-game fireworks! 7:05.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - May 17-18

It's the weekend for festivals in Fort Wayne!  Take your pick from comic books, theater performances, bike rides, community art displays, farmer's markets, roller derby or Japanese culture.  Even the sheep get their own festival this weekend.

(Pictures will return by Monday, I hope.  Until then, keep following us on Instagram.)

Saturday, May 17

Kickstart Fort Wayne - IPFW launches their Sculpture with Purpose exhibit of bike racks around town.  The bike racks will become a permanent part of our city, but the decorated bikes attached to them -- many made by local school groups -- will only be up this weekend.  If you're checking out the bikes, make sure to take a picture of yourself pointing out the hidden triangles on each sculpture so you can enter the Find the Triangle Contest.

Kickstart4Kids - Fort 4 Fitness hosts a morning of bike safety activities including bike & helmet fittings, an obstacle course, build-your-own trail mix, and a family bike ride at noon.  No registration is necessary, but you will need to sign a waiver to participate.  10am-3pm, Arts United Campus, 300 E Main.

Barr Street Market opens for the season!  Pick out early season local vegetables, listen to live music, and join in children's art projects each week hosted by the Allen County Public Library.  Free parking is available in the History Center parking lot, and admission to the History Center is free during market hours. (Saturday mornings 9am-1pm through Sept 27.)

Salomon Farm Fiber Festival - Demonstrations of how fiber moves from a sheep to a sweater.  Visit animals, try your hand at spinning, and browse vendors of wool, yarn, and finished fiber products.  Free admission, Salomon Farm Park, 817 W Dupont Road, 10am-3pm.

Historic Old Fort: Muster on the St. Mary's - Historical re-enactors representing times from the early Romans through WWI will demonstrate period cooking, gardening, military life, and more.  Historic Old Fort, 1201 Spy Run, 10am-6pm.

Science Fun at the Botanical Conservatory – Butterflies 101.  45 minute long program for ages 5 and up.  At 11 and 1.  Included in regular admission, $5 for adults, $3 for kids, ages 2 and under free.
Barr Street Market Opens - Make sure to check out the children's activities, hosted by the Allen County Public Library.  9am-1pm.

Appleseed Comic Con - 11am-6pm, Grand Wayne Convention Center. Adults $10 one day or $15 for both days, children under 12 free.

Snow White - A la carte tickets are available to the Youtheatre's mainstage production at the Arts United Center.  Adults $15, children $10. 12pm and 3pm.

Fairy Tale Festival - One $20 ticket gets you in to Youtheatre's Snow White, Fort Wayne Ballet's Ferdinand the Bull and Peter and the Wolf, Dance Collective's "Elves and the Shoemaker" and a "Grimm Game Show" hosted by Youtheatre at the Museum of Art.  Between shows check out crafts and other pop-up acts on the Arts United Plaza.

Bike to the B-Side at One Lucky Guitar - It's a family-friendly Kickstart After-Party, featuring music from The Final Hurrahs (they're also playing in front of the Arts United Center at 3pm this afternoon.) Free admission, 1301 Lafayette Street, 6:30pm.

Derby Girls Spring Roll - Three days of men's and women's roller derby bouts featuring teams from across the Midwest.  Memorial Coliseum, kids $23, adults $33, 8am-10pm.

Sunday, May 18

Cherry Blossom Festival -  Local & visiting artists share music, dance, and marshal arts.  Japanese food & snacks for sale.  Anime fans can dress up for the CosPlay competition (and your kids might recognize a few of the costumed characters roaming the festival.)  And make sure to stop in Children's Services at the library to make a craft to take home.  Allen County Public Library Main Branch, 900 Library Plaza, admission is free, noon-5pm.

Historic Old Fort: Muster on the St. Mary's - Historical re-enactors representing times from the early Romans through WWI will demonstrate period cooking, gardening, military life, and more.  Historic Old Fort, 1201 Spy Run, 10am-4pm.

Derby Girls Spring Roll - Three days of men's and women's roller derby bouts featuring teams from across the Midwest.  Memorial Coliseum, kids $23, adults $33, 8am-10pm.

Appleseed Comic Con - 11am-5pm, Grand Wayne Convention Center.  Adults $10 one day or $15 for both days, children under 12 free.

Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Symphony & Concert Orchestra - Foellinger Theater, 3411 Sherman Avenue, 4pm, free.

Get Out and Play - May 12-16

Monday - Kids ages 2-5 can try out a free gymnastics class at the newly opened Java Mama.  Check out the link for a schedule of other free classes during this opening week.  5916 Covington Road.  10-11am.

Tuesday - Comic Book Art: A Workshop - Comic book creators Matt Gross and Jeremy McFarren are in town for the Appleseed Comic Convention, and tonight they're at the Main Library.  Hear how they write and draw their comics, and design your own comic.  (And adults are invited back tomorrow to "Comic Books Are for Reading," a discussion about the value of comics.)  Ages 6-11, 6-7:30pm.

Wednesday - Princess Party at the Woodburn Library.  Princesses ages 3 and up are invited to dress in their royal best for games, crafts, and refreshments.  3pm.

Thursday - Slide down the really big slide at Lawton Park.  1900 N Clinton.

Friday - Visit sheep, watch spinning demonstrations, and try your hand at some simple fiber crafts for kids at the Salomon Farm Fiber Arts Celebration.  Admission free, donations encouraged.  817 W Dupont Road, 10am-3pm.  Then, this evening, take in Youtheatre's production of Snow White.  Adults $15, children $10, Arts United Center, 7pm (also showing tomorrow at noon and 3pm).

Weekend Fun in the Fort - May 10-11

This weekend we're looking forward to checking our our first (Fort Wayne's 5th) DisAbilities Expo and then spending a relaxing Mother's Day away from anything resembling a buffet.  (I like buffets, but I don't consider them relaxing with small children.)  Maybe we'll check out the brand new Earth Fare grocery store or Java Mama coffee shop & play area.  If you haven't been to Science Central recently, this weekend is your last chance to play at the "My Plate" traveling exhibit.

No pictures this week because of computer problems.  But we'll try to put up a few shots on Instagram--and you're welcome to join in at #playfortwayne.

Saturday, May 10

Grand Opening of Java Mama.  Check out this new coffee shop with a kids play area, and take a look at their schedule of kids activities, crafts & classes.  Free play and entertainment all day.  5916 Covington Road.  9am-6pm.

DisAbilities Expo - Explore adaptive services available in our area.  Along with displays from vendors there will be an art show & sale, demonstrations of adaptive sports, and dance & theater performances.  Follow the link for times & descriptions of performances.  10am-4pm, admission is free, parking $4.  Memorial Coliseum.

Games! Dogs! Play! - Compete with your pup at a variety of come-as-you-are games.  Meet with vendors, rescue dogs, and adoptable dogs.  Watching is free, dogs must be registered to compete, $12 per dog.  Franke Park, 3411 Sherman Blvd.  9-11am

Lego Club at the Main Library.  Meet in the Globe Room to sift through buckets and buckets of lego bricks.  2-3:30pm.

Hot Wheel Races at the Waynedale Library - Kids ages 4-12 can race their cars on Waynedale's track.  2:30pm.

New American Youth Ballet Spring Performance - Featuring performances of Peter and the Wolf, George Balanchine's Valse-Fantaisie, and other mixed repertory.  Tickets $20, 6pm, St. Francis Performing Arts Center, 431 W Berry.

Komets play in the Conference Semi-Finals against the Cincinnati Cyclones.  7:30pm.  Memorial Coliseum.

Sunday, May 11

Mother's Day in the Garden.  Each mom receives a free plant, while supplies last.  Noon-4pm.  Regular admission applies, adults $5, children $3, 2 and under free.

Last day to check out the traveling "My Plate" exhibit at Science Central.  Learn about healthy eating by digging in a garden, serving up food in a restaurant, dancing through a quiz computer game and more.  Ages 3+ $8, 0-2 free, noon-5pm.

Komets play in the Conference Semi-Finals against the Cincinnati Cyclones.  6pm.  Memorial Coliseum.

Get Out and Play - May 5-9

Monday - Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Dupont Library with activities in Spanish and English.  Ages 3-5, 2:00pm.  536 E Dupont Rd.

Tuesday - Vote!  There won't be lines for the primary, so it's a great time to bring the kids along and show them democracy in action.  Not sure what's on your ballot today?  Check type in your address to check out your sample ballot here.

Wednesday - Pick up a half price Frappuccino at any Starbucks.  This deal is good May 1-10, only from 3-5pm.  And yes, Toby can recommend several flavors that contain no coffee.

Thursday - Marvel at Mark Phencie's "Spaceships from Found Objects" now showing at the First Presbyterian Art Gallery.  These steampunk spaceships are amazing.  Your little rocket fan will get a kick out of them, but I promise you'll stare at them even longer.  The free gallery is open weekdays from 9-5, enter through the church's west entrance.

Friday - Take a trip to the Little Free Library in front of Haverhill Elementary School.  4725 Weatherside Run.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - May 3-4

The Jug Huffers playing at Sol Fest 2013.

Whatever else you're doing this weekend, get out to Sol Fest, okay?  Two days of music and food and hoping for summer.  And the cover charge goes to scholarships & school programs at the Allen County Parks.  Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and settle in for the groovy-est celebration of the season.  If the weather is even a little bit warm bring along a change of clothes, because your kids will end up in the lake.

Saturday, May 3
Free Comic Book Day - Several area comic stores are celebrating this nation-wide promotion.  Stop in and pick up one of this year's free comics.  (There will be several titles to choose from, and some are appropriate for even the youngest comic fans.)  Hours vary by location.

Shoaff Park Family Fun Day - Outdoor games, crafts, inflatables, petting zoo, used book & toy sales.  3-5 year olds can "Trike the Trails", and kid from 6-11 can race in the "Spring Sprint."  Admission is free, follow the link for race registration times and fees.  Conklin Pavilion at Shoaff Park, 6401 St. Joe Road.  9:30am-3pm

Northern Indiana Pet Expo - The Allen County SPCA hosts their annual celebration of pets.  Meet pets ready for adoption, watch dog trick performances, bounce and play through children's activities, and pick up lots of free swag for your pet.  Adults $5, children 6-12 $3, 5 and under free, pets $1.  Memorial Coliseum, 11am-4pm.

Sol Fest at Fox Island County Park - Two days of music, children's activities, hayrides, nature hikes and activities, food vendors and a beer garden.  Adults $5, kids 11 & under are free (annual passes are not honored).  11am-7pm (kids activities end at 5pm).  7324 Yohne Road.

Miami Indiana Heritage Days -  From May to November the History Center sponsors events on the first Saturday of each month.  Local artists, performers, and representatives of Native American groups demonstrate aspects of their culture.  This month features "Medicine Woman Drum."  Adults $7, Students $5.  Fee includes programming and a tour of the Chief's home.  1-4pm, Chief Richardville House, 5705 Bluffton Road.

Fun in the Early Learning Center: Making Music - One Saturday a month the Main Library hosts activities for kids 6 and under and their adults.  This month come to sing songs and make an instrument to take home.  2-2:30pm.  900 Library Plaza.

Tincaps vs. South Bend at 5:05.

Sunday, May 4 
Northern Indiana Pet Expo - The Allen County SPCA hosts their annual celebration of pets.  Meet pets ready for adoption, watch dog trick performances, bounce and play through children's activities, and pick up lots of free swag for your pet.  Adults $5, children 6-12 $3, 5 and under free, pets $1.  Memorial Coliseum, 11am-4pm.

Sol Fest at Fox Island County Park - Two days of music, children's activities, hayrides, nature hikes and activities, food vendors and a beer garden.  Adults $5, kids 11 & under are free (annual passes are not honored).  11am-7pm (kids activities end at 5pm).

Cinco de Mayo at el Azteca Mexican Restaurant - Start off Cinco de Mayo a day early with face painting and balloons from Sweetcakes Entertainment.  2-4pm, 535 East State.

Tincaps vs. South Bend at 3:05 - It's an autograph Sunday.  After the game, fans are invited on the field to get autographs from their favorite Tincaps players.

Get Out and Play - April 28-May 2

Checking out the lake at Lindenwood Nature Preseve.

Rain, rain, go away.  Or start off the week with some indoor play, and hope that the clouds part before the Tincaps first pitch on Friday.

Monday -Celebrate the extra hour many Fort Wayne families are finding with their kids, now that we're done making up for snow days.  Stop by the Georgetown Library branch for a game of BINGO for Books with the whole family.  6600 E State Blvd.

Tuesday - Tot Tuesday at Roller Dome North.  Preschoolers have the run of the rink.  Kid friendly music is playing, and tots can bring along their own (clean) riding toys to scoot around the floor.  $4 admission for kids 6 and under, includes skate rental.  For an extra $3 you can add on lunch & 4 tokens.  Parents can come along for free, adult skate rental is $2.  444 W Coliseum Blvd.

Wednesday - Get a cup of coffee at Fortezza, downtown's newest coffee shop.  The shop features Fort Wayne's first Modbar, an espresso brewing system that hides all the machinery under the table.  Modbars were invented and are manufactured here in Fort Wayne, and now we can see one at work.  819 S Calhoun Street.

Thursday – Lindenwood Nature Preserve opens today!  Even if the weather is still wet, I just might put the boys in boots and take them over.  It's centrally located, but you feel like you're out in the woods--and the network of short trails are a good length for short legs.  Open 9am-6pm, 600 Lindenwood Ave.

Friday - The Tincaps know how to throw a good theme night, and tonight's Family Game Night should be a hit.  7:05, tickets start at $5.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - April 26-27

New exhibits and special events are happening at the Botanical Conservatory and the Art Museum.  Earth Day celebrations are happening around town.  Big trucks are revving up at Ivy Tech.  And, of course, spring is finally here, because the Zoo is opening.

There's no way any one family could check out all that is happening this weekend.  So let's start sharing some photos on Instagram with the hashtag #playfortwayne.  (If you'd rather not share your kids' faces then take some pictures of the venues, the projects, the food, or anything else that shows off all of the great activities for kids in our city.)

Saturday, April 26
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo opens for the season.  Brave the crowds to get a look at the improvements in the Australian Outback and welcome some of the new additions born into the Zoo's family this year. 9am-5pm.  Adults $14, children 2-18 $9, under 2 free.

Children's Book Character Fair at the University of St. Francis - The Cat in the Hat, Nate the Great, and Junie B. Jones (among others) will all be reading and leading activities.  9-10:30am, $5 per family, USF Performing Arts Center, 431 W Berry.

Touch at Truck at Ivy Tech - Get your little truck-lover up close to all sorts of vehicles, from firetrucks to smart cars.  Coliseum East Parking Lot, 10am-noon, free. 

Fort Wayne Ballet Youth Company presents "The Little Mermaid."  Introduce children to the ballet through a short (about 30 minutes) familiar tale, presented by the Fort Wayne Ballet's youngest performers. All ages welcome, tickets $10, call 260-422-4226 to reserve.  Performances at the Fort Wayne Ballet studios, 300 E Main Street, at 10am and 11:30am.  Please bring a blanket to sit on.

Fort Wayne Museum of Art - Check out the Classic Bike Showcase presented by the Hoosier Antique and Classical Bicycle Club.  Then stroll through the new "Rims and Fins: The Golden Age of American Bicycles" (through June 29).  If your kids are fascinated by how bodies work, or get a giggle out of gooey body parts, make sure to walk through the playful (and not too disgusting) "Biological Canvas" exhibit.  After all that looking, spend some hands-on time in the FWMoA's new Early Learning Center where you can draw on the walls, experiment with building materials, and watch videos of artists at work.  Today is Dollar Day, so admission is just $1 each. Classic Bike Showcase begins at 11, museum open from 10am-6pm.

Family Garden Close Up: Tropical Temperatures - Each Month the Botanical Conservatory hosts activities for families and their young children.  This month learn about the plants and animals that live in the hot humid environment of a tropical rainforest.

The Butterfly Effect opens today, too!  11am-1pm.  Included in regular admission, $5 for adults, $3 for kids, ages 2 and under free.  1100 S Calhoun Street.

13^th Pennsylvania Drill 1776-1782 at the Historic Old Fort. 10am-4pm, donations accepted.

Phil Pops Series: Cirque Mechanics - Arial acrobatics, moving machinery, and our local Phil musicians.  Matinee tickets are 25% off, and kids matinee tickets are 50% off.  2pm and 8pm.


April Flowers at the Main Library - On the last Saturday of each month, the library has special activities for children of all ages and their grown-ups.  This month come and plant and craft flowers.  2pm, Main Library.

Sunday, April 27
Earth Day Fort Wayne at Eagle Marsh - Displays and activities from local nature and conservation groups, educational activities, hawks and owls from Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rescue, a farmers' market and more. 1-5pm.  6801 Engle Road.

Party for the Planet at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo - Celebrate Earth Day with special activities from noon - 3, free with zoo admission.  Adults $14, children 2-18 $9, under 2 free.

Wine and Canvas Family Paint – Kids and parents are invited to paint "Flower Dance" together.  Ages 10 and up, 3-6pm, $25 per person

Fort Wayne Museum of Art is free on Sundays.  So if you didn't make it over there yesterday, you can check out all the fun from yesterday (minus the Bike Showcase) for free.  Noon-5pm.

Get Out and Play - April 21-25

Monday – Check out Fort Wayne’s first Little Free Library at Washington Elementary School.  The library is facing busy Washington Street, and there’s plenty of street parking in the surrounding blocks.  Take a book, leave a book.  Then stroll over to Moody Park, just three blocks away, to read your story and climb on the playground.

Tuesday - Tuesday is forecast to be the coolest day of the week, but you can't spend Earth Day inside!  Take a brisk walk with the stroller along the paved outdoor pathways at Salomon Farm, then let the kids out to visit the animals often out near the barn.

Wednesday - Travel to Banh Mi Barista for a Vietnamese lunch.  The casual counter-service makes this sandwich shop a win for dining alone with kids.  Make sure to save room to sample their variety of familiar and not-so-familiar sweet treats (bubble tea, ice cream, and more).

Thursday -Have you played at the "My Plate" exhibit at Science Central yet?  Learn about healthy eating by digging in a garden, serving up food in a restaurant, dancing through a computer game quiz, and more.  There's lots of room for hands-on free play in this exhibit developed by Purdue.  Ages 3+ $8, 0-2 free, 10am-4pm.   (And while you're there, make your reservations for the last Half-Pint Science session of the school year, Wet and Wild Science, Tuesday, May 6 from 10:00-11:30.  $12 for one preschooler and one adult, reservations required one week in advance.)

Friday – With the budding gardens and plenty of baby ducks and geese, spring is our favorite time to walk around Lakeside Park.  It's always a struggle pulling Toby away from the rolling slide, but he always enjoys the walk around the lake and gardens once we get moving.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - April 19-20

Toby on a hike at the Adopt a Tree celebration several years ago.

Play in the woods at ACRES Adopt a Tree celebration, hunt for eggs (for yourself or your pup), and take your pick of sporting events to watch in the evening.  All of this weekend's activities are on Saturday, as many local attractions are closed for Easter.

Saturday, April 19

Fort Wayne Farmers Market at Parkview Field.  9am-1pm.

24th Annual Adopt a Tree -- Enjoy a variety of events for children and adults: make a bluebird house or suet feeder, look at pond water under a microscope, and adopt a northern white cedar, chinkapin oak, or red maple tree. Entertainment will be fiddle and dulcimer music and caricature drawings. 10-3, Wing Haven Nature Preserve 180 W 400 N, Angola

"The Nut Job" at the Woodburn branch library.  Bring the family to watch this free PG rated cartoon and share some snacks.  11am-12:30pm.

Science Fun at the Botanical Conservatory – April Flowers.  45 minute long program for ages 5 and up.  At 11 and 1.  Included in regular admission, $5 for adults, $3 for kids, ages 2 and under free.

April Showers at the Main Library - Kids 6 and under are invited to learn about clouds and rain. 2:00-2:30pm, in the Main Library’s Early Learning Center.

The Tincaps play at 5:05 on Saturday, the Mad Ants play in their semifinals at 7:30 on Saturday, and the Derby Girls double header starts at 6:00.

Easter Events
Start your Easter celebrations on Saturday with these events around town:

Easter Fun at Jefferson Pointe - Free photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting, petting zoo, and more.  Noon-4pm, near the fountain.

Easter Bone Hunt -  Why do chickens get all the fun?  Let your (leashed) dog search out treat-filled eggs, play games, and get pictures with the Easter Bunny.  $10 per dog, proceeds benefit Animal Care & Control.  Registration at noon, the hunt begins at 1:30.  Franke Park, 3411 Sherman Road.

Easter Egg Hunt at Level 13 Church, 10:30am.  8840 St. Joe Road.

Easter Egg Hunt at Triple Pointe Church, 10am.  Hickory Center Elementary School, 3606 Baird Road.

Get Out and Play - April 14-18

Monday -  After a beautiful weekend, I was all set to recommend some parks.  But when the weather turns on our plans, well, that's when I break down and head to a fast-food joint with a playground.  We've been meaning to check out the McDonalds at E State and Coliseum.  Where do you head on days like these?

Tuesday - Hope for clear skies and wake up early, early, early to see a total eclipse of the moon!  The show begins at 1:59 am and ends at 5:32 am, the moon will be fully blocked from 3:08 am until 4:23 am.  If our weather doesn't cooperate (or if you sleep through it) you can watch the eclipse online from the Griffith Observatory in California.  This is the first of four full lunar eclipses in a row.  The others will happen October 8 of this year, and April 4 and September 28 of 2015.

Wednesday - Short Hikes for Short Legs: Swimmers and Wigglers - Meet at the Eagle Marsh barn to meet some wigglers inside, then search for more on a hike to the pond.  For kids 3-5 and their adults.  9-10:30am, free.

Thursday - Every Thursday morning there are free storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers at the Dupont, Georgetown, Shawnee, Tecumseh and Aboite branches.  Click here for ages and times.

Friday – Get a hopping start on Easter weekend with Easter in the Park at the Botanical Conservatory.  Egg hunts, crafts, snacks, live animals, and pictures with the Easter Bunny.  $5 for adults, $3 for kids, ages 2 and under are free.

Weekend Fun in the Fort - April 12-13

Yes, there is the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale this weekend.  But unless you've trained your kids to help carry your haul, how about trying out one of these family-friendly outings instead?

Saturday, April 12
Historic Old Fort reenactment “An Early Modern Muster of Arms (1580-1610)”. 10am-5pm, donations accepted. 

Grand Opening of the Maker Lab at Georgetown Library - The Georgetown branch now has a Maker Lab, with the equipment and instructions needed for sewing, 3D printing, Adobe Creative Suite, Arduino electronics, Vinyl cutting and more.  Bring the family to check it out and enjoy demonstrations and refreshments.  12:30-2pm.  6600 E State Blvd.

Family Fun Hike: Pond Dipping at Eagle Marsh - Meet at the Eagle Marsh barn. At this hike, kids can get right into our ponds’ edges dipping and looking for the swimmers and wigglers that live there. Bring boots or they can borrow ours.  1-2:30pm.  6801 Engle Road (scroll down on link for map).

Lego Club at the Main Library.  Meet in the Globe Room to sift through buckets and buckets of lego bricks.  2-3:30pm.

Komets vs. Toledo Walleyes.  This is your last chance to catch the comets this season!  7:30, Memorial Coliseum.

Sunday, April 13
Old Crown Brass Band (from Fort Wayne) hosts the Stavanger Brass Band (from Norway) in a joint concert.  4pm, free.  Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2417 Getz Road.

Festival of Hymns at Plymouth Congregational UCC.  Favorite hymns, performed by chorus, handbell choir, brass, organ and timpani.  Free, donations accepted.  2:00pm.  501 W Berry Street.

Blooming Artwork Downtown

The spring weather got us out for a walk downtown today.  And while we didn't see many flowers blooming yet, there is plenty of other color popping up around Fort Wayne this week.

First, there's the new sculpture "New Bloom" at Parkview Park.  The piece was installed earlier this week, and the crew was still hooking up the electronics and fixing up the grounds around it.  The sculpture was created in memory of the artist's husband, and in honor of the spirit of new life, beauty and emerging creativity that characterizes our city.  When it's complete, the 25 foot metal iris will light up and night, and will be surrounded by live irises.  "New Bloom" gets it's official dedication on April 26.

Today the sculpture was surrounded by machinery, which was a hit with the boys.  Our viewing also gave us an excuse to take our first lap of the season around Parkview field.  The park is open daily, whenever there isn't a game, and it's a popular lunchtime walk for folks who work downtown.  Toby tried out some seats, ran around the concourse, climbed up and down the terrace steps, and took advantage of the bathrooms.  In short, it's like going to a game--except there's no begging for concessions and there's no lingering guilt for not actually watching the game you paid to see.

From the field we headed toward Pint & Slice 816 (at 816 Calhoun Street) for a slice of pizza.  Outside, Toby chased the mural on the side of the building.  The artist, Nosego, also has work on display right now in the Biological Canvas exhibit at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

As an added treat, we caught crews installing the first of IPFW's Sculpture With Purpose bike racks.  Remember the Mastodons that celebrated IPFW's 40th birthday?  For their 50th they're coordinating the creation of 50 bike rack/sculptures around town.  The majority will be downtown or on IPFW's campus, with a few scattered elsewhere in the city.  They'll all be up by May 17 for Kickstart - a celebration of bikes, art, and music.  As an added bonus, anything that is sturdy enough to hold a bike is probably sturdy enough to hold a 5-year-old boy.  Not that I'm encouraging that sort of thing.  But really, could you resist climbing into this piggy bank?

Get Out and Play - April 7-11

Monday – Take a bite out of a book at Ivy Tech’s Edible Book Festival.  Check out the edible sculptures inspired by their creators' favorite books.  Past entries have included a mix of adult and children’s literature, so there’s something for everyone.  View entries – noon-1, taste entries 1-2.  Free and open to the public.  Located in the hallways of Ivy Tech’s Student Life Center, 3701 Dean Drive.

Tuesday – Listen to a story and draw your favorite part at My Mini Museum at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.  10:30-11:15am, Ages 8 and under, $7 per child + museum admission for adult and child.  E-mail boren@fwmoa.org at least one day before the program to make your reservation.

Wednesday – Letter J Play Day at the Main Library.  Stop in the Early Learning Center anytime today to check out rhymes, games, and crafts about the letter J.  The ELC is located in the Children's area of the library, just past the information desk.  For the kids' safety the door is locked, so ask a librarian to let you in.  Ages birth-6, 9am-8pm.

Thursday – Spring has finally arrived, so get outside!  Follow a trail, poke in the lake, and play on the playground at Fox Island County Park.  $2 per person, age 7 and under free.  7324 Yohne Road.

Friday - Concordia Seminary’s playground is a favorite space for mild days.  (We love playing here, but there’s no shade, so in the summer it’s less inviting.)  The equipment here is great for a variety of ages—Toby loved the enclosed steps when he was learning to walk, and there’s a more challenging climbing wall for the older kids. 6600 N Clinton.  Enter the Seminary grounds and follow Martin Luther Drive until it comes to a T.  Take a left, and then a quick right into the parking lot.  You'll see the playground from the far right corner of the parking lot.

Weekend Fun in the Fort April 4-6

I admit, this picture is from last year.  Have you seen any
daffodils peaking up yet? 

Truthfully?  The one-time events around the Fort aren't all that plentiful this weekend.  Don't worry, as the month goes on and the weather improves, that'll change.  (The last weekend in April is packed!)  Until then, help me out a little.  Leave some comments about what you're going to be up to this weekend, and give us all some inspiration to get out and play.

Friday, April 4

7:30 – Catch the last Mad Ants game of the season.  Memorial Coliseum.

Saturday, April 5

Fort Wayne's Farmers Market - If the weather is pleasant, some of the vendors should start moving outdoors soon.  That makes for less crowding around the tables, and more room for kids to move around and explore.  Parkview Field, 9am-1pm.

Guess Whoooo is coming to theLibrary? - Have a hoot with owl stories, a craft, and a visit from a live owl.  Dupont Library, 10:30am, ages 3-8.

The Pigeon Needs a Bath Storytime – Celebrate the release of Mo Willem’s latest Pigeon book with storytime and a craft at Barns & Noble.  Glenbrook Mall location, 11:00am.

Saturday Night Stargazing - Tonight is the first chance of the season to look up with the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society.  Too cloudy for stars tonight?  The Astronomical Society offers observing nights every Saturday from tonight through November.  Jefferson Township Park (map), begins 1 hour after sunset and runs for 2 hours. (Tonight sunset is at 7:25, so the stargazing runs from 8:25-10:25.)

Sunday, April 6

Farrelly/Markiewicz Jazz Quartet -- Take in a free jazz concert for all ages.  More information, and links to sample of the quartet's music here.  Main Library, 2-3pm.

Carnival of the Animals - An animal theme links the stories and musical pieces in the Fort Wayne Philharmonic's family concert.  Children's activities before the performance include crafts, juggling, a performance by the Youth Concert Orchestra Chamber Ensemble, and an "instrument playground" where kids are encouraged to touch and try the instruments they'll hear in the concert.  Activities begin at 1pm, concert at 2pm.  Auer Performance Hall at IPFW.  Adults $17, children $7.

All Weekend
The Tincaps are playing at 7:05 Friday, 5:05 Saturday and 3:05 Sunday.  With several days and times to choose from, you'll have a hard time blaming the weather or the kids' nap schedules for missing out on the fun of opening weekend.