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.