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.