If the idea of paddling past sculptures, exploring a kids’ canal or swaying in an oversized riverside porch swing sounds like summer magic — it is. And it’s just a 2.5-hour drive from metro Detroit.
Fort Wayne, Indiana’s Promenade Park offers a creative, memory-making mix of nature, history and hands-on fun, all nestled downtown on the scenic St. Marys River.
“Promenade Park is a very unique park in Fort Wayne,” says Lydia Harris, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Visit Fort Wayne. “It was universally designed and so is truly accessible for everyone — all generations, all abilities.”
Here’s why this vibrant park and its surrounding Riverfront District are a must-add to your family’s summer bucket list.
A park that’s truly for everyone
Promenade Park was designed with inclusivity in mind — and that includes plenty for kids to explore.
- Doermer Kids’ Canal: “This is a shallow, flowing water area with stepping stones that kids love,” Harris says. “At the end, there are little fountains and a water splash pad. It’s very interactive.”
- PNC Playground: This fully wheelchair-accessible park is packed with structures to climb and sounds to make. “There are some cool instruments, great things to climb, and spaces to explore,” says Kristen Guthrie, Visit Fort Wayne’s VP of Marketing and Communications.
- Treetop Canopy Trail: Stroll the treetops in this shaded, elevated walkway that connects paths along the St. Marys River. “From the trail, you can hop on a slide that goes down into the playground,” Guthrie adds. “It’s built with so many special touches.”
Other accessible features include:
- Wide, wheelchair-friendly trails connecting both sides of the park
- 3D-printed tactile maps for orientation
- Paver ribbons to guide guests who are blind or have low vision
- Family restrooms and changing areas built into the layout
River rides and places to eat
Everything in Fort Wayne centers around the St. Marys River — and it’s all walkable from Promenade Park’s hub. Make the most of it with easy on-site rentals for:
- Kayaks, including tandems for a parent and child
- Canoes
- Bikes
- Adaptive bikes for all ages
Need a break? Cool off or slow down nearby.
- Sweets and snacks: Grab a cone at PufferBelly Ice Cream, located right in the park, or stop by TEDS Snack + Bar for snacks, sandwiches, tropical snow cones and more.
- Sweet Breeze. “Sweet Breeze is a lovely replica wooden canal boat,” Guthrie says, and it does 45-90-minute tours. “It’s a really fun way to get out and enjoy the river, too.”
- Big porch-style swings: Unwind and rest on these family-size swings in the park.
Free family extras at Promenade Park
Promenade also connects directly to Riverfront Fort Wayne and downtown — and there’s plenty of spillover fun.
- A historic pedestrian bridge links both sides of the river and lights up at night
- The Public Art Trail digital pass lets families check in at downtown sculptures and murals to earn prizes
- Free games like ping pong and cornhole are available
- The Sweetwater Band Shell hosts frequent live concerts
Make a weekend of it in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne has more than 50 hotels, and downtown options put families close to the riverfront action. Search VisitFortWayne.com to filter hotels by pools, free breakfast and more.
“The Landing is a nearby historic district where there are many restaurant options, as well as shopping,” Harris adds. “It’s really easy to park and grab your stroller and walk around.”
Guthrie says, “The rest of our downtown is so walkable, too.”
This content is sponsored by Visit Fort Wayne. To learn more about events happening in this region of Indiana, head to the Visit Fort Wayne Promenade Park website.
from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/wUGgD2X
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