What's Happening in the Parks: Apr. 21-27

What’s Happening in the Parks

The week ahead

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:

Reminder:

Bunny Tales in the Garden

Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Hop from one garden to the next while enjoying cheerful floral displays, interactive activities and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. Children are encouraged to follow the trail through the Conservatory’s lush displays to discover the ‘ending’ to the Bunny’s tale—an in-person visit with the Easter Bunny! (Note: Bunny takes a break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. A highlight of the event is the Color in Motion Live Butterfly Tent, where visitors can step inside and experience butterflies up close in a vibrant, interactive setting. Due to anticipated attendance, the Butterfly Tent will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with timed entries in five-minute intervals to ensure a positive experience for all participants. General admission fees apply. Sponsored by: Majic 95.1 WAJI, Fox55 and Koester’s Body & Frame Shop.

 Featuring:

Dig Day

Saturday April 26, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Dino enthusiasts and earth explorers are invited to join the second annual Dig Day at Promenade Park. Guests can become a paleontologist for a day, uncovering delightful discoveries about dinosaurs and the earth. Activities will feature a dinosaur fossil dig bin and fossil dating. This free event is for youth in elementary and middle school who are interested in learning about the past.

Color in Motion: Spring Artisan Market

Sunday, April 27, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Spring has sprung and butterflies have returned to the Botanical Conservatory. On the last Sunday in April, join in the fun by also taking part in a Spring Artisan Market during the Color in Motion Butterfly Exhibit! This new indoor/outdoor market features local crafters, artists and unique vendors selling great gifts for Mother’s Day and any other occasion. Garden admission is not required to shop the Spring Market or the Conservatory Shop. Present your validated admission ticket for free parking in the Civic Center Garage.

Wild Walkers

Friday, April 25, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Oppenheim Woods, 7000 N. Kalorama Road, Leesburg, IN

This adult hiking group meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month for a walk on the wild side. Each hike features a different natural area in the region (parks, wetlands, nature preserve, etc.) and carpooling is available when necessary. Find the full 2025 schedule at this link https://www.fortwayneparks.org/images/PDF/Salomon/2025_Wild_Walkers_Schedule.pdf.

Also Happening:

Color in Motion: Live Butterfly Exhibit!

Until June 22, public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Live butterflies have landed at the Botanical Conservatory bringing with them an array of natural beauty and wonder. Watch in awe, their wings in flight, as they flash with color pigments and refracted light. Observe exotic butterflies emerging from their chrysalides right before your eyes! An epic display of multicolored flowers and foliage elevates this annual spring exhibit. Sponsored by: the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, “In memory of Jo Ann and William Wyatt,” 21Alive and 97.3 WMEE.

City Golf Courses are open for play

Daily beginning at 8:00 a.m., April 12 – 18

Daily beginning at 7:30 a.m., April 19 – 25

Daily beginning at 7:00 a.m., April 26 until the end of the season

Foster Park Golf Course, 3900 Old Mill Road  

McMillen Park Golf Course, Oxford Street, east of Anthony Blvd.

Shoaff Park Golf Course, 6401 St. Joe Road

As of April 12, the first start time has shifted to 8:00 a.m. and start time will adjust earlier by 30 minutes each Saturday in April until reaching 7:00 a.m. on April 26. Cart conditions for each course and opening for the driving ranges at Shoaff and McMillen will be determined day-to-day. Please call to inquire.

Slightly Used Bulb Sale

Until May 4, public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

This annual sale features slightly used tulips, daffodils and hyacinths from the Botanical Conservatory’s winter exhibit. Located in the outdoor Sales Garden, bulbs are $1.95/pot and are ready to plant in preparation for next year’s bloom! Purchases are made through the Conservatory Shop while supplies last. Admission is not required to shop. 

Registration continues for Summer Day Camp or PODS

Choose your adventure at the hands-on Farmin’ Fun Day Camp at Salomon Farm. PODS, or Positive Days of Summer offer half-day options for kids ages 5-13 at the Community Center and feature numerous themes. Download the brochure for more details. Registration may be made online at FortWayneParks.org, in-person, by mail or drop box at 705 East State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN  46805. Sessions for Franke Park Day Camp are filled.

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department will offer program scholarships for qualified children as funds are available. Scholarship policy details are listed here.

Grace Yencer: Gentle Turning

Until June 22

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Grace Yencer has been creating art for as long as she can remember, inspired by a childhood dream of becoming an artist or art teacher. Yencer’s love for snail mail sparked an early career in greeting cards, but she soon shifted focus to art as self-expression. With roots in the Midwest, her style reflects both a sense of nostalgia and a playful exploration of the world around her, making her pieces as heartfelt as they are visually engaging. Her work invites you to pause, look closer and maybe catch a hint of sorrow in the details. “To create one’s world takes courage,” Georgia O’Keeffe.