September 17, 2025
Fort Wayne summers are made for sunshine, sidewalk chalk, laughter and… a whole lot of playing! If you’ve got kids looking to burn off some energy and try something new, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation has just the thing: Park & Play.
Running from June 6 through August 1, this unique program brings the fun straight to local neighborhoods, offering free, action-packed activities for children ages 5 and up. No sign-up. No cost. Just show up, grab a hula hoop or paintbrush, and let the fun begin.
What is Park & Play?
Park & Play is a mobile recreation program from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation that brings free activities to parks across the city. Staff set up games, sports equipment, art supplies and more so kids can drop in and have fun in a safe, welcoming space.
Each week, the Park & Play crew makes their rounds Monday through Thursday, hitting different parks throughout the city. Whether your kid loves soccer, painting, jump rope, or just running around with friends, there’s something for everyone. Best part is, it’s totally free and open to the public.
Here’s where you can find them:
Mondays & Tuesdays
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Hanna Homestead (Gay & Lewis Streets)
- Lakeside Park (1401 Lake Ave.)
1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
- Packard Park (427 Kinsmoor Ave.)
- Waynedale Park (Koons & Elzey Streets)
Wednesdays & Thursdays
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Psi Ote Park (Wenonah Lane)
- Tillman Park (600 E. Tillman Rd.)
1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
- Lions Park (3299 Carew St.)
- Hamilton Park (Spring & Cherokee)
Monday – Friday Bonus: Cooper Center
For a bit more structured fun, Cooper Center at Reservoir Park (2300 S. Clinton) offers Park & Play every weekday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Kids who visit here also get a bonus: free lunch provided through the FWCS Summer Lunch Program for anyone age 17 and under. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and grab a nutritious bite at the same time.
Funtastic Fridays
Park & Play goes off-road every Friday for special visits to libraries and parks around the city. These Funtastic Fridays run from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. and bring even more ways to play, read and explore new spaces. Check out these exciting Friday destinations:
- June 6: Main Library, 900 Library Plaza
- June 13: Hessen Cassel Library and Buckner Park
- June 20: Waynedale Library and Shoaff Park
- June 27: Main Library and Safety Village
- July 11: Hessen Cassel Library and Memorial Park
- July 18: Waynedale Library
- July 25: Main Library and Kreager Park
No program July 2 to 4 – even the Park & Play team takes a break to enjoy fireworks and family time.
To wrap up a summer of fun, everyone’s invited to the End of Summer Celebration on Friday, August 1 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at McKinnie Commons (McKinnie Ave. & S. Anthony Blvd). Expect music, games, maybe even a dance party or two. It’s a perfect way to say goodbye to summer and celebrate all the memories made.
