Although temperatures have been mild — knock on wood — there is still plenty to do as the winter season has officially begun.
Fort Wayne has tons of winter activities to offer for people of all ages, from sledding and ice skating to toboggan runs and festivals.
Getting out
To start us off, Wild Zoo Wonderland continues at Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo through Dec. 30.
With your paid admission, you can check out the red pandas and stingrays while also catching a holiday story with Santa Claus.
If you are looking for something more physical, skate on over to Headwaters Park and check out their seasonal ice-skating rink. Operating until Feb. 25, the rink is open Tuesday-Sunday, with theme nights on Jan. 12 (Skate It Off), Jan. 21 (Frosty Flow), Feb. 1 (Dancing Through the Decades), Feb. 4 (Practice Makes Perfect), and Feb. 17 (Skating with Miracle Sister).
Of course, there is also the art of sledding. Most popular is the OG sled hill in Franke Park, but that is definitely not the only place to take a dive. Shoaff Park, Johnny Appleseed Park, and the Hickory Center School Hill are all also fantastic spots for speeding down a hill.
And if you really want to pick up speed, head to Pokagon State Park in Steuben County for the tobaggon run. Bring $20 along with your park entrance fee to race down the 1,780-foot-long and 90-foot-tall refrigerated track, so it operates when there isn’t even snow on the ground. The top speed on this track is 42 miles per hour, so your goal is set.
Keeping warm
Personally, I am not very much of a winter gal.
I look for activities indoors, where I can stay nice and cozy. You know what makes for a perfect relaxing day? A spa day!
Luckily for us, their are plenty of options, including The Woodhouse, 6388 W. Jefferson Blvd., in Covington Plaza; Cali Spa, 1615 W. Dupont Road; 5 Elements, 1824 W. Dupont Road; Tranquil Touch, 2845 E. Dupont Road in Parkwood Office Plaza and 3927 Kraft Pkwy. Suite B; and Intouch Salon Spa, 4633 E. Dupont Road.
After having a relaxing day, maybe you want to go out with your friends. You could head to Crazy Pins, 1414 Northland Blvd.; Pro Bowl West, 1455 Goshen Road; or MVP Lanes, 3810 Lake Ave., grab a drink, and bowl the night away.
If you want to travel a little farther, Roanoke has a Game On Virtual Sports Lounge, 141 S. High St., that is also plenty of fun.
Feeling artsy? Head to Painting with a Twist, 6425 W. Jefferson Blvd., in The Village at Time Corners. This art studio hosts nights where you can paint your own canvas, and enjoy a drink if you’d like. There are nights for those 5 and older, as well as those for 18 and older and even 21 and older.
Feeling festive
As the weather inevitably turns colder in 2024, there will be a couple of downtown festivals to break the monotony.
On Jan. 27, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation hosts the 13th annual Winterval. The event is centered downtown but will also have activities at Lindenwood Nature Preserve, The Old Fort, and the Fort Wayne Curling Club. Come out and enjoy ice carvers, do crafts, take a hike, or participate in one of the many options taking place.
Deeper into the winter season, Downtown Fort Wayne brings back their Weather the Fort festival on Feb. 18 at The Landing. Since 2016, Weather the Fort has been drawing crowds who enjoy live music, interactive art, ice carvers, fire dancers, and adult beverages.
Fun on a budget
One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is get in my car and drive around and see all the beautiful holiday decorations.
Some houses put in so much time and money to shine bright and it brings me such joy to see the Christmas lights and the inflatables twinkling for everyone to enjoy.
If you have never taken the time to do this, the time has come. Grab some friends, make some hot chocolate, jump in the car, and see what houses you can find.
And if you come up empty, you can always swing by Franke Park for Blue Jacket’s annual Fantasy of Lights through Dec. 31. There you will find all the decorations your heart desires at $15 per passenger vehicle.
Predicting a snow day coming up? Grab a shovel and some gloves and head outside to build your very own Frosty. One of the cheapest and most fun activities of the year is going outside and building something in the snow.
Here is a fun tip: Put food coloring and water in a spray bottle and take your snow creations to the next level. You also don’t have to stick to a traditional snowman. Build a turtle, a castle, a large circle … the possibilities are endless.
Whatever you choose to do this chilly season, stay safe, stay warm, and have fun!
