The phrase “fun for all ages” probably gets thrown around more than it should. 

Even the most entertaining baseball game will try the patience of our smallest citizens and teenagers struggle to look away from their phones at the most-intriguing events. 

But the one reliable local source for intergenerational enjoyment is Fort Wayne’s Children’s Zoo.

Don’t believe me when I say they have something for everyone? Check out for yourself when the zoo puts their preview days behind them and officially opens for the season Saturday, April 27.

Something for the young ones

You know what little kids love more than a bunch of little penguins? Even more and smaller penguins. 

It’s been a productive offseason for the little tuxedoed bipeds, and the zoo will be bringing out new smaller penguins as the spring goes on.

Middle school kids love weird stuff. You know what’s weird? Watching a kangaroo joey climb in and out of its mother’s pouch. What a weird animal. The zoo has five new joeys to entertain visitors looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

Teenagers are entranced by the sleek and athletic sea lions, and they get new friends this year. This summer, with the opening of the new Pacific-themed Coastal Cove exhibit, the sea lions will be joined by a pair of harbor seals. I don’t care how cool your teenagers are; they’ll think the harbor seals are the cutest thing they’ve ever seen, even if they won’t admit it.

If your favorite teenagers are still growing and finding their way, don’t miss the new addition in the African Journey. Once it gets warm enough, you’ll be able to meet Lily the giraffe, a fast-developing 2-year-old. She joins the zoo’s herd and reminds our youth that even the most awkward among us can develop into majestic creatures.

Parental viewings

Moms everywhere relate to the ring-tailed lemurs, and they’re back this year. Whether they’re corralling their little ones or spilling the tea on a branch, their vibe is distinctly maternal.

Weary dads will want to check out the return of the binturongs, now located on Red Panda Ridge. 

These absurdly fluffy tree creatures are the spirit animal of couch potatoes everywhere. No beast on earth is as chill or enjoys its lifestyle more than a binturong. Gaze at their majestic whiskers that no one reminds them to trim. Observe their skill at finding just the right spot on the tree for taking a nap for a few hours.

Special events

Grandparents who want an excuse to see the animals will have a great option for rounding up the little ones on a weekday. 

Wild Wednesdays return May-July, offering late access to the zoo up until 8 p.m. There will be discounted evening passes available on Wednesdays for $12 from 4-8 p.m. Animals love the cooler temperatures, and grandparents love discounts.

What about those folks in their 20s who don’t have kids but still need an excuse to go to the zoo? If you’re in shape, you’ll definitely want to try the Run Wild 5K on May 17. Run around Franke Park and right through the zoo itself. Pre-registration required online at fort4fitness.org.

OK, but how about people who don’t have kids in their life and prefer to flex their social muscles? Rock and Roar is the thing for the fun-loving Zoomers. 

On five nights this summer, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo will have a no-kids-allowed 21-and-older night with local music and craft drinks from Hop River Brewing Co. Scheduled musical acts are Good Night Gracie on June 28, James & The Drifters on July 12, Whoa, Man! on July 26, JacksonVibe on Aug. 9, and The Sweetwater All-Stars on Aug. 23.

If you’ve been cooped up too long and you can’t wait to get to the zoo, be sure to get there early April 27. There will be a fun ribbon-cutting, a DJ, and lots of other like-minded folks who love the zoo, too. Because it’s fun — for all ages.