The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, one of the city’s most popular attractions, has been unusually quiet for the past two months. Originally set to open late April, the zoo has finally opened and will be available to visit for members only through July 3. 

To limit the number of people in the area during that time, timed tickets will be required so that crowds do not grow too large to accommodate proper distancing. 

The zoo opens to the general public on July 4. 

While they assure that they are taking all precautions to make the zoo safe, they caution that guests will need to be vigilant to assure their own safety through the season which lasts until October. While July 4 will mean the end to capacity restrictions, visitors can expect longer waits for rides because of distancing. Some common areas like drinking fountains and statues, which often encourage crowding, will be unavailable. 

For more information about the free timed tickets for members and other precautions being taken this season, visit kidszoo.org and the zoo’s Facebook page.

Parks and recreation

Several parks and playgrounds will now be opening as well, providing some welcome outdoor activity for families who have spent a lot of time together in recent months. 

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation has opened all outdoor playgrounds, and area spraygrounds will also be available for public use again. 

Those spraygrounds include Franklin School Park, Buckner Park, McCormick Park, Memorial Park, Shoaff Park, Kreager Park, and Waynedale Park. The Doermer Kids’ Canal and Rotary Fountain Sprayground at Promenade Park is also available from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. 

Visitors are asked to respect the continued call for social distancing while visiting the parks.