Family events in Allen County, IN

Boundless Bags, formerly Blessings in a Backpack, presents a fall ice cream social at Oh Five Scoop Shop featuring the debut of Bumblesnoot, the Boundless Dragon. Say hello to the new mascot, snap a photo, and enjoy family friendly fun while learning about the organization and the children it supports. Admission is free. The first 100 guests receive a complimentary Bumblesnoot kid size scoop courtesy of First Merchants, and additional ice cream will be available for purchase. Expect a simple, community focused gathering with plenty of sweet treats and an enthusiastic blue dragon.

In Fort Wayne, this monthly Family Nights series creates a welcoming space for families to learn, connect, and share meaningful moments together. Each gathering highlights a different theme or guest presenter, and light refreshments are provided. Topics across the series include Galecki Financial Management, a trivia night, The League of the Blind, bingo, the Fort Wayne Coroner’s Office, outdoor courtyard games, Aging and In-Home Services, card games, ombudsmen, a Virtual Dementia Tour, Luminary Hospice, and Christmas games. For more information or to RSVP, call (260) 435-2100.

Wheel of Fortune LIVE brings the TV favorite to Fort Wayne in an interactive stage show for all ages. Audience members are randomly chosen to step onstage with the host, spin a replica of the famous wheel, solve word puzzles, and compete for prizes that can include trips to Paris or Hawaii and cash up to $10,000. Reserved seating is available, and tickets start at $20. Expect a high energy night where the excitement of the game fills the room and the crowd shares every big moment.

Get into the spirit with a Halloween-themed planetarium laser show packed with sing-along fun. During this approximately 40-minute program, colorful laser art brings friendly Halloween creatures to life while classic tracks like Monster Mash, Thriller, Purple People Eater, and Ghostbusters play. The atmosphere is playful, not scary, making it a good fit for children and families. A brief segment also shines a light on how lasers work so there is a learning moment alongside the entertainment. Tickets cost $5 for the general public and $3 for members, and a separate general admission ticket is required to attend.

LC Nature Park welcomes visitors for a full day of nature exploration. Guided hikes and safari bus tours are offered throughout the day, and the Dune Forest and River trails may only be accessed with a guide, either by joining a hike or riding the safari bus. Admission is $7 per person. Children ages 3 and under receive free entry, and members are admitted at no charge. A safari bus ticket costs an additional $5 per person for all guests, including members. Pre-registration is not offered, and tour tickets are available prior to each departure.

Science Central hosts a day devoted to exploring chemistry, featuring special table-based activities and demonstrations centered on the subject. Visitors can take part in the activities at the tables and watch the demonstrations.

Enjoy casual HeroScape open play in a friendly drop-in format. All experience levels are welcome, from first-timers to long-time veterans. HeroScape is an expandable, turn-based miniatures battle game that debuted in 2004 through Hasbro subsidiaries and ended production in 2010. Players use pre-painted figures and assemble battlefields from interlocking hex tiles to create modular three-dimensional terrain. Originally aimed at younger players, its quality and design built a devoted following that helped bring the game back in 2024.

Celebrating its eighth year, this charity dodgeball tournament pairs fast-paced play with a coat and hoodie drive that supports neighbors preparing for colder weather. Framed as both a fundraiser and a community gathering, it focuses on meeting urgent needs while strengthening a sense of togetherness. The competition is co-ed with teams of up to six players. Participants must be 15 or older, and those younger may take part with a parent-signed waiver. The top team earns a cash prize. Organizers are also welcoming support in the form of sponsorships, volunteers, players, vendors, and collaborative partners, all contributing to the impact of the drive and the event’s community goals.

Discover a wide range of exotic animals in Fort Wayne, including reptiles, amphibians, tropical birds, and other small exotics, presented in a spacious layout with wide aisles for relaxed browsing. Attendees can see, touch, and learn about many species, with animal experts available to answer questions and help prospective owners choose the right pet. The expo features new and used tanks and enclosures, along with care essentials such as heat, light, filters, substrate, and more, providing what is needed to set up a habitat and bring a new companion home. The focus is on easy movement through the space, a broad selection, and friendly guidance throughout.

Blessings in a Backpack and The Fairfield present Fantastical Fort 2026, a free, all-ages community celebration that transforms The Fairfield into four floors of immersive fantasy. Local small businesses host themed vendor booths and area nonprofits offer interactive activities, all set within imaginative realms. Explore wizard-inspired settings and playful fantasy spaces, step into shadowy, arcane atmospheres, and discover magical food and drinks along the way. Wizards, witches, mermaids, vampires, faeries, and other fantastical beings are welcome, as are fans of magic in every form. Costumes and characters are encouraged, though not required, so everyone can enjoy a realm that reflects the stories they love, the games they play, and the wands they wave.

Explore the Haunted Castle with the lights turned up for a gentler take on the usual nighttime scares. This all-ages experience is ideal for young visitors and for adults who prefer a milder thrill. Admission is $5, and tickets are available online or in person.

Co-hosted with Vessel Refillery, this annual boo-tique fest blends shopping and seasonal fun with music from a DJ and special savings. Browse vendors, take part in crafts, and sample treats at a candy bar. Find hair sparkle, face painting, and henna, and grab something tasty from a food and coffee truck.

BEAT Ensemble offers musical play for children ages 5 to 12 in a supportive group setting. This monthly program centers on rhythm, collaboration, and creativity, giving young musicians a chance to explore sound with boomwhackers, Orff instruments, and a range of percussion. Each session features a playful theme that helps participants keep the beat, make music as a team, and build confidence through self-expression. The environment is inclusive and welcoming so kids of all abilities can connect and make music together, including families who may have limited access to music opportunities. Class size is limited to 10 participants. Children may attend independently or with a parent or support staff. Registration closes 48 hours before the session begins. If accommodations are needed, share those details during registration. Sweetwater and the instructor will provide reasonable accommodations, except for one-on-one support, which must be supplied by the participant’s own support person. Pricing starts at $10.