Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo: A Peaceful Fall Stroll

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:30:00 +0000

As autumn settles over Indiana, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo transforms into a breathtaking haven of colorful leaves, crisp air, and tranquil beauty. Fall is a perfect time to explore this popular zoo, as the summer crowds thin and nature’s artistry takes center stage. A leisurely morning walk through the zoo provided us with a serene experience, where the sounds of rustling leaves and distant animal calls created a peaceful escape from the hustle of city life.

We want to thank Visit Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo for hosting our visit. Rest assured, all opinions are our own.

Fall Colors and Scenic Strolls

Arriving early in the morning, we were greeted by the soft hues of dawn filtering through the vibrant trees. The crispness in the air carries the scent of fallen leaves, enhancing the seasonal charm. With fewer guests at this hour, the pathways feel like our personal trails winding through a wonderland of nature and wildlife. We enjoy this season and the assortment of vibrant colors it brings. The park had been decorated with hints of autumn, making for a truly immersive experience.

Animals at Ease

The cooler temperatures make animals more active yet calm, allowing them to enjoy the refreshing change from the summer heat. Capuchin monkeys snack quietly on a morning meal. A hyena takes in the golden morning sunlight, stretching lazily before beginning their day. The zoo’s African savanna exhibit comes alive with wildebeests and zebras grazing at an unhurried pace, taking in the pleasant weather alongside their human visitors.

A Lazy Morning

The landscape of the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo in fall is nothing short of mesmerizing. Fiery reds, deep oranges, and glowing yellows create a canopy of color above the winding paths. Wandering deeper into the zoo, we found the full beauty of fall revealed itself. In the Outback, we spotted kangaroos lounging contentedly in piles of fallen leaves, their soft fur blending with the autumn tones. Like us, they found the peaceful morning a time for reflection.

A Zoo with History

Established in 1965, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has grown into one of the top-ranked zoos in the nation. Their strong conservation efforts include world-class habitats, each designed to transport guests to different corners of the world. Red pandas, often elusive in warmer months, were enjoying the fall temperatures. We are amazed by how their striking coats blend perfectly with the autumn scenery. Their unique enclosure allows them to move between spaces, while providing unique viewing opportunities.

Family-Friendly Fun

Beyond the beautiful sights and fascinating animals, the zoo offers interactive attractions that delight visitors of all ages. We spotted multiple sites where children of all ages can let their imaginations go wild. Imagine yourself on safari, planning your day from inside a tent. Jump into a jeep and pretend to race across the vast Serengeti. We love how these hands-on accents incorporate into the vibrant landscape.

Fall at Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

A visit to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo in the fall is an unforgettable experience, filled with moments of peace, natural beauty, and joyful discovery. Strolling through the tree-lined pathways while watching the animals enjoy the crisp air is genuinely magical. If you’ve ever explored a zoo in the fall, we’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your favorite autumn zoo memories in the comments or on social media and inspire others to embrace the beauty of the season.

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Our Changing Lives – A New Chapter Begins

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Where does the time go? It’s hard to fathom that this newly married couple has become seasoned travel veterans. Back in 1981, our lives were changing rapidly. I began my career in flexible packaging in January. September brought our wedding, and before long, we started a family. Now, more than four decades down the road, we are moving into a new phase of life, retirement. How fitting is it that Crystal chose “Our Changing Lives” for our blog?

A Long Career

When I started with the company, I was employee number 8. The business was housed in a small space in the Fairfax District of Kansas City, Kansas. We moved to a new site just a few miles down the road in 1985. I remember how we rushed to move before we even sealed the floors. Our numbers were small in those days, but the company leader had a vision to grow. It seemed like we were always shorthanded, but I was happy to accept all of the overtime work available. I remember averaging over 80 hours per week for years in a row.

Unexpected Accolades

My willingness to go above and beyond helped me advance through the company. When the company was purchased at the start of the 2000s, it opened an opportunity for me to move out of production and into the office. My “work first” mentality earned me a reputation as hard-nosed, but it was what the company needed to move forward. Sometimes I was challenging to work with, but I always kept the end goal of retirement in mind. I knew the only person putting money in our household was me, so I was driven to earn as much as possible. At one point, I had earned the moniker of “The General”.

Sweet Surprises

In 2009, I was offered the position of Estimator. Up until that point, there had not been a centralized pricing scheme. Here again, my tenacious approach paid off. As the company flourished, we all reaped the rewards. After 15 more years, I could feel my work time ending. I had burned bright for over 42 years, but my passion for the industry was waning. Our Changing Lives had already been up and running for almost eight years, and I could feel it drawing me to become a full-time blogger. Parting after a long career is frightening and exhilarating at the same time. Crystal and I spent a couple of months preparing for retirement, as it is not something to be entered into on a whim.

Parting Pleasantries

Deciding to change industries is never easy, especially when you’ve been in the same one for four decades. I had a lot of support from my coworkers and the company executives. They clarified that I could stay as long as I wanted, but the years had caught up with me. After I gave them my notice of departure, the countdown began in earnest. As my “final day” drew nearer, I contracted what Crystal calls “senioritis”. Cross-training my replacements kept my mind occupied at work. Those hours away from the office, I would contemplate life on the outside.

Heading into Our Changing Lives

For years, I immersed myself in my job, which consumed me. Crystal and I found ourselves once again facing the reality of Our Changing Lives. This new chapter has reenergized me, and I can’t wait to see what it holds. For decades, we have dreamed of seeing more of North America. This winter, we will spend time planning our blog’s future direction. We know it will have lots of family-friendly places to see. We also plan on sharing more of the personal side to show that there is plenty of life after retirement.

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