Indiana's Underrated Park Near Fort Wayne Has A 'Sprayground' And Scenic Trails

School, chores, bedtime, grades, an ensemble of ornery adults... Being a kid is tough. Fortunately, life offers spurts of magic and fun. Like when a sprinkler pops up out of the ground on a hot summer day, and suddenly all the baggage of being a mini-adult melts away. Lawns, fire hydrants, and fountains have all provided the multisensory thrill of water hissing out of a spout and splashing everywhere. Sometimes, adults get the message and create a gem like Buckner Park, which features a wet, wild "sprayground" alongside scenic trails. The underrated play area lies just 10 minutes outside the heart of Fort Wayne, a dynamic Midwest city with one of the lowest costs of living in America.

The 198-acre park first opened in 1969 and has evolved to meet the community's needs. Its vast expanse of green and wooded areas has changed roles, at times serving as publicly-owned farmland and even a military training ground. The obstacle courses are gone now, replaced by a park that helps kids burn off their metric ton of extra energy. Today, it serves as a place for a quick picnic or day out, and for relaxing during a longer visit to Fort Wayne. If you're looking for a nearby town with vibrant events and beautiful nature preserves, stay at Columbia City, about 20 minutes away.

While there is no wrong time to visit either the city or Buckner Park, summers tend to be more active, when the "sprayground" gets up and running. The city of Fort Wayne and its park foundation hope to expand the park's offerings over time, after the last two decades saw significant investment by the city. But there's still plenty to see right now.

The "sprayground" offers its biggest draw if visiting during the summer. It lets kids cool down after playing on the park's modern playground equipment, which includes two playsets and swing sets. It's open and functioning during the area's warm summers, when temperatures can reach the mid-80s. The "sprayground" also offers the perfect chaser to an outing along Buckner Park's scenic trail.

The short trail circumnavigates the vast green expanse in the park's center, though you can extend the hike by taking it through the adjacent wooded area. This brings you alongside a creek to additional open fields and a picnic shelter. Travelers say the trail rarely sees a crowd, so bring your own company if you hate walking alone. Or consider it a welcome respite if you're the parent of a rambunctious kid, giving the "sprayground" a whirl. For as tough as being a kid is, being an adult is no picnic either. "I absolutely love this park," one mom wrote in a review on Google. "Perfect for tons of activities. My boy enjoys the splash pad the most, and me and hubby enjoy the long walk on the trail. It's always clean too." Afterward, head over to Leo-Cedarville, the "coolest small town in Indiana," which is about 30 minutes away.