Dayton Ohio Places To Visit During Summer
Miamisburg Mound State Memorial
You could visit the Miamisburg Mound State Memorial at any time, but we think its one of the best things to do in Dayton Ohio during the summer. The mound is one of the two largest cone-shaped mounds in Eastern North America.
Containing 54,000 cubic yards of soil, the mound is 65 feet high with a circumference of 800 feet. Since it rests on a 100-foot-tall ridge, you can see it from several miles away.
You can take the stairs to the top of the observation platform, which provides a panoramic view of the area.
John Bryan State Park
Known as one of the most beautiful places in the region, John Bryan State Park has more than 10 trails for hiking and mountain biking during the summer. However, the main feature here is the limestone gorge.
With access to the Little Miami River, you can go paddle boarding and fishing. In addition, the park has a disc golf course, picnic tables, a campground, and opportunities for rock climbing.
Great Miami River Trail
Stretching for 93 miles along the Great Miami River, the Great Miami River Trail runs through the center of Dayton as it connects Piqua, Ohio, in the north to Middletown, Ohio, in the south.
The path is paved and has multiuse surfaces, so it offers something for everyone. Sections of it pass through natural parks and by picnic facilities.
Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center
The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center is a community center for entertainment.
Many Dayton and Ohio performing companies call this stage their home.
Interestingly, the center is built in a former department store!
It opened in 2003 and has two theaters with beautiful architecture, elegant illumination, and modern technology.
As one of the more fun Dayton attractions, the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center hosts many shows.
Seasonal and traveling acts come to show off their talents and an events calendar is always packed.
The center also contains restaurants and a winter garden that you can explore!
Address: 1 W 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402, United States
The List Below Opens Up Many Possibilities For Fun Activities For $5 Or Less Around Dayton
1. Fly on over to National Museum of US Air Force! Free.
2. Take in the fresh air on one of Daytons hiking trails. Some parks require small entry fees but most are free!
3. Use your weekend to experience the Dayton Art Institute. Kids 7-17 $5, 6 and under free!
4. Let your imagination run wild at the Dayton Metro Library.
5. Find the perfect sledding hill this winter.
6. Take a step back in time at the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park with the authentic and interactive exhibits! Free.
7. In the spirit of true outdoor adventure, swap the standard swing-and-slide playground for a nature playscape. Free.
8. Ramble through the urban forest at Hills & Dales MetroPark! Free.
10. Visit Grant Park and Owlexanders Hoot Route & Nature Nook. Free.
11. Stroll around at the PNC 2nd Street Market during the Saturday Farmers Markets. Free.
12. Never miss a free event with our new Free Events calendar!
13. Become a true farmer at Possum Creek MetroPark, which is stocked with farmhouses full of animals! Free.
14. Join the fun at Learning Tree Farms for $5.00 admission per person with children under 2 free.
15. Build or explore at one of the themed gardens in the Childrens Discovery Garden. Free.
16. Try one of the Indoor Playgrounds on a rainy day.
17. Go mini-golfing on a budget with weekly special deals offered at The Trails Miniature Golf.
18. Be part of the KidX Club at The Mall at Fairfield Commons and take in FREE monthly family events.
Read Also: Things To Do Mystic Connecticut
Eat At The Best Local Restaurants
stockcreations / Shutterstock
If youre a foodie, points of interest on your vacations are likely to include dining establishments.
There are plenty of good ones in Dayton, Ohio to try out!
One of the popular local restaurants is Meadowlark Restaurant.
The welcoming environment of this casual location provides a cozy and intimate dining experience.
Dishes are primarily of American fusion flavor, mixing classic dishes with international twists.
All ingredients are either handmade or locally sourced .
This is a trendy location with bright artwork, homey exposed brick, happy music, and great lighting.
Chef ownership makes it all the more enticing!
Want some casual drinks and snacks?
The laid-back establishment serves a big menu of different beers from both national and local sources.
Spirits and wines are available, too.
Standard pub food is to be expected, with high-quality components and creative mixes adding to the flair.
If youd like something chicer, try Wheat Penny too!
It focuses on Italian-influenced cuisine and California-style pizza, using locally sourced and handmade components.
Pizza is the main attraction, but sandwiches, salads, pasta, and all manner of sides and entrees add variety.
Theres also a nice pairing guide offered that gives you great ideas for combos of entrees, sides, and drinks.
Fun Activities For $5 Or Less In Dayton
What are we going to do today? whines one. Im bored! cries another. Soon a chorus of complaints fill the air. The bubble of bliss has popped, and they wont stop until a solution has been found. Its hard to balance daily entertainment with a reasonable budget, but Southwest Ohio Parent has you covered:
Also Check: Things To Do In Cleveland With Family
John Bryan State Park Campground
With 17 electric campsites and 43 non-electric sites for tents, John Bryan State Park Campground is located within the 752-acre state park.
Most of the campsites have picnic tables and fire rings, and a group camp area is available. Youre welcome to take advantage of all the park amenities while youre camping.
Fifth Street Brewpub Dayton Ohio
Serving late afternoon and evening drinks and food, Fifth Street Brewpub is a casual and laid back spot that places an emphasis on its large variety of brews. The beer is sourced both locally and nationally, and a variety of other drinks including wine and spirits are also available.
The dining menu features standard pub food, with an emphasis on creative pairings and high quality ingredients. The pub is located in a renovated timber hall, with an attached outdoor beer garden. The entire eatery is casual and relaxed, with casual furnishings and décor.
1600 E 5th St, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-443-0919
You are reading “25 Best Things to Do in Dayton, Ohio” Back to Top or More weekend getaways, what to do near me, must see attractions, stuff to do near me
Places to eat near me, coffee shops, flea, farmers market, tropical honeymoon trip finder, wedding venues near me, lunch, brunch, restaurant near me, RV camp, cruise, hotel, where to stay, sandy beach by car: Things to Do in Bethesda, New Jersey beaches, Things to Do in Daytona Beach, DC for families with kids, Beaches Near Seattle, Beaches Near Tallahassee, Things to Do in Knoxville, Things to Do on Martha’s Vineyard, Staten Island Restaurants, St Petersburg Restaurants
Also Check: Wichita Falls Texas Attractions
Watch Local Performance Art
Master1305 / Shutterstock
If you seek fun places to visit in this Ohio city, you cant go wrong with watching some local performance art.
You can watch the Dayton Ballet, which has been around for 80 years, performing wonderful classics with five seasonal programs.
Theres also the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, which is almost five decades old!
If dance isnt your thing, you can catch a performance by the Dayton Opera.
Different seasons offer wildly different shows, ranging from contemporary works to Italian classics.
It has been running since 1960 and is truly state-of-the-art.
Finally, theres also the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Many different shows ensure theres something for everyone, from pop music lovers to classical music aficionados.
Looking for more thrill outside Dayton? Why not check out Columbus, Ohio, and Sandusky? If you do plan the trip, here are some top things to do in Columbus, OH, some cool things to do in Ohio, and heres what to do in Sandusky, OH!
Things To Do In Dayton Ohio
Downtown Dayton brings the farming community under one marketplace to offer an assortment of locally grown fruit and vegetables. Traditionally, markets are restricted to anything grown so you can expect to see natural whole foods that are sure to please those working on their plant-based diets!
Downtown Dayton offers on-the-go dining when you visit your favorite food truck. Pick up some corn tortilla tacos with freshly made pico with a fresh squeeze of lemon to give your day a boost. Food trucks can offer a wide variety of niche ethnic blends.
Downtown Dayton makes shopping for wine and other spirits easy by bringing an incredible collection sourced from local, regional well-known producers from around the World. Hit the wine tasting events and stock up on your favorite choice to be shipped home for your convenience.
Downtown Dayton has that special dining venue and you are sure to find something to please with numerous meals served to satisfy each palette. A wide variety of restaurants and delis are available to choose from with a nice selection of entrees and especially desserts.
Recommended Reading: Sur La Table Canton Ct
Because Lunchtime Should Be Funbe Downtown
Rediscover free noontime entertainment in the heart of downtown
Each summer, the Downtown Dayton Partnership and Montgomery County present The Square Is Where, featuring free live entertainment and much more, weekdays on downtowns Courthouse Square.
Bring your friends and coworkers for a midday break outside!
A variety of performers take the stagearound the noontime lunch hour on most weekdays during the summer months . Entertainment includes bands, dancers, live trivia, arts groups, acoustic musicians and more.
Food vendors also set up on Courthouse Square each weekday, allowing downtown workers and others to grab lunch from a vendor or a downtown restaurant and take in the entertainment while enjoying the outdoors downtown.
Other features of the program include patio umbrella and bistro-style tables, cornhole, mini-golf, giant chess and checkers, and other games and activities. Fun tournaments and other events also are planned to help you enjoy taking a break from the office, meeting up with friends and coworkers, and enjoying the sunshine during lunch!
Be sure to Like to get the latest updates on upcoming entertainment and more. You can also request to about whats planned for The Square Is Where.
If you are interested in performing on the Square or would like more information about The Square Is Where, contact Lynn Robertson by or at 224-1518, ext. 227.
The Square Is Where you should be during your lunch hour this summer!
Lets do Lunch!
Dayton Ohio Winter Attractions
MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark
Nothing says winter like ice skating, and you can enjoy the largest outdoor ice rink in the region at RiverScape MetroPark. The MetroParks Ice Rink is 70 feet by 150 feet and features scenic views of the downtown Dayton skyline and the Great Miami River.
Its sheltered under a pavilion and offers open skating, lessons for beginners, curling, and broomball. Tunes play in the background as you skate, and you can take a hot chocolate break.
Skateworld of Kettering
If the weather is unfavorable, you might prefer indoor skating. Skateworld of Kettering has been providing family-friendly entertainment since 1974.
The Miami Valley roller skating rink hosts events throughout the year, and other facilities, such as a Soft Play playground, The Trails Miniature Golf Course, and an arcade.
Laser Web Dayton
Another indoor activity during winter is laser tag at Laser Web Dayton in Centerville. This 5,000-square-foot facility features special lighting effects, dynamic sound, state-of-the-art laser tag equipment, and a play area with upper-level platforms.
There are several different missions such as solo, team, and zombie infection and each lasts for about 20 minutes.
Laser Web Dayton has a laser maze, arcade, and virtual reality as well.
Don’t Miss: What To Do In Baytown
Indoor Things To Do In Dayton Ohio
Dayton is no stranger to unfavorable weather from time to time. Whether its winter in Dayton or the Dayton Ohio weather is non-conducive to outdoor fun, its nice to have some indoor activities to enjoy, and youll find plenty in Gem City.
Here are some of our favorite indoor things to do in Dayton Ohio
Salar Restaurant And Lounge
Giving you the best upscale dining experience, Salar Restaurant and Lounge makes world-fusion dishes that are influenced by French, Mediterranean, and Peruvian cuisines.
The restaurant is located in the Oregon Historic District, and the highly trained and certified bar staff serves delicious handcrafted cocktails.
If you want a more intimate experience, you can arrange for private dining.
Read Also: Things To Do Healdsburg
Things To Do In The Downtown Districts In Daytona Beach
Walkable, historical and cultural! Those three words are just a few of the ways we describe Daytona Beach Area Downtown Districts. Whether you like to shop small at independent retailers and local jewelers or if antiquing and gallery finds are your forte, theres hours of enjoyable shopping and strolling just ahead for you.
Include a downtown district in your date night, girls getaway, or post golf excursion plans! Along with fantastic dining options, youll find interesting museums and unique stops along the Daytona Beach Ale Trail, too.
Let this list be your guide to shopping, dining and ale-trailing in downtown Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and nearby New Smyrna Beach and DeLand.
Carriage Hill Metropark And Farm
Carriage Hill MetroPark and Farm is a fun way to learn about the history of Dayton and Ohios Miami Valley.
The 900-acre site is the home of interpretive education, historical information, and old-fashioned demonstrations.
This is performed through the use of period actors, who help tell the tale of the areas natural and cultural history.
The farm of Carriage Hill MetroPark and Farm allows you to learn about a farming family called the Arnolds.
Youll also get to sample fresh produce and check out the livestock in the working barn.
Theres also a Riding Center where you can ride a horse through farmland, forest, and grassland alike.
This is undoubtedly among the coolest tourist attractions for history buffs and families with eager children!
Address: 7800 Shull Rd, Huber Heights, OH 45424, United States
Also Check: Ashland Va Things To Do
Before You Travel To The United States
With specific exceptions, noncitizens who have been in certain countries during the past 14 days may not enter the United States, either as immigrants or nonimmigrants. For more information, visit Travelers Prohibited from Entry to the United States.
For information about COVID-19 requirements for land travel, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Fact Sheet: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S. at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals.external icon
Get Retro At America’s Packard Museum
Transportation enthusiasts should plan a visit to the America’s Packard Museum. The restored early 1920s Packard Dealership is now a museum featuring more than 50 automobiles in various stages of restoration.
The museum features many artifacts from 1899-1956. The Art-Deco style restored showroom gives you a glimpse into what the dealership looked like in 1917, originally named The Citizens Motorcar Company. It is one of the top automobile museums in the U.S. and a gem for Dayton.
Address: 420 S. Ludlow Street, Dayton, Ohio
You May Like: Kids Activities Cleveland Ohio
Top Things To Do In Downtown Dayton
Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Dayton by 3Quest Challenge
Dayton Scavenger Hunt: Dayton’s Soaring Heights
Dayton Bar Hunt: Get Your Drink on in Dayton
Skip the Line: Waco Air Museum General Admission Ticket
Fairchild PT-19 Private Flight Experience in Middletown
Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Dayton by 3Quest Challenge
Reviewed on Apr 18, 2022
Reviewed on Apr 27, 2022
Reviewed on May 21, 2022
Aullwood Audubon Center And Farm
Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm is a 200-acre education center dedicated to teaching others about the environment and its protection.
If youre wondering what to do in Dayton, Ohio thats suitable for all ages, this is a great option.
With hands-on activities, lots of opportunities to interact, and engaging resources to learn with, its an enriching experience.
At Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, youll get to explore prairies, ponds, streams, woods, and meadows alike.
Of course, the primary attraction is its working farm, which is a sustainable establishment.
Visitors can see the way that products are collected and prepared to be sold to local markets.
Pigs, horses, cows, goats, and more inhabit the barn, and other wildlife teems outside.
Throughout the year, various events are also held here to provide additional sources of enjoyment.
Address: 1000 Aullwood Rd, Dayton, OH 45414, United States
Don’t Miss: Fun Things To Do In Denali National Park
Because You Dont Want To Miss Outbe Downtown
Be there for some of downtowns signature events.
While there are dozens of great events happening downtown every day, there are also some big, not-to-be-missed events that we look forward to every year.
Downtown Dayton is home to many of the regions best cultural and music festivals, fun celebrations, and other large-scale events that draw crowds from all over and showcase all that our city has to offer.
From seasonal events like the Summer in the City lineup and the Dayton Holiday Festival to cultural celebrations, live music festivals and more, you wont want to miss these perennial favorites as you rediscover downtown Dayton.
National Museum Of The Us Air Force
LukeandKarla.Travel / Shutterstock
The National Museum of the US Air Force is undoubtedly one of the most famous Dayton attractions in Ohio.
It is home to one of the biggest collections of aircraft and missiles in the world.
Situated at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, it was founded in 1923 and has grown to contain close to 400 display items.
Given its expansiveness, its a great way to spend a whole day this weekend!
The collection of the National Museum of the US Air Force is nothing short of impressive.
There is the B-29 Superfortress, which dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki in World War II.
There is also the worlds only XB-70 Valkyrie B-36 that remains surviving, a Blokscar, many jets, and even rockets!
Youll also get to see a replica of the 1909 Military Flyer of the Wright Brothers!
All items at the National Museum of the US Air Force boast historic significance.
Youll find exhibits about aviation in wars like the Cold War, Korean War, and World War II.
Youll learn about the chronology of the development of flight and its progression to space travel.
Youll view a presidential aircraft section packed with aircraft used by past American Presidents.
Pieces of information displayed clothing, a theater showing documentaries and films, and a flight simulator add to the experience.
Not to be missed is SAM 26000, the worlds first Boeing Air Force One.
It is the plane that carried President Kennedys Casket to DC.
It might be responsible for many UFO sightings!
You May Like: Free Things To Do In Wichita Falls Tx
