Tips for Traveling with Kids in Dayton, Ohio, United States
1. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Interactive museum with exhibits on science and human culture. Great for kids to learn while having fun.
- Hands-On Exhibits: Allows children to actively participate in learning about various subjects
- DinoStation: Life-size dinosaur replicas that kids can explore and learn from
- Planetarium Shows: Awesome educational experience for children about outer space
2. Day Air Ballpark
Home to the Dayton Dragons minor league baseball team. Fun and affordable family outing.
- Kids Run the Bases: Post-game event where kids can run around the bases like a player
- Affordable Tickets: Cost-effective way for families to enjoy a fun night out together
- Family Friendly Atmosphere: Convenient amenities, such as kids' areas and food options
3. Carillon Historical Park
Outdoor museum with historic buildings and exhibits. A great educational experience for kids.
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows children to engage directly with historical artifacts
- Carousel: Classic carousel ride featuring detailed, hand-carved animals
- Early Aviation Exhibits: Showcases Dayton's rich aviation history and the Wright Brothers' contributions
4. Fort Ancient Archaeological Park
Historic site with Native American earthworks. Offers a unique glimpse into the past.
- Native American Artifacts: Educational opportunities to learn about ancient cultures
- Hiking Trails: Opportunities for kids to explore and enjoy nature while learning
- Earthworks Tour: Guided tour of the massive, ancient earthwork structures built by Native Americans
5. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base National Museum
Museum showcasing the history and importance of airpower. Ideal for kids interested in aviation.
- Aircraft Displays: Features a wide variety of historic aircraft, from vintage planes to modern fighters
- Space Shuttle Cockpit Training Simulator: Allows kids to experience what it's like to be an astronaut
- Guided Tours: Expert-led tours providing valuable insight into the museum's collections
6. Sunwatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park
Historic site representing a prehistoric Native American village. Offers educational experiences for kids.
- Replica Longhouse: Allows children to learn about traditional Native American homes
- Guided Tours: Expert-led tours provide insight into prehistoric life and culture
- Arts & Crafts Demonstrations: Hands-on activities showcasing traditional Native American arts and crafts
7. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Historic site dedicated to the Wright Brothers and their contributions to aviation. Fascinating for kids interested in flight.
- Wright Cycle Company: Original Wright Brothers' bicycle shop, offering insight into their early career
- Hangar 1: Home to the Wright Brothers' 1905 Flyer and other historic aircraft
- Guided Tours: Expert-led tours providing valuable insight into the museum's collections
8. Fifth Third Field
Home of the Dayton Dragons minor league baseball team. Fun and affordable family outing.
- Kids Run the Bases: Post-game event where kids can run around the bases like a player
- Affordable Tickets: Cost-effective way for families to enjoy a fun night out together
- Family Friendly Atmosphere: Convenient amenities, such as kids' areas and food options
9. Miami Valley Center for Independent Living
Resource center offering adaptive equipment rentals for individuals with disabilities. Valuable resource when traveling with a child with special needs.
- Equipment Rentals: Temporary access to wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other assistive devices
- Accessibility Information: Expert advice on accessible attractions, restaurants, and accommodations in Dayton
- Workshops and Training: Educational resources for families of children with disabilities
10. National Museum of the United States Air Force
Large aviation museum with extensive exhibits. Ideal for kids interested in military history and flight.
- Aircraft Displays: Features a wide variety of historic aircraft, from vintage planes to modern fighters
- Space Shuttle Cockpit Training Simulator: Allows kids to experience what it's like to be an astronaut
- Guided Tours: Expert-led tours providing valuable insight into the museum's collections
11. Dayton Art Institute
Art museum with a wide variety of exhibits. Educational and entertaining for kids.
- Rotating Exhibitions: Opportunities to see different art collections throughout the year
- Family Programs: Workshops, tours, and other activities designed for families with kids
- Art Studio Workshops: Hands-on art experiences for children to create their own masterpieces
12. Fifth Third Bank's Wintergarden
Indoor botanical garden featuring tropical plants and waterfalls. A peaceful escape for families.
- Tropical Plants: Allows children to learn about different plant species in a unique environment
- Waterfalls: Calming and relaxing for families, providing a break from the hustle and bustle of travel
- Concerts and Events: Regular concerts and events, making it a unique cultural experience for families
13. Dayton Children's Hospital Play Care Program
Program that offers free arts-based therapeutic and educational activities for hospitalized children.
- Arts-Based Activities: Allows children to engage in creative, healing experiences
- Educational Opportunities: Provides learning resources and activities for hospitalized children
- Family Support: Offers emotional support to families during difficult times
14. Dayton MetroParks
System of parks offering various outdoor recreational activities. Perfect for active families.
- Hiking Trails: Allows children to explore nature and learn about local ecosystems
- Playgrounds: Offers safe, fun spaces for children to play and burn off energy
- Bike Trails: Opportunities for families to enjoy a bike ride together
15. Dayton Aero Theatre
Cinema featuring classic and modern films related to aviation. Unique experience for kids interested in flight.
- Aviation-Themed Films: Showcases a variety of movies about flight and the history of aviation
- Historic Theatre: Classic theater experience in a historic building, adding to the overall atmosphere
- Affordable Tickets: Cost-effective way for families to enjoy an outing together