23 Best Things to Do in Dayton, Ohio

The sixth largest city in Ohio, Dayton is a fun weekend destination, featuring a diverse choice of museums, attractions, beautiful parks and a vibrant performing arts scene. Best things to do in Dayton, Ohio for families include the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, the National Aviation Hall of Fame, SunWatch Indian Village and Aullwood Audubon Center. Photo: PatriciaElaineThomas/Fotolia

The Dayton Art Institute is a museum of fine art located in downtown Dayton. The museum was founded in 1919, and in 1930 the building it currently resides in was built specifically to house the collection.

The museum was modeled after a famous Italian Renaissance structure in Rome, and it features detailed architecture and immaculate grounds. The collection itself is comprised of over 20,000 pieces dating 5,000 years apart.

The Institute is home to permanent displays such as 17th-century Baroque pieces, a variety of Asian work, 18th- and 19th-century American pieces, and a variety of contemporary art. The Dayton Art Institute is one of the best things to do in Dayton, Ohio. Throughout the year, the Institute plays host to a series of short term or traveling exhibits. Address: 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, Phone: 937-223-4278

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The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is located at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and it is the official museum of the United States Air Force.

The museum contains one of the world’s largest collections, including nearly 400 missiles and aircraft on display. The museum’s collection features notable pieces of technological or historical significance, including a variety of memorabilia. The museum’s highlights include the only surviving XB-70 Valkyrie B-36s, and Blokscar, the B-29 Superfortress, which in the Second World War was responsible for dropping the atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan.

Permanent exhibits include a presidential aircraft section, a display of uniforms and other clothing, and a collection of information on the pioneers of flight, among other compelling displays. Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-255-3286 Photo: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

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Carillon Historical Park is a 65-acre urban green space that is home to several historic structures and interpretive displays on the history of the city of Dayton and its earliest residents.

The park contains a series of educational centers, including the Kettering Family Education Center, the Wright Brother’ Aviation Center, a center of Settlement exhibits, which includes the oldest building in Dayton, a heritage school house, an 19th century stone cottage. If you are wondering what to do in Dayton, Ohio with kids, this is a great place to visit.

Additionally, a center for invention and industry is on site, and it features locally developed inventions, including the first Frigidaire refrigerator, a 1930’s print shop, an automobile electric system, and the liberty aircraft engine.

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The Dragons are Dayton’s local minor league baseball team, who call the Fifth Third Field their home base. The Dragons are a local favorite and currently hold the record for setting the most consecutive sold out professional games – over 800. Tickets to watch the Dragons play are considered a hot commodity, and the games are festive, high energy, and customer oriented.

The field the team plays at, the Fifth Third Field, is also a common site of the Midwest league All-Star Games. Address: Fifth Third Field, 220 North Patterson Blvd, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-228-BATS

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The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is Dayton’s local children’s museum. Science is the emphasis of the museum, and its permanent collection includes a large natural history collection, a live animal sanctuary, an aquarium, planetarium, and the museum’s sister site, SunWach Indian Village.

The expansive campus is unique to Dayton, offering the only facilities of its kind in the city. The museum’s permanent exhibits include highlights such as an Egyptian mummy, an interactive solar system tour, a 68-inch suspended globe that illustrates a variety of global dynamics including animal migrations and current air traffic.

Other displays include a tidal pool with live seawater creatures, a fully enclosed tree house, and a zoo, which includes creatures native to the state of Ohio. Address: 2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-275-7431 Photo: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

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America’s Packard Museum is housed in a restored Packard dealership, which displays classic twentieth-century Packards, along with historic memorabilia and artifacts pertaining to the Packard line.

It is the world’s only restored Packard museum, and visitors are able to experience the automobiles and learn more about this distinct brand. The museum also hosts annual events and gatherings throughout the year, ranging from high end cocktail parties and galas to laid back speaker presentations and workshops. Address: 420 S Ludlow St, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-226-1710 Photo: siraphol/Fotolia

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Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a historical memorial park commemorating three historically significant American figures and their impact on the Miami Valley.

Those three individuals are Orville Wright, Wilbur Wright, and Paul Laurence Dunbar. The home of the Wright bothers, both born and raised in Dayton, was destroyed in the 1970s, and the last remaining bicycle shop had been moved to Greenfield Village, Michigan for display.

As a result, the city decided to construct a park in their honor, and in the process they also preserved the original home of Ohio born poet Dunbar, a good friend of the Wright brothers. Today, visitors can tour the park, which includes a visitor center, a museum, and several memorials. Address: 16 South Williams Street, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-225-7705 Photo: Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

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Located in downtown Dayton, the Victoria Theatre is a historic and grand performing arts venue that presents over 300 live performances every year. Owned and managed by the Victoria Theatre Association, the shows are performed by a diverse collection of actors and groups, both local and globally on tour.

Throughout the year, shows that cater to families, children, and adults take place. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas, watch a performance at the Victoria Theatre. The shows include a Broadway Series, star attractions, a family series, discovery series, and a cool films series. Address: 138 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45402, Phone: 937-228-7591 Photo: disq/Fotolia

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The Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center is a community based center designed to host Dayton’s entertainment and performing arts. The center is owned by the Victoria theatre Association and is located inside of what was formerly Rike’s department store.

The Dayton Philharmonic, the Dayton Ballet, and the Dayton Opera all perform at this location, along with a variety of other seasonal and traveling acts. Aside from the arts center, the Center also contains a number of restaurants, a winter garden, and several condos and offices.

For a list of upcoming performances, the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center website features an events calendar. If you are looking for things to do in Dayton, Ohio today, watch a performance at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. Address: 1 W 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402, Phone: 937-228-7591 Photo: Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center

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The National Aviation Hall of Fame, located at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s National Museum of the United States Air Force, features an expansive gallery outlining the country’s aviation pioneers with the intention of creating a memorial to honor these individual’s actions and educate and inspire the public.

The Hall’s learning center is a comprehensive educational center with seven major sections dedicated to informing the public of the accomplishments of those enshrined and the transformation of aviation history. The seven sections are: the enshrine lab, the history of early flight, the First World War, the Golden Age of Flight, World War Two, Jet Age, and Into Space.

In each section, hands-on activities and interpretive information are available for visitors to become more involved with the content. Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-256-0944

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Aullwood Audubon Center is an environmental education center with the mission of exposing and educating the public about the protection of wildlife and birds in the area. Aullwood encourages both adults and children to experience and appreciate the world through hands-on learning and opportunity-based engagement.

At the center, visitors can spend time exploring the ponds, meadows, streams, prairies, and woods, along with the Education Center and a sustainable, working farm. The Center’s grounds feature rich diversity in terms of plants and habitats and serve as the home to a wide range of wild creatures and bird life. Address: 1000 Aullwood Rd, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-890-7360

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Dayton Visual Arts Center is a community founded and managed space for artists and art enthusiasts. The center’s mission is to promote the benefit of visual art to the public and to share art with the greater community of Dayton. Aside from showcasing a permanent exhibit of works both for display and for sale, the center hosts a variety of neighborhood events.

These events include gallery talks and public exhibitions, workshops for professional development and skill enhancement, and more. Address: 118 N Jefferson St, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-224-3822 Photo: Dayton Visual Arts Center

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SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park is an open-air museum featuring a reconstructed ancient Native American village. The park is located on the shores of the Great Miami River, and the 3 acres containing the dwellings highlight a series of archeological excavations that occurred on site.

Prehistoric materials from the ancient village were being excavated for nearly 20 years before state officials stepped in to preserve the land. The remains of the enclosed village were found, along with a variety of artifacts, all attesting to the culture and demographics of the nearly 250 people who once lived there over a period of many years.

Today, visitors are able to tour the village and learn about the ancient population and their way of life at the interpretive visitors center. Address: 2301 W River Rd, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-268-8199 Photo: Sweet Lana - Fotolia

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The Oregon District is a historic neighborhood in central Dayton. The architecture dates to between the 1820s and 1910s, and the buildings line the original brick streets of the 12-block area.

The Oregon district is often noted as a prime example of Victorian dual residential and commercial buildings, and their presence in this area speaks to the early success of merchants in the district at that time.

Today, the area is a popular neighborhood, and the historic buildings are home to art galleries, retail and specialty shops, clubs, cafes, coffee houses, and pubs. Photo: Gudella photo/Fotolia

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Meadowlark Restaurant is a warm and casual eatery that serves American fusion cuisine for both lunch and dinner. Meadow Lark is chef-owned and operated, a neighborhood establishment that is friendly and welcoming.

The menu features a variety of classic American dishes with innovative infusions of unexpected global flare. The ingredients used are locally sourced, and a majority of the shop’s ingredients are made by hand. Meadow Lark’s dining space is intimate and cozy, with exposed brick walls and rich mahogany dining tables.

The walls are adorned with bright and vibrant artwork, and when these features are paired with ambient lighting and upbeat tunes, they create an engaging and trendy vibe. Address: Lamplighter Square Shopping Center, 5531 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-434-4750 Photo: Meadowlark Restaurant

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This large, urban park is located just outside of downtown Dayton. Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark features 10 formal gardens, including a Children’s Discovery Garden, several miles of dirt and paved trails, wooden walking paths, and a tour through a swamp forest.

The park gives visitors the chance to become familiar with the rich ecosystems located within the region, including mature woodlands, the aquatic life in the Stillwater River, and the foliage and fauna of the area’s vast prairies and meadows.

Boardwalks, raised walkways, and soft trails provide the opportunity to traverse through the otherwise inaccessible areas, allowing visitors to emerge themselves in the diverse horticultural offerings. Address: 1301 E Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-277-6545 Photo: Kenneth Sponsler/Fotolia

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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. Address: 1600 E 5th St, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-443-0919 Photo: Fifth Street Brewpub

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Open for lunch and dinner, the Wheat Penny is a chic eatery specializing in California style pizzas and Italian influenced fare.

Wheat Penny makes an effort to use hand made and locally sourced ingredients, and they place an emphasis on the quality of their flavors and the freshness of their meals. While pizza is a main feature of the menu, salads, sides, vegetable dishes, sandwiches, pasta, and entrees are also available. The menu also features a unique pairing guide, allowing diners to select beverages and side dishes that perfectly balance the flavors of the meal.

The restaurant itself is rustically elegant, with an industrial vibe and contemporary flare. Guests are able to enjoy the ambient lighting, simple décor, and relaxed but high-end environment while dining. Address: 515 Wayne Ave, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-496-5268 Photo: Wheat Penny

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Carriage Hill MetroPark and Farm is a 900-acre compound that provides visitors with the chance to learn more about the Miami Valley through interpretive education, demonstrations, and historical artifacts, along with the help of period actors.

The park is home to a historic farm where visitors can learn about the Arnold family who once farmed the land and enjoy the livestock in the barn and seasonal produce. Additionally, horses are available for horseback riding through the diverse surrounding land, including forested areas, farmland, and grasslands.

The park offers the public the opportunity to learn more about Miami Valley’s cultural and natural history. Address: 7800 Shull Rd, Huber Heights, OH 45424, 937-278-2609 Photo: Carriage Hill MetroPark and Farm

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The Dayton Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant is a casual eatery with live comic entertainment. Open in the late morning throughout the week with late evening hours on weekends, the establishment allows guests to dine on standard American fare while enjoying the variety of shows.

Throughout the day different dining options are available, including seated dinners with an assigned table. For more information on how to book a table for a specific show, check the Funny Bone’s website for up-to-date information. The Club and Restaurant also maintains age-restricted hours, with 18+ being the norm, but certain hours are confined to 21+. Address: The Greene, 88 Plum St #200, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-429-5233 Photo: sonya etchison/Fotolia

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Located at the corner of East 2nd Street and Webster Street, the PNC 2nd Street Market is an energetic public market, a focal point of Dayton’s shopping scene.

The PNC 2nd Street Market is the oldest and largest public market in Dayton. The majority of the market is enclosed, and operates year round, allowing local vendors to sell produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, honey, coffee, maple syrup, and more.

The market also hosts a variety of entertainment events, particularly around festive holidays such as Christmas and Mardi Gras. The market is open three days a week: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Address: 600 E 2nd St, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-228-2088 Photo: PNC 2nd Street Market

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Wiley's Comedy Club is an entertainment lounge in downtown Dayton. Known for hosting a variety of local and national acts, Wiley’s draws comedians from around the country to perform on its stage. Aside from offering entertainment, Wiley’s also provides an extensive bar menu as well as a variety of drinks and pub food.

During the week, Wiley’s also hosts an open mic night, and is available for private events. The club is rowdy and festive, with adult content at the core of its material. The place itself is casual and laid back, with a relaxed aesthetic. Address: 101 Pine St, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-224-5653 Photo: Wiley's Comedy Club

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The RiverScape Metro Walk is an urban green space located in the heart of downtown Dayton on the shores of the Great Miami River. Aside from offering a valuable nature centric space, this park is also a valuable community center.

Often the venue of concerts and community events, the MetroPark frequently plays host to a variety of entertainment. Additionally, bike and equipment rentals can be found within the park, and visitors can walk, run, or bike along trails or pathways.

Pristine landscaping, gardens, flowering pots, reflecting pools and fountains are scattered throughout the riverside space. Address: 111 E Monument Ave, Dayton, Ohio, Phone: 937-274-0126 Photo: RiverScape MetroPark

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