28 Best & Fun Things To Do In Dayton (Ohio)

Dayton is a family-friendly, bustling city known for its influence on aviation history.

It is the county seat of Montgomery and is a busy metropolis.

The city is part of a low floodplain of the Great Miami River and grew in fame with technological advancements.

As a vacation destination, Dayton has lots to offer.

To help you, here are our picks for the 28 best and fun things to do in Dayton, Ohio.

1. National Museum of the US Air Force

The National Museum of the US Air Force 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, it’s 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.

Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45431, United States

2. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a memorial park dedicated to important figures in aviation history.

It contains many other smaller places to visit within its grounds, all related to Paul Laurence Dunbar or the Wright Brothers.

It offers an expansive look into the way these figures influenced the world and its technology today.

Another fun site at the park is the Huffman Prairie Flying Field and Interpretive Center.

Address: 16 S Williams St, Dayton, OH 45402, United States

3. Carillon Historical Park

Spanning 65 acres, Carillon Historical Park is a relaxing urban green space packed with interesting historic exhibits and structures.

Located to the south of the Great Miami River, Carillon Historical Park is basically an open-air museum.

You’ll learn about its early settlers, the development of the canal, and the Wright brothers’ contributions to the country.

Structures of note include a heritage schoolhouse, a stone cottage dating to the 19th century, and Dayton’s oldest building.

Address: 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409, United States

4. Dayton Art Institute

The Dayton Art Institute is a fine art museum that overlooks the city’s downtown area.

With over 27,000 works of art in its collection, the Dayton Art Institute is packed with things to see.

Sculptures, paintings, photos, and traveling exhibits are nothing short of exemplary.

You’ll see American works from the 18th and 19th centuries and Baroque pieces from the 17th century.

Big names to look out for are Rubens, Degas, and Monet.

You’ll also see works from Asia, Europe, Oceania, Ancient Egypt, and Native American people.

Address: 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH 45405, United States

5. 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.

With hands-on activities, lots of opportunities to interact, and engaging resources to learn with, it’s an enriching experience.

At Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, you’ll get to explore prairies, ponds, streams, woods, and meadows alike.

Of course, the primary attraction is its working farm, which is a sustainable establishment.

Address: 1000 Aullwood Rd, Dayton, OH 45414, United States

6. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery provides the city’s only facilities of its kind, emphasizing learning and science.

Its life began in 1893 when it was simply the Museum of Natural History.

It has since grown to house a live animal sanctuary, planetarium, aquarium, and a huge collection of natural history exhibits.

Through activities, kids can learn about biology, paleontology, geology, anthropology, and much more.

Address: 2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton, OH 45414, United States

7. RiverScape MetroPark

RiverScape MetroPark is situated in downtown Dayton, right in the heart of this Ohio city.

It sits on the Great Miami river’s shores and provides a green space and community center to visitors and locals alike.

Despite its location in the center of a busy town, it’s very tranquil and provides a flower-dotted escape from the surrounding bustle.

If you come to RiverScape MetroPark in the winter, you’ll get to use the park’s ice rink.

Measuring 150 by 70 feet, it’s a stunning space with lots of room to have a blast!

Address: 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402, United States

8. America’s Packard Museum

America’s Packard Museum is situated inside what was once a Packard dealership and is the world’s only restored museum for the brand.

It’s also one of America’s best auto museums!

America’s Packard Museum opened its doors in 1992 and holds a large collection of related memorabilia and exhibits.

You’ll be able to view all sorts of stunning classic Packards from the 20th century, some of which date back to 1903.

Address: 420 S Ludlow St, Dayton, OH 45402, United States

9. Dayton Dragons Baseball

The Dayton Dragons are the city’s minor league baseball team.

They have the record for the highest number of sold-out professional games in a row, totaling more than 800.

With a record like that, you have to add their games to your list of what to see!

You don’t have to be a sports fan to have a blast as a spectator!

Address: 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402, United States

10. Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum

Spanning 200 acres, Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum has more than 110,000 individuals buried in its resting grounds.

Many of these are the graves of well-known people, including Paul Laurence Dunbar, Erma Bombeck, and the Wright brothers.

Opened in 1941, Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum isn’t just an important burial ground.

It also serves as a botanical resource, with 165 native species of trees.

There are over 3,000 individual trees here, many of which have lived for longer than a century!

Address: 118 Woodland Ave, Dayton, OH 45409, United States

11. Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center

The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center is a community center for entertainment.

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

12. Orville Wright Hawthorn Hill

Orville Wright Hawthorn Hill is yet another one of the places to visit in Dayton, Ohio dedicated to the Wright brothers.

This was the home of Orville Wright and his family, who all moved in back in 1914.

The total space of the land is 17 acres, filled with hawthorn trees decorating the hillside.

Many guests would come to visit the mansion over the years, including Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, and Carl Sandburg.

Even the likes of President Roosevelt and Greece’s King Constantine stopped by!

Address: 901 Harman Ave, Dayton, OH 45419, United States

13. SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park

SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park is an open-air museum that is home to a reconstructed Native American village, based on one that existed here 800 years ago.

Situated close to the Great Miami River, the SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park is a gem.

With 3 surrounding acres of ground, it showcases many archeological excavations that were found here over the course of two decades.

Exploration tours let you explore the SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park in detail.

Address: 2301 W River Rd, Dayton, OH 45417, United States

14. Victoria Theatre

Victoria Theatre is situated in downtown Dayton, Ohio, and is a historic venue for entertainment and performing arts.

Each year, it puts on more than 300 live performances, with actors from both local and global spheres.

Different events cater to people of all ages, with fun performances suited for children and grown-ups alike.

Victoria Theatre’s many things to see include series themed on family, Broadway, films, star attractions, and discovery.

Address: 138 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45402, United States

15. The Oregon District

The Oregon District of central Dayton is one of the top examples of Victorian structures!

Much of the buildings here date back to the time period between 1820 and 1910.

Many of them are dual buildings, with both commercial and residential purposes true to early merchant success in the district.

It’s quaint, charming, and surprisingly quiet.

Address: Dayton, OH, United States

16. National Aviation Hall of Fame

The National Aviation Hall of Fame is technically a part of the National Museum of the US Air Force.

However, it’s popular enough on its own to be considered one of many Dayton attractions!

This expansive gallery provides a fun and insightful way to learn about pioneers of aviation from Ohio and across the country.

There are seven sections, two of which are dedicated to the two world wars.

The others are the Golden Age of Flight, Jet Age, Into Space, History of Early Flight, and Enshrine Lab sections.

Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433, United States

17. Dixie Twin Drive-In

Dixie Twin Drive-In is a classic offering of quintessential Americana and nostalgia mixed with modern technology.

With two large screens and state-of-the-art projectors, it showcases two movies per screen each night.

For the most part, Dixie Twin Drive-In plays First-Run types of movies.

On Sundays, the Paris Flea Market sets up outside of the drive-in early in the morning, offering a nice shopping experience.

Do note that all this happens during the warmer months, from April to October!

Address: 6201 N Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH 45414, United States

18. Watch Local Performance Art

You can’t 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.

There’s also the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, which is almost five decades old!

If dance isn’t your thing, you can catch a performance by the Dayton Opera.

Different seasons offer wildly different shows, ranging from contemporary works to Italian classics.

Finally, there’s also the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.

Many different shows ensure there’s something for everyone, from pop music lovers to classical music aficionados.

19. Possum Creek MetroPark

Possum Creek MetroPark is a beautiful home for birds and butterflies, with lots of activities.

Its education center has been offering public programs for the community throughout the year, focusing on the environment and produce.

Possum Creek MetroPark is probably most known for Argonne Forest, which once held an amusement park.

The purple trail loop lets you explore this forest thoroughly, learning about nature and local history as you go.

Possum Creek MetroPark also boasts one of the most stunning grass prairies in Ohio.

It is called the Jean V. Woodhull Prairie, named after a big contributor to Dayton’s MetroParks.

Address: 4790 Frytown Rd, Dayton, OH 45417, United States

20. Eat At The Best Local Restaurants

One of the popular local restaurants is Meadowlark Restaurant.

Dishes are primarily of American fusion flavor, mixing classic dishes with international twists.

All ingredients are either handmade or locally sourced (or both).

Want some casual drinks and snacks?

Try Fifth Street Brewpub!

The laid-back establishment serves a big menu of different beers from both national and local sources.

Standard pub food is to be expected, with high-quality components and creative mixes adding to the flair.

If you’d 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.

21. Wright Company Factory

The Wright Company Factory opened in 1910, founded by Orville and Wilbur Wright.

The brothers used the factory to manufacture and sell aircraft, but after six years, the building was sold.

A different aircraft company took over for a while before eventually also selling in 1919.

This is how the Wright Company Factory ended up as a car factory.

Today, the National Aviation Heritage Alliance has restored the buildings.

Address: 99 Cowart Ave, Dayton, OH 45417, United States

22. Learning Tree Farm

Learning Tree Farm is a site for education with the mission of helping kids learn about the environment and nature.

It was set up by two elementary school teachers in 1973 for children in Dayton, Ohio.

People of all ages can learn about environmental stewardship, nature and wildlife, and the importance of ecological preservation.

As a key community resource, it’s a wonderful way to get in touch with mother nature!

Address: 3376 S Union Rd, Dayton, OH 45417, United States

23. Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

Close to the downtown area, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark is a formal garden park that boasts a total of 10 gardens.

It has wooden paths, dirt trails, paved trails, boardwalks, and lots of ways to view each of its parts.

At Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, you’ll get to learn a lot about the region’s ecosystems.

From the Stillwater River’s aquatic habitat to the aged woodlands teeming with wildlife, you’ll see all sorts of flora and fauna.

Address: 1301 E Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton, OH 45414, United States

24. Caesar Creek State Park

Willing to drive out this weekend?

Caesar Creek State Park boasts a mix of verdant forest and lovely beaches, as well as numerous meadows, ravines, and 43 miles of trails.

Among the activities you can do at Caesar Creek State Park are horseback riding, biking, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and sunbathing.

Picnic areas and campsites offer even more opportunities to relax.

There’s also the Caesar Creek State Park Nature Center, which lets you learn about the park’s wildlife.

Address: 8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068, United States

25. Go To A Comedy Club

Ohio’s comedy club scene isn’t often talked about, which is a shame given its liveliness!

The ones in this city should be on your list of what to do this weekend if you seek a show.

One great option is the Dayton Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant.

The casual eatery entertains its diners with live comedy across many different shows.

Different dining options become available throughout the day, varying in fanciness, but they all offer American fare.

There are also age-restricted hours for more risque or adult humor.

Another good choice is Wiley’s Comedy Club, a relaxed and casual hangout.

The lounge, located in the city’s downtown area, is home to a wide variety of acts.

Small local comics and renowned national ones all travel here to perform.

If you’re interested, see what’s happening tonight before visiting!

26. Carriage Hill MetroPark and Farm

Carriage Hill MetroPark and Farm is a fun way to learn about the history of Dayton and Ohio’s 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 area’s natural and cultural history.

The farm of Carriage Hill MetroPark and Farm allows you to learn about a farming family called the Arnolds.

There’s also a Riding Center where you can ride a horse through farmland, forest, and grassland alike.

Address: 7800 Shull Rd, Huber Heights, OH 45424, United States

27. 2nd Street Market

2nd Street Market is vibrant and central to the shopping scene of Dayton, Ohio.

It’s the city’s biggest and oldest of its kind, offering year-round enclosed shopping with many different vendors.

At 2nd Street Market, you’ll find baked goods, fresh produce, maple syrup, meats, coffee, cheeses, honey, and much more.

Reminiscent of a European market, it also offers items like plants, flowers, and jewelry.

Address: 7800 Shull Rd, Huber Heights, OH 45424, United States

28. Englewood Metropark

Englewood Metropark is packed with nature and among the biggest parks in the area, it’s been a local fixture for over five decades.

Activities here include 24/7 fishing, disc golfing at Blue Heron Disc Golf Course, and bird-watching.

In fact, Englewood Metropark is so good for bird-watching that it has the Benedict Blincoe Wildlife Observation Area.

90% of all species of birds in Dayton have been seen here.

Also, while you’re at it, take a walk to see one of the oldest trees in the area, a blue ash tree dubbed Big Blue.

Address: 4361 W National Rd, Dayton, OH 45414, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Dayton

Dayton is a teeming, diverse city where old and new blend seamlessly.

You’ll see green verdancy juxtaposed against bustling metropolis backgrounds.

You’ll explore historic and artistic attractions that cater to the old, the new, and the strange.

Honestly, you’re spoiled for choice!

With any luck, this guide will help you nail the perfect itinerary.

Happy travels.