Seven places in Dayton, Ohio you’ll want to check out soon!
So you’re thinking about making some fun memories in Dayton, Ohio? While it may not stand out on the map (or in your mind), Dayton has a lot to offer! Here are a few of the goodies you’ll find:
National Air Force Museum– Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, this Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of air crafts attracting more than 1 millions visitors per year! With free admission (yes, you read that right), this awesome showcase of history is a must see for anyone in the area! Honestly, I’m not sure how it took me 6 years of living in Ohio (only an hour away) before I went. Separated into four large sections/eras this museum will bring out the kid in everyone. Along with tons of information through the museum there are many, many, many planes to see!! There are even several that you can walk through and get a new perspective and appreciation of them/their passengers! I’ve never been one who was really into planes and this place was very cool! We spent hours here! Check out more photos in this post.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery – This museum for kids of all ages nestled right in the heart of Dayton is open all year round. Featuring a fully enclosed and awesome Tree House high among the trees, you can learn interesting bird and small animal facts and do a little bird watching too. Whether it’s out loud or secretly, you’ll definitely wish you had your own! There is also an indoor zoo and “zoopkeeper talk” sessions. Check out the tidal pool where you can touch a real starfish and other creatures. You’ll be sucked into outerspace in the Hall of the Universe! Take a minute to read and interact as you go, and you’ll definitely learn something new. The kids will love the two story jungle gym and slide!
This museum is on the list of discounts you get when you’re a member of the ASTC museums. Read more about that in this blog post.
Great Escape Game – One of the hottest trends in entertainment right now is Escape Rooms! If you haven’t tried one, you definitely should. If you have and you’d love a challenge, Great Escape Game in Dayton offers just that! From easier levels for beginners to the hardest where you start handcuffed to a wall, Great Escape Game is a fast paced one hour thrill for anyone who loves competition. While this is geared more towards teens and older, we had our nieces (7 & 9 the first time) go with us during a family trip, and they loved it! Set in a strip mall, it may be a little off the beaten path, but it’s definitely worth the trip!!
PNC 2nd Street Market– Do you love farmer’s markets? Do you love unique boutiques? Check out this indoor market that features local artists, shops and products plus delicious fresh made food! During the warm months you’ll find outdoor vendors bringing the whole area to life! Stop by to check out one of the oldest public markets!
Sugar Creek Bird Farm– A little off the beaten path is this fun pit stop. An all-birds-all-the-time store, you’ll find goods and birds for sale. One thing that I love is the birds just hanging out. It’s like an aviary filled with entertaining birds. Usually there are several in the store, but head to the back and you’ll find another section with even more birds to talk to (and laugh at)! Open the door and head outside into the large aviary for even more birds! Don’t worry, most of them are just perched or caged so there’s nothing to be scared of. They are friendly and fun to see.
Nearby Awesomeness:
Yellow Springs – About 10 miles east of Dayton is an awesome little “hippie” town. Cute shops line the streets of downtown where you can get handmade goods from shirts and jewelry to herbs and tea, and everything in between! In both the spring and the fall, they host a street fair full of booths and entertainment! The October street fair is definitely a must visit event, plus with belly dancing, musicians, lots of food, vendor booths and much more, you can spend the entire day here! While there is a lot to see and do in the little shopping district, there is also a lot to do for the outdoorsy person too. There is a lot of hiking in this area too, so make sure you save some time to enjoy this little slice of heaven too.
Trader’s World – Opened in 1984 this flea market has grown to over 11 acres of shopping extravaganza! Whether it’s cold outside and you’re looking for something to do indoors or it’s a nice sunny day, this market is great choice. Having outdoor booths all summer long the market doubles in size! If the weather is great, there’s even an outdoor stage with live music. If you’re looking for some treasures, some snacks and treats or a place to open your own little shop, this place has it all… come spend your afternoon looking for some unique goodies.
Have you ever been to any of these goodies in Dayton, Ohio? I’d love to hear what you thought or if you have another place in Dayton you think I should visit…
Check out my post about nearby Cincinnati and some of the fun stuff it offers! (link coming soon)