5 Attractions You Can Check Out for Free in Dayton, OH
Dayton, OH is a fascinating city with lots of rich history and natural beauty. Dayton is a great place for families to explore, from aviation museums to beautiful gardens. If you’re looking to save money on admission fees to some of Dayton’s sites and activities, you’re in luck. Our team at Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Centerville has put together a list of five attractions that you and your family can visit for free.
Cox Arboretum MetroPark
Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Cox Arboretum. Kids of all ages can spend the day wandering along the 2.5 miles of gorgeously landscaped gardens that encompass the 189-acre arboretum. Enjoy the spellbinding colors of the flowers and butterflies found within the Butterfly Garden, meditate on a bench surrounded by flowering crab apple trees, or smell the variety of herbs in the dedicated herb garden.
For sweeping views of the Miami Valley, climb the 65-foot Tree Tower. You’ll be high above the conifer and hardwood forests and have a bird’s-eye view of the shrubs, flowers, trees, and grounds of the Cox Arboretum. After a picnic lunch under a shady tree, let the little ones burn off energy running through the Bell Children’s Maze. You’ll want to monitor the Cox Arboretum website for upcoming free workshops and events like Greenhouse Transplanting or Amphibian Naturalist Training.
Location: 6733 Springboro Pike
Call: 937-275-7275
National Museum of the United States Air Force
Aviation buffs will enjoy spending the day at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Considered one of the largest military and aviation museums in the world, this museum allows visitors to see thousands of historical artifacts connected to the flight industry. You’ll see galleries and exhibits that house military items from various wars as well as aircraft used in the space race.
Highlights of your visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force include viewing airplanes on loan from the Air Force, going inside a presidential airplane, and visiting the space shuttle exhibit. The museum offers free educational programs like Introduction to Becoming a Pilot, Summer Rocketry Camp, and the Cyber Patriot Program. Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force website often to watch for special events, programs, and talks related to aviation.
Location: 1100 Spaatz Street at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Call: 937-255-3286
Carriage Hill MetroPark
Step back in time when you visit Carriage Hill MetroPark. This historical 900-acre farm depicts what life was like in the Miami Valley during the early 19th century. During your visit to Carriage Hill MetroPark, stop by the barn area to let the kids pet heritage farm animals. Then, take a guided tour of the historic buildings to learn about the agricultural heritage of this farm.
Once you’re done petting the animals and wandering around, enjoy a picnic by the shores of Cedar Lake. After resting for a bit, let the kids cast a line from their fishing pole to try catching crappie or sunfish.
When you stroll along the Orange Trail at Carriage Hill, you’ll cross the wetlands on an elevated boardwalk. Keep your eyes open for nesting waterbirds, turtles sunning themselves on a log. Equestrian buffs can ride horses at the Carriage Hill MetroPark Riding Center. Activities include summer horse camps, weekend trail rides, and spring and fall riding lessons.
Location: 7800 Shull Road
Call: 937-275-7275
Dayton Metro Library
A great way to spend the day in Dayton is at the local library. You can escape into different worlds in the fiction section, learn the history of Miami Valley in the education section, or learn how to garden in the how-to-book area. The Dayton Metro Library hosts special free art exhibits like the display of teen art and a military artifact exhibit.
Children from the first to sixth grade can use library resources to help them with reading and assist them with homework. Teenagers can get help with science projects, career counseling, and homework tutoring. For those 55 years and older, Dayton Metro Library offers services like homebound delivery, safe driving for seniors, and information on the Senior Resource Connection. The library is free and open to the public, and with a library card, you can check out books, CDs, and DVDs. While at home, work, or school, you can also utilize the library’s online resources.
Location: 215 E. Third St.
Call: 937-463-2665
2nd Street Market
The 2nd Street Market is part of the Dayton MetroParks system that’s free and open to the public. You and the family can wander through the market looking at and purchasing local produce, baked goods, and arts and crafts made by Ohio artisans. As you walk through the market, you’ll feel as if you’re in a European plaza with the building’s unique architecture and the bustling activity of the vendors, sellers, and market-goers.
The 2nd Street Market is a great place to bring out-of-town guests so they can get a feel for the Dayton community. You can enjoy prepared food, such as crepes, a gourmet sandwich, or spicy Mexican food. While you’re sitting down to eat, you can tap your foot to live music performed by local musicians.
You can also pick up gifts at the 2nd St. Market. Find special items perfect for the holidays such as Easter, Mother’s Day, or Christmas. For special occasion presents, you can find handmade jewelry, woven blankets and throws, scented soaps, and fragrant candles. The 2nd Street Market also offers programs like DIY rain barrel assembly or the workshop for planning and planting a small garden.
Location: 600 E. Second St.
Call: 937-228-2088
All of us at Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Centerville hope you and your family enjoy visiting these free attractions in Dayton. Which location is your favorite and why? Did we miss a cool place to visit with free admission? If so, we would love to know about it. Feel free to contact us and we’ll add your recommendation to our list.
If you would like a new car to help you get to these attractions, we can help you find the perfect vehicle for you and your family. Just give us a call at (937) 434-9500.
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