Dayton Ohio Parks for Family Gatherings and Activities

Are you planning a small or large family gathering in the Dayton Ohio area? If so, Dayton and the surrounding areas have many wonderful parks for family recreation. Five Rivers Metro Parks include Aullwood Garden, Carriage Hill, Cox Arboretum, Eastwood, Island, Englewood and Riverscape to name only a few.

Eastwood Metro Park of Dayton Ohio is conveniently located off of Harshman road and near route 4. Eastwood Metro Park offers family picnic areas and a recreational lake for fishing and boating. There is a three mile trail for hiking. Dogs are welcome in the park but must be leashed. Plenty of free parking is available and picnic shelters are on a first come basis. There are also festival events that are held at this location at different times of the year. This park is also very close to Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the famous National Museum of the US Air Force for further family activity. For further in depth information see: http://www.metroparks.org/Parks/Eastwood/Home.aspx

Riverscape Metro Park of Dayton Ohio is an urban park. It is located on Monument Avenue right along the Great Miami River. Metered parking is free after 6pm. Picnic areas are available and leashed dogs are welcome. Riverscape Park is a year round park with events and festivals on a regular basis. It hosts the Dayton Celtic Festival as well as the CITYFOLK Festival. Fireworks displays can be viewed for holidays and there is even ice skating in the winter. Riverscape Park has a bike trail and there is fishing and canoeing available on the Great Miami River. Laser light and music shows are also held here. For further in depth information see: http://www.metroparks.org/Parks/Riverscape/Home.aspx

Huffman Metro Park is also included in the Dayton Five Rivers Metro Parks. Huffman Park is located just north of downtown Dayton and home to the Huffman Dam and lake. Boating, fishing, biking and picnicking are available here and there is plenty of free parking. Picnic shelters are on a first come basis. Huffman Park has plenty of open space for large family groups. For further information see: http://www.metroparks.org/Parks/Huffman/Home.aspx

Aullwood Garden and Cox Arboretum are botanical garden parks. Great for smaller and quiet family adventures they offer a variety of plant and wildlife for viewing. Both parks are also favorites for photography and painting enthusiast. Aullwood also has photography contests. Cox Arboretum also offers facility rentals for wedding and special events. See: http://www.coxarboretum.org/

While not part of the Dayton Ohio Metro Parks, Kettering Ohio, just south of Dayton offers many wonderful parks as well. Kettering is home to Delco Park and Indian Riffle Park, both great for large family gatherings and the Kettering Skate Plaza, a highly rated skateboard plaza.

If you are planning a small or large family event, the Dayton Ohio area parks offer plenty to choose from. Check with each park itself for detailed information on parking, pets and recreational opportunities. Information can also be obtained for fishing license requirements. You will find more than enough available to keep the whole family entertained.