Things to Do with Kids in and Around Dayton, Ohio

Dayton, Ohio has been listed among the top 50 most enjoyable U.S. cities in which to live. Whether you're visiting Dayton or just looking for something to do, here are a few of the fun places Dayton has to offer that you and the kids will love.

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. This is an amazing museum that kids of all ages will love. Toddlers and preschoolers love the water table, where they can play with water toys and create small fountains. The grocery store, complete with tike-sized shopping carts and shelves lined with food boxes, is a great area of the museum. Preschools and school age children will also love the indoor play area. One of the two slides runs from the second floor all the way down to the first floor. Once they get down to ground level, they can scurry back up to the top by climbing a twisting rope net. The planetarium and indoor zoo make this a wonderful way to spend the day with your kids.

Dayton Mall. This large, two story mall not only has great stores both you and the kids will love, it also includes a kids play area, with tunnels, room to run, and comfortable benches for parents. Also check out the Fairfield Commons Mall in Beavercreek.

SunWatch Indian Village. One of the great historical landmarks of Dayton, Ohio is the SunWatch Indian Villiage. It is an archealogical park, and historians believe that the Fort Ancient Indian culture lived there between 1000 AD and 1650 AD. Go take a tour and return to the native cultures of our land; see archealogical treasures or take a tour of the village. The kids will love the novelty, and you'll get to learn a little more about ancient history.

Wright Brothers Air Force Base Museum. If anyone in your family loves military history, airplanes, or anything to do with aviation, you'll love visiting the "world's largest and oldest military aviation museum" (www.wpafb.af.mil/museum). You'll get to see how airplanes are built, read stories about famous pilots, and even tour a real military aircraft. Don't forget to look into dates of the Air Show, and you'll get to see some amazing aircraft maneuvers by pilot performers.

Pump It Up. Located just south of Dayton in Miamisburg, Pump It Up is a great place to go for a couple of hours to let the kids release some energy. With huge inflated playplaces, your kids will run, jump, and slide their way through a great time.

Dayton Metro Library. With twenty-two locations throughout Dayton, you'll always find things to do with the kids. Library branches offer toddler and preschooler story time, family movie night, make & take crafts, scrapbooking get-togethers, book clubs, and more.

Waynesville, Ohio. A little out of the way from Dayton, Waynesville is known for its antique shops, Renaissance festival, and old-fashioned atmosphere. It makes a great place for getting away from home, doing some shopping, and enjoying some unique surroundings.

Bike Trails in Xenia, Ohio. Boasting the title "Bike Capital of the Midwest," Xenia, Ohio really has some amazing bike trails. Well-maintained with beautiful scenery, you'll can cycle all the way from Xenia to Cincinnati. Or if you want a low-key family ride, just take a trail through the center of town, stop for some ice cream, and enjoy a summer ride.