Things to Do With Children in Dayton, Ohio
- Dayton, Ohio has many parks for children to enjoy.park bench in the hyde park image by Martin N from Fotolia.com
Dayton, Ohio, is located just north of Cincinnati and has a population of approximately 157,000 (as of 2006). Famous as the birthplace of the Wright Brothers, it was in a Dayton bicycle shop that Wilbur and Orville researched, built and perfected their first flying machine before launching at Kitty Hawk. This spirit of discovery and creative invention permeates the various children's attractions the city offers. - A day spent at this 72-acre organic farm is an educational activity for the kids to enjoy while visiting Dayton, Ohio. Children can visit the Bank Barn, which houses goats, pigs, sheep, horses and cows, as well as the surrounding pastures where sheep, donkeys and goats roam. Chickens and turkeys live in outlying paddocks near an educational garden that allows kids to learn about the process of organic farming for meat and vegetables. The nearby Nature Center features a variety of themed classrooms and exhibits, where kids can explore birds, mammals, reptiles and plants. Admission prices are $4 per adult and $2 for children under 18.
Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm
1000 Aullwood Road
Dayton, OH 45414
937-890-7360
aullwood.center.audubon.org - While most museums carry a "no touching allowed" caveat, children will get a hands-on learning experience at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton, Ohio. Housing the region's only planetarium, the 94,000-square-foot facility also has a live animal zoo and a variety of interactive technology and science exhibits divided into age-appropriate sections. General admission tickets are $8.50 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 2 to 12.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Parkway
Dayton, Ohio 45414
937-275-7431
boonshoftmuseum.org - Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark was founded in 1973, but the Children's Discovery Garden contained within its footprint began being developed in 2000. Today, the lush 2-acre area is divided into three primary sections to help kids experience the world through gardening. Kids can hunt for caterpillars in the wildlife garden or use an old-fashioned pump to water plants. Families can play a variety of games and go on scavenger hunts to discover the many secrets of this child-friendly garden. Children's Discovery Garden is closed in January and February and open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer.
Children's Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
1301 East Siebenthaler Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45414
937-277-6545
metroparks.org
