Summer is finally here, and the Dayton, OH area has a lot planned! Below are 12, mostly free, summer activities the whole family can enjoy. Save some money this summer and explore your area for events happening around you!
1. Celtic Festival
The 2016 Dayton Celtic Festival will be held Friday July 29th through Sunday the 31st. Some of the festival headliners include Gaelic Storm, Socks in the Frying Pan, and Scythian. Along with entertainment, the festival also has other activities to enjoy. On Saturday July 30th there is going to be a 5K run/walk starting at 10 a.m. (view site for registration). Other activities include Sunday Mass, cultural exhibits, and whiskey and beer tastings. Feel free to put on your kilt and come join the fun!
2. Cox Arboretum MetroPark
Cox Arboretum is open from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday (click here for weekend times) and is located in Dayton, OH. Cox Arboretum is one of the 25 facilities Five Rivers MetroPark works to conserve. At Cox Arboretum, interaction with nature is recommended. There's something for everyone at Cox Arboretum -- a children's maze, Butterfly House, gardens, etc. One of the most popular visitor attractions is the Tree Tower that's an 81 step climb to the top and 46 feet tall. The top of the tower offers a great view of the Miami Valley and is an optimal spot for picture taking.
3. Glen Helen Nature Preserve
Glen Helen is the perfect place to hike in Yellow Springs, OH -- and don't let this picture fool you, the water from the springs is safe to drink! Throughout the 1,000 acres of land there are many sites to see. Besides the springs there are 400 year-old trees, limestone cliffs, and waterfalls. Fun fact: the decision of the town name was inspired by the color of the springs.
4. Yellow Springs Street Fair
The Yellow Springs Street Fair will be Saturday June 11th from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be 250+ vendors, 65 shops and food locations, plus endless fun! The street fair is free and open to the public.
5. Yellow Springs Local Shops
While at the Yellow Springs Street Fair, feel free to stop by one of the many local stores! Stores range from records, toys, books, comics, and a variety of other stores that are unique in their own way with items from such places and Bali.
6. Bike Trails
The Little Miami Bike Trail in Yellow Springs, OH is one of the largest biking trails in South-West Ohio. The Little Miami Trail is about 78 miles long all around. Don't have a bike? No problem! Feel free to stop by The Corner Daily Bar and Grill for bike rentals.
7. Young’s Jersey Dairy
Young's Jersey Dairy is located in Yellow Springs, OH. Young's offers ice cream, putt putt, and a small petting zoo consisting of goats, cows, and chickens. June 27th through July 4th will be Independence Day Family Value Week. With the purchase of a wrist band, $14 for ages 12+ and $7 for 11 and under, unlimited family fun is available. A wrist band ensures unlimited putt putt, bating cages,Cowvin's Corny Slide, and much more. For some end of the summer fun, be sure to check out the 15th Annual Vintage Truck Show August 6th from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
8. 4th of July Block Party and Parade
One of the many 4th of July celebration in the Dayton area occurs in Fairborn, OH. On July 3rd the Fairborn Block Party will be from 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Come and socialize with friends while enjoying vendors and music. Don't forget that the morning of July 4th is the 69th Annual 4th of July Parade! Families are welcomed to line up along the road to watch individuals from different organizations throughout Fairborn march in the parade.
9. Sweet Corn Festival
The 35th Annual Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival will be Saturday August 20th from 11am-7pm and from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, August 21st. The festival will be held at Community Park East in Fairborn, OH. This is a family event with approximately 180 vendors from handmade arts and crafts to food vendors. Activities for children include: a Big Bounce, train rides, and pony rides. Entertainments and parking is free and opened to the public.
10. 4th of July Fireworks
For evening festivities in Fairborn for the 4th, from 5-10 p.m., there will be fireworks and entertainment. The entertainment ranges from live bands, food vendors, pony rides, and other children family activities. The entertainment starts at 5 p.m. and the fireworks start at 10 p.m. at Community Park East.
11. Air Force Museum
The Air Force Museum is located in Fairborn, OH and is free and opened to the public. Exhibits around the museum include a WII gallery, a Cold War gallery, Presidential gallery, service flags and pins, and an Air Force Orange County Chopper. Bring the family along and take a journey through the past!
12. The Greene
The Greene is an outdoor mall in Beavercreek, OH that can be fun for all ages. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday there are bands that play in the town square of the mall. Bands include, but are not limited to, The Hathaways and Rick Sylvester Acoustic. While there's plenty to do for adults, there is also fun for the kids. The Greene offers a fountain for children to run and play through, along with several movie nights planned for the summer. July 9th The Greene will be playing Ghostbusters, and August 20th is a viewing of The Blind Side.
