Visit a Hands-On Science Museum
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is a children's science museum that features collections from the realms of biology, geology, archaeology, anthropology and astronomy (including a planetarium). The museum also contains an accredited zoo housing exotic animals and animals native to Ohio, including a bobcat, snakes, and two river otters. Permanent exhibits include a 68-inch diameter globe that is part of a Earth and space sciences display, a tidal pool, a fully-enclosed treehouse and a playhouse specially made for small children to explore. Children can also blow off some steam by scaling the museum's three-story climbing tower and slide. Special exhibits and educational programs are offered throughout the year. Admission as of 2009: $8.50 for adults; $7.50 for children ages 2 to 12 and seniors; free for children under 2.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Parkway
Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 275-7431
Learn About Dayton's History
Dayton's Carillon Historical Park, located alongside the Great Miami River, covers a sprawling 65 acres and features historical buildings and special exhibits. Among the park's collections are vintage automobiles, the Wright Brothers' 1905 Wright Flyer III and a steam locomotive. Educational programs given by interpreters in historical costumes are offered throughout the year. The park is open all year, Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission as of 2009: $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 3 to 17; free for children under 3
Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Blvd.
Dayton, Ohio 45409
(937) 293-2841
daytonhistory.org
Take a Canoe Trip
The Dayton area is surrounded by rivers, including the Great Miami River, Little Miami River, Stillwater River and Mad River. A trip to the region in the late spring and summer seasons is an excellent time to explore the area by canoe or kayak. There are several nearby outfitters. Bellbrook Canoe Rental, just north of the city, offers canoe, kayak and raft rentals. Rates start at $10 and are based on the type of equipment, rental period and ages of participants.
Bellbrook Canoe Rental
3234 Washington Mill Rd.
Bellbrook, OH 45305
(937) 848-4812
bellbrookcanoerental.com
Explore a MetroPark
There are 19 parks in the Five Rivers MetroPark system. Activities there include hiking, walking, biking and canoeing. RiverScape in downtown Dayton is one of the newest. Opportunities at this park include rentals of bicycles and child trailers, pedal boats and hydrobikes. A laser and music show takes place every Friday and Saturday night during the summer. Wintertime activities at this park include ice skating.
RiverScape MetroPark
111 E. Monument Ave.
Dayton, Ohio 45402
(937) 274-0126
metroparks.org
