Dayton Family Events Calendar
Looking for fun things to do with the kids? Here's a little help finding events the whole family can enjoy, right here in Dayton!
Family-friendly events in Dayton
Family Open Studio at the Dayton Art Institute
Saturday, December 20 2025
Open-ended creativity and art making in the Lange Family Experience Center Classroom on Saturday afternoons!
Front Street Saturdays
Saturday, December 20 2025
Front Street is OPEN EVERY SATURDAY!!! Boutiques, workshops, & studios are open across campus EVERY SATURDAY 11A-4P!
Historic Normandy Mansion Christmas Open House
Saturday, December 20 2025
Dec 20–22, 5:30–8pm: Celebrate “The Colors of Christmas” at the Historic Grant Mansion—50+ dazzling trees, trains, treats, carolers, choir & Santa! Free admission; limited accessibility.
Saturday Night Fox Hollow Rodeo
Saturday, December 20 2025
Family Fun At Fox Hollow Rodeo held every Saturday night year round with Indoor (Oct-April) / Outdoor Arena - Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
The One with Goats & Coffee
Saturday, December 20 2025
Start your weekend with the perfect blend of relaxation and fun at The One with Goats & Coffee! Enjoy a cozy morning on the farm sipping freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate while spending time with our playful goats.
Breakfast with Santa at 2nd Street Market
Sunday, December 21 2025
Don't miss Santa's annual visit to the Market for a tasty buffet breakfast. *Pre-registration is required
Brunch with Santa at Ralph's American Grill
Sunday, December 21 2025
The Christmas couple will be stopping by Ralph's Garage for photos and a chance to tell Santa what you want for Christmas this year. Brunch tickets will be available for the families to redeem at Ralph's.
Winter Solstice Sunrise Celebration at SunWatch Village
Sunday, December 21 2025
Celebrate the Winter Solstice Sunrise at SunWatch Village on December 21 and join in welcoming the return of longer days and brighter skies ☀️❄️
Christmas Eve Luminaries
Wednesday, December 24 2025
Drive-through Christmas Eve Luminaries At David’s Cemetery. Join us for a magical evening at David's Cemetery in Kettering, Ohio, as we celebrate Christmas Eve with a mesmerizing display of luminaries.
Christmas Eve Skate at Riverscape
Wednesday, December 24 2025
Start a holiday tradition by skating with your friends and family at MetroParks Ice Rink ❄️ Weather dependent ❄️
Harlem Globetrotters in Dayton
Wednesday, December 31 2025
Get ready for high-flying fun! Known as innovators of the game of basketball for decades, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters come to Wright State University's Nutter Center.
New Years Eve Skate at RiverScape MetroPark
Wednesday, December 31 2025
Skate your way into the New Year at RiverScape in downtown Dayton! 🎿 11 a.m.-8 p.m. *Weather dependent ❄️
Noon Year's Eve 2026
Wednesday, December 31 2025
Ring in the New Year 2026 with us-kid friendly style!
Dayton Contra / Barn Dance
Friday, January 02 2026
Let the rhythms lift your feet and your spirits! Join us to dance or just listen to some of the best bands and callers. No experience is necessary, all ages are welcome. Live Music.
Our Lady of the Rosary Fish Fry
Friday, January 09 2026
Friday Night Fish Fry - All you can eat Icelandic cod, chicken strips, fresh sausage and more. Everything made by Chef Joe is fresh and made from scratch. Doors open at 5.30.
Collectibles shopping Spree show. Fairfield Commons Mall Beavercreek,oh
Saturday, January 10 2026
Get ready! Collectibles Shopping Spree Show! At the Fairfield Commons Mall in BeaverCreek, Oh. 1st floor near Buckle. Near BJ's,and Tokyo Grill main Entrance! Great dealers!
Guided Tours
Saturday, January 10 2026
Join us for an inside look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artist and her work. FREE and open to all.
Photowalk
Saturday, January 10 2026
Explore downtown Dayton through your lens, using anything from a camera phone to a box camera, and anything in between. Join fellow artists and photography enthusiasts for a guided walk inspired by Xaviera Simmons.
Small Business Saturday Pop-up Shops
Saturday, January 10 2026
Come be part of the Small Business Saturday Pop-up Shops, happening once a month on Saturdays from 10 AM–12 PM, December 2025 through April 2026! Each event features a variety of local vendors offering unique products!
Neurographic Water Color Experience
Wednesday, January 14 2026
Join us for a relaxing and creative evening at the Neurographic Watercolor Experience, led by talented local artist Matthew Burgy.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Skate
Monday, January 19 2026
Celebrate the holiday at MetroParks Ice Rink! ✨ MLK Jr. Day Skate at RiverScape MetroPark 11a-7p ✨Admission includes ice skate rental. No registration required. *Weather dependent
Dayton Restaurant Week 2026
Sunday, January 25 2026
❄️ 🍴 It's Winter Restaurant Week! Try unique menus at many of Dayton's classiest places for reduced prices, all while raising money for charity. January 25 thru February 1, 2026
Dinosaurs in Dayton: Jurassic Quest
Friday, February 06 2026
Jurassic Quest roars through the Dayton Convention Center with a family-friendly event for dinosaur lovers of all ages!
Sweet Creations: Valentine Cookie Decorating Class
Wednesday, February 11 2026
Join us for a sweet and creative evening just in time for Valentine’s Day!
In Small Measure
Friday, February 13 2026
Join the Live Sale Event for $35 or come early to the $135-per-duo Preview Party for first access to a wall-to-wall installation of original 4×6 works created by artists from Dayton and across the country—$100 each.
Presidents Day Skate at Riverscape Ice Rink
Monday, February 16 2026
Spend Presidents Day at MetroParks Ice Rink! ⛸️ Weather Dependent.
