Things to do with kids in Dayton Ohio

Looking for fun things to do with the kids? Check out our Full Family Events Calendar for help finding things to do with the whole family, right here in Dayton! Click here.

Upcoming Family-friendly events around Dayton

Brunch with Santa at Ralph's American Grill

Brunch with Santa at Ralph's American Grill

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.

Homeschool PE at Dick's House of Sport

Homeschool PE at Dick's House of Sport

Join us Wednesday’s from 10-11:30 AM for Homeschool PE at Dick’s House of Sport! Students will explore the basics of sports, health, and wellness through fun games, physical activity, and movement.

Guided Tours

Guided Tours

Join us for an inside look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artist and her work. FREE and open to all.

Historic Normandy Mansion Christmas Open House

Historic Normandy Mansion Christmas Open House

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.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa

A special mailbox right here in the lobby of the Civic Center is waiting for your letters to Santa!

Winter Solstice Sunrise Celebration at SunWatch Village

Winter Solstice Sunrise Celebration at SunWatch Village

Celebrate the Winter Solstice Sunrise at SunWatch Village on December 21 and join in welcoming the return of longer days and brighter skies ☀️❄️

Free Books for The Holidays!

Free Books for The Holidays!

This free, family-friendly evening will feature: Holiday decorations, snacks, and hot cocoa Activities for kids and families A Giving Angel Tree with tags Tables hosted by community organizations Free books for the taking

Noon Year's Eve 2026

Noon Year's Eve 2026

Ring in the New Year 2026 with us-kid friendly style!

Holiday of Lights Festival in Oakwood

Holiday of Lights Festival in Oakwood

The City of Oakwood Lighting up Oakwood & Holiday of Lights Sunday December 14, 2025.

Holiday Climbs

Holiday Climbs

Celebrate the season with festive, themed holiday climbs every Tuesday! Bring your friends, your family, and your holiday spirit. Each week features a new holiday guest and a chance to ring the sleigh bell.

Christmas Eve Luminaries

Christmas Eve Luminaries

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.

Our Lady of the Rosary Fish Fry

Our Lady of the Rosary Fish Fry

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.

Things to do with kids around Dayton

Camps Rock, Inc.

Camps Rock, Inc.

Camps Rock is Dayton's only fully searchable online directory of summer camps. We have a comprehensive listing, and parents can search by age/grade, topic, location, and date to find the perfect camp.

Troy Aquatic Park

Troy Aquatic Park

Cool off this summer and enjoy our waterpark - includes giant water slides, lounge chairs, funbrellas and large grassy areas for sunbathers, concessions, swim lessons and more.

Tippecanoe Family Aquatic Center

Tippecanoe Family Aquatic Center

The Tippecanoe Family Aquatic Center features a spray ground area, two water slides, diving boards, and three pools to accommodate all ages.

RollHouse Dayton

RollHouse Dayton

Bowling alley in Huber Heights (former Marian Lanes location)

YMCA of Greater Dayton

YMCA of Greater Dayton

Health and wellness, exercise and wellness programs as well as child care, day camp and family programs.

Scene75 Entertainment Center

Scene75 Entertainment Center

Scene75 Entertainment Center is the largest indoor entertainment center in the country and offers affordable FUN for everyone!

Town Hall Theatre

Town Hall Theatre

Town Hall Theatre is dedicated to inspiring personal growth in young people and creating shared performing arts experiences for families.

Kings Island

Kings Island

Amusement park located in Mason OH has more than 80 world-class rides and attractions that are perfect for thrill seekers of all ages.

Adventure Reef Water Park

Adventure Reef Water Park

Kettering Outdoor Water Park - this 3-acre outdoor aquatic facility features a leisure pool with large water playground, two water slides, an interactive splash pad and a baby/toddler pool.

Skateworld of Kettering

Skateworld of Kettering

We are dedicated to be the #1 fun spot for kids of all ages and we strive to provide you and your family with a clean, fun, friendly, and safe place to skate.

Soak City

Soak City

More than 50 water activities at the Kings Island waterpark, including 30 water slides, tropical lagoons, rushing rivers, and surfable waves including a 650,000-gallon wave pool, Tidal Wave Bay.

Your Adventure Golf

Your Adventure Golf

Since opening our doors to the public in 1987, Your Adventure Golf has become a must-see destination for people all over the Dayton area.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

The world's largest and oldest military aviation museum, located in Dayton Ohio.

Laser Web

Laser Web

Laser Web is Dayton's Premier Laser Tag facility. Also, a Laser Maze, Virtual Reality, Arcade, and Snack Bar. Birthday parties, group events or just a great time for friends and family.

Poelking Bowling

Poelking Bowling

We feature (4) modern bowling centers complete with state-of-the-art scoring and bumpers on every lane.

Nova Adventure Park

Nova Adventure Park

Get ready to have a great time jumping at Nova Trampoline and Adventure Park in Kettering, OH

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Regional provider of interactive science learning experiences which enrich the lives of children and adults.

Englewood Fun Center

Englewood Fun Center

Outdoor Miniature Golf, Indoor Batting Cages, Inflatable Bouncing Houses, Arcade, more...

Beaver-vu Bowling

Beaver-vu Bowling

Beaver-vu bowl in Beavercreek - Your neighborhood family fun center dedicated to making fun bowling memories for the whole family!

Idle-Hour Ranch

Idle-Hour Ranch

An animal sanctuary dedicated to providing family-friendly fun, education, and hands-on interaction; to promote loving care for animals of all species and to encourage conservation on a global scale.

Get Air Trampoline Park

Get Air Trampoline Park

Wish you could flip & fly, bounce off the walls, defeat your friends at dodgeball and become the next ninja warrior? You can at Get Air Trampoline Park! Fun for all ages!

Capri Lanes

Capri Lanes

Bowling Center in Kettering offering Open & Cosmic Bowl, Leagues & Group Events; Sports Bar with multiple TV's, great food and craft beers.

Timber & Bow Play Studio

Timber & Bow Play Studio

A clean, safe, modern indoor play space in Troy, Ohio for children of all ages to play and socialize while caregivers enjoy some down time.

Poelking Bowling

Poelking Bowling

We feature (4) modern bowling centers complete with state-of-the-art scoring and bumpers on every lane.

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