Looking for fun and family-friendly things to do in the Gem City? We’ve got your Dayton Dozen events roundup of things to do each month during the year! Have some others that just NEED to be added to our list? Comment at the end with your suggestions.
Happy New Year, Greater Dayton-Area moms! Another year is upon us, and the family-friendly activities around the Gem City are still in full swing for January. Check out our round-up of our top things to do during the month.
Boards & Books: Classic Game Night
January 4
6:00-8:00pm
Dayton Metro Library – Huber Heights Branch
6160 Chambersburg Rd
Huber Heights, OH 45424
Where the Wild Kids Are- Beach Party
January 27
11:00-11:45am
Northmont Branch
700 W. National Rd.
Englewood OH 45322
Bedtime Stories (As Told By Our Dad) (Who Messed Them Up)
January 5-7, 12-14
Springboro Community Theater
115 Wright Station Way
Springboro, OH 45066
Family Skate Day: Animal Adventures!
January 7
1:00-5:00pm
RiverScape MetroPark
237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH
Preschool Story Time with Ms. Caitlin {Greene County Public Library}
January 10, 17, 24, 31
10:30-11:30am
Fairborn Community Library
1 East Main Street
Fairborn OH 45324
Camp Half-Blood Party at Troy-Miami County Public Library
January 29
3:00-6:00pm
Oakes-Beitman Memorial Library
12 N. Main St., Pleasant Hill
Winter blues getting to you? Never fear! We have you covered on all our favorite Dayton Dozen Family-Friendly Events to catch this month of February and beat those gloomy Winter days.
Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone In Concert
Friday, February 9
7:30pm
Saturday, February 10
2pm
Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center
1 W 2nd St, Dayton, OH
Jurassic Quest
February 2-4
Dayton Convention Center
22 E 5th St, Dayton, OH
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Saturday, February 24
Victoria Theatre
138 N Main St, Dayton, OH
Magic Carpet Concerts: Once Upon a Time
The timeless tale of Peter and the Wolf is brought to life by members of DBSE (the Ballet’s pre-professional dance company), our Opera Artists-in-Residence, and the Philharmonic Orchestra. Geared specifically for children, the first stop on this magical, musical trip is Peter’s House, where he narrates his fairytale story.
February 27-29 (27th is sensory-friendly)
11:30am
Dayton Masonic Center
525 W Riverview Ave, Dayton, OH
Discovery: Mytholomania!
A gifted ensemble of actors presents the greatest hits in Greek mythology – in under one hour! Creation myths such as Pandora’s Box, Persephone, Narcissus, and Prometheus jostle for space with a bunch of other characters and tales, with the presentation wrapping up with a 10-minute version of The Odyssey – complete with a googly-eyed Cyclops! This brand new, fast-paced, raucous comedy is a perfect addition to your school’s mythology unit.
Friday, February 9
9:30am & 11:30am
Victoria Theatre
138 N Main St, Dayton, OH
Dayton Royal Princess Ball
Sunday, February 4
12-3:30pm
Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Beavercreek
3520 Pentagon Park Blvd, Dayton, OH
Family Fun Night — Jubilee Community Church
Friday, February 2
6:30-9pm
Jubilee Community Church
11285 N Springboro Pike, Miamisburg, OH
Do you already have fun plans ready for your little leprechauns in March? If you need more ideas, here are our top picks for family-friendly events around the Greater Dayton area.
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour!
Saturday, March 30, 2024 – 2pm
SCHUSTER CENTER
1 WEST SECOND STREET
DAYTON, OHIO 45402
Blippi is coming to Dayton for the ultimate curiosity adventure in Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour!
So, come on! Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest, Meekah, as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party!
Stand-Up Science
Friday March 1st 7-8pm
Boonshoft, Dayton Society of Natural History
Ben Miller performs a multimedia show of graphs, pictures and video for a scientific comedic approach. 14+ audience for suggestive content. $15 member, $20 non-member pricing.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins Book Club
Saturday March 2nd 1pm
Beavercreek branch of Greene County Library
Register for a copy of this book to keep. Then come to the Library to discuss and watch the movie together with snacks. Ages 6-11.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: King for a Day!
Tuesday March 5th 6pm
Victoria Theatre
Based on the PBS show, this touring musical makes a one-day stop in Dayton. See Dayton Live website for ticketing information.
DMC EXCLUSIVE OFFER :: Online only BOGO offer for all (except VIP) seats with code DTBOGO at checkout!
Sense and Sensibility
Friday March 8th 8pm, opening weekend
Dayton Playhouse
New adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel with the question of reputation and following your heart.
See site for ticket pricing.
Waterfowl Exploration with Five Rivers Metro Parks
Saturday March 9th 10am-12
Englewood Metro Park
Part of Conservation Leaders series, this program for 10-17 year olds helps learn about and identify Ohio’s waterfowl. Registration required and $3 cost with financial assistance available.
Family & Teen Peep Diorama
Tuesday March 12th 2:30-4:30
West Carrollton branch of Dayton Metro Library
Boxes, Peeps and other materials provided to help create a one of a kind creation at the Library. Take it home to complete, but turn it in by March 16. Voting is from the 18th-23rd.
Art Start Preschool Storytime at Rosewood Art Center
Thursday March 14th 11:30-12:15
Rosewood Art Center
A Dayton Metro Librarian will lead storytime with a Rosewood Instructor leading a hands-on project afterwards. Free with no registration necessary. Check out the renovated building in this fun way.
Teen Lock-In: Harry Potter Night
Friday March 15th 6-11pm
Centerville Library
Registration required for this 6th-12th grade after-hours event.
End of Winter Bird Walk
Saturday March 16th 9-11am
Woodland Cemetery
Slow pace and mostly on the road surface, wear comfortable and weather appropriate attire for this walking tour of the winter wildlife. Free with reservations.
Sprayed Edges Book Art
Saturday March 16th 2-4pm
Beavercreek branch of Greene County Library
BYO book to this adult program to customize the page edge. All other materials provided. Registration required.
Don’t Burn Your Eyes Out! By Armstrong Air and Space Museum
Monday March 18th 4-5pm
West Branch of Dayton Metro Library
Learn the science eclipses, how they happen and home-made equipment to safely view it.
The Great Ohio Toy Show
Saturday March 25 9am-4 (8am early bird)
Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center
Vintage and modern toys in seven buildings and 700 tables. $5 adults, $10 early bird, 12 and under free with free parking.
April brings warmer weather and the beginning signs of Spring. Get out and enjoy the activities that will be offered in and around Dayton. There are some great ones this month, including Total Solar Eclipse events!
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE EVENTS
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
April 8
10am-4pm
1100 Spaatz St., Dayton
Aullwood Farm Viewing and Eclipse Art
April 8
9am-5pm
9101 Frederick Pike, Dayton
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
April 8
9am-5pm
2600 Deweese Parkway, Dayton
Eclipse Block Party
April 6
10am-4pm
Downtown Tipp City
Eclipse Over Springfield
April 8
2-4pm
National Road Commons Park in downtown Springfield
Greene County Parks & Trails
April 8
All but two Greene County parks expected to be within the path of totality during the eclipse.
SO MANY MORE!
We just included some of our top picks, but there are tons more solar eclipse events happening all over Greater Dayton. Get the full massive list over on the Dayton Daily News.
Birds of a Feather with the Cincinnati Zoo and Washington Centerville Library
April 6
2-3pm
Centerville Library
Family program with the Cincinnati Zoo Wings of Wonder educational experience.
Sunset at the Market
April 11
5:30pm-8:30
Special evening hours for Earth Month with Ambassador Animals til 7:30, live music, scavenger hunt, and more.
Dayton Grilled Cheese Fest
April 12
5-9pm
The Yellow Cab Tavern
Celebrating 11 years of The Yellow Cab Food Truck Rallies with special events. See website for lineup. Free entry. Part of the DORA district.
Wolf Walk
April 13
9am or 10am
Woodland Cemetery
Presented by Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum and SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center, free guided tours with required online registration. Wear appropriate gear for walking and weather and bring your social dog for a unique experience. Bring cash for a donation entry for a raffle ticket.
Pollinators and Flowers Colorful Fun Run
April 13
11am-12:30pm
Forest Field Park
One-mile course (100-meter dash option 10 and under) with stations learning about pollinators and gaining color powder. Visit all stations for all the colors. Free event with online registration.
Art Class for Kids
April 15
4:15pm
Mary L Cook Library
Registration required starting April 1st. In collaboration with the Waynesville Art Council, create paper mâché bowls while learning about the process. Kindergarten-5th.
House of Bread Empty Bowls Fundraiser
April 16
5pm or 6pm
Marriott on Patterson Boulevard
One handmade pottery bowl filled with soup from local restaurants and desserts for $40. This event helps fund their ability to feed a hot meal to anyone 365.
Job Fair
April 16
4-7pm
West Branch Dayton Metro Library
Maker Lab Training
April 18
3:30-4:30pm
Hobart Building
Monthly offering from 6th grade-adults learning different things in the Troy-Miami County Maker Lab. Check back for more details about each month. Reg opens April 4th.
Aullwood’s History and Future Speaker Series
April 21
2pm
Wright Memorial Library & online
In partnership with Oakwood Historical Society, this meeting is presented by the senior manager of Aullwood Audubon about the history and founder. For adults.
Dayton Autism Society 5k Run/Walk for Acceptance
April 27
9am
Island Metro Park
Register for t-shirt and medal with proceeds benefiting their Family Grant Program. Optional Virtual Course walked anywhere from Friday 26-Sunday 28.
Kettering Community Garage Sale
April 27
9am-2pm
Charles L Lathrem Senior Center
Spring is FINALLY here, and we’ve got some amazing local events for you this month, including May the 4th and our annual Bloom event for moms!
Cincinnati-Dayton Bloom Event for Moms
May 25
1:00 PM- 3:00 PM
Virtual Facebook Event
Spring Fest in the Burg {Presented by the Miamisburg Moose Lodge}
May 17-19
Friday 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Saturday 10 AM- 9:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM- 6:00 PM
Riverfront Park
1 Water St
Miamisburg, Ohio 45342
All-City Arts Festival
May 4
11:00 AM- 2:00 PM
RiverScape MetroPark
237 E. Monument Avenue
Dayton, OH, 45402
May the 4th Be With You
May 4
1:00 PM- 3:00 PM
Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue
Dayton, OH, 45414
YMCA Healthy Kids Day
May 11
12:00 PM- 4:00 PM
RiverScape MetroPark
237 E. Monument Avenue
Dayton, OH, 45402
Tike Hike
May 24
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Wesleyan MetroPark
1441 Wesleyan Road
Dayton, OH, 45427
Disney’s The Lion King
May 1-12
Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center
1 W 2nd Street
Dayton, OH 45402
School is out, and the season of pools, festivals, and outdoor activities has arrived! Keep your family busy all month long by checking out some of the June family-friendly activities around Greater Dayton this month, including Pride and Juneteenth!
Dayton Pride Parade & Festival
June 1
Parade – Downtown at 11am
Festival – Noon
This year’s Pride Parade has a new route but the same fun. The parade lines up on Jefferson Street and begins at Second Street to Main Street and around the block on First Street down to Patterson.
The Pride festival continues after the PRIDE parade. With live entertainment, vendors and of course food, this is an event you cannot miss! We encourage you to bring the whole family, and they provide a section just for kids that includes activities for all ages.
St. Helen Festival
June 7 -9
St. Helen Church in Riverside, Ohio. This is the last standing local church festival because it has shown time and again that it is the best! Hear yours truly as the matinee announcer for Saturday and Sunday. In a step forward for feminism, I’m the first female announcer they’ve had in 71 years! Also featuring rides, homemade dinners, a huge flea market, bier garden, and a non-stop schedule of the best bands playing all weekend. Each day offers a new, exclusive craft beer brewed only for the festival.
Summer Flea Market
June 1 at 8:30am and Touch a Truck at 9am at the Kettering Recreation Center
I definitely recommend getting there early because parking can get nuts between little kids wanting to touch every vehicle known to man and cute older adults trying to get to the flea market.
Summertime, Sousa, and Sundaes at Polen Farm
Thursday, June 13
7-830pm
The award-winning Kettering Civic Band is hosting a free, family friendly concert. Ice cream will be provided, with donations welcomed. Don’t forget your lawn chairs!
Centerville Party in the Park
Friday, June 14
5:30-9:30pm
St. Leonard CHI living communities on Clyo Road
Simply Queen –tribute band starts playing at 7pm. Kids’ activities, food trucks, and more start at 5:30.
3rd Annual Riverside Rockin’ Rods Car Show
Saturday, June 15
10am-4pm
Rohrer Park in Riverside
Over 200 cars came out last year! Last year they had food trucks and activities for the kids.
Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom
Wednesday, June 19
5-8pm
FREE Admission
Lincoln Park Civic Commons
Kettering’s family-friendly Juneteenth celebration features food trucks, local vendors, crafts for kids and the amazing LUV LOCZ EXPERIMENT! This Dayton-based, reggae-infused, funk ’n soul band brings a unique sound and the perfect energy to the celebration! From original music to their own twist on favorite tunes, you’ll be transported to the islands to dance your troubles away.
Springboro Juneteenth Jubilee
June 19-22
Experience Juneteenth in Springboro: A Fusion of History, Community, and Family Fun!
Join us as Springboro transforms into a hub of entertainment and celebration for Juneteenth! This special day is all about honoring our history, spotlighting Springboro’s pivotal role in the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement, and reaffirming our unwavering dedication to equity and inclusion for all.
Carillon Park Rail Festival
June 22 (9:30am-5pm) and 23 (11am-5pm)
Don’t miss this if your kiddos still get excited about trains! The mini trains will be out as well as the new full-sized replica train.
Besides Independence Day, there are a TON of awesome things to do in the month of July this year!
July 20th
9-10:30am
Dayton Convention Center
22 E 5th St, Dayton, OH
Friday, July 26th 5:30-11pm
Saturday, July 27th 11:30am – 11pm
Sunday, July 28th 9am – 6pm
RiverScape MetroPark
Downtown Dayton
111 E. Monument Avenue
Admission is FREE
July 27th
3-10pm
The Park at Austin Landing
FREE Admission!
Centerville Americana Fireworks
July 3rd
Gates Open: 6pm
Fireworks: 10pm
Centerville High School
4th of July in Moraine {Star Spangled Boom 2024}
July 4th
6pm: Food Trucks, kids zone, inflatables, games
7:30pm: Nashville Crush
10pm: Fireworks (best spot to view is Wax Park and listen live on Dayton’s New Country 103.9 for the firework soundtrack)
Wax Park
3800 Main St.
Moraine, OH 45439
July 13th
5-9pm
The Yellow Cab Tavern
Rockin’ the Xenia Fireworks Festival 2024
July 5th
5:30pm
Shawnee Park
July 5th
3-8pm
Xenia, OH
Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial Fireworks Festival
July 5th
Dusk
Xenia, OH
Independence Day Events Around Dayton 2024
Get the full list of 4th of July events all over Greater Dayton!
July 24 – August 4
Ohio Expo Center & State Fair
717 East 17th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43211
Discover the Ohio State Fair, a favorite family tradition since 1850! Come for the Midway, featuring exhilarating rides, and unleash all the fair flavors on your tastebuds with your favorite goodies from one of the amazing food vendors!
Experience free stages with amazing hypnotists, impressive magicians and wholesome kids’ entertainment. Immerse yourself in activities and exhibits including interactive educational displays, sporting competitions, fine arts show, exotic animals in the free petting zoo, a farm animal delivery room, roving performers, youth agricultural competitions, horse shows, an eight acre natural resources park with free kiddie fishing, wildlife and so much more!
It’s already August, and the Summer has been flying by, but it isn’t over yet! Check out these upcoming events in August around Greater Dayton, and have some Summer fun before it all ends.
July 24 – August 4
Ohio Expo Center & State Fair
717 East 17th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43211
Discover the Ohio State Fair, a favorite family tradition since 1850! Come for the Midway, featuring exhilarating rides, and unleash all the fair flavors on your tastebuds with your favorite goodies from one of the amazing food vendors!
Experience free stages with amazing hypnotists, impressive magicians and wholesome kids’ entertainment. Immerse yourself in activities and exhibits including interactive educational displays, sporting competitions, fine arts show, exotic animals in the free petting zoo, a farm animal delivery room, roving performers, youth agricultural competitions, horse shows, an eight acre natural resources park with free kiddie fishing, wildlife and so much more!
Presented by St. Ignatius Of Antioch
Maronite Catholic Church
50 Nutt Rd in Washington Township
Dayton, OH 45458
Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25
Friday – 5-9pm
Saturday – 11am-9pm
Sunday – 11am-6pm
In Historic St. Anne’s Hill
1400 E. Fifth Street
Dayton, OH 45402
Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11
Friday – 5-11pm
Saturday – 11am-11pm
Sunday – Polka Mass @ 10am; 11am-4pm
Get YOUR Gemütlichkeit on! Germanfest Picnic is back this summer with all the Gemuetlichkeit and many of the activities our visitors have come to know and love: lots of that delicious homemade German food, plenty of fantastic German and domestic bier and wein, your favorite bands playing in the biergarten, the Polka Mass, Culture Display, Kinder Korner and food and craft vendors.
Taco & Nacho Fest- Nacho Typical Food Fest
The Park at Austin Landing
Saturday, August 24
3-10pm
Get ready for a sizzling fiesta at the 3rd Annual Taco & Nacho Fest. Brace yourselves for a flavor-packed extravaganza featuring the best tacos and nachos from over 15 top-notch food and craft vendors.
Fall Fun is right around the corner! We have your guide to all things Fall and more in this edition.
The 47th Annual Italian Fall Festa
Friday, September 6th 6PM – Sunday, September 8th 8PM
Bella Villa Hall
Live music, 5k, and plenty of food! Free shuttle from Renolds and Renolds.
Game Time! Video Game Night! w/ Washington Centerville Library
Monday, September 9th 6:30-7:30PM
Centerville Library
No registration needed for this Library event for grades 3-5.
Thursday, September 12th 3-8PM
The Dayton Arcade
Launch Dayton, The Entrepreneur Center and Friends of the Arcade are hosting a vendor market and block party inside the Rotunda and outside on Fourth Street and Pretzinger Lane.
Saturday, September 14th 10:30AM-1 PM
Vandalia Sports Complex
A family favorite event for years, Touch a Truck events occur around the area multiple times a year. I say go when you can! I wrote about how we enjoy them in my blogpost, A Terrific Time at Touch-a-Truck.
Teen Fan Fest w/ Greene County Library
Saturday, September 14th, 6-8PM
Carol Graff Beavercreek Library
Registration is open for this after-hours Library event for teens. Games, crafts, food and fandoms!
Big Read Kick-Off Celebration w/ Dayton Metro Library
Wednesday, September 18th 5:30-7:30PM
Main Branch
Be a part of the community in this opportunity to pick up a copy of the book, “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi, and dialogue.
Intro to 3D printing w/ Troy Miami Library
Thursday, September 19th 4:30-6:30PM
TMCPL Maker Lab in the Hobart Building
Register for this program from grade 3-adults on introductory workshop.
‘Migration’ Outdoor Movie w/ Greene County Parks and Trails
Friday, September 20th 6:30PM
Russ Nature Preserve
Bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the movie, Migration. Popcorn and an activity provided. No alcohol, but outside food and drink permitted.
Intro to Geocaching w/ Miami County Parks
Saturday, September 21st 2-4PM
Garbry Big Woods Reserve
Register for this free activity to learn about the Geocaching hobby.
Taste of Dayton Street Food Festival
Sunday, September 22nd 2-8PM
Kettering Field
Live entertainment, family activities and local food.
Embroidery Party w/ Wright Memorial Library
Thursday, September 26th 5-6:30PM
Wright Memorial Library
Register for this adult event embellishing tea towels with Needle, Ink & Thread. All materials and light refreshments provided.
Friday, September 27th preview
Saturday, September 28th -Sunday, September 29th
The Dayton Art Institute
Purchase tickets online now for a discounted rate, single day or weekend pass, for the museum’s largest annual fundraiser.
September 14th – October 31st
Blooms & Berries Farm Market
9669 S ST. RT, 48
Loveland OH, 45140
The best place for all things Fall family fun, they’ve got hayrides, a pumpkin patch, sunflowers, a beer garden, and so much more!
Fall has arrived, and so has your guide to family-friendly events for October in the Greater Dayton area! It’s time to spend time celebrating all the activities that come along with the season.
The holidays are quickly approaching. Whatever you’re celebrating, we have a roundup of our top picks for family-friendly things to do around Greater Dayton for November!
The year may be almost over, but the family fun is just getting started! Here is your December roundup of events happening around town.
