Somehow, we blinked and it’s already August! Back-to-school season is upon us, which means new backpacks, new friends and new places for class field trips. Whether you’re a teacher, parent or even scout troop leader, here are some options for interesting, educational and fun field trips around Dayton.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton
(937) 275–7431, ext. 125
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education should be fun – and that’s the mission of Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. This interactive children’s museum has loads of activities and educational experiences for kids. The museum offers field trips for public, private or homeschool educators that are designed to provide a high-quality learning experience for students while maintaining a fun atmosphere and meeting Academic Content Standards.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton
(937) 293-2841, ext. 127
For a hands-on historical experience, you can’t beat Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park. Kids will marvel at the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, an authentic 1835 B&O (Grasshopper) Steam Locomotive and the first automobile self-starter. Your group can also tour Dayton’s oldest buildings, including Newcom’s Tavern (c. 1796), the William Morris House (c. 1815) and Locust Grove School #12, a one- room schoolhouse built in 1896 in Springfield.
Carillon Historical Park
The Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton
(937) 512-0152
Encourage an appreciation for the arts with a trip to The Dayton Art Institute. Tours are available for students in preschool through high school, and tour topics vary depending on grade level. All tours are designed to comply with Ohio Academic Content Standards.
The Dayton Art Institute
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
16 South Williams Street, Dayton
(937) 225-7705
Given Dayton’s significant contributions to aviation, this national park is a must for young residents. The park contains two interpretive areas: the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and the Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center. Kids will learn about three prominent Daytonians: Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright and Paul Laurence Dunbar, along with their accomplishments and their legacies. Field trips are free, but must be scheduled in advance.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Dayton Dragons
Fifth Third Field, 220 North Patterson Blvd., Dayton
(937) 228-2287
Want a “just for fun” field trip? Head to the ball park! There are many Dayton Dragon home games to choose from, and group discounts are available if you purchase through the ticket office. For Girl and Boy Scout troops, the Dragons offer special events, clinics and even overnights.
Dayton Dragons
Decoy Art Studio
1561 Grange Hall Rd., Beavercreek
(937) 431-4838
Decoy Art Studio offers a variety of field trip packages featuring art projects with clay, painting, pottery painting and drawing. This is a great option for play groups, birthday parties and homeschool classes.
Decoy Art Studio
Learning Tree Farm
3376 S. Union Rd, Dayton
(937) 866-8650
A trip to Learning Tree Farm gives kids a hands-on learning experience in a traditional farm setting. Check out their website for a list of field trip options available or customize a visit especially for your group.
Learning Tree Farm
SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park
2301 W. River Road, Dayton
(937) 268-8199
This park was slated to become a sewage treatment plant in the 1960s, but historians and archaeologists excavated the site to reveal a three acre village. Today, SunWatch serves as a visitor and educational center for archaeology, Native American culture and heritage stewardship. The park offers five unique tours each lasting about 90 minutes.
SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park
138 N. Main St., Dayton
Education & Engagement Department: (937) 228-7591, x3039
The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series at Victoria Theatre contains carefully selected plays aimed at teaching kids specific curriculum and themes. Teachers can download study guides from the website, or have their class come early or stay late for a special workshop to enhance the theatre-going experience.
Victoria Theatre
Young’s Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs, OH
(937) 325-0629
At this day-long tour (which runs from 9:15 am – 2:15 pm), kids will see a variety of farm animals, get the opportunity to pet and feed goats, take a wagon ride, learn about farming and get a complimentary cup of (homemade) vanilla ice cream!
Young’s Jersey Dairy
