Summer is the perfect time for outdoor activities, but when it’s time to cool off, head to one of these local venues for some indoor fun!
Burn off some energy
Are your kids bouncing off the walls? Then take them Washington Township’s Sky Zone Trampoline Park where this behavior is actually encouraged! Sit back and relax while your kids jump to their hearts content. (To ensure safety, Sky Zone separates all jumpers by age and size.)
Looking for another physical option? Try The Magic Castle, a huge entertainment complex offering hours of indoor activities. Check out the large arcade and massive indoor play structure created for kids 11 and under.
Sneak in some STEM
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is part science museum/part zoo and all fun. Science-loving kids will be enthralled by exhibits like Science on a Sphere and the daily “Lil’ Scientists” class. Space Theater offers exciting and educational films included with admission.
A short drive from Greater Dayton in nearby Wapakoneta, The Armstrong Air & Space Museum offers a whole host of kid-friendly science activities. Kids can participate in a self-guided scavenger hunt, check out an authentic Apollo 11 moon rock, learn about Neil Armstrong and hop aboard a shuttle simulator.
World-renowned for its comprehensive collection of historic military aircraft, Dayton’s National Museum of the US Air Force is a great place to beat the heat this summer. Kids will love the digital 3D theatre, interactive flight simulators and the state-of-the-art, immersive Morphis MovieRide.
Go back in history
Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park is known for its 65 acres of lush landscape, but there are plenty of indoor exhibits sure to entertain families as well. Check out the 1905 Wright Flyer III, the world’s first practical airplane, and visit the recreated Newcom’s Tavern, erected in 1796. Carillon features 25 historic buildings and hundreds of fascinating exhibits that showcase Dayton’s rich heritage.
Dayton sits at the center of our nation’s aviation history, but the area also has a long history in automobile manufacturing. Budding car buffs will get a big kick out of America’s Packard Museum, the world’s only restored Packard dealership operating as a museum. Rare artifacts and a fully restored mechanic station make for a unique daytime visit.
Find a creative outlet
Your pint-size Picasso will delight in Tiny Thursdays at The Dayton Art Institute. Kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers can enjoy storytime followed by a hands-on art experience. The Lange Family Experiencenter features dozens of family-friendly exhibits that encourage visitors to interact collaboratively, and Super Saturdays are aimed squarely at entertaining the kids.
SPARK Art Studio in Kettering provides inspiration, materials and instruction for kids with drop-in studio time for all ages.
Find a fun freebie
Catch a free flick at Danbarry Cinemas in South Dayton on Monday and Tuesday mornings all summer long. The “Free Family Film Series” features movies like Matilda, The Smurfs and Stuart Little.
Kids can bowl for free this summer at Pla-Mor Lanes, Poelking Lanes and other local bowling alleys! Sign up online at kidsbowlfree.com (search for Ohio).
Whatever the temperature climbs to, there’s plenty of Dayton indoor summer activities to help everyone keep their cool!
