Things to Do in Dayton

Discover the Best of Dayton, Ohio

Staying at my Dayton vacation rental? Here are some of my favorite local spots, starting with Pettibone Coffee.

Dayton offers a welcoming mix of recreation, culture, and major destinations that bring visitors to the area year-round. Guests travel from across the country—and internationally—to visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The region also hosts many sporting events and tournaments at venues such as the Nutter Center, UD Arena, Athletes in Action, the John Ankeney Soccer Complex, and Dayton Dragons baseball games.

Dayton’s arts and entertainment scene is equally vibrant. Visitors enjoy performances and exhibitions at the Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, the Dayton Art Institute, the Rose Music Center, the Fraze Pavilion, and the Levitt Pavilion. History lovers often spend time exploring Carillon Historical Park, while nature enthusiasts appreciate the beautiful Five Rivers MetroParks system. Eastwood Lake and MetroPark—just minutes from the home—offer easy access to fishing, walking paths, and Dayton’s exceptional paved bike trail network.

BINGO! by Dayton Dream Stay is centrally located, making it easy to reach all of these destinations. You can also take a short drive to explore Yellow Springs, Clifton Gorge, and enjoy a visit to Young’s Jersey Dairy. Or spend the day at Kings Island—just about 45 minutes away. Whether you’re visiting for work, sports, family visits, or events, Dayton offers plenty to experience during your stay.

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Holiday Happenings in Dayton, Ohio 2026

The holidays are a wonderful time to visit Dayton, Ohio. Here are my favorite 2026 holiday events near Bingo! by Dayton Dream Stay. Dates and prices can change, so please check each event’s website before you go.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (5 minute drive from Bingo!)

Free admission, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The special exhibit Iconic Starfighters: Rivals of the Silver Screen runs through December 31, 2026, and costumed Star Wars characters from the Ohio Garrison 501st Legion are planned for Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum also hosts free U.S. Air Force Band of Flight holiday concerts each December. Seats are free but reservations are required and go fast, so watch the museum’s website.
1100 Spaatz St., Dayton, OH 45433. Museum events

Christmas on Campus at the University of Dayton (15 minute drive from Bingo!)

Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m. A beloved UD tradition with a lit campus, music and activities. Free and open to the public. Event details

Dayton Holiday Festival and Grande Illumination, Downtown (15 minute drive from Bingo!)

Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m. The tree lighting that kicks off the holiday season downtown has moved to the first Friday in December. The kickoff festivities are free. It falls on the same night as Christmas on Campus, so plan for traffic and parking downtown. Downtown Dayton

Deck the Diamond at Day Air Ballpark, Downtown (15 minute drive from Bingo!)

November 13, 2026 to January 2, 2027. A light and music show at the Dayton Dragons ballpark with s’mores, Santa photos and a giant Christmas tree. Open Wednesday to Saturday in November, then nightly from December 2 (closed Christmas Day), until 9 p.m. Tickets are $13.50 and can be used any public night. The ballpark is cashless. Event details

The Nutcracker at the Schuster Center, Downtown (15 minute drive from Bingo!)

Dayton Ballet’s holiday classic, December 11 to 20, 2026. Evening shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Park in the Arts Garage at Second and Ludlow Streets. Tickets: Dayton Live, (937) 228-3630. Tickets

Handel’s Messiah at the Schuster Center, Downtown (15 minute drive from Bingo!)

Wednesday, December 16, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Chamber Chorus perform this holiday favorite. Along with The Nutcracker, it’s one of my favorite holiday traditions at the Schuster. Park in the Arts Garage at Second and Ludlow Streets. Tickets: Dayton Live, (937) 228-3630. Tickets

Holly Days at the Dayton Arcade, Downtown

December 9 to 11, 2026, in the beautifully restored Dayton Arcade. Details

A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park

November 24 to December 30, 2026. Holiday lights and history in the park, 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Adults $14, seniors $12, kids 3 to 17 $10, age 2 and under free.
1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, OH 45409. Tickets

Ice Skating at RiverScape MetroPark, Downtown

The region’s largest outdoor ice rink usually opens in mid November and runs through winter. Check MetroParks.org for this season’s hours and admission.

Looking for a place for the whole family to stay over the holidays? Bingo! sleeps 8 with two king beds. Book direct and save at www.DaytonDreamStay.com.

MetroParks & Outdoor Activities

Dayton is well known for its impressive park system. Five Rivers MetroParks includes more than 16,000 acres of protected land and hundreds of miles of trails, making it one of the largest connected park systems in the country.

Guests can enjoy walking trails, scenic overlooks, riverfront areas, and peaceful green spaces throughout the region. These parks provide great opportunities for outdoor recreation, photography, or simply relaxing in nature.

Popular Outdoor Activities

  • Hiking and nature walks
  • Scenic biking trails
  • Bird watching and wildlife viewing
  • Picnic areas and outdoor relaxation

Recommended Parks

  • Eastwood MetroPark
  • RiverScape MetroPark
  • Cox Arboretum MetroPark
  • Hills & Dales MetroPark
  • Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

Biking the Creekside Trail

For guests who enjoy cycling or walking trails, the Creekside Trail access is about a mile away. This trail connects several parts of the region and provides a safe and enjoyable path for biking, jogging, or casual walks.

The Dayton bike trails pass through beautiful natural areas, parks, and quiet neighborhoods and extend to neighboring cities. Dayton’s bike trails are a favorite for locals and visitors alike. 

Downtown Dayton & Local Dining

Downtown Dayton offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, breweries, and entertainment venues. Guests can explore local dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, many featuring locally inspired menus and regional flavors.

The downtown area also hosts seasonal events, festivals, and live entertainment throughout the year. It is a great place to experience the city’s culture while enjoying food, drinks, and local nightlife.

Popular Downtown Activities

  • Local restaurants and dining spots
  • Craft breweries and cocktail bars
  • Seasonal festivals and events
  • Live music and theater

Popular Dining Areas

  • Oregon District
  • Downtown Dayton
  • The Greene Town Center

Museums & Aviation History

Dayton is known as the birthplace of aviation and is home to several important museums and historic sites. Visitors interested in history, science, and innovation will find many fascinating exhibits throughout the city.

The most well known attraction is the National Museum of the United States Air Force, one of the largest aviation museums in the world. Guests can explore historic aircraft, space exhibits, and interactive displays covering decades of aviation history.

Top Museums to Visit

  • National Museum of the United States Air Force
  • The Dayton Art Institute
  • Carillon Historical Park
  • Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
  • Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
  • America’s Packard Museum

Family Friendly Activities

Dayton offers a variety of activities that are great for families traveling with children. From science museums to outdoor parks and entertainment centers, there are many places where families can spend an enjoyable day together.

Many of these attractions combine fun with learning experiences, making them great options for guests visiting with kids or planning a longer stay in the area.

Family Activities

  • Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
  • Scene75 Entertainment Center
  • Young’s Jersey Dairy
  • Dayton MetroParks
  • Mini golf and bowling centers

Local Events & Seasonal Activities

Throughout the year, Dayton hosts a variety of festivals, markets, and community events. These seasonal gatherings highlight local culture, food, music, and arts, creating great opportunities for visitors to experience the city’s atmosphere.

Guests visiting during spring, summer, or fall may find outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and neighborhood festivals happening throughout the region.

Seasonal Experiences

  • Farmers markets
  • Summer festivals
  • Outdoor concerts
  • Holiday events and winter celebrations

Local Attractions Near Your Stay

Here are some of my favorite local attractions to explore during your stay. Hours and events change, so check each website before you go.

Aviation and History

Family Fun

Parks, Gardens and Trails

Arts, Concerts and Events

Shopping, Dining and Sports

  • The Greene: outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment in Beavercreek
  • Buc-ee’s: the first Buc-ee’s in Ohio, about 15 minutes from the house in Huber Heights
  • Oregon District: a historic downtown neighborhood with lots of great dining and nightlife, including the Dublin Pub
  • Warped Wing Brewing: a local favorite brewery
  • Pettibone Coffee: a small-batch coffee roaster and café on Woodman Drive, close to the house
  • Dorothy Lane Market: a great local grocery and home of the famous Killer Brownie® and Laura’s Cookies
  • Dayton Dragons: minor league baseball downtown

Explore Dayton During Your Stay

Dayton offers a welcoming mix of outdoor adventure, local culture, and interesting attractions. Whether you prefer exploring parks, discovering local restaurants, or visiting museums, there are many ways to enjoy your time in the area.

Dayton Dream Stay provides a comfortable place to relax after a day of exploring, giving guests an easy home base while experiencing everything Dayton has to offer. 

Moving to Dayton? I am also a REALTOR® with eXp Realty and a Military Relocation Professional. If you are PCSing to Wright-Patterson or relocating to the area, visit Dayton Dream Home™ at www.DaytonDreamHome.com for help finding your next home.

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