Family events in Beavercreek, OH

A playful canine costume contest highlights German-inspired outfits at Spass Platz at the Dayton German Clubhouse. Registration is available online in advance or on site, with day-of signups handled at Chuck’s Critters Crunchies Booth in Bomberger Park.

Celebrate Germany’s automotive heritage with a showcase of German cars in Bomberger Park. Aligned with the festival’s culture theme highlighting the German auto industry, the exhibition presents a range of German marques. Vehicles will be judged on customary criteria and awards will follow. Pre-registrants receive tokens for Dayton Liederkranz Turner food. Registration is available both online in advance and on-site, priced at $20 in advance and $15 per vehicle on-site. Presented with support from White Allen and Euro Classics.

Enjoy a Victorian tea inside the storied Patterson Homestead, established in 1816. The residence was once home to Revolutionary War soldier and Lexington, Ky., founder Col. Robert Patterson, as well as John H. Patterson, founder of the National Cash Register Co. Guests are served a three-course meal with tea by costumed interpreters, learn about the Patterson family, and tour the historic Homestead. These teas take place throughout the year, often around the holidays.

Experience the fountains from the water with on-site kayak rentals at RiverScape MetroPark. Taiters Kayak sets up at the water’s edge between the bike trail and the river. Rentals are walk-up and first come, first served, and small groups can arrange to reserve spots. Parking is available throughout downtown. Choose from half-hour, one-hour, or four-hour rentals priced at $15, $25, and $60. Payment and waivers are completed on site by scanning a QR code, with cash and tap-to-pay also accepted. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Minors need an accompanying adult and a signed waiver. The weight limit is 300 pounds. Restrooms are available in the park near the Canteen. Staff provide help getting in and out of the water, and first-timers receive a brief orientation before launching. The fleet includes 18 single sit-in kayaks and 2 double sit-on kayaks.

A welcoming storytime designed for toddlers, featuring brief, lively stories selected to keep the youngest readers engaged.

Enjoy paddling beneath the fountains at RiverScape MetroPark with walk-up kayak rentals provided by Taiters Kayak on a first come, first served basis. Small groups can arrange a reserved spot, and the crew sets up along the river between the bike path and the water. Downtown parking is available nearby. Choose from a fleet that includes 18 single sit-in kayaks and 2 double sit-on kayaks. Rental choices are a half hour for $15, one hour for $25, or four hours for $60. Upon arrival, scan the QR code to select your option, pay, and complete the waiver. Cash and tap-to-pay are also accepted. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Minors need to be accompanied by an adult and must sign a waiver. The weight limit is 300 pounds. Staff offer help getting in and out of the water, and first-time paddlers receive basic instruction before launching. Restrooms are available in the park near the Canteen.

Under the pavilion, the RiverScape Summer Music Series brings a Kenny Chesney tribute by The Poets & Pirates, capturing the spirit of the “No Shoes Nation” at RiverScape MetroPark. Expect a mix of big-show energy and laid-back, coastal storytelling as the band moves through well-loved hits for a true Chesney-style vibe. Guests may bring lawn chairs and enjoy a free concert as the sun sets over the Great Miami River. The RiverScape Café will be open with food and drinks, and those 21 and older can purchase beer, wine, and cocktails. This Summer Music Series performance is presented by AES Ohio, with support from the Jack W. & Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation and Enterprise Roofing.

This GTO session invites preteens and teens ages 10 to 17 to step away from screens and enjoy the park with a bubble-themed party at Russ Nature Preserve. A DJ will keep the music going, with glow sticks, snacks and other extras adding to the fun. The program is free, and registration is requested. Parents do not need to stay, but each participant must be signed in and out by an adult. GTO offers engaging activities for this age group about once a month for much of the year.

A curated compilation of cat videos returns to the big screen, featuring selections from extensive submissions alongside animations, music videos, and tributes to iconic internet classics like Keyboard Cat. Attendees can meet kitties in the lobby before the screening. Tickets are $10 each, with 10 percent going to The Humane Society of Greater Dayton.

Dayton Porchfest transforms porches across the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District in Dayton into intimate stages for a neighborhood music celebration. Mini concerts highlight local performers and showcase the rich diversity of the city’s music scene. The program opens with T.R.S.S. Drum Corps, continues with rotating music blocks throughout the neighborhood, and concludes with an AfterFest featuring Heather Redman & The Reputation. Presented by The Collaboratory.