Family events in Dayton, OH

Paddle beneath the fountains at RiverScape MetroPark with Taiters Kayak set up along the water between the bike trail and the river. Rentals are offered on a walk-up, first come, first served basis, and small groups can arrange to reserve a spot. Parking is available throughout downtown. On arrival, scan the QR code to choose a rental length, complete payment, and sign the waiver, with cash and tap-to-pay also accepted. Rates are 15 dollars for a half hour, 25 dollars for one hour, and 60 dollars for four hours. Participants must be at least 10 years old, minors need an accompanying adult and a signed waiver, and the weight limit is 300 pounds. Restrooms are available in the park near the Canteen. Assistance is provided for getting in and out of the water, and first-timers receive basic instruction before heading out. The fleet includes 18 single sit-in kayaks and 2 double sit-on kayaks.

This event offers a fun night out at the game with reserved sections of tickets. Purchases made through the designated link will support outreach efforts at ECC. Open to anyone, it provides an easy way to enjoy the game while helping raise funds for a meaningful cause.

Now in its sixth year, this triathlon is organized for Down syndrome. This annual event is dedicated to this cause.

Ohio’s Hospice is holding a butterfly release to remember and honor people who have touched our lives and continue to live on in memory. A brief program with music will lead into a shared release of butterflies dedicated to loved ones. If attending is not possible, butterflies ordered will be released on the requester’s behalf. Butterflies are $20 each, and registration is required. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and net proceeds benefit Ohio’s Hospice patient care and services. Orders placed by the deadline allow names to be included in the program.

Designed for babies and toddlers ages 6 to 23 months, this playful session at Russ Nature Preserve invites little ones to explore water through safe, sensory activities. The theme is all about water play, with small pools, touch tables, and gentle slides available. Projects are hands-on and meant to be completed with help from an accompanying adult. The format is flexible, so families can come and go as needed to finish the activities. No registration is needed and drop-ins are welcome. Little ones must wear swim diapers, and a parent or guardian must stay with their child and assist throughout.

Storytime features a reading of "The Lost Robot".

Bites in the Heights is a food truck festival bringing 20+ Dayton-area trucks and family-friendly activities to the Rose Music Center. The day also includes a cruise-in car show and live music by The Prince Project.

This family friendly back to school gathering supports young readers who feel nervous about starting kindergarten or first grade. Enjoy a cheerful storytime featuring school themed books, along with plenty of games, crafts, and hands on activities designed to build confidence and spark excitement for that first morning. All ages are welcome.

Ride aboard small-scale trains operated by the Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society on a 7.5 gauge, one eighth scale railroad that spans Carillon Historical Park. The Society was established in 1984 and offers miniature train rides for visitors of all ages. Dates and times are subject to change.

Liberty High School's Community Day features local vendors, food trucks, and community resources, along with kid friendly activities like bounce houses, craft stations, face painting, and more. Families can learn about the school and complete student enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year. Vendor opportunities are available for those interested in participating.

Center Court comes alive with live music and an upbeat atmosphere as Spungewurthy takes the stage. This long running Dayton band, performing for more than two decades, brings a high energy mix of rock, pop, dance, country, and rap hits. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to settle in and enjoy the show. Arriving early leaves time to have dinner at one of the restaurants, sip something refreshing, and shop favorite spots for a full day and night out.

Paw Patrol Dayton Night brings baseball and community support together at Day Air Ballpark. Half of each ticket purchased through the designated fundraising link benefits Paw Patrol Dayton, helping fund veterinary care, supplies, and other assistance for rescue dogs. Families, friends, and dog lovers can enjoy the game while making a meaningful impact. To ensure the donation applies, use the fundraiser link when buying tickets.

Enjoy a casual outing on the patio at Pins Mechanical Co. in Dayton with patio games and the chance to meet bulldogs. Play a few games, say hello to the dogs, and have a good time.

A fun afternoon dedicated to cheering for the Dragons, celebrating the end of summer and building excitement for the brand new school year.

Every summer Monday, Rabbit Hole Books welcomes children from infancy through age 18 to choose any book in the store for free. Visit weekly to pick out new reads, and look forward to a Back to School party that concludes the program.

Explore Woodland, established in 1841 and counted among the country’s oldest rural cemeteries. This walking tour visits the graves of the Wright Brothers, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Erma Bombeck, James Ritty, members of the Stanley and Mead families, George Newcom, and other notable and notorious Dayton residents. Participants gather at Eichelberger Plaza by the main entrance. Parking is available inside and outside the gates. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water if desired. The tour runs in most weather, pausing only for thunder or lightning. A reservation is required, and a suggested $5 donation supports the Woodland Arboretum Foundation and its restoration, preservation, horticultural, and educational efforts that help keep Woodland a cultural resource for Dayton and Ohio.

Registration is required for this free stuffed animal session designed for toddlers ages 2 and 3. Participants will create a tortoise to keep and imagine their new friend setting off to see the world, after it says goodbye to all the animals. The activities are inspired by the picture book See You Later, Alligator by Sally Hopgood. Older siblings are welcome to assist. There is also a stuffed animal program for older children called Christmas in July.

Join the fun at Book Boogie for a story followed by a dance party. This program is suitable for families, and it will be held in the Community Room.

Explore the living collection at Woodland Cemetery on a guided walk led by tour guide Kay Linden. This Level II accredited arboretum is home to more than 3,000 trees, including 165 native species, featuring 25 varieties of oak and 10 trees recognized as current or former State Champions. Gather at Eichelberger Plaza by the main gates, with parking available within the grounds. Wear comfortable walking shoes and consider bringing water. Tours take place rain or shine, pausing only for thunder or lightning. Reservations are required, and a suggested $5 donation supports the Woodland Arboretum Foundation and its restoration, preservation, horticultural, and educational work that helps keep Woodland a cultural resource for Dayton and Ohio.

Paddle beneath the fountains at RiverScape MetroPark as Taiters Kayak sets up along the shoreline between the bike trail and the river. Rentals are offered on a walk-up, first-come basis, and small groups can coordinate a reserved slot. Choose the duration that fits your outing with options for 30 minutes at $15, 1 hour at $25, or 4 hours at $60. Upon arrival, scan a QR code to pick your rental, complete payment, and sign the waiver, 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, and the weight limit is 300 pounds. Friendly staff provide help getting in and out of the water, and first-timers receive simple instruction before heading out. Restrooms are available in the park near the canteen. The fleet includes 18 single sit-in kayaks and 2 sit-on-top doubles. Parking is available downtown.

A toddler-focused storytime featuring brief, playful stories selected to engage the youngest readers.