Things to Do in Dayton, OH - Dayton Attractions
Things to Do in Dayton
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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What travelers are saying
- Christopher DChicago, IL39 contributionsExcellent museum, including several aircraft that you can walk through. They have such an extensive collection of items on display that you can easily spend 2 full days here. The information about each item is succinct and non-politically slanted; they just present data and facts, and don’t overwhelm you.
The museum presents the history of women and racial minorities appropriately, using the evolution of flight and the Army Air Force/Air Force itself throughout war, peacetime, research, and the space race to show their struggles, contributions, and accomplishments - without shaming readers who aren’t minorities. The authorship is fair and informative and educates the readers.
Admission is free and parking is plentiful. The museum is open on weekends.
This place really gets it right and is rare example of the federal government doing something well for its’ taxpayers.
I could go on and on praising the museum but it’s better to just let you experience it yourself.
As an aside, you can view many of the aircraft on display on their website. But go in person.Written February 4, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Stuart_Away_AgainCambridge, UK891 contributionsWe were lucky to visit just after Thanksgiving so the park was decorated for the holiday season. Comprehensive selection of original and relocated buildings tracing the history of Dayton and its famous sons and daughters. Highlight was the Wright Flyer and the clock tower. Didn’t have a chance to use the restaurant but it also looked good.Written December 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Marion O71 contributionsWe loved this museum in downtown Dayton, OH. There was free street parking across the street (no meters). As soon as you walk in the front door you can smell the vintage dealership and oil. My husband used to be an auto shop owner, so it didn't bother us. This was a Packard dealership from 1917 to 1937. It's so cool! The cars are amazing and some are absolutely gorgeous! Make sure you see both rooms. We loved learning Packard's history. Great friendly volunteers greet you. No restaurants on the street so pack a lunch if needed.Written August 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AdventureDocsAnn Arbor, MI35 contributionsTerrific little farmer's market in downtown Dayton. We went with friends over a quick weekend visit and had the best breakfast Cubano at Napales Mexican Street Market. Maybe not a natural combination for a breakfast sandwich but you cannot go wrong with this choice. The whole vibe of the market was great (pastries, fresh eggs, live music) but the Cubano would be worth going back for every weekend. Would absolutely visit again and try other spots in this downtown gem as well.Written January 19, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John H53 contributionsWell worth a visit to see where they right brothers invented the built the first aircraft. National Park Guide was informative and very professional. Foundation of Wright brother house are around the corner - the house was moved by Henry Ford to his museum in Detroit- their graves are also a short drive away. As is the National Memorial and their first airbase with replica hanger.Written November 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kate AltickAugusta, GA174 contributionsI visited the Boonshoft for the first time with my husband and sister-in-law who grew up going to this museum, and even though we are all older than the target demographic, we all had a great time. I love art and history, so my favorite room was the Bieser Room of Wonders. There truly is something for everyone, as the collection is so broad. As someone who works in and goes to a lot of museums, I thought it was even a bit too broad. Some things did not make sense in this museum, which is usually the product of a few rich donors, but that is probably not a common complaint.Written January 3, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ARS88 contributionsA well-designed modern venue for the performing arts. With numerous entrances/exits for the main theater, arrival and departure can be quick and easy. In addition, there is a venue-specific parking garage immediately across the street.Written August 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Abby P1 contributionWe have always appreciated what the Dayton Art Institute offers the city, but my husband and I had a wonderful experience with our five year-old twin granddaughters for their first visit.
We gave them the choice of "old" or "new" art, left or right at the top of the stairs off the grand entrance. They chose "old," and we spent a good twenty minutes marvelling at George and the Dragon, art made from fabric and thread, paintings so big that the artist had to stand on a ladder, silver fruit spoons that we agreed would hurt our tongues, and the brushstrokes of Monet, up close and far away.
Then, the antsies set in and we headed down to The Grinch special exhibition, learning how animation moves from sketches to cells and characters and scenery are layered. In the kids' corner, the girls loved the concept of making and displaying their own art *in the art museum*.
Above all, everyone, from the front desk staff to the security guards, was friendly and welcoming. DAI does a great job of making space for children to learn to love art.
We visited on a Thursday, after school, when the museum is open until 8pm and wasn't busy (although it was winter and COLD). If you are an area resident, local libraries offer free passes for patrons, and there's no admission charge for children under six.Written December 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - julia_fisherMerrimac, MA886 contributionsWe found Erma Bombeck and the Wright Brothers. I wish it hadn't snowed so we could have seen it better but still saw what we came for.Written February 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Molly VBroken Arrow, OK17 contributionsThis was a lovely stop on a cold winter day.
The visitor center was informative. During our visit there were exhibits about the Wright brothers, the poet Paul Dunbar and parachutes,Written March 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - 266LISA_RAYE266Lake City, FL88 contributionsIf you like history then you will enjoy this old family farm. They have a building set up like a museum with the history of the family as well as information about that time period. They have copies of the actual logs they kept for you to view. Then you can take a walk around the beautiful grounds. They have the actual home open for you to see how they lived as well as volunteers dressed in period clothing that will tell you the history. The gentleman in the wood working shop explains to you all of the tools and gives you a tutorial of working a few of them. A few animals for you to see also. You can’t beat the price (free). Nicely set up.Written June 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- garyureTampa, FL27 contributionsThe Oregon District has a distinct 'old village' flavor. A wonderfully diverse and interesting neighborhood. The eclectic nature of each shop is unique and unforgettable. Don't be surprised if you are embarrassed by some of the displays. The humor is outstanding!Written May 6, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cenztOhio22,005 contributionsGreat trip. We arrived at approximately 4:30 pm and made our way inside the park. There was a walking trail that took us alongside the river, that provided for some great sweeping views of downtown Dayton. We were also able to walk across a bridge and snap some great pictures of the river. There were several water features available for kids to play in, along with benches and tables to sit at.
Tip: I recommend spending an hour here if you truly want to see everything.Written September 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LoutravelLouisville, KY245 contributionsVery large and plenty of different items that everyone could find a hidden gem!
We spent about two hours at the shop - they also sell candy and food items! Packed our items securely!Written February 9, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - cenztOhio22,005 contributionsGood trip. We arrived at approximately 9 am and made our way towards the entrance of the building. After paying the admission fee, we received a map of the area and began to explore the trails. There were informational plaques located throughout the trail, that focused on the Wright brothers invention of the airplane. The trail was relatively easy and consisted of walking on a flat, even surface for a majority of the hike. There were some sections that ran through a forest, during which the trail became slightly more trickier. Periodically on the trail, we were able to see towering wooden structures that were recreations of various trolls. These structures were quite impressive. On site as well were several farm structures, including a barn and various farming equipment. We were able to view farm animals, along with a small swamp on the property.
Tip: I recommend spending 2 hours here if you truly want to see everything.Written September 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.