10 BEST Spring Things to Do in Dayton Ohio

If you are planning to be in Dayton Ohio this spring, there are tons of great events that you won’t want to miss.

From food festivals to botanical gardens, this city and the surrounding area offer countless fun activities for the whole family. You are sure to find spring things to do in Dayton and the surrounding area no matter your interests.

Attend a Spring Festival

When the sun comes out and the weather starts to warm up, it is time to hit the spring festival circuit in Ohio.

From March to May, you will find spring festivals of all kinds in and around Dayton. These range from music festivals, such as the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival, to cultural celebrations like the Spring Bierfest.

If you’re an art lover, you might want to check out the Front Street Art Jam or the Folk Art Street Fair. Or, grab the kids and head out to Farm Babies Fest, where you can meet new calves, piglets, and lambs.

Explore the Great Outdoors

The Dayton Ohio area has a large number of great parks, and they are worth exploring in the spring. Nature lovers will enjoy hitting up RiverScape Metropark or John Bryan State Park to hike in the fresh air and look for wildflowers and young animals emerging from their burrows.

Spring in Ohio is occasionally still nippy, but it usually gets temperate by the end of March. If you want to visit somewhere with even more to explore, check out Russ Nature Reserve.

This gorgeous natural playscape also features hiking trails and a local apiary where you can learn how beekeepers harvest honey.

Attend a Ball Game

Springtime is baseball season, and as the weather warms up, Dayton locals head to baseball fields to catch a game. The local minor league baseball team is the Dayton Dragons, who have a popular following in the city.

The season usually kicks off in mid-March, so get your tickets early. Most locals make a day of it with plenty of good food and local beer, as well as team spirit. If you have fond memories of cheering for your favorite baseball team from the stands, attend a ball game in Dayton this spring.

Go to a Museum

Dayton’s museums are excellent to visit at any time of year, and the exhibits are always changing. If the cold weather is dragging into the spring months, why not visit one of the city’s excellent museums?

You will find something for everyone, from the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery to the Dayton Art Institute and the National Aviation Hall of Fame at the National Museum of the USAF.

Of course, you don’t have to use the weather as an excuse — it is always a good time to visit one of the city’s museums, whether you’re interested in local history, art, science, or something else.

RELATED: Best Southwest Ohio Museums Near Cincinnati

Hit the Country

On the outskirts of Dayton is the Ohio countryside, and there are plenty of things to do here. From visiting working farms for family events to hiking nature trails, you might be surprised at all the things that rural Ohio has to offer.

Young’s Jersey Dairy is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike and is considered one of the best places to get fresh, locally-made ice cream. Other popular country spots include Aullwood Audubon, an educational nature preserve, and Creekview Farms.

Once spring arrives, these country spots open their doors for festivals, pick-your-own fruit, and more.

Take a Bike Ride

Did you know that Miami County, where Dayton Ohio is located, is home to more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails? These offer some of the most amazing views and routes in the state for cycling enthusiasts.

Of course, spring is one of the best times to enjoy them. During this time, you will get to bask in the warm weather without getting too hot and see springtime sites, such as rare animals and birds and spring wildflowers.

If you love to take your bike out on the trail, you won’t want to miss the Miami Valley Bike Trails.

Enjoy an Arcade

Let’s be clear — we don’t mean any old arcade. We’re talking about one of Dayton’s premier entertainment centers, which features both indoor and outdoor fun that is ideal for springtime.

At the Scene75 Entertainment Center and The Magic Castle, you will find not only indoor activities — classic arcade games — but also outdoor games — mini golf, go-karts, bumper cars, and much more.

If you are looking for a way to get out and enjoy time with your family in the spring, one of Dayton’s top entertainment centers could be the perfect place for a day on the town.

Learn at a Nature Center

Dayton Ohio might be a city, but it is framed by hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails and a massive parks system. Spring is the perfect time to visit one of the local nature centers to see flowers beginning to bloom and animals emerging from their nests after a long winter.

Brukner Nature Center is a popular choice, and Wegerzyn Gardens Metropark is where you will find a children’s discovery garden and other family attractions. Cox Arboretum is also part of the local parks system, offering visitors the chance to learn about and explore nature right on their doorstep.

Eat Some Great Food

With warm weather comes the chance to explore some of Dayton’s greatest restaurants and food festivals. They are in no short supply starting as early as March. Local offerings include the Fleurs de Fete Wine & Gourmet Food Festival, where visitors can try locally-crafted wines and delicious bites.

The Anatolian Food Festival is a celebration of Turkish culture and dining in Dayton’s Turkish community. If food trucks are more up your alley, you might enjoy the Darke County Food Truck Rally, which takes place over Mother’s Day Weekend and features the best local eats that Dayton has to offer.

Step Back in Time

If you are interested in history — especially living history — Dayton Ohio is a great place for you. This fascinating city is home to several historical sites and homesteads where you can experience life as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries.

One of these is Carillon Historical Park, an open-air museum where you can learn about the history of Dayton and its most fascinating individuals.

There is also the Patterson Homestead, a historical family home that hosts authentic Victorian-style tea parties. Newcom’s Tavern is another great place and features historical tavern dinners in the spring and fall.

Discover More Spring Things to Do in Dayton Ohio

There are countless spring things to do in Dayton. Ohio might have a reputation as a place where winters are long and gloomy, but during the spring, the Buckeye State really shines.

Whether you want to enjoy outdoor activities or indoor activities, there is something for everyone in the Dayton area in the spring.