By Claire Taylor
Things for Kids to Do Around Dayton, Ohio
In a state better known for its industrial background, Dayton is surprisingly kid-friendly. Families arriving in the city have tons of choices, both indoors and out, to make the most of the area. Families with small kids will appreciate the safety and variety of destinations, while older kids will have a blast at the park and museums.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
One of the best children museums in the country, the Boonshoft offers a rich collection of science, adventure and natural history artifacts and exhibits. Most of the exhibitions are hands-on or interactive, so kids are encouraged to touch, experience and build (or destroy) in order to have fun and learn at the same time. Strange Matter, one of the most popular exhibits, makes the magic of magnets accessible to kids of all ages. Other popular corners include the planetarium, the kid-size pioneer cabin and the observatory, which features programs and activities geared especially to help the little ones about space.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Parkway
Dayton, OH 45414
Phone: (937) 275-7431
Aullwood Audobon Center and Farm
Aullwood is a great destination for kids who want to interact with animals in a safe and positive environment (no cages or ill-cared for species here). Exotic animals are mostly represented through exhibits and special events presented at the auditorium. For live entertainment, there is a butterfly garden, a marsh, a pond and a prairie habitats. All include flora and some also have animals living there. A large barn houses sheep, horses, donkeys, goats and the occasional turkey. There is also an herb garden where kids can get their hands dirty and from which parents can buy fresh herbs.
Aullwood Audobon Center and Farm
1000 Aullwood Road
Dayton, OH 45490
Phone: (937) 890-7360
King's Island
King's Island is just minutes from Dayton. A great amusement park for the whole family, King's Island offers thrill rides that would please the little ones as much as they would the grown-ups. A series of rollercoasters are the highlight of the park, of which Diamondback is the best known thanks to its 74-degree angles and 10 vertical drops. Other popular rides include Firehawk (a roller coaster in which riders lie face down, rather than sit), Backlot Stunt Coaster (simulating a car race) and Drop Tower (the tallest dropping tower in the world, with a height of 315 feet). Also, visitors to the park can experience The Beast. At 7,400 feet and four minutes long, The Beast is the world's longest wood coaster and one of the most exciting. There is also Nickelodeon Universe, a special section of the park dedicated exclusively to the youngest members of the family, and a series of family rides, such as Congo Rides (an exciting water ride), carousels and even a steam locomotive.
King's Island
5691 Kings Island
Drive Mason, OH 45040
Phone: (513) 398-0115
About the Author:
Claire Taylor is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in publications such as "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." Taylor is also a seasoned independent traveler, as well as a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant.
Photo Credits:
Saraina Montanus
