The 26 Best Things To Do In Dayton In Spring (2024)
Want to know all the best things to do in Dayton in Spring? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Best Things To Do In Dayton In Spring
Spring time in Dayton is great for getting outdoors after being stuck inside all Winter.
These are some of the best things to do in Dayton in Spring to make the most of your weekends.
✔️ Visit Some Outdoor Parks
Parks are great in the spring time for their blooming flowers and to soak up some warmth from the sun.
1. Watch the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th
Just north of Dayton is the path of the total eclipse.
There are a ton of places that are hosting special events to watch the eclipse that happens in the middle of the afternoon.
Some events I know of already include the Mercer County Fairgrounds, Hueston Woods, Olde Schoolhouse Winery, Seven Mile Park, and Garber Nature Center.
All of those except for the Mercer County Fairgrounds are in Preble County.
Darke, Shelby, and Auglaize counties are also perfect places to watch the eclipse.
You can see our full list in our blog post on where to watch the total solar eclipse near Dayton, Ohio.
2. Visit Carillon Historical Park
Located in Dayton, the Carillon Historical Park is a great place to explore and learn about the history of Dayton.
With more than 65 acres of land, the park has several historical buildings, including a railroad roundhouse, Wilbur Wright’s first airplane factory, and an original cannon factory.
There are also interactive exhibits that showcase the city’s past.
With its towering carillon bell tower and historic buildings, this park is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring Dayton’s past.
Inside the Visitor’s Center you’ll find old artifacts, photographs and more—while outdoors you can take a guided tour or just enjoy a relaxing stroll through the grounds.
Pack a blanket and some snacks and enjoy a sunny afternoon at this park.
Home to things like an interactive history museum, natural area, and more—there’s something for everyone here!
3. Spend An Afternoon At RiverScape MetroPark
On a nice spring day, there’s no better place to spend some time outdoors than RiverScape MetroPark—a beautiful park along the banks of the Great Miami River.
The park features trails for walking and biking, plus plenty of open space for picnics or just relaxing with friends.
4. Take A Hike At John Bryan State Park
Located just outside of Dayton, John Bryan State Park is a great place to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air.
With more than 11 miles of trails, there’s plenty of room to explore this beautiful park.
5. Spend An Afternoon At Eastwood MetroPark
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Dayton in spring or summer, you can always find something to do at Eastwood MetroPark.
This sprawling park is home to things like picnic spots, bike trails and fishing spots—plus they host events throughout the year.
6. Take A Bike Ride
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dayton by taking a leisurely bike ride along the Miami Valley bike trails.
Whether you’re looking for a long or short ride, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.
7. Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
Wegerzyn Gardens is a great park to visit in the spring to see all of the blooming flowers in the various gardens.
There are the formal gardens, Children’s Discovery Garden, giant pedestal oak, Marie Aull nature trail, the swamp forest, and community gardens.
8. Cox Arboretum
Cox Arboretum is home to specialty gardens, the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture, tree tower, Bell children’s maze, Zorniger Education Center, conservation corner, nature trails, and the Ruth Cummings Mead Woodland.
It is made up of 174 acres of gardens, forests, and nature trails.
9. Hills & Dales
Hills & Dales is made up of a series of camps, natural trails, ponds, a wetlands boardwalk, stone tower, and more.
This 63 acre park is a great area for seeing wildflowers in the spring time.
10. Huffman MetroPark
Huffman MetroPark is made up of the Huffman Dam, mountain biking, Mad River, Mad River Bike Trail, Huffman Prairie Trail, the Huffman Dam Trilobite, Huffman Lake, the Buckeye & North Country Trails, and Huffman Lake Peninsula.
11. Miamisburg Mound Park
The Miamisburg Mound is one of the largest conical mounds in North America.
It’s 65 feet tall and 800 feet around. It sits on top of a 100 foot high ridge by the Great Miami River.
This mound dates back about about 2,000-2,800 years, when the Adena and Hopewell indians were constructing thousands of mounds throughout the area.
Mounds like this have been used as ancient burial grounds and to mark tribal territories.
When you visit the Miamisburg Mound you can climb to the top and overlook the whole area.
12. Russ Nature Reserve
Russ Nature Reserve in Beavercreek has almost 4 miles of trails.
The best part is the Nature Playscape.
13. Beaver Creek Wetlands Reserve
The Wetlands has a great boardwalk trail through the woodlands, marshes, wet prairies, and more.
✔️ Attend Spring Festivals
With nicer weather, comes the return of festivals.
There are plenty of festivals to keep you busy throughout the Spring season.
14. Spring Fest In The Burg
Address: Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Avenue, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342
This is a family-friendly festival in Miamisburg featuring over 100 artisans, plus 3 days of live music.
There are free kids activities, a carnival, and lots of yummy food.
Next festival dates: May 17-19, 2024
15. Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival
Address: Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Road, Wilmington, Ohio 45177
This is an indoor bluegrass, old-time, gospel, and roots festival in Wilmington.
It’s a 3 day festival in mid-March.
Next festival dates: March 21-23, 2024
16. Sugar Maple Festival
Address: Downtown Bellbrook, Ohio
The Sugar Maple Festival has live music, a parade, children’s activities, crafts and food vendors, a 5k, a dog show, and more.
It’s a 3 day festival over a weekend in late April.
Next festival dates: April 19-21, 2024
17. Front Street Outdoor Art Hop
Address: 1001 East 2nd St, Dayton, Ohio 45402
Front Street is an art market with over 30 vendors, studios, galleries, food trucks, and free family fun activities.
It’s held the first Friday and third Sunday of each month.
The third Sunday of April is the event that will kick off the outdoor market season through the end of Summer.
18. Furry Skurry 5k
Address: St. Leonard 8100 Clyo Road Centerville, Ohio 45458
The Furry Skurry 5k is hosted by the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.
It’s encouraged to wear a super hero costume for this 5k and it’s a great activity where you can bring your kids and your dogs.
There is even a pet costume content, adoptable pets, food trucks, face painting, raffles, and more.
This year’s event is being held May 18 from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
19. Farm Babies Fest
Address: Aullwood Audobon Center & Farm, 9101 Frederick Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45414
This 2 day festival is full of baby animals, great food, and farm adventures.
Admission is $12 for adults (13-64 years old), $10 for seniors (65+ years old) and active duty military, and $8 for kids (4-12 years old).
Ages 3 and under are free.
20. Hamvention
Address: Greene County Fairgrounds, 120 Fairground Road, Xenia, Ohio 45385
Hamvention is the world’s largest amateur radio convention.
There are over 3,000 exhibits highlighting the newest technology and equipment in amateur radio.
Next Convention Date: May 17-19, 2024
21. Hidden Valley Orchards Special Events
Address: Hidden Valley Orchards, 5474 N State Route 48, Lebanon, Ohio 45036
Most week nights there is some sort of event being hosted at Hidden Valley Orchards.
They have Trivia & Burger Night, Bourbon & Cigar Night, Wine Tasting, and a variety of cooking workshops.
22. Centerville Merchant Market
Address: St. Leonard 8100 Clyo Road Centerville, Ohio 45458
This upscale market and dining experience features over 80 vendors, with live music, food trucks, and drinks.
The more you shop, the more raffle tickets you get for prizes!
This year’s event is Sunday, May 19, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
23. Fleurs de Fete Wine & Gourmet Food Festival
Address: Carillon Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, Ohio 45409
Enjoy a tasting of over 200 wine selections and try bites from local restaurants.
There’s also live music, and prize items you can bid on.
You must be 21+ to attend this event.
This year’s event is on May 19th from 1 pm – 4 pm.
✔️ Enjoy The Return Of Outdoor Sports
Whether you go for the food, to meet up with friends, or to watch the game, a Dayton Dragons Baseball Game is a great spring time activity in Dayton.
24. Catch A Dayton Dragons Baseball Game
If you’re looking for things to do in Dayton, the Dayton Dragons minor league baseball team plays games from April through September at Fifth Third Field.
Enjoy a fun night out with your family or friends while cheering on the hometown team!
Be sure to catch a game while you’re in town and enjoy some Donato’s Pizza while you’re there.
✔️ Do Some Sightseeing Around Town
If there are areas of town you’ve been meaning to check out, spring is a great season to just get out and about and do some sightseeing.
25. Visit The Oregon District
This vibrant neighborhood in downtown Dayton is full of shops, restaurants, galleries and other things to do—making it one perfect spot for an afternoon outing or evening stroll.
Don’t miss the historic architecture, unique eateries and interesting art galleries.
With its brick-lined streets, historic buildings and trendy restaurants, the Oregon District is a great place for an afternoon stroll or evening drive.
26. Visit The Dayton Arcade
This unique historic center was built in 1902 and is now home to a variety of shops, eateries, art galleries and more.
It’s still currently undergoing a massive restoration, but all throughout 2023, more and more restaurants and other spaces will open to the public.
What is the weather like in Dayton in spring?
Spring in Dayton brings mild weather with temperatures in the 50s and 60s.
You can expect plenty of sunshine during this season, as well as a few spring showers.
Be sure to bring along an umbrella and light layers for cooler evenings!
More Fun Things To Do Around Ohio
Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Dayton, as well as some of my favorite day trips from Dayton.
☑️ Best Restaurants in Dayton
From the regional favorites like Skyline Chili, to some of the best pizza places in the world, there are endless dining possibilities here.
☑️ Cincinnati Day Trip Itinerary
Consider taking a day trip down to Cincinnati to get a little change of scenery.
☑️ Columbus Day Trip Itinerary
Head up to Columbus to check out some new attractions and some classic restaurants you might not have tried yet.
Conclusion: Things To Do In Dayton In Spring
No matter when you visit you’re sure to find plenty of things to do in Dayton in Spring no matter what your interests are.
From outdoor activities like hiking and biking to indoor attractions like art galleries and museums, there’s something for everyone during any season of the year.
What’s more, the weather in Dayton is typically mild, making it an ideal place to explore outdoors or take a leisurely stroll through its historic streets.
From visiting unique museums and galleries to taking a stroll through historic parks, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone when planning your trip.
