10 Things to do in Dayton Ohio this Spring

February 21st, 2020 by

The city skyline of Dayton, Ohio, is shown during sun set.

With the weather warming back up and the flowers beginning to bloom, people will soon be starting to venture back outside. Spring is upon us, and our team here at McCluskey Chevy has put our heads together to come up with things to do this season in Dayton, Ohio. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a cruise or European tour to enjoy yourself. The greatest pleasures in life can be simple. So, let’s count down the top 10 things to do in Dayton, OH this spring.

#10. Carillon Historical Park

If you like to spend your free time learning and enjoying the outdoors, you can visit Carillon Historical Park. Construction on this 65-acre campus began back in 1940, and the doors to the museum complex opened in 1950. Free parking is available, and ticket prices range from $8 for children to $12 for adults. Seniors can get in for $10.

During the month of March, the venue hosts the End of Winter Feast. Offering a tavern dinner consisting of three courses, this authentic hearth-cooked mean is served by in-costume entertainers inside the facility’s oldest building. Reservations are required, and tickets are $50 for non-members.

Contact Info:
1000 Carillon Blvd
Dayton, OH 45409
(937) 293-2841

#9. 2nd Street Market

Showcasing the delicacies of local artisans, growers, bakers, and culinary specialists, the 2nd Street Market is a fantastic place to visit this spring. Styled after the markets of Europe, you can find everything from vegetables, meats, cheeses, specialty bread, wine, and even home goods. Free parking is available, and it doesn’t cost anything to enter.

For St. Patrick’s Day, the venue will feature live Celtic music and youth dancers hailing from the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance. This event is free for all and will be held on March 14th from 10 AM until 2 PM.

Contact Info:
600 E. Second St.
Dayton, OH, 45402
(937) 228-2088

A man in a St. Patrick's Day hat is photographing a parade on his phone near Dayton, OH.

#8. Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum

If you are the type of person who celebrates Halloween all year long, a visit to the Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum may be just what you need this spring. Spooky vibes and nature join together in this unique location. As one of America’s five oldest rural garden cemeteries, this 200-acre lots is home to over 3,000 trees and 165 varieties of native Midwestern woody plants.

On March 21st, the cemetery will host the End of Winter Bird Walk from 9 AM to 11 AM. Bring along your binoculars and a camera and enjoy watching were native species nest and lay their eggs.

Contact Info:
118 Woodland Avenue
Dayton, OH 45409-2892
(937) 228-3221

#7. Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center

For the last 17 years, the Schuster Center has been a world-class facility for local and international performing artists. At the heart of the complex is the Mead Theater, which seats 2,300 guests. The domed ceiling was designed to depict the appearance of the Dayton sky on the evening of December 16, 1903. That is, of course, when the Wright Brothers made their first flight.

If you are looking for a good show in March, there are plenty of options. You can see the Peking Acrobats on March 12th or even enjoy the Price Is Right Live on March 15th. Ticket prices vary depending on the show.

Contact Info:
Second and Main Sts.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937)-228-3630

#6. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Two otters, similar to ones that you could find at the Discovery Zoo in Dayton, Ohio, are holding hands while swimming.

Astronomy, dinosaurs, tidal pools, and desert habitats galore! If you’re looking for something fun to do this spring, head over to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. Since 1893, this facility has grown to be one of the best museums in the state. Offering exhibits, workshops, and even summer camp programs, there’s no shortage of things to do all year long.

On March 14th, the venue will be hosting an end-of-winter fundraising event called Eureka! Featuring signature cocktails and tasty hors d’oeuvres, guests can take their chances betting on card games and ferret races. Tickets range from $50 to $70, and the event will last from 7 PM to 11 PM.

Contact Info
2600 Deweese Pkwy
Dayton, OH 45414
(937)-275-7431

#5. The Wright Cycle Company Complex

Located at the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, the Wright Cycle Company Complex is one of five facilities on the grounds. Open daily from March through October, you can step back in time for a Dayton, OH history lesson. With exhibits featuring bicycles created by the Wright Brothers, you can tour this mini-museum and explore the many groundbreaking discoveries. Admission is free of charge.

Contact Info:
22 South Williams Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
937-225-7705

#4. Dayton Art Institute

A smiling couple is looking at pictures in an art gallery near Dayton, Ohio.

Founded in 1919, the Dayton Art Institute just broke the 100-year mark. Home to outstanding exhibits featuring impressive collections from around the globe, this facility hosts concerts, classic, social events, and more. Tickets range between $5 and $15 with free admission for children under the age of six.

Throughout the month of March, special exhibits, including the works of Daniel Bleu, will be on display. The Object of the Month will be named on the 26th, and you can even take an in-gallery art class on the first and third Sundays of the month.

Contact Info:
456 Belmonte Park North
Dayton Ohio 45405
937-223-4ART

#3. Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

To bask in the true beauty of spring, head over to the Wegerzyn Gardens. Home to an array of local plant life, you can peruse through the formal gardens and draw inspiration for your own home garden. Children are welcome to play in the Discovery Garden, where they can learn about techniques and plants.

The main highlight of this outdoor facility is the Giant Pedestal Oak. As one of the tallest trees in the area, this one is special due to its large base. It’s a great spot to take an Instagram-worthy picture.

Contact Info:
1301 E Siebenthaler Ave
Dayton, OH 45414
937-277-6545

#2. SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park

A row of teepees are shown next a river.

Home to an 800-year-old reconstructed village, SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park is a great place to kick off the spring season. After 17 years of excavation, the facility was finally opened in 1988. Current exhibits showcasing authentic artifacts can be seen at the Village and Interpretive Center.

On March 7th, a lecture on Chinese Export Pottery will be given by Dr. Kathleen Lynch, Professor of Classics at the University of Cincinnati. This lecture will look at Chinese imagery and the impact of porcelain production.

Contact Info:
2301 W River Rd
Dayton, OH 45417
937-268-8199

#1. America’s Packard Museum – The Citizens Motorcar Co.

We would be remiss if we didn’t make the Packard Museum number one on our list. Constructed in 1917, this facility is the only restored Packard Dealership that serves as a museum. The Art Deco showroom features over 50 antique automobiles, and you can even visit the service department or relax on the pavilion. Tickets are only $6, and education programs are available. Located in downtown Dayton, there is plenty of parking as well.

Contact Info:
420 S Ludlow St
Dayton, OH 45402
937-226-1710

Posted in Dayton, OH