Family Fun Dayton on a Dime

If you are looking for inexpensive and exciting adventures, Dayton offers incredible value. You and your family can spend several days experiencing world-class attractions with little or no admission fees! We've put together a sample itinerary to get you started exploring Dayton, the Birthplace of Aviation and So Much More!

Before You Get Started, Be Sure to Download the FREE Visit Dayton App

Day 1

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Start your day at the National Museum of the U.S Air Force! And, the best news is...it's FREE! The world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum features over 340+ aerospace vehicles.

Time: 2-3 hours

National Aviation Hall of Fame
Visit the FREE National Aviation Hall of Fame to learn about aviation pioneers! It is located inside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Time: 1 hour

Five Rivers MetroParks
Continue your day with a trip to one of the FREE Five Rivers MetroParks. There are 25 to choose from! We suggest Cox Arboretum and make sure to see the butterfly house and climb the tree tower.

Time Spent: 1-2.5 hours

Marion's Piazza
For a slice of fun, delight in one of Dayton’s iconic delicious pizzerias, Marion’s Piazza. Long-running counter-serve chain featuring a menu of thin-crust pizzas, pasta & sandwiches.

Day 2

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Start your day out at the FREE Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park where you will discover more about the Wright Brothers and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and their work.

Time: 1-2 hours

Lunch
For budget-friendly suggestions check out the list below. Or browse our complete list of restaurants and use the location feature for a restaurant closest to Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park or Carillon Historical Park.

Carillon Historical Park
Continue your journey at Carillon Historical Park. See the original 1905 Wright Flyer III. Admission: $12 adults (ages 15-18), $10 seniors, $8 per child (3-17), children under 3 and Dayton History members are free.

Time Spent: 2-3 hours

Carillon Brewing Company
Once you've worked up an appetite learning about all things Dayton, stop by the Carillon Brewing Company! Enjoy beer from different points in history and savor foods that tell the stories of Dayton's earliest immigrants that shaped the historic brewing industry.

Other Budget-Friendly Activities

Dayton Inventor’s River Walk
Starting with a brick medallion at the corner of Monument Avenue and Main Street, the Inventors Walk continues around RiverScape with informative tiles in the pavement, leading to the Automobile Self Starter, the first of 7 invention stations. Continue toward North Patterson Boulevard, visiting the Cash Register and Ice Cube sculptures. Approximate distance: 1 mile.

Murals

Marvel at the Murals
Take a walk through downtown Dayton and see some beautiful murals. The many murals capture Dayton's diverse and innovative history including Dayton's amazing contributions to Funk music! Check out the Riverfront Murals, the Miamisburg Hollywood mural, and the Englewood mural.

Inexpensive Delicious Dining

We've put together a sampling of inexpensive dining options so that you can stay on your budget. Or, feel free to browse hundreds of local restaurants by cuisine or location.