Dayton has a lot to offer families with young children. The town is home to a number of kid-friendly attractions, including the Children’s Museum of Virginia, the Dayton International Peace Museum, and the National Museum of the United States Air Force. There are also a number of parks and playgrounds in town, as well as a few kid-friendly restaurants. Families can also take a short drive out of town to explore the nearby Shenandoah National Park or the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Dayton, Virginia

1. Visit the Wright Brother’s National Memorial: This memorial commemorates the Wright brothers, who are credited with inventing and making the first successful heavier-than-air powered flight. The memorial includes a museum with interactive exhibits, a replica of the Wright brothers’ workshop, and the 60-foot granite monument where the brothers conducted their famous flying experiments.

2. Go hiking or biking at the Shenandoah River State Park: This state park offers over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, along with opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and canoeing/kayaking.

3. Take a scenic drive down Skyline Drive: Skyline Drive is a 105-mile long road that runs through Shenandoah National Park. The drive offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, and there are numerous pull-offs and overlooks along the way where you can stop to admire the scenery.

4. Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force: This museum is the largest and oldest military aviation museum in the world, and it houses over 350 aircraft and missiles. Exhibits chronicle the history of aviation from the early days of flight to the Space Age, and there is also an on-site restaurant and gift shop.

5. Play 18 holes at the Pine View Golf Club: This 18-hole golf course is located just outside of Dayton, and it offers a challenging yet fun round of golf for players of all skill levels. The course is set amidst beautiful scenery, and there is also a clubhouse with a pro shop and restaurant.

6. Take a tour of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery: This museum is geared towards families with children, and it features interactive exhibits on science, nature, and history. The museum also has an on-site planetarium and zoo, making it a great way to spend a day with the kids.

7. Go horseback riding at the Virginia Horse Center: The Virginia Horse Center offers over 50 miles of trails for horseback riding, and it also hosts a variety of equestrian events throughout the year.

8. Visit the Old Courthouse: The Old Courthouse was built in 1858, and it now houses a museum that chronicles the history of Dayton and the surrounding area. The courthouse is a National Historic Landmark, and it is also the site of the Wright Brothers’ first flight trial.

9. Take a walk or bike ride on the Washington-Centerville Public Library’s Bike Trail: This 3-mile long paved bike trail is located along a former railroad right-of-way, and it offers scenic views of the Miami Valley. The trail is open to both walkers and cyclists, and it is a great way to get some exercise while exploring the area.

10. Have fun at the Scene75 Entertainment Center: The Scene75 Entertainment Center is an indoor amusement park that features over 150 arcade games, go-karts, laser tag, and more. It’s a great place to take the kids for a day of fun, and there is also an on-site restaurant if you get hungry.