If you’re looking for kid-friendly things to do in Vandalia, Ohio, you’ve come to the right place! Here are just a few of the many things that your kids will enjoy in this historic city:
The Carillon Historical Park is a great place to start your exploration of Vandalia. The park features a working carillon, as well as a museum and walking trails. Your kids will love seeing the historic homes and buildings, and they’ll also enjoy the playground and picnic area.
The Vandalia Recreation Center is another great option for families. The center features an indoor pool, a gym, a track, and a variety of sports facilities. There are also a number of programs and classes offered for kids of all ages.
If your kids are nature lovers, they’ll enjoy the Vandalia Nature Preserve. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals. There are also miles of trails to explore, and a nature center where kids can learn more about the local flora and fauna.
The city of Vandalia also offers a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. From the Vandalia Pumpkin Show to the Vandalia Folk Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, if you’re looking for a great place to take your family for a vacation or a day trip, be sure to check out Vandalia, Ohio!

10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Vandalia, Ohio
1. Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force: The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum. The museum has more than 360 aircraft and missiles on display, including the Wright brothers’ airplane, the first African American fighter pilot’s plane, and the original Hiroshima atomic bomb.
2. Tour the Ohio Statehouse: The Ohio Statehouse is the state capitol of Ohio and the seat of government for the state of Ohio. The neoclassical-style building houses the Ohio General Assembly, the Supreme Court of Ohio, and the Executive Offices of the Governor of Ohio. Visitors can take a free tour of the building to learn about its history and architecture.
3. Visit the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery: The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is a hands-on science museum that features interactive exhibits on topics such as the human body, space exploration, and animal habitats. The museum also has an outdoor zoo with more than 100 animals, including tigers, lions, and monkeys.
4. Go fishing at Caesar Creek Lake: Caesar Creek Lake is a 3,390-acre reservoir with a 7-mile-long shoreline. The lake is popular for fishing, swimming, and boating. Visitors can also hike, bike, or horseback ride on the trails that wind through the surrounding Caesar Creek State Park.
5. Play at Monkey Island: Monkey Island is an indoor playground with monkey-themed climbing structures, slides, and a soft-play area for young children. The facility also has a cafe and hosts birthday parties.
6. Visit the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park: The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park commemorates the Wright brothers’ achievement of powered flight. The park includes the Wright brothers’ bicycle shop, the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center.
7. Tour the Carillon Historical Park: The Carillon Historical Park is a 65-acre park that features historic buildings, museums, and a working farm. The park is also home to the National Pioneer Barn, the largest wooden barn in America.
8. Visit the National Air and Space Intelligence Center: The National Air and Space Intelligence Center is a Department of Defense facility that is responsible for gathering and analyzing intelligence on foreign air and space forces. Visitors can take a free tour of the center to see the high-tech equipment and learn about the center’s work.
9. Go hiking in the John Bryan State Park: The John Bryan State Park is a 1,420-acre park with more than 20 miles of hiking trails. The trails wind through forests, fields, and wetlands, and offer views of cliffs, waterfalls, and the Miami River.
10. Take a scenic drive on the Great Miami River Scenic Byway: The Great Miami River Scenic Byway is a 100-mile route that follows the Great Miami River through four counties in southwestern Ohio. The byway offers views of the river, farms, and small towns.