As an outdoor music venue, we fit 50+ free concerts into five months while Ohio weather cooperates. But this is Dayton and the city doesn’t shut down because of a little cold! This time of year can be tough for families. A lot of money was spent on gifts in December, heat bills are high, and kids are going stir crazy from being stuck indoors. To help, we’ve compiled a list of seven free or cheap things to do in Dayton for the whole family when it’s too cold for free outdoor concerts.
1. Free 3rd Friday Family Astronomy Programs at The Boonshoft
Explore the cosmos for free on the third Friday of every month at The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery’s planetarium, The Caryl D. Philips Space Theater. Free educational programs begin at 7 PM and last 30-45 minutes. Topics vary and are based on current events and discoveries. Then, if the sky is clear, they open the Apollo observatory and guests can view the night sky through the 50cm Dahl-Kirkham telescope. That view is something you do not want to miss.
2. Ice Skating at Riverscape – Only $8
For less than $10/person you can enjoy ice skating with a beautiful urban view of the river at Riverscape, one of Dayton’s premier Fiver Rivers MetroParks. Children 3 and under can attend for free with a paying adult. Take the whole family or enjoy a cheap date night. Food and beverages are available onsite. The rink is open until March 1 and is covered so you don’t have to worry about this fickle Ohio weather.
3. 2nd Street Market –SNAP and EBT accepted
Explore the cosmos for free on the third Friday of every month at The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery’s planetarium, The Caryl D. Philips Space Theater. Free educational programs begin at 7 PM and last 30-45 minutes. Topics vary and are based on current events and discoveries. Then, if the sky is clear, they open the Apollo observatory and guests can view the night sky through the 50cm Dahl-Kirkham telescope. That view is something you do not want to miss.
4. Attend an event at your nearest Dayton Metro Library
Book clubs, maker days, tech classes, storytimes, movie nights, and much more – the Dayton Metro Libraries offer daily free events for all ages. With 18 different locations in the greater Dayton area, you don’t have to travel far for free family entertainment and education. You can even call to arrange a sign language interpreter for any program if you or a family member should need one. They go above and beyond to give everyone in our community a place to gather, connect, and learn year-round.
5. The Air Force Museum
Did you know we have the world’s oldest and largest military aviation museums right here in our hometown? This huge museum spans multiple hangars, providing days of family fun for free. Parking and admission are free and they even offer free wi-fi to guests. The museum is open 7 days a week and offers many special events that are fun for the whole family. The Air Force Museum isn’t a one and done kind of entertainment, either. Once you visit, you’ll want to keep going back as they rotate in new exhibits and host new events.
6. DAI Youth and Family Programs
The Dayton Art Institute offers numerous classes, workshops, and programs for families, children, and youth. Encourage the little artists in your life with studio classes, art camps, and family programs. These programs do have a cost associated with them, however, according to their website, the DAI has scholarships available for families with financial need.
7. One Dollar Book Swap
A day out shopping with the family doesn’t have to be expensive. The One Dollar Book Swap is a community warehouse book sale offering over 200,000 books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks and even video games all for just $1. According to their website, children’s books are only $10 a bag. They are open every Friday and Saturday and are located on Webster Street in Dayton.
See? There is plenty to do in Dayton without spending too much, even when it’s cold outside. But don’t worry, the sun is coming back and with it, free concerts in the heart of Downtown Dayton. We can’t wait to see you then!
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