Canoe Rental
Bellbrook Canoe & Kayak Rental
Need to know:
- seasonal
- all trips leave promptly at the top of the hour
- please be in the office checking in at least 20 minutes before the top of the hour
- 5.2 miles
- takes about 2-3 hours
- last trip leaves at 4 p.m.
- boats must be back by 7 p.m.
- download rental agreement from their website
- $$
Concerts
Fraze Pavilion in Kettering
Need to know:
- outdoor concerts
- seasonal
- $2 Tuesdays
- $-$$
Cooking Classes
Dorothy Lane Market at Washington Square location in Centerville
Need to know:
- Classes are at the DLM Culinary Center next to the Washington Square store
- they have classes specific to couples (or other themes)
- new classes are posted seasonally
- classes book up quickly
- classes start right on time, get there a few minutes early
- seating is on a first come basis
- $$$$-$$$$$
Cosmic Bowling
Need to know:
- Many bowling alleys around Dayton have cosmic or glow bowling
- Don’t forget to wear socks
- Bowling alleys have snack bars and alcohol
- Check the website of the alley you are going to visit to see if they have specials or coupons
- $$-$$$
Dayton Art Institute
Need to know:
- Closed Monday and Tuesday
- Opened later on Thursday evenings
- On Site Bistro for lunch or dinner on Thursday
- Suggested entry price $8.00 per adult, $5.00 seniors/active military
- If you are unable to pay full price, donation of what you can pay accepted
- Special exhibits are an additional charge
- $$
Festivals
- there are many great festivals all over the Dayton region
- seasonal (April-November)
- most are free to enter (just a few have entry fees or parking fees)
- most provide shuttles if parking is a challenge
- check out the festival websites for complete details
- Some of our Favs: Sugar Maple Festival in Bellbrook (April), Yellow Springs Street Fair (June & October), Pow Wow at Sunwatch Indian Village (June), Celtic Festival (July), Holiday at Home in Kettering (Labor Day Weekend), Concors Festival at Carillon Park (September), Oktoberfest @ Dayton Art Institute (September).
- Free to $, food and crafts extra
Hike & Ice Cream
Hike at John Bryan State Park then head to Young’s Dairy for ice cream
Need to know:
- wear sturdy shoes
- rocks are slippery
- stairs are steep leading down to the path by water
- Hike is free, ice cream $
Ice Skating
Downtown at Riverscape-Seasonal
Need to know:
- End of November thru February
- Snack Bar on site
- Skating rink under covered shelter
- Heated area
- Skate Rental available or bring your own ice skates
- Don’t forget heavy socks so you don’t get blisters
- Don’t forget gloves
- $-$$
Miniature Golf
Indian Trails in Kettering
Need to know:
- you have to start the game 1 hour before closing
- they have a snack bar
- reduced price for both courses during same visit
- sign up on their website for coupon/emails
- $$
Movie Night
Need to know:
- Danbarry Dollar Saver behind the Dayton Mall $3.00 movies, $1.75 on Tuesdays!
- Cash only for tickets (there is a bank machine in the lobby)
- Snacks can be purchased with credit card
- Cinemark Cinemas at The Greene ($5.50 Wednesdays)
- Cool Films at Victoria Theatre (summer)
- classic movies
- free popcorn and soda before movie in the lobby (can not be taken into theater)
- 10 ticket passbook can be purchased for reduced ticket prices
- $ to $$ (depends on theater, day, and # of snacks)
Nature Hike
Cox Arboretum
Need to know:
- no pets
- park closes at dusk
- lots of walking trails and gardens
- koi fish in the pond
- look for turtles in the pond
- bridge makes a great photo spot
- climb the Tree Tower
- Butterfly House (seasonal)
- restrooms are in the larger Education Center and in the smaller Education Building
- drink vending machine in Education Center
- porch swings
- picnic tables
- Please be respectful of meetings, wedding ceremonies and receptions occurring on property
- Free
Zoo
Cincinnati Zoo
Need to know:
- park on the street and walk in or pay for parking
- if you are going to go to the zoo twice in the same year, a membership may be the way to go
- save by buying tickets on-line, coupon savings thru Kroger stores or AAA membership
- feed the giraffe
- Festival of Lights (seasonal November-December 30th)
- Check the website to see the events, animal encounters and shows available that day
- $$$
Free=Free per couple
$=Under $10 per couple
$$=Under $20 per couple
$$$=Under $40 per couple
$$$$=Under $80 per couple
$$$$$=Under $150 per couple