5 Things to Do at Dayton MetroParks
More than 400,000 people annually visit Five Rivers MetroParks, an outdoor entertainment destination that features 25 facilities for year-round recreation and educational use. Other highlights include 70 miles of paved multi-use trails along with opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding and backpacking. A total of five rivers converge in Dayton, and Five Rivers offers 15,400 acres for people to enjoy fun activities throughout the entire region. Adventures can include boating, camping, cycling, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, waterskiing, winter sports and much more. Here are five fun experiences in Dayton:
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1. To Market We Go
Five Rivers MetroParks hosts a year-round 2nd Street Market on East Second Street near downtown Dayton. More than 200,000 people visit the market annually.
2nd Street Market opens every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and parking is free.
2. Mountain Bike Delight
Huffman MetroPark in Fairborn has 8 miles of mountain bike trails that are developed to International Mountain Bike Association standards. Trail challenges vary for both expert and beginner cyclists.
Huffman MetroPark visitors can also enjoy Huffman Lake, the Mad River, miles of hiking trails, picnicking and fishing.
3. Thousands of Butterflies
In Miami Township, Cox Arboretum MetroPark is conveniently located right off Interstate 75. Amenities include hiking trails, a rock garden, an edible landscape garden, ponds and Zorniger Education Center.
Perhaps the highlight at Cox Arboretum MetroPark is a family-friendly native Butterfly House that opens throughout the summer.
4. See Farm Animals
Huber Heights is home to Carriage Hill MetroPark, where people can visit Carriage Hill’s historical farm. The farm includes many animals along with a rustic barn, blacksmith shop and period actors who demonstrate 1800s life.
Other activities at this 900-acre MetroPark include camping, fishing, horseback riding and cross-country skiing along its many trails.
5. Soak It All In
RiverScape MetroPark is among Dayton’s most popular destinations and hosts major festivals such as CityFolk Festival and Dayton Celtic Festival. Also available to visitors are kayak rentals, bicycle rentals, an ice rink, plaza, geyser fountain and splash pad.
Another highlight is a Dayton Inventors River Walk that provides details about several local inventors and their inventions ranging from the cash register to the airplane.
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