Cabin fever already setting in? Check out these attractions around the region.
The Miami Valley may have experienced a brief reprieve from the throes of winter, but the latest snowstorm made it apparent — the season is settling in. Before you find out the hard way that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” here are some ideas for exploring spaces right in your own backyard that will stimulate your brain through these gray days.
Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm offers a nature center where observers can look for birds, and a working, sustainable farm. Upcoming programs include a winter speaker series. Don your boots for a hike outside and let your imagination soar when you encounter the giant troll sculptures placed along the trails. Aullwood Audubon is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission or membership is required to visit Aullwood Audubon’s nature center, farm, sanctuary and trails. General admission is free for children 3 and under, $8 for children 4 to 12, $12 for adults 13 to 64, and $10 for seniors age 65 and over and active duty military members.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery helps families connect through experiential learning. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits that encourage them to explore science and history. Don’t miss feeding time at the zoo! The current special exhibit showcases artifacts excavated from SunWatch Indian Village/Archeological Park. This collection peels back Dayton’s decades and puts historical items on display. Check the website for programs and events! Museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission for children (3-17) is $11.50 (children under 3 are free). Adults are $14.50, and seniors over 60 are $12.50.
Dayton History facilities provide interactive learning opportunities, including the 65-acre main campus at Carillon Historical Park. Patterson Homestead and Hawthorn Hill take visitors inside the homes of some of Dayton’s most famous inventors. For a unique dining experience, Carillon Brewing Company serves up historical fare alongside beers made in a working 1800s-era brewery, which were prevalent in the Miami Valley at the turn of the century. Carillon Historical Park is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Hawthorn Hill and Patterson Homestead are open by scheduled appointment or during special events. For details on admission and schedule of events, visit https://www.daytonhistory.org.
Hobart Arena is the site for expos, concerts and other special events, like the upcoming Miami County Home & Garden Show Feb. 18-20. Visitors can also get active during public ice skating hours, or join the Troy Skating Club, hosting the Southern Eastern Great Lakes Figure Skating Council Competition Feb. 25-27. Public ice skating admission is $7, or $4 for seniors. Skate rentals are $3. For the updated skating schedule, plus upcoming events information, visit https://www.hobartarena.com.
Mike’s Bike Park invites the adventurers to its indoor riding facility for two floors of built tracks for mountain bikes, skateboards, scooters and other people-powered activity across all ability levels. Get your ride tuned up and ready for spring in the bike shop, and challenge yourself on classic arcade games. Equipment is also available to rent while at Mike’s Bike Park. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For rental info, sales, upcoming events and other information, visit https://www.mikesbikepark.com/.
