Top 10 Things To Do Indoors In Dayton, Ohio

indoor things to do in dayton ohio
Catherine
Catherine 
Published
| 5 min read

Located 54.2 miles (87.23 kilometers) north of Cincinnati, Dayton offers plenty to see and do. The city’s aviation roots run deep here, so visiting National Museum of the US Air Force and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a must. Dayton lies on the edge of the Great Miami River, and a sunny day kayaking the waters is a true pleasure. RiverScape MetroPark is a serene downtown park along this river and is a top-notch spot to enjoy a picnic or rent a bike for intimate exploration. To glimpse Dayton’s Native American past, check out the fascinating, restored village of SunWatch Indian Village.

Even if the weather turns stormy, that won’t spoil the fun in Dayton. To uncover what to do when the clouds roll in, scroll down to see the top things to do indoors in Dayton, Ohio.

1. Fly high at Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a surefire cure for rainy-day doldrums. Guests are encouraged to play hard here with diversions such as the gladiator-inspired fighting of SkyJoust and the challenging Parkour Blox. Compete with your pals in a fast-paced game of Ultimate Dodgeball or hone your dunk shot playing SkySlam basketball.

Don’t miss Sky Zone Trampoline Park’s Glow experience if you’re visiting after sunset. This is when the place is transformed into a pulsating dance floor equipped with music, black lights, lasers, and, of course, trampolines.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Address: 976 Senate Drive Dayton, OH 45459-4017, United States

Website: Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm

Price: 19 - 33 USD

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2. Enjoy the city's gym at YMCA of Greater Dayton - Downtown YMCA Branch

Dayton YMCA Building from southwest (2021)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Steve Morgan used under CC BY-SA 4.0

You couldn’t ask for a more jam-packed facility to enjoy leisure on a dull day than YMCA of Greater Dayton - Downtown YMCA Branch. From polished racquetball courts to a sparkling swimming pool, this facility has various indoor options for physical activities. If you need to revive after an exhausting workout, head to the soothing sauna or the replenishing steam rooms.

It is situated along the Great Miami River and also offers expert swimming lessons and personal training.

YMCA of Greater Dayton - Downtown YMCA Branch

Address: 316 N. Wilkinson Street Dayton, OH 45402, United States

Website: YMCA of Greater Dayton - Downtown YMCA Branch

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5am - 9pm; Fri: 5am - 8pm; Sat: 8am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm

Price: 22 - 32 USD (Membership) plus a one-time joining fee of 25 USD

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3. Practice your strikes at Capri Bowling Lanes

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

At Capri Lanes, we provide a wide variety of bowling activities plus mouth-watering southern food and drinks. So come...

Posted by Capri Lanes on Friday, April 21, 2023

Bowling is a great activity when the weather is not agreeable, and this city provides a nifty place at Capri Bowling Lanes. Established in 1960, this bowling venue is a mainstay in Dayton’s entertainment landscape. Relaxed open bowling as well as high-pressure league tournaments are played here. Moreover, the bowling lanes on hand are plentiful, so don’t hesitate to host a big birthday bash or a raucous girl’s night out here.

When you want to chill in between frames, there’s an eatery serving a fresh Southern menu and a nicely stocked bar.

Capri Bowling Lanes

Address: 2727 S Dixie Dr Kettering, OH 45049, United States

Website: Capri Bowling Lanes

Opening hours: Mon: 4pm - 10pm; Wed: 9am - 10pm; Thu: 3pm - 10pm; Fri: 9am - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 2pm - 9pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 10 - 13 USD

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4. Get your game on at Scene75 Entertainment Center | Dayton

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Sunday Skee-ball, anyone? : @mds_2o #skeeball #arcadegames #weekend #sundayfunday #weekendvibes #theweekendisntover...

Posted by Scene75 Entertainment Center on Sunday, November 6, 2022

If you’re searching for the go-to gaming and entertainment venue in this city, then look no further than Scene75 Entertainment Center | Dayton. Boasting 14 incredible attractions and 150 fun-packed arcade games, this place offers unbeatable entertainment value. From the adrenaline rush of laser tag to the dazzle of black-light mini golf, this massive indoor amusement park is a non-stop fortress of fun.

One of the highlights of this amusement center is Tsunami Roller Coaster. In addition, there’s also the 4-D Motion Theater - a full-motion amusement park ride where you can pick various scenarios to travel through, such as Dino Safari and Tomb of Pharoah.

Scene75 Entertainment Center | Dayton

Address: 6196 Poe Ave, Dayton, OH 45414, United States

Website: Scene75 Entertainment Center | Dayton

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm

Price: 0.25 - 10 USD

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5. Score a direct hit at Laser Web Dayton

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Don’t let the heat and humidity keep you stuck at home this weekend. Come into Laser Web for some air conditioned fun!...

Posted by Laser Web Dayton on Saturday, August 7, 2021

Diehard laser tag fans will be happy to discover Laser Web Dayton, situated around 16.1 miles (25.91 kilometers) from downtown Dayton. This family establishment features top-of-the-line equipment and a lively sound system for the utmost pleasurable experience. Each laser-tag session has a duration of 20 minutes. You can opt for various game modes such as solo, team, or the exciting zombie infection option. Other enticing diversions include a fun laser maze, sharp virtual reality, and a well-furnished arcade.

Reservations are not mandatory, but they are recommended if you have a group of 10 or more people.

Laser Web Dayton

Address: 533 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459, United States

Website: Laser Web Dayton

Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 9pm; Thu: 2pm - 8pm; Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm (closed from Mon - Wed; except for private events)

Price: 2 - 25 USD

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6. Delve into the brilliant Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Boonshoftmuseumof discovery1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Texas141 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

There are numerous art, history, and science museums in Dayton, but there’s only one that’s a cut above the rest. Only Boonshoft Museum of Discovery offers an interesting science center, a fun children’s museum, a compelling natural history museum, a stellar planetarium, and a first-rate observatory under one roof! There’s even a zoo on hand, making this the ultimate place to explore.

Adopt an Animal and Laser Light Shows are some programs here that truly enhance this museum’s awesome experience.

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Address: 2600 DeWeese Pkwy, Dayton, OH 45414, United States

Website: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

Price: 12 - 15 USD

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7. Uncover the beauty of a bygone car at America's Packard Museum

Packard museum snoke
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chad Snoke used under CC BY 3.0

Car enthusiasts should not miss the chance to visit America’s Packard Museum. This museum was created in 1992 by a long-time automobile collector and is touted as the largest public collection of Packard vehicles and collectibles on the globe. Housed in a historic structure, this selection of Packards are the polished centerpieces in a snazzy art deco showroom.

Stroll through the museum and you’ll see a wide array of dazzling cars, from a 1903 Model K Grey Wolf Racer to a 1952 Parisan Coupe by Pinin Farina.

America's Packard Museum

Address: 420 S Ludlow St. Dayton, OH 45402, United States

Website: America’s Packard Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 5 - 10 USD

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8. Admire arrays of artwork at The Dayton Art Institute

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by The Dayton Art Institute on Thursday, May 19, 2022

The Dayton Art Institute is one of the earliest art establishments in the city. The museum building is as compelling as the artwork found inside. The designer Edward B. Green imagined a 16th-century Italian Renaissance feel for the museum and the grand Great Hall, roomy galleries, and a pair of breezy, open-air cloisters reflect this stately ambiance.

The museum’s collection is expansive - spanning five millennia of art history! Visitors can admire works from noteworthy artists such as Dale Chihuly, and Edward Hopper.

The Dayton Art Institute

Address: 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH 45405, United States

Website: The Dayton Art Institute

Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 5pm; Wed, Fri- Sat: 11am - 5pm; Thu: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 5 - 15 USD

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9. Conquer new heights at Urban Krag Climbing Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

As of today, we have 62 NEW Boulder problems ALL less than 2 weeks old. Had a great turnout for members set last Monday. A big Thank you to everyone that came and set! Our biggest turn out yet.

Posted by Urban Krag Climbing Center on Monday, April 24, 2023

The unique location of Urban Krag Climbing Center adds to the enjoyment of this venue. Situated in an eye-catching former church, this center is a prized locale for climbing enthusiasts who can’t wait for inclement weather to clear. Seasoned and novice climbers can scale a nice arrangement of textured and sculpted vertical walls that reach heights of 28 feet (8.53 meters) to 56 feet (17.07 meters).

If you’re a first-timer here, you must sign a waiver to climb. First-timers can sign up for classes such as Introduction to Rock Climbing and Rappeling.

Urban Krag Climbing Center

Address: 125 Clay Street Dayton, OH 45402, United States

Website: Urban Krag Climbing Center

Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 8pm; Tue - Fri: 1pm - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Mon: 5pm - 10pm (Members only night)

Price: 15 - 17 USD

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10. Brace for creepy chills at Dayton Scream Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Weather is perfect tonight, come out and see us

Posted by Dayton Scream Park on Saturday, September 16, 2017

Dayton Scream Park is a seasonal event that runs from September 9 through October 29. This is Dayton’s leading haunted house attraction packed with frightening antics and bone-chilling scares. See if you and your friends can escape the Rat Trap maze, or test your survival skills under the big top when you experience the Circus from Hell. Try not to shriek when you come face to face with Hollywood horror villains such as Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger.

Complimentary parking is available here.

Dayton Scream Park

Address: 5117 Valley St, Dayton, OH 45424, United States

Website: Dayton Scream Park

Opening hours: Fri & Sat: 7:30pm - 12am (closed Sun - Thu)

Price: 20 USD (Fri) and 25 USD (Sat)

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Indoor delights in Dayton

Dayton is a fabulous choice if you need an all-around fun getaway with indoor options in Ohio. Opt for some of the above activities for a memorable time in Dayton, Ohio.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more

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