Family-fun in the Dayton area.

Lots of family fun near our apartments in Kettering!

When you move into Dovetree, you and your family will not only live in a gorgeous space, but you’ll also have access to numerous onsite amenities and perks—a beautiful clubhouse, pool, fitness center, and tennis courts, just to name a few. But when you want to have fun with the family off-property, there are tons of fun family-friendly activities near our Kettering apartments.

Carillon Historical Park

Just over ten minutes from our apartments in West Carrollton is Carillon Historical Park. This 65-acre open-air history museum is the go-to destination to learn about the rich and interesting history of Dayton. Learn about the early settlement era of the region, explore the Great 1913 Flood Exhibit, and see the original Wright Flyer III invented by the famous Wright Brothers. If you like getting outside, you can walk the trails and learn about the Moraine’s geological history with “History on the Hill”. Learn more about things you can see, do, and explore at the Carillon Historical Park website.

Cox Arboretum

You and your family will have a blast discovering and connecting with nature at the Cox Arboretum. This gorgeous 174-acre facility has 2.5 miles of trails where you can walk amongst specialty gardens, mature forests, trees, and shrubs that captivate the imagination. You won’t want to miss the Tree Tower with excellent views, the Bell Children’s Maze, and Butterfly House where you can see a variety of butterflies and moths. Visit the Cox Arboretum website to see all the activities they have to offer.

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

When you and your kids want to dive in a world of science, exploration, and fun, head to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. People of all ages can spend hours in this fascinating museum with dozens of exciting exhibitions. Have fun learning about water in the Miami River in the Splash! exhibit, take a tour of the cosmos in Science on a Sphere, or meet wild animals in the Discovery Zoo exhibit. For the little ones, the museum has the Kids Place for children under the age of 4 with learning activities and explorative play. View admission prices, exhibits, and special events at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery’s website.

RiverScape MetroPark

A lively park on the banks of the Great Miami River is the RiverScape MetroPark. Beautifully landscaped with gardens, flowers, and reflecting pools, the park hosts a wide range of events from summer concerts to winter ice skating. A great gathering spot for friends and family, you can kayak on the water, go fishing, and play outdoors at this popular park. Visit the RiverScape MetroPark’s website for a list of all activities and upcoming events.

SunWatch Indian Village

Less than 15 minutes from our apartments in West Carrollton is SunWatch Indian Village. This archaeological park aims to protect, preserve, and research the SunWatch National Historic Landmark archaeological site. They also have a visitor and educational center where you and your family can learn about local and regional Native American culture. View artifacts and immerse yourself in the 800-year-old lifestyle of the sites previous inhabitants by visiting the reconstructed structures, located in their original, exact locations. See admission, hours, and exhibit information at the SunWatch Indian Village website.

Hills & Dales MetroPark

Get outside and get some exercise with the entire family at Hills & Dales MetroPark. This 63-acre park with rolling hills, wetlands, and wildflowers is just over 4 miles from our apartments in Kettering. Let the kids run around at the playground and Nature Play area, walk the trail around Dogwood Pond, have a picnic at Paw Paw Camp, or stroll on the Wetlands Boardwalk surrounded by vegetation, flowers, and birds. Visit the Hills & Dales MetroPark website for a full list of activities and features.

Ohio Caverns

Get out of town and explore one of nature’s amazing wonders at the Ohio Caverns. Ohio’s largest and most beautiful caverns, this incredible natural feature has over 2 miles of passageways, ranging in depth from 30 feet to 103 feet underground. Guests can explore the caverns through two different tours in the summer or one specialized tour in the winter. Open all year, the tours are a comfortable and guided walk through “America’s most colorful caverns”. Above the caverns, you’ll find a 35-acre park with playground, picnic tables, and restrooms. Don’t forget to stop at the Visitor Center to pick up a souvenir. Learn more about hours, admission, and tours at the Ohio Caverns website.

National Museum of the United States Air Force

Just 20 minutes from Dovetree is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum—the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Admission to this incredible museum is free and children of all ages are welcome. Walk through the fascinating exhibits as you learn about aviation history ranging from historic wars to space exploration. You can even walk through planes that were used by famous past presidents. Guests will definitely want to try the interactive flight simulators and virtual reality transporter. Learn about all the exhibits and events on the Nation Museum of United States Air Force website.

Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

Get outside in the fresh air and learn about gardening with the entire family at Wegerzyn Gardens. Discover more about garden design ideas, plant combinations, and cultivation techniques in the fruitful gardens, then take a stroll into the woodlands on the Marie Aull Nature Trail or the Swamp Forest Boardwalk. Kids will have a blast interacting with the wonders of nature at the Children’s Discovery Garden. View all the garden’s features and amenities on the Wegerzyn Gardens website.

Learn, explore, and play at all the fun family activities and establishments near our Kettering apartments. Swing by Dovetree today to see which one of our spacious floor plans is best for your family.

Back to Blog