--- title: 13 Activities for the Whole Family Near Wright-Patterson AFB description: Explore these family-friendly activities and events around Wright-Patterson AFB, from museums and parks to annual festivals and markets. Enjoy the best of small-town charm and big-city amenities. image: https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/All_images/Cities-Places/ITI%2013%20Activities%20for%20the%20Whole%20Family%20Near%20Wright-Patterson%20AFB%20%202.jpg --- [![MilitaryByOwner](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/MilitaryByOwner_February2020/Images/logo_header.png)](https://www.militarybyowner.com/) Member Login - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) # 13 Activities for the Whole Family Near Wright-Patterson AFB ![Danielle Keech](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Blog%20author%20headshots%201.jpg) ## [Danielle Keech](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/danielle-keech) April 15, 2025 - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/13-activities-for-the-whole-family-near-wright-patterson-afb) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/13-activities-for-the-whole-family-near-wright-patterson-afb) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/13-activities-for-the-whole-family-near-wright-patterson-afb) - [**](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/13-activities-for-the-whole-family-near-wright-patterson-afb) [Air Force Bases](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/topic/air-force-bases) ## 13 Activities for the Whole Family Near Wright-Patterson AFB If you're unfamiliar with [Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio](https://www.militarybyowner.com/oh/wright-patterson-afb/), this duty station has the charming small-town feel many crave. At the same time, its proximity to larger cities like Cincinnati and Columbus allows access to big-city amenities, truly giving residents the best of both worlds. But, you might be asking, *what’s there to do at this Ohio duty station? * Big-city locations like San Diego, Tampa, and San Antonio are home to well-known attractions and leave little to the imagination. But [Wright-Patterson AFB](https://www.militarybyowner.com/oh/wright-patterson-afb-homes/), or "Wright-Patt," takes a little more getting to know.  With its strong sense of community and proximity to other cities, you're unlikely to run out of things to do during your time in Ohio. ## ![Hot air balloon with sun flare and text, 13 Activities for the Whole Family Near Wright-Patterson AFB](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Social_Media_Images/Pinterest%20Images/Pinterest%20optimized%20images/13%20Activities%20for%20the%20Whole%20Family%20Near%20Wright-Patterson%20AFB.jpg?width=600&height=900&name=13%20Activities%20for%20the%20Whole%20Family%20Near%20Wright-Patterson%20AFB.jpg) ## Wright-Patterson AFB Nearby Attractions ### 1. National Museum of the United States Air Force Once a small engineering study collection, the [National Museum of the United States Air Force](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/) is the oldest and largest military aviation museum and world-renowned center for air and space power technology, as well as being a family favorite. With a ton of aircraft on display and activities designed just for kids, this stop offers visitors a walk through our nation's history.  ### 2. The Dayton Art Institute Share the visual arts with your children at The Dayton Art Institute. While older kids may enjoy a visit with their class, younger littles are sure to enjoy the Art Camp or Passport to Kindergarten, where they can get their hands dirty with interactive activities. ### 3. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Interact with science on a personal level at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. With so many kid-friendly exhibits, like Summer STEM Camps, Planetarium, the Discovery Zoo, and Oscar Boonshoft Kids, your kids’ new favorite outing will be guilt-free. ### 4. The Wright Cycle Company Spend the day exploring Dayton Aviation Heritage at [The Wright Cycle Company](https://www.nps.gov/daav/index.htm). Sign your 6- to 12-year-olds up to become Junior Park Rangers or let your kids head out on a Nature Quest to experience and explore nature.    ### 5. Riverscape MetroPark Head out to Riverscape Metro Park for a day surrounded by beautiful gardens, flowering pots, and reflecting pools on the edge of The Great Miami River. With opportunities to camp, hike, bike, fish, ice-skate in the winter, and play in the fountains in the summer, this Dayton attraction is worth revisiting.   ### 6. Carillon Historical Park Watch history come to life right before your little one’s eyes at Carillon Historical Park. Explore museum exhibits about the Wright Brothers, the 1913 Flood, Dayton Heritage, and more. Then, take your kids to feel like a part of history at the Early Settlement Area and grab dinner with costumed interpreters at the Carillon Brewing Company. 7. 2nd Street Market  Venture down to the 2nd Street Market to spend the day with local farmers, artisans, and food vendors under one roof. Open year-round, you’ll find a variety of fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and specialty items, making it a great spot to explore and enjoy. Beyond shopping, the market hosts seasonal events and activities that engage the whole family. *![Hot air balloons floating in blue sky above town and trees at balloon festival in midwest ](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/All_images/Cities-Places/ITI%2013%20Activities%20for%20the%20Whole%20Family%20Near%20Wright-Patterson%20AFB%20%201.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=ITI%2013%20Activities%20for%20the%20Whole%20Family%20Near%20Wright-Patterson%20AFB%20%201.jpg)Photo by Craige MacGonigle from Pexels via Canva.com * ## Wright-Patterson AFB Area Annual Events & Festivals ### 8. Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival Head out for a full, fun day at the Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival. Come early for tethered balloon rides, arts and crafts, food vendors, and concerts. Or join in the evening festivities for a night balloon glow and fireworks! ### 9. Germanfest Picnic Pull on your stretchy pants and indulge in authentic German food, music, beer, and more. Sip on your cold mug of beer and let the kids run wild at the Kid Zone complete with inflatables, games, face-painting, and a puppet show. ### 10. Bacon Fest Come one, come all for a celebration of bacon, free to the public. Enjoy sampling local restaurants and live music all festival long. ### 11. Ohio Renaissance Festival Join the Ohio Renaissance Festival for "International Talk Like a Pirate Day" in mid-September, where the kids can enjoy a Pirate Stunt Show and Pirate Play Time. Then, come back in October to witness Highland Weekend, capturing the Celtic charm with bagpipes and Gaelic spirit. ### 12. Dayton Greek Festival Celebrate Greek heritage with cooking demonstrations, delicious food, live music, dance performances, and beer. Kids can burn off energy with fun activities on-site. ### 13. Fairborn Halloween Festival Dress up the kids and join Dayton for a festive weekend full of rides, yummy food, live music, a zombie walk, and more. Boredom is a thing of the past when you settle into the Wright-Patt area. With so many things to do, the whole family should have no trouble finding entertainment. And while there’s plenty to do at home, you’ll likely enjoy a few day trips and weekend destinations. You don’t want to miss Columbus Zoo, Kentucky Horse Park, Kings Island, or Cuyahoga National Park. ### Want to learn more about this Ohio duty station? Download our free Military Family Guide to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base below.  [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/131168/23947d83-858e-4019-a958-e61cc6926088.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/131168/23947d83-858e-4019-a958-e61cc6926088) #### SHARE THIS ARTICLE - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/13-activities-for-the-whole-family-near-wright-patterson-afb) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/13-activities-for-the-whole-family-near-wright-patterson-afb) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/13-activities-for-the-whole-family-near-wright-patterson-afb) ![Danielle Keech](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Blog%20author%20headshots%201.jpg) #### Author ## [Danielle Keech](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/danielle-keech) Danielle Keech is a writer and content creator for MilitaryByOwner Advertising, where she illustrates aspects of military life in articles and video content. Whether she's diving into budgeting tips or featuring the next dream home, Danielle keeps it real for fellow military families navigating PCS chaos, tight budgets, and new beginnings. Married to her Marine for 14 years, she's mom to four spirited kiddos (and one loyal pup), and has called everywhere from Florida to Okinawa home, though Hawaii still holds the top spot. Danielle has PCS’d nine times in ten years and still sees each move as a new adventure. She thrives on creating content that supports the community she’s proud to be a part of. ### OPT IN for our WEEKLY newsletter To be honest, we don’t do much outbound marketing. So if you give us your email, we’re unlikely to spam you. 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