Top 15 Parks in Dayton Ohio

Get Outside and See All The Great Wide Spaces We Have in Dayton

Published: 2022-06-20 20:37:21

Dayton is known as the "Gem City" for its many parks and recreational opportunities. Being locals, Mighty Dog Roofing in Dayton, OH has curated a list of the best parks in the city for you.

The city has over 150 parks, which offer a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike. From hiking and biking trails to playgrounds and picnic areas, there is something for everyone in Dayton's park system.

Riverscape MetroPark

On the banks of the Great Miami River, you’ll find Dayton’s Riverscape Metropark. This beautiful park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t mind getting wet. Kayaking, white-water rafting, and interactive fountains are just a few of the water sports you’ll spot when you visit.

You’ll also find walking trails, fishing spots, lots of local restaurants to eat at, and some of the city’s best biking trails. It’s the perfect place to cool off in the summer or to get in some outdoor exercise.

Eastwood MetroPark

If you’ve ever longed to watch the sunset over the water, Eastwood MetroPark is probably the place for you. This park on the lake is an excellent spot for boating, fishing, biking, kayaking, and running. It’s built with accessibility in mind, so the parking, bathrooms, trails, and shelters, are wheelchair friendly.

There’s even a spot for trailside camping, so if you can’t get enough of the park, you can arrange to extend your visit.  

Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

This 88-acre park combines all the best of a metro area, including gardens, children's gardens, and quiet woodland walks. You’ll find lots of flowers, bathrooms, walkways, drinking fountains, and all the basic amenities parks offer.

In the center of the park is Jay Lake, where fishing is welcomed. This is a great area to learn about nature with the whole family or to spend a quiet afternoon. If you plan to get together with friends, you can reserve a park shelter for the afternoon.

Island MetroPark

Island Metropark offers access to the Great Miami River along a smooth stretch that is perfect for rowing and canoeing. There is also a variety of walking and biking paths, a kids splash zone, a pedestrian bridge, and sprawling lawns for everything from picnics to playing catch.

With shelters for rent, ice skating in the winter, and plenty of options for year round fun, proximity to this park is an amenity you’ll not want to pass up.

Possum Creek MetroPark

Possum Creek MetroPark is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon in nature. Maintained by the Five Rivers MetroParks system, Possum Creek is home to a variety of plant and animal species. The park also has an extensive network of hiking trails, making it the perfect place to get some exercise while enjoying the great outdoors.

The hiking trails are well-marked and offer stunning views of the creek below. The picnic area is spacious and perfect for a family outing. And the playground is sure to keep the kids entertained for hours. Possum Creek MetroPark is the perfect place to enjoy a day in the great outdoors.

Taylorsville MetroPark

Taylorsville MetroPark is another great option for spending a day in nature. This park, also maintained by the Five Rivers MetroParks system, offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.

There are miles of hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, and a playground. The park also has a large pavilion that can be rented for special events.

Taylorsville MetroPark is the perfect place to enjoy a day of hiking, biking, or picnicking with friends and family.

Art Van Atta Park

Art Van Atta Park is a great option for those looking for a place to take the kids. The park occupies 148 acres of Montgomery and offers a fishing pond, sprawling lawns, walkways, paths, and multiple volleyball and basketball courts.

For some family fun, you can rent a fireplace to roast marshmallows or enjoy a picnic with electric outlets if you need to work a camp stove. The shelters make for great spots for family reunions, company get-togethers, and more.

Carriage Hill MetroPark

Carriage Hill MetroPark is a great place to explore the history of Dayton. The park is home to a working farm, as well as a reconstructed pioneer village.

Visitors can take a wagon ride around the farm or explore the village on their own. The park also has a variety of hiking trails, making it the perfect place to get some exercise.

Carriage Hill MetroPark is the perfect place to learn about the history of Dayton while getting some fresh air.

Englewood MetroPark

Englewood MetroPark is a great place to spend a day in nature. The park has an extensive network of hiking trails, as well as a disc golf course.

The picnic area is spacious and perfect for a family outing. And the playground is sure to keep the kids entertained for hours. Englewood MetroPark is the perfect spot to spend a summer day with the whole family, whether you prefer fishing, biking, grilling, or disc golf.

Hills & Dales MetroPark

Hills & Dales MetroPark is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park has miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a variety of picnic areas.

It is most notable, perhaps, for its historic bridge and small waterfall fountain beneath. This is a great area to observe nature, butterflies, and perhaps snap a few photos of the scenery.

Belmont Park

Belmont Park is a great place to play or spectate sports. The park offers tennis courts, soccer fields, a baseball and softball diamond, and restrooms. With a reservable park shelter, this is a great place for a picnic or family reunion.

Belmont Park also offers disc gold and basketball courts, a playground, and is pet friendly, so long as you bring a leash. There's no shortage of ways to enjoy Belmont Park, especially in warmer weather.

Sycamore State Park

If you're looking for a great place to take a hike or just enjoy some time outdoors, Sycamore State Park is a great choice. Known for its abundance of sycamores, the park was established in 1979 and covers over 2300 acres. There are miles of hiking trails, as well as a playground, shelter house, and picnic areas.

The park also offers a variety of other activities including fishing, archery, and camping.

The park features thousands of acres of land to explore, including hiking trails, lakes, and forests. There's also a variety of wildlife to see, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Huffman MetroPark

Huffman MetroPark borders Huffman Lake, a lake controlled by the Huffman Dam. This park was created in 1967 and has been a go-to spot for decades for Dayton Residents to get out and enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, and watersports like kayaking and canoeing.

Mountain biking is a large reason for the draw to Huffman MetroPark, with more than 9 miles of trails. Beginners, experts, and enthusiasts alike flock to the MoMBA area to enjoy the sport. There’s even a section for kids to learn about mountain biking.

Deeds Point MetroPark

Deeds Point is one of the more beautiful MetroParks in the Dayton Area. Surrounded by tall buildings on one side and the Great Miami River on the other, this park offers the best of both worlds, especially if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This park offers miles of biking trails, informational aviation history statues of the Wright brothers, and plenty of green space for resting and enjoying nature.

Orchardly Park

Located in Southeast Dayton, this interactive playground is a paradise for kids who have been cooped up on a hot day. With a splash pad, jungle gym, and playground for the kids, others can enjoy the basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts at the same time.

The park also offers a reservable shelter and restrooms to ensure you get to stay as long as you’d like. Check online to see when this park opens to ensure you get in on the fun.

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