Say you’ve got some spare time today with the little ones. Or maybe you’ve got a birthday coming up for a special kid who deserves to go out into the city and have some real, memorable fun. Sometimes we make plans for our kids that just don’t seem to work out when we get there; either the activity wasn’t designed with a child’s imagination in mind, or you show up and the little guy or gal just isn’t into it. Well, we’re here to help eliminate that problem. How? We’ve curated a list of the top ten highest-rated attractions and activities all over Dayton that have proven to be a blast for countless families and kids. Whether you’ve got a ton of time to plan, or you’re feeling spontaneous today, you can go out into the city and take advantage of any of these top-rated venues right now!

10: Beaver-Vu Bowl

Show your kids some good, old-fashioned fun with the timeless tradition of bowling. This top-rated bowling alley is right in the center of town with a ton of fun to occupy your whole family. This huge complex houses 64 bowling lanes, a restaurant/bar, a concessions stand, and an arcade section to ensure your kids have a good time from the moment you walk in. To learn more about Beaver-Vu Bowl, check out their website here.

9: Build-a-Bear Workshop

Right outside of Dayton in Beavercreek Township, a trip to BABW is a classic experience for parents to share with their kids. Shops like these are a great way to spend an hour or two with your little ones because the experience yields a fun memento to take home! Make some memories as your kids pick out a new plush friend, watch as it is made, and pick out special outfits and accessories for the toy. The cash spent on the toy comes with the added fun of the assembling process, making BABW a unique way to get a new toy that will have your kids entertained for countless hours long after the trip is over. Check out hours and detail about the Beavercreek location here.

8: RiverScape MetroPark

For parents looking for a simple, budget-friendly afternoon out, look no further that the RiverScape MetroPark along the Miami River. Walk along the Miami River on a paved pedestrian sidewalk with views of the downtown skyline on one side and the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the other. In a world full of screens offering endless hyperstimulation to kids’ forming brains, a long walk is a great way to get kids active, burn off excess energy, marvel at ducks and wildlife, and appreciate the local architecture. And the best part: for absolutely free! Check out the park’s website here.

7: Greater Dayton Recreation Center

As summer turns to fall and the weather cools down, kids still have the opportunity to have fun swimming in Dayton. The Greater Dayton Recreation Center has a large indoor pool with a curly slide, deeps and shallows, and a lifeguard on duty. Going swimming in a safe environment is a great way to spend a few hours with kids. Even better, the GDRC only charges a few dollars per person for entry to the pool, so no matter your budget, you and your kids can have a great time at the Greater Dayton Recreation Center all seasons of the year. Learn more about the Recreation Center here.

6: Scene75 Entertainment Center

For a thrilling, action-packed day out with kids, look no further than the Scene75 Entertainment Center on the outskirts of Dayton. This place is fun for all ages. Check out classic thrills like go-carting and arcade gaming for older kids and grown-ups, as well as active play and learning zones for toddlers. Learn more about everything Scene75 has to offer at their website.

5: Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt

A great way to grab a treat but also engage kids in a creative activity is to check out the serve-yourself yogurt spot Orange Leaf just south of Dayton in Kettering, Ohio. This fun, affordable spot is a great way to kill some time and feed your sweet tooth doing it. By giving your child the initiative to choose their own flavors and toppings, you can give them the opportunity to be creative and make something all on their own. Put the fun of simple, quasi-cooking into the hands of your child at Orange Leaf. Check out details about this location here.

4: Earthship, OH

Down for a road trip? The 2-and-a-half-hour drive to Blue Rock Station from Dayton is more than worth it. This sustainability-focused location is made of salvaged parts. Take a tour of the house, check out rare-breed chickens in the coop out back, and learn all about the recycled materials that built this unique, stunning venue. Learn more about everything the Earthship has to offer here at their website.

3: National Museum of the US Air Force

For the imaginative, curious, or precocious child, the National Museum of the United States Air Force is an absolute must-visit spot. Just a 12-minute drive from the center of town, this sprawling national museum is a point of pride for the Dayton community. This isn’t any ordinary drab history museum. The self-guided nature of the layout and great interactive elements make the Air Force Museum a great place to excite and educate children about history, technology, and national defense. One look at a full-size model plane suspended over their head, and your kid will remember this museum forever. For more details visit the museum’s official website.

2: Trails Miniature Golf Course

Mini golf is an American staple for children and adults alike. Just south of Dayton in Kettering, Ohio is this beautiful outdoor gem that takes miniature golf to the next level. With the surrounding forest scenery and grand well-maintained water feature, playing 18 holes of mini golf at Trails is a more-than-memorable experience. Learn more about Trails Miniature Golf Course at their website.

1: Decoy Art Center

Ready for some serious bonding time with the kids? Ready to stimulate creativity in your child and yourself? A little out of the Dayton town center in Beavercreek Township, this fun, dynamic painting and pottery studio accepts walk-in painters during open hours for those spur-of-the-moment trips with the little ones. For groups of six or more, Decoy recommends calling ahead. It’s also important to note you can schedule a formal party for older kids to actually learn to mold the clay into pottery yourself! Learn more about walk-in hours and reservations at the Decoy Art website.

No matter the weather, the time of day, or the interests of your child, the great city of Dayton has plenty to offer for families looking to get closer to each other and the city. When in doubt, find a way to let the child drive the experience and open up their own creativity as a means to have fun. Every kid is different; the best places to make memories are places where their uniqueness can shine and grow. Whether you’re looking to play or create, learn or explore, Dayton and its community businesses have got you and your family covered.