Spending time together as a family during the school year is hard, but once those summer months hit there’s plenty of opportunities, especially if you live in Xenia, OH. In a neighborhood so rich with history and nature, there’s rarely a shortage of things to do. And with all of Xenia’s parks, bike trails, and more, your weekends will be packed with outdoor fun. Whether you’re looking to get some exercise with the kids or relax under a tree with Mom and Dad, Xenia has something for you. So, pack yourself a picnic and get outside for some summer fun with the whole family.

View the largest and most accurate selection of real estate in Xenia, Ohio by HER, REALTORS® >

Xenia Farmers’ Market

There’s nothing like a sunny day to get you in the mood for some fresh fruits and veggies. So, grab that grocery list and head on over to the Xenia Farmers’ Market, which runs from 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday from June 2 until October 13. Located in the parking lot of Devil Wind Brewing, market-goers can enjoy browsing some of Xenia’s finest local produce and baked goods.

With the plethora of vendors, you can peruse the stalls until you find the juiciest apple or the best-smelling bouquet. Whether you’re shopping for the week or for the day’s picnic lunch, there’s no doubt a trip to the farmers’ market will be a great weekend outing for the family!

Shawnee Park

What’s summer without a little outdoor fun? One of Xenia’s many claims to fame is its supply of local parks. Although small, the town is home to 13 parks, where residents can participate in a variety of outdoor activities. At a local favorite, Shawnee Park, families can enjoy fishing, hiking picnicking—you name it.

The scenic pavilion on the water is also a great spot to host family gatherings, such as summer barbeques, family reunions, wedding receptions, or graduation parties. The park also has a great playground for kids! So, whether you’re looking to get in a quick workout or just spend some time with a good book, Shawnee Park is a great place to spend a warm summer day.

Berryhill Farm

Another local favorite for the summer months is berry picking, and, luckily enough, Berryhill Farm is just down the road. Any Saturday from early July until Labor Day, Berryhill Farms has pick-your-own berries from 8:30 am to noon.

The farm grows three kinds of berries: blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Patrons can collect as many berries as they want and then pay by the pound. Afterwards head over to one of Xenia’s many parks for a picnic or head home to pour your fresh berries over a bowl of ice cream. And, if you can’t make it out to the farm on a Saturday, visit a local farmers’ market to get your Berryhill Farm fresh berry fix!

The Greene County Museum

Summer is best spent outdoors—weather permitting. If you’re looking for an educational outing or a rainy day activity, The Greene County Museum is a great place for the family to spend the afternoon. Run by the Greene County Historical Society, the museum houses a variety of collections commemorating Greene County and the surrounding areas. The museum also frequently features special exhibits and hosts annual events for members of the community, such as the yearly Harvest Festival or Flashlight Fright Night.

In addition to the 52-room museum, the Greene County Historical Society also owns and maintains many other buildings on the property totaling 17 acres. If you’ve already been to the museum, consider exploring the Brantley Carriage House or the Galloway Log House, a two-story log cabin from pioneer days. Take a walk through history at one of Xenia’s hidden gems, and you might just learn something new along the way.

Caesar Creek Vineyards

If you’re looking for a fun date night in Xenia, Caesar Creek Vineyards is the place to go. Enjoy the beautiful countryside with a glass of wine in hand—perhaps even one of the vineyard’s own labels, which can also be purchased at a local farmers’ market.

During the summer months, you can make a reservation for a private tasting or attend one of the Caesar Creek Vineyard’s weekly events. A local favorite is an event called Cork & Canvas, where participants get the chance to paint with the help of an instructor while enjoying a glass of wine with friends. And the best part of all? Each Friday and Saturday night the vineyard has a live musician perform on the patio. Come for the wine—stay for the atmosphere.

Greene Trails Cycling Classic

In the mood for a family bike ride? Lucky for you, Xenia is actually the bicycle capital of the midwest. Fun fact: Many of the town’s bike trails actually used to be railroad tracks. So what once was an old train station at the center of the tracks, now serves as a rest stop for weary cyclists. With over 270 miles of paved paths to choose from, the town is quite a hot spot for both competitive racing and leisurely rides. In fact, Xenia hosts an annual event called the Greene Trails Cycling Classic, which is a four-day cycling event that starts in Xenia.

Some riders choose to participate in all four days of the race, stopping at hotels or campsites along the way, while others simply make it a family day trip. The event is family-friendly and the route has become a classic in the biking community, with many riders returning year after year to reunite with their fellow cyclists and revisit the beautiful countryside. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran of the race, the scenic ride is not to be missed.

‍