Many people in Dayton are practicing self-isolation and social distancing as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic that is currently affecting the world. This is a helpful way to keep people safe, and hopefully stop the spread of the virus. But what are locals to do when they’re in their home for work--as well as play--for the entire day? Well, you may not get to meet up with friends for a happy hour drink or visit your favorite coffee shop, library, or museum at this time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a lot to explore online! Dayton’s museums have made many of their collections available to view online, and small businesses are staying open to online orders, so you can still show your support!

We’ve put together a list of some of the popular spots in Dayton you can e-visit from your home, as well as ways you can help keep the local economy going in these uncertain times.

Check Out Dayton’s Metro Library Online

Your local library is just a click away!

Although you can’t visit the Dayton Metro Library in person, you still have access to all their fantastic resources, books, movies, and music online! They have a large collection of audio and electronic books that are available to check out with your library card. Don’t have a card? Not a problem, you can apply for one online and get instant access to these products.

If you have children at home, you might be worried that being out of the classroom for so long will affect their learning. Not to worry, the Dayton Metro Library has a whole section of resources specifically to help children learn and thrive at home. You can get access to online tutors for any subject they may be struggling with, as well as virtual study groups and online flashcards to make sure your kids are staying mentally stimulated!

E-Visit Dayton’s Popular Museums

Stay safe at home while you virtually visit all your favorite Dayton attractions

National Museum of the U.S. Airforce

The National Museum of the U.S. Airforce is one of the most popular places to visit for both locals and visitors to Dayton alike. Their impressive collection of museum artefacts, aviation history, and hands on exhibits are what make this a must-see in Dayton. While you can’t visit the site due to its closure, you can still take a virtual 360 degree tour of their facility right from home! This completely self-guided tour allows you to get up close with the current exhibits, and it's super easy to navigate with its helpful arrows and drop down menu. Hover your mouse over an exhibit to get more information about the item including additional audio and videos.

You can also view their galleries online as well, including the Memphis Belle, Posters at Home, Space Gallery, and the Space Food exhibit. This would be a fun and informative way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Carillon Historical Park

People love to visit the beautiful Carillon Historical Park year round and admire the views as well as the interesting exhibits. This 65 acre park displays the achievements of Dayton, and how this city has had a big impact on the wider world. Although you can no longer stroll the grounds, you can delve into their impressive collection of videos that highlight some of the ways in which Dayton changed the world. Check out videos about living history experiences, artefacts, trains, and many more. There are a lot of good educational videos here, so make sure to include the kids as well when you watch!

You can also view live videos of the Deeds Carillon, which chimes every 15 minutes to mark the time and gives viewers “mini concerts” at 12pm, 2pm, and 5pm.

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

Everyone knows that Dayton is the birthplace of aviation, and what better way to learn a little about Dayton’s impressive history than with the videos made available online by the Aviation Heritage National Historical Park? This national park has put together videos by park rangers, curators, and other educators to bring to life the interesting history of aviation and its ties to Dayton. Learn from the experts all the answers to your historical aviation questions, and make a note of any exhibits you’d like to visit in the future.

The Aviation Heritage National Historical Park also offers a searchable online database of all the items that currently housed in the national park, and viewers can search for items based on time period or collection. You can also browse through some of the interesting photographs in the park’s gallery as well.

The Neon

Many people are cozying up to binge on all the amazing TV and movie content available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, but don’t forget to support your local movie theater if you can as well! The Neon is currently offering “Saint Frances” which is available to stream on your device at home. For just $10.50, you will receive a link to the screening that is good for 48 hours. That means you have a full two days to enjoy this well received film and you can help out your local theater in the process!

The Neon is working to get more of their upcoming movies available to patrons who want to show their support, but can’t attend the showings in person.

Dayton Art Institute

This art museum is beloved of many locals, not only because they house some amazing permanent art collections and always have a new exhibition to show, but because of their continual engagement with the community. The Dayton Art Institute might be closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, but they’re committed to bring the art to you--virtually! Take a tour of some of the highlights of their collections, including selections from their American, African, Asian, European, Outdoor Sculpture, and photography galleries.

Also, be sure to follow them on social media for updates to their Draw from the Collection online series. Twice a month there is a themed hour long drawing session that’s led by a museum educator. With these videos you can learn the drawing techniques of the masters, and create your own piece of artwork!

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

If you’re looking to get the kids engaged in learning and discovery while they’re home, then you’ll want to check out the online video collection of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery! Each day while the museum is closed, they’re going to post daily programming videos that are perfect for killing some time during you and your kids’ time at home. Their morning programs focus on science education and include a fun experiment that you can conduct at home, such as the egg float experiment or rainbow milk.

The afternoon program will be a virtual museum experience, such as a behind the scenes tour of their Egyptian collection, or getting up close and personal with an animal ambassador like a river otter or a black rat snake. Make sure to bookmark this site as you’ll want to visit it often.

Local Dayton Music Online

You can support Dayton’s music scene electronically

Dayton Philharmonic

The Dayton Philharmonic is a popular destination for music-lovers each weekend, and it has been sorely missed since the recent closures. There are online resources available for students who are at home and curious to know more about music history, and its social and cultural impact on the world. There are lessons appropriate for grades 4 through 12, and in each series, students will get an in depth discussion of the importance of music throughout history, and how we still use it as a form of expression today.

Omega Music

If you’re a fan of music in Dayton, chances are you’ve dropped by Omega Music to add to your collection of vinyl, or to pick up the latest releases from your favorite artists. While you can’t browse their vast collection of music in store, you can check out what they have to offer online! Omega Music is a family owned business that has always been about the music and highlighting local Dayton musicians. You can show your support for this small business by doing some online shopping from their new and used items. Because we all need some good, uplifting tunes to get us through those long days while we’re at home!

Support Local Dayton Businesses Online

Show your support and keep shopping local!

Beck & Call

This women owned boutique is a favorite among locals, and although they’ve had to close their doors to the public, they are still accessible online! Shop for clothing, bath and body items, as well as home goods. Right now they’re offering flat rate shipping of $5 for any of their in-stock items, and can even do curbside pick up if you prefer. Keep your house cozy with their candles or take some time to self-care with their bath salts.

Heart Mercantile

Show your Dayton pride and pick up some items from Heart Mercantile. They have many comfortable options for tees, sweatshirts, and tank-tops, which would be perfect for getting work done in your home office. Support a small business and show off your love of Dayton while you’re at it!

Luna Gifts and Botanical

If you’re new to working at home, you might not be aware of the benefits of having a plant nearby, or you might be missing the plant you had in your office. Luna Gifts and Botanical really believes that plants can make anything better, including long days of self-isolation. Check out their online store where you’ll find all kinds of cheery plants that are sure to spruce up your space! Pick up one of their gift cards and when they open back up to customers, you can make a purchase. Plants also make great gifts for friends and family that you can’t spend time with, so consider shipping a gift card to a loved one as well.

Square One Salon

Square One Salon might be closed to customers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still show your support! This salon offers many spa and salon services to men and women, and since closing, many people have had to deal with the cancellation of their appointments. You can still book future appointments online, so make sure you get ahead of the rush when they are able to open their doors again. Additionally, you can pick up a gift card for the salon that you can use at a later date, or send to a loved one and brighten their day!

Dayton’s Restaurant and Bars

Don’t forget to support your favorite Dayton restaurants and bars! Although they’re closed to seated dining, you can still order some fantastic meals online. Restaurants such as Another Broken Egg, Basil’s on Market, Christy’s Family Pizza, and Lock 27 Brewing all offer takeout or delivery services via Grubhub or DoorDash. While you can’t go out to your local hangout just yet, you can order in and enjoy some amazing meals in the comfort and safety of home.

Stay Active while Social Distancing in Dayton

Keep yourself healthy with exercise

Five Rivers MetroParks

Residents of Dayton are lucky to have such a wide variety of parks at their disposal to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Even in this time of social distancing, it’s important to get some fresh air and exercise, so that you can stay healthy. Choose from any one of Dayton’s park and go for a walk, admire the budding flowers, bring your binoculars to bird watch, or just sit on a bench and enjoy the view. Outdoor therapy can really do a lot to improve mood and keep your mind active. Remember to keep your distance from others enjoying the park in order to keep everyone safe.

Online Yoga

Keeping up with daily exercise is important, which is why many yoga studios in the Dayton area have decided to go digital and offer online classes to their patrons. Day Yoga offers their students with limited and unlimited memberships access to their full online library of videos. You can also pay $20/month to subscribe to their session library as well if you don’t want to commit to a membership at this time. Support your local businesses and stay healthy at the same time!

As Dayton adjusts to life at home, it is still possible to do a lot online! Whether you want to learn something new, read a book, or get a workout in, there are many places in Dayton you can e-visit from home.