Whether it’s a sunny Saturday or a school break, Southwest Ohio is packed with destinations where kids can learn something new while having fun. From Cincinnati to Dayton, these family field trips make science, history and nature feel like play. Here are some of our favorite spots to plan your next educational adventure.
Cincinnati Museum Center
Housed in a historic Art Deco train station, the Cincinnati Museum Center complex offers multiple attractions in one. The Museum of Natural History & Science has a walk-through cave, a dinosaur gallery and a live science lab. The Cincinnati History Museum lets families step into a recreated 1850s Public Landing and step into a steamboat. There’s also a children’s museum with water play, climbing areas and creative zones for younger kids. You could easily spend the whole weekend here … and still have more to explore on your next visit.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery provides experiences that blend STEM learning with natural history and loads of fun. Highlights include the indoor zoo, a planetarium and rotating exhibits about robotics, space and physics. The “Do Lab” invites families to tinker and invent, making devices like catapults or charging a lightbulb. Parents of toddlers and preschoolers will love the giant water table and Kids Park. Boonshoft is an especially good option on cold or rainy days when outdoor adventures aren’t happening.
Carillon Historical Park in Dayton
Carillon Historical Park spans a whopping 65-acres. Here, families can see the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, watch a blacksmith at work and even ride on a 1913 carousel. The Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship is especially engaging for older kids interested in innovation and getting to the bottom of how things are made. There’s also a working 19th-century brewery (!) and plenty of picnic spots. This is the perfect spot to spend a sunny fall day.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton
Spread across 300 acres of rolling hills, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is a mix of outdoor art and nature. Families can rent an Art Cart (golf cart) to explore the giant sculptures scattered across the landscape. There’s also an Ancient Sculpture Museum on site with Greek, Roman and Egyptian artifacts. It’s a great way to get some sunshine while encouraging kids to think creatively about art and design.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs
Just east of Dayton, Glen Helen Nature Preserve is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream made up of miles of hiking trails through forests, prairies, and alongside creeks and waterfalls. The preserve is part of Antioch College and often hosts nature walks, summer camps and environmental education events. Families can visit the Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured birds of prey. It’s peaceful, inspiring and perfect for young naturalists.
Caesar Creek State Park and Visitor Center in Waynesville
Caesar Creek is known for its hiking, fossil hunting and lake views, but the visitor center is a hidden gem. The nature exhibits focus on local geology and wildlife, and there’s a large fossil display highlighting specimens found from the area. Bring a mesh bag and head to the nearby spillway. This is one of the best places in the Midwest to find Ordovician fossils like trilobites and brachiopods.
Tips for a Great Family Field Trip
Before heading out, check museum websites for updated hours, admission deals and event calendars. Many of these spots offer free days, homeschool programs, or seasonal activities that can make your visit even more special. While we don’t suggest tackling multiple excursions on one day, if you do, look for places located near each other.
Whether your kids are interested in trains, birds, ancient villages, or digging for fossils, there’s something nearby that is sure to capture their curiosity. These family field trips create shared memories and, who knows, they may even spark new passions!
