Parks & Trails in Dayton
Five Rivers MetroParks plus city parks in every suburb. Trails, splash pads, disc golf, and dog parks, all free to visit.
14 parks in the Dayton area
MetroParksRiverScape MetroPark
Dayton
Downtown Dayton's flagship park along the Great Miami River. A hub for festivals, outdoor concerts, and year-round recreation.
The splash pad is free all summer, great for kids. Ice rink opens in winter.
MetroParksEastwood MetroPark
Dayton
Centered on Eastwood Lake, this park is a favorite for fishing, picnicking, and casual hikes just east of downtown.
Disc golf course is free. Dog park has separate small and large dog areas.
MetroParksIsland MetroPark
Dayton
A peaceful island park on the Mad River with easy walking trails, butterfly gardens, and scenic river views.
Beautiful sunset spot. Connects to the regional bike trail network.
MetroParksWegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
Dayton
Formal gardens, a Children's Discovery Garden, and woodland trails make this one of the most unique parks in the region.
The Children's Discovery Garden is a highlight for families, interactive and educational.
MetroParksPossum Creek MetroPark
Dayton
A west-side gem with a popular disc golf course, fishing ponds, and open meadow trails.
One of the best free disc golf courses in the region, 18 holes.
MetroParksAullwood Audubon MetroPark
Dayton
A working organic farm and nature education center on 350 acres of native prairie, woodlands, and wetlands. One of the most peaceful spots in the region.
The farm animals and nature center make this a top pick for families with young children.
MetroParksCox Arboretum MetroPark
Dayton
A stunning 189-acre botanical garden featuring specialty gardens, prairie grasses, mature forests, and one of the largest native Ohio butterfly houses in the region.
The butterfly house is a must-see in summer. The tree tower gives a treetop view of the forest.
MetroParksEnglewood MetroPark
Englewood
The largest park in the Five Rivers system: over 1,900 acres of river bottom land, wooded ravines, open meadows, and a reservoir with camping and fishing.
The swimming area at the reservoir is one of the few places to swim for free in the Dayton region.
MetroParksHills & Dales MetroPark
Kettering
Rolling wooded terrain perfect for trail running and hiking, with a great sledding hill in winter.
The sledding hill is legendary in winter. Trails are well-maintained year-round.
MetroParksCarriage Hill MetroPark
Huber Heights
A working 1880s farm surrounded by miles of trails. Incredible for families who want a rural experience close to the city.
Farm demonstrations run on weekends. Kids love meeting the animals.
MetroParksTaylorsville MetroPark
Huber Heights
A peaceful river park along the Great Miami with miles of paved trails connecting to the regional trail network, scenic meadows, and dense woodlands.
The Great Miami River Recreation Trail runs through here, great for biking or a long walk.
MetroParksSugarcreek MetroPark
Bellbrook
One of the most scenic parks in the region: dramatic limestone gorges, cedar cliffs, and pristine woodland trails.
The Cedar Cliff Falls trail is stunning. Worth the short drive from Centerville.
MetroParksTwin Creek MetroPark
Germantown
Hidden gem with a natural swimming hole, waterfall, and scenic creek-side trails through a shaded gorge.
The swimming hole is a local secret, perfect on hot summer days.
MetroParksCaesar Creek State Park
Waynesville
A massive 10,000-acre park with a reservoir lake, sandy beach, camping, and over 43 miles of trails. 30 min south of Dayton.
The fossil collecting area is unique, you can find 450-million-year-old fossils on the beach.
Dayton parks, answered
How many parks are there around Dayton?
37 parks across the metro, 14 Five Rivers MetroParks locations and 23 city parks in suburbs like Beavercreek, Kettering, Centerville, and Oakwood.
What's the difference between MetroParks and city parks?
Five Rivers MetroParks is the regional system. Larger preserves with trails, farms, and nature centers spread across the whole county. City parks are smaller, neighborhood-level spots run by individual suburbs, usually built around a playground or ball field.
Are Dayton's parks free to visit?
Yes. Every park listed here is free to enter, MetroParks and city parks alike. A few individual programs, like farm tours or ice rinks, may charge a small fee, but there's no admission to the parks themselves.
What amenities can I expect at Dayton parks?
It varies by park. Playgrounds, walking and biking trails, splash pads, dog parks, disc golf, fishing, and sports fields are the most common. Filter by city below and check each park's amenity tags to see what's nearby.
Pick a neighborhood close to the parks you'll actually use.
Chris can match your must-haves. Trails, a dog park, a splash pad for the kids. To the suburbs that deliver them.
