Ohio's Charming City Outside Of Dayton Offers Family-Friendly Recreation And Small-Town Vibes

The city of Dayton, Ohio — home to the largest military aviation museum in the world — is known for its blend of culture and Midwestern charm. However, just north of downtown Dayton is Vandalia, a charming city in its own right with family-friendly recreation, outdoor activities, a quiet atmosphere, and easy access to everything that the area has to offer. Vandalia is a treasure trove of parks, hiking trails, river access, sports courts, unique history, and giant trolls — yes, you read that correctly.

Though technically a city, Vandalia feels more like a village, offering an intimate retreat from Dayton's bustling city center. Dayton itself is not a major metropolis, but is actually the sixth-largest city in Ohio, with a population of around 138,000 residents. Despite its smaller size, the city boasts one of America's lowest costs of living.

Vandalia is a stone's throw from Dayton International Airport (DAY), located less than 10 minutes away by car. Booking a stay in Dayton will give you easy access to Vandalia, along with other charming small towns in Ohio. Dayton boasts many hotels, including the Hampton Inn & Suites Dayton-Vandalia, complete with an indoor pool. Accommodations in the Dayton area are generally affordable, with rates between $65 and $200 per night, depending on the hotel and type of suite that you choose.

Families will find all kinds of activities to stay busy in Vandalia. For those looking to take a dip in an indoor pool, shoot some hoops, or soak in a hot tub, the Vandalia Recreation Center is open all year long, and available for non-residents at just $8 per day. The recreation center also offers group fitness classes, an indoor fitness center, walking track, and a 27-foot indoor climbing wall, accessible to non-locals for $5 per person.

For a unique day trip with the kids, head 12 minutes west of Vandalia to the Aullwood Audubon Center. It offers 8 miles of walking trails, a nature center, a working educational farm with a discovery center, and giant otherworldly troll statues built by Thomas Dambo. Dambo, a world-renowned artist hailing from Denmark, is known for creating giant troll statues all over the globe from reclaimed materials. At the time of writing, general admission to the center is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors aged 65 and over, and $9 for children aged 12 and under. 

History buffs looking for something fun to do in town can visit the Historical Society of Vandalia Butler, home to many exhibits and artifacts from the 1800s. The must-see museum includes a walking tour of the preserved heritage buildings, including an original log cabin replica, school house, historic barn, and more. The grounds are free to enter, but only open to the public on the first and third Sunday of each month from April through October. Be sure to plan your visit ahead of time to ensure that you'll make it for the tour. 

For a peaceful escape in nature, Taylorsville MetroPark offers over 8 miles of hiking trails and access to the beautiful Great Miami River. Outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking or cycling along the Great Miami River Recreational Trail, as well as fishing and paddling on the river. The Great Miami River Trail leads hikers along remnants of the Miami-Erie Canal and to an observation deck overlooking a flourishing, native meadow. You may even see remains of the Village of Tadmor, a once busy town that is now stacks of stone reclaimed by nature. Dogs are permitted on leashes, and the park is open all year round. If you're visiting during the winter months, be sure to pack for snowy weather and icy conditions.

Vandalia is also home to Helke Park, a local treasure with over 30 acres to explore. The park includes walking trails amid lush green trees and shady picnic areas. For something more active, Helke Park has multiple pickleball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, softball areas, and a disc golf course. Families will enjoy the on-site playground and Little Free Library. Of course, a major draw of Vandalia is its close proximity to the shops, restaurants, and entertainment in downtown Dayton, located just 15 minutes away by car and less than an hour on public transit.