Dayton, Ohio (and nearby) — Events by Date

Get ready for a prehistoric adventure when Jurassic Quest stomps into the Dayton Convention Center this winter! This immersive, walk-through event brings life-size, roaring dinosaurs to downtown Dayton for three days of family fun, learning, and exploration. From towering animatronic dinosaurs to fossil digs and interactive activities, Jurassic Quest promises an unforgettable experience for dinosaur lovers of all ages.

📅 Event Details

• What: Jurassic Quest — interactive dino experience
• Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton, OH
• When: February 6–8, 2026
• Hours: Friday 12 pm–8 pm, Saturday 8 am–6 pm, Sunday 9 am–5 pm

🦕 What to Expect

This is more than a dinosaur exhibit — it’s an interactive adventure for the whole family:

• See life-size, realistic dinosaurs like T. rex, Apatosaurus, and Spinosaurus
• Meet and interact with baby dinosaurs and their trainers
• Dino rides, inflatable bounce houses, and fossil digging stations
• Science stations, crafts, LEGO®-style play zones and more
• Special rides and activities for kids with “Kids Ultimate” tickets

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Experience

Jurassic Quest includes both educational and entertaining elements designed to engage visitors of all ages. Little paleontologists can dig for fossils, learn about prehistoric life, and enjoy interactive games — while everyone can walk among towering dinosaurs for great photo opportunities. For a more relaxed experience, sensory-friendly hours offer quieter audio and brighter lighting so young children and guests with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the event comfortably.

Bring the whole family to explore, learn, and play at Jurassic Quest — a roaring good time right here in Dayton!

Tucked away on the grounds of the Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a remarkable historical landscape known as the Grotto Gardens. Originally created in the late 1860s by veteran gardeners at the site of an old limestone quarry, these gardens became a beloved destination renowned for its scenic beauty, cascading water features, winding paths, and peaceful stone grottoes. Today, volunteers and local partners continue to preserve and enhance this serene outdoor space for veterans, local residents, and visitors to enjoy. 

🌿 A Walk Through History

Dating back to shortly after the Civil War, the Grotto Gardens were first developed on the Dayton VA’s campus when returning soldiers planted gardens around the quarry’s natural limestone walls. At its peak, the landscaped grounds featuring lush plantings, waterfalls, and ponds drew hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.  

🍃 Restoration and Renewal

After decades of decline, a restoration effort beginning in 2012 brought new life to the gardens. The Dayton VA partnered with the American Veterans Heritage Center, Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener volunteers, and local community groups to clear overgrowth, restore pathways, and replant gardens — bringing back the beauty that made the Grotto a treasured retreat.  

🌸 What to See & Do

• Historic stone grotto and garden walls carved from limestone
• Quiet walking paths and scenic water features
• Seasonal plantings and garden beds maintained by volunteers
• Peaceful spots to reflect or enjoy a stroll at your own pace

The Grotto Gardens are free and open to the public, offering a tranquil space perfect for a peaceful walk, quiet reflection, or nature photography. While formal tours are typically offered seasonally, the grounds themselves are accessible year-round. 

Experience a hidden gem of Dayton’s landscape — a beautiful blend of history, nature, and community stewardship in the Grotto Gardens. 

Whether you're hosting friends or just hanging out with family, great food makes the Super Bowl even better. From cheesy dips to crispy wings and handheld snacks, these simple recipes are guaranteed to keep everyone happy from kickoff to the final whistle.

🍗 Buffalo Chicken Dip

A creamy, spicy, cheesy classic that disappears fast. Toss everything in a slow cooker and keep it warm all game long.

👉 View the recipe

🧀 Hot Honey Pepperoni Brie Bites

Flaky puff pastry, melty brie, and pepperoni with a drizzle of sweet heat — like mini pizzas with an upgrade.

👉 View the recipe ideas

🔥 Baked or Air-Fryer Chicken Wings

No Super Bowl spread is complete without wings. Choose buffalo, BBQ, garlic parmesan, or spicy dry rub.

👉 Browse wing recipes

🍗 Crispy Chicken Strips with Dipping Sauce

Panko-crusted chicken strips baked until golden and served with a sweet-tangy mustard or BBQ sauce.

👉 View the recipe

🥨 Classic Party Favorites

• 7-Layer Dip
• Pigs in a Blanket
• Loaded Nachos
• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Sliders & Mini Sandwiches

👉 See more appetizer recipes

With a mix of warm dips, crispy snacks, and finger foods, your game day spread will be a guaranteed win.

Hosting friends or family for the big game? A little prep before kickoff makes entertaining easier and keeps you enjoying the fun instead of scrambling in the kitchen.

🛋️ 1. Create Extra Seating

Pull in chairs from other rooms, floor cushions, or folding chairs so everyone has a comfortable view of the TV. Clear coffee tables to make room for snacks.

🍽️ 2. Set Up a Food Station

Keep food and drinks in one area to prevent crowding. A buffet or kitchen island works great and keeps traffic away from the TV room.

🧊 3. Prep Coolers & Trash Bins

• Fill coolers with ice for drinks
• Set out extra trash and recycling bins
• Line bins with bags for quick cleanup

📺 4. Test Your Tech Early

Check streaming apps, cable boxes, Wi-Fi, and remotes ahead of time. Nothing ruins kickoff like troubleshooting tech issues.

🧼 5. Quick Clean the Essentials

Focus on high-traffic spots — bathrooms, kitchen counters, and entryways. No need for deep cleaning; just tidy what guests will notice.

A little organization now means more time cheering — and less time cleaning.