5 indoor activities that scream red, white and blue

By Kamron Taylor, Staff

Thinking it’s going to rain on your parade? Think again! There’s still plenty to do on the 4th of July, even if it rains. You might not even have to miss the fireworks!

Whip out this list if you find yourself rained out this weekend.

  • 1. Hit the Bar!

    11 INDOOR ACTIVITIES THAT SCREAM RED, WHITE AND BLUE, item 1

    You’ve seen our comprehensive lists, including awesome places to get a drink in Dayton (ahem, summer cocktails or a local craft brew, anyone?). If you’re rained in, venture out to one of ‘em -- here are a few we know will be open. Be sure to bring your red, white and blue!

    Celebrate the 2-year anniversary of Lily’s Bistro at their 4th of July BBQ

    Straight from the grill, for your enjoyment:

    • Slow cooked BBQ pulled pork – eat it with a fork or on a bun with handmade dill pickles and cole slaw. 
    • Brats and Dogs on fresh buns from Ashley’s Bakery, with an array of traditional toppings
    • Portabella burger 
    • Grilled fresh corn in the husk

    WHEN: July 4th, 2015
    WHERE: Lily’s Bistro, 329 E. 5th St., Dayton 
    INFO: (937) 723-7637| Website | Facebook

    Looking for some other favorite bars open on the Fourth? Here ya go:

    Timothy’s Bar and Grill
    WHERE: 1818 Brown St., Dayton
    INFO: (937) 222-7666 | Website |Facebook 

    Tanks Bar and Grill
    WHERE: 2033 Wayne Ave., Dayton
    INFO: (937) 252-2249 | Website |Facebook

    Trolley Stop
    WHERE: 530 E. 5th St., Dayton 
    INFO: (937) 461-1101 | Website | Facebook 

    Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery
    WHERE: 20 E. 5th St., Dayton 
    INFO: (937) 222-6800 | WebsiteFacebook    

     

  • 2. Go to the Arcade

    11 INDOOR ACTIVITIES THAT SCREAM RED, WHITE AND BLUE, item 2

    Fourth of July at Scene 75

    From 11 a.m. until 1 a.m., Scene 75 is celebrating the Fourth of July with 130 arcade games, 13 attractions, a bar and grill and some of the best entertainment in Dayton.

    WHEN: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. July 4 
    WHERE: Scene 75, 6196 Poe Ave., Vandalia
    COST: Standard gaming fees apply. If you purchase a $50 or $75 game card, enjoy $5 or $10 in free arcade game play and also take a spin on the Winner's Wheel. Every spin will win a patriotic-themed prize. Contact Scene75's party office for more information.
    INFO: 937-619-3201| Website | Facebook

  • 3. Explore the Museum

    11 INDOOR ACTIVITIES THAT SCREAM RED, WHITE AND BLUE, item 3

     

    Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

    It’s raining, but you still want to see fireworks? The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is presenting Dayton's best indoor fireworks in the Planetarium. It’s an indoor-outdoor event that can easily keep you dry.

    Other features include:

    • Face Painting & Temporary Tattoos
    • Photo Ops with Rexie the T-Rex & Uncle Sam
    • Membership Games & Give Aways
    • Indoor Fireworks in the Museum's Planetarium
    • Explosive Outdoor Science Shows
    • Sensory Activities for Young Explorers
    • Ben Franklin's DO Lab
    • Outdoor Rockets
    • Outdoor Live Animal Shows
    • Featured, Themed Pieces from the Museum's Collections

    WHEN: July 4
    WHERE: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton
    COST: Children (3-16) $10, Seniors (60+) $11, Adults $13, Children under 3 & members are free 
    INFO: (937) 275-7431| Website | Facebook

  • 4. Run to a Flea Market

    11 INDOOR ACTIVITIES THAT SCREAM RED, WHITE AND BLUE, item 4

    Get an awesome deal on Fourth of July merchandise at one of your local flea markets. They’re open rain or shine!

    Some of our favorites:

    Traders World
    WHEN:
    9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4 
    WHERE: Traders World, 601 Union Road, Lebanon
    INFO: (513) 424-5708 or (513) 424-5709 | Website |Facebook

    Treasure Aisles
    WHEN:
    9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4 (rain or shine)
    WHERE: Treasure Aisles, 320 N. Garver Road, Monroe
    INFO: (513) 539-4497 | Website | Facebook

  • 5. Appreciate Fine Art

    11 INDOOR ACTIVITIES THAT SCREAM RED, WHITE AND BLUE, item 5

     

    Call to Duty: World War Posters & Tears of Stone
    It’s happening at the Dayton Art Institute. Celebrate American history with a look at more than 70 original posters from World War I and World War II, by such greats of American illustration as Norman Rockwell, James Montgomery Flagg and Howard Chandler Christy—all in celebration of the 100th anniversary of World War I (1914–1918), as well as the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

WHEN: July 4 2015
WHERE: Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton,
COSTYouth (7-17) $6, Seniors (60+) $11, Adults $14, Children 6 and under and members are free
INFO: (937) 275-7431 | Website | Facebook