10+ ideas to squeeze in that last blast of summertime fun

While some kids are already hitting the books, there is still time to have some summertime fun.

Here are more than 10 ways to say goodbye to Dayton summer, in style.

>> Ultimate guide to Labor Day weekend events in Dayton

>> The best places to get frozen treats in Dayton

>> Your guide to the best hidden gem ice cream shops around Dayton 

THE WEATHER

Before you head out, plan for the weather.

The weather will be warm this weekend, but there is a chance for isolated showers Saturday and a smaller chance on Sunday.

>> Get the latest forecast from Stormcenter 7

Labor Day Monday will be warm, muggy and sunny with temperatures in the lower to mid 80s.

“It will feel like summer just as we unofficially end it,” News Center 7 Meteorologist Dontae Jones said Friday.

>> Download the WHIO weather app

☀️10 WAYS TO GET THAT LAST BLAST OF SUMMER FUN

🚣 Paddling

With all of the river and waterway options in and around Dayton, paddling is one outdoor sport the Gem City isn’t lacking in. Whether you’re new at paddling or have years of experience, there’s a waterway, class and vessel for everyone.

>> Where to paddle in Dayton, and what to know before you go

🌊 Water fun

Splish, splash! Sunshine and continued warm temperatures means there’s still time to get in some wet-and-wild fun. Community spray parks and splash pads are great places to cool off for kids and parents alike. Many, like Island MetroPark’s sprayground, are open through Labor Day.

>> Cool off with these Dayton-area spray parks and splashpads

>> 4 places to go swimming in the Dayton area you might have forgotten about

>> 7 waterpark adventures a short drive from home

🏖️ 😱Chills and thrills

This weekend, Land of Illusion transforms back into an iconic haunted park after another summer as an aquatic oasis. Soak up the best of both worlds during the final weekend of beach-front fun at the adventure park.

>> This is the last weekend to soak it all up at scream park turned aqua park

>> The one weekend of the year to experience it all at Land of Illusion

🚲 Cycling

Mountain bike rentals: Now through Labor Day, rent mountain bikes at the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA) at Huffman MetroPark on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A variety of bikes are available, with youth rates starting at $6/hour and adult rates at $8/hour. MoMBA features more than 9 miles of trails for bikers at all levels. Rentals include helmets.

>> The best places for a bike ride in Dayton

>> 3 things to know about Dayton's biking history

🚶‍♀️ Hiking

The Gem City’s outdoor adventure options go far beyond the water and bike paths. Numerous parks and hiking trails make any season the perfect season to get outside and enjoy nature.

>> What people love about Dayton the ‘adventure capital’

>> The best hiking trails near Dayton

🚗 Road trip!

Take advantage of clear skies for a nice drive and hit the highways to visit some of Southwestern Ohio’s charming, historic and downright must-see sights from the Yellow Springs to the Ohio Caverns.

>> 7 must-see sights in driving distance of Dayton

>> 4 breathtaking waterfalls near Dayton you must visit

Credit: Jordan Hart

Credit: Jordan Hart

🏕️ Camping

As temperatures begin to cool, especially in the evening, a campsite looks more and more appealing. Get that cooler packed — don’t forget the marshmallows — and enjoy some mighty fine camping in the Dayton-area.

>> Insider’s guide to MetroParks camping

>> 10 Dayton camping getaways that scream heaven on Earth

>> 6 must-try zipline adventures close to home

>> 5 places to go camping around Dayton

😀 Playground and parks

Whether it’s hot or chilly, playgrounds are a perfect way to have some fun. Check out our guides to plan your next park trip with the kiddos.

>> This is definitely the craziest playground slide in Dayton

>> Beat the heat with these indoor play spaces close to Dayton

Credit: U.S. Air Force

Credit: U.S. Air Force

🖼️ Museums

While it doesn’t have to be summer to enjoy the educational bounty of our local museums, activities and events in the summer definitely make them worth putting on your “must-do” list.

>> 4 reasons Dayton moms love the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

>> 40 things to do in Dayton when you can’t enjoy the outdoors

>> 12 museums you must explore in Dayton

MORE SUMMER FUN…

Butterfly House: The Butterfly House is a not-to-be-missed destination at Cox Arboretum featuring native Ohio butterflies. Children and adults can view butterflies and moths in all stages of metamorphosis. Visit www.metroparks.org/butterfly-house for more about Cox Arboretum.

About the Author