The Dayton Air Force Museum rivals the National Air and Space Museum for it's display of planes and in a way surpasses it if you count the outdoor rocket displays and the Air Show every year.

There are so many things to see that are suspended on the ceiling, plan on frequently looking up. My kids like the planes and space modules that you can get into and interact with the best.

The best thing about the museum is that it is free and you can literally spend an entire day/weekend there and never get bored.

I would suggest mostly for older kids if you actually want to read and look at exhibits but if you just want somewhere to go and be in the air conditioning and give your tiny kids a change of pace, that's ok, too.

You see grown men walking around with their mouths open more at this type of museum than any other so you shouldn't have too much problem coaxing the men in your life to go.

Highly recommend!!

The Cincinnati Zoo is carved into a neighborhood on the edge of Cincy and appears suddenly somewhat surprisingly out of the blue as you wind through the streets. Follow the directions, you are going to the right place.

Be prepared to walk alot here as there are hills to climb and pushing a stroller or pulling a wagon can be a real workout. I once walked the zoo while pregnant and literally thought I would go into labor while climbing the hill by the bears.

The Cincinnati Zoo has some of the most people-comfortable birds I have ever seen and they will have no problem approaching toddlers in search of food so beware that your child may be eye level with peacocks just walking on the ground or sitting at a picnic table.

The original white tigers gifted from Sigfried and Roy are housed at the Cincinnati Zoo and are beautiful to look at it. They have a white tiger breeding program here and most of the cubs you see at other zoos are from this original breeding lot.

There are many interactive and learning opportunities for kids of all ages and you can easily spend a day here with your family. Food is typical zoo fair so as usual be prepared to spend if you don't bring your own cooler.

Young's Dairy is known throughout the Dayton/Wright Patt AFB area for their delicious ice cream and kid friendly grounds. There is an interactive barnyard area where kids can pet and see animals and the restaurant and ice cream counter are destination spots of their own.

It is something we liked to do on a weekend afternoon when you could take a lazy drive, eat some ice cream, and spend quality time with the kids.

Alas, we do not live near Yellow Springs any more but still go to town when we are in the area to see some of the unique characters at Ha Ha Pizza and in the downtown shops and always make Young's part of our trip.

The Hayes Center is located in the heart of Fremont but once you are on the grounds you feel transported back in time. The best time to visit is during the Civil War re-enactments in the Spring/Summer when there are live battles on the lawn with re-enactors in period costume. Kids will be fascinated by the war production itself, but warning, it can get loud for little kids as there are gunshots and cannon blasts going off.

The verandah is the high point of the mansion for me. Standing on the porch you can imagine what the time was like when there was no air conditioning and families would go out on the mesh covered porch and attempt to cool off on a hot sticky summer night.

A child fascinated by Presidential History would enjoy the mansion and grounds at Spiegel Grove in Fremont, Ohio.

As far as theming goes, you'll not find a place that compares to Kings Island. They carry their themes throughout the entire park which is very attractive for little kids (but not too little if they are afraid of costumed characters).

For older kids, the rollercoasters are amazing and you will not lack for finding something for them to do. I find Kings Island to be a nice blend of kiddie stuff with older kid and adult stuff as compared to some parks which are geared more towards one or the other.

Kings Island has some of the best live musical performances along the midway that you will find north of Florida.

Highly recommend for children of all ages and watch for special concerts and artists who also make appearances at night. Sometimes these concerts are included in your regular price of admission and sometimes for an extra cost. Check ahead of time for availability.