Here are 20 of the best ideas if you're looking for new experiences in Dayton

By Joe Gurnig - Staff Writer

Posted: August 16, 2017

Trouble coming up with something new to do on a weekend or time off? We're here to help.

Look through this list for nearly two dozen great ideas on things you should try in the Miami Valley.

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» Dayton named on 'America's best towns ever' list
» 12 remarkable facts about Dayton history you need to know
» 9 things you didn't know about Kings Island history

Visit Dayton's haunted places

The Dayton area includes many places that have a haunted history. Here's where you could go:

» The 10 most haunted places in Dayton
» 5 more of the most haunted places in Dayton
» 3 (more) haunted places in Dayton

Break out of an escape room

There several escape rooms to try with different themes and skill levels.

» 5 reasons you need to try an escape room
» Escape room attraction coming to downtown Middletown

Explore the Air Force Museum

Since becoming the Air Force Central Museum in 1956, Dayton's museum grew to become an expansive facility of aviation history.

» 8 things you didn't know about the Air Force museum
» History Extra: Opening of Air Force Museum

Spend the day at a MetroPark

Sometimes you need a quick escape to nature without having to go too far. MetroParks are a great solution for that need.

» How MetroParks has just made planning your hikes a piece of cake
» 5 things you should do at RiverScape this summer to enjoy the outdoors

Hit up the arcade like it's the 1980s

The arcade was once a hub of video games for children and teens to spend their afternoon and quarters. Now they're slowly making a comeback in the Dayton area with a more adult theme to them.

» 7 bar and gaming arcades to visit in Dayton

Shop at a farmer's market

Enjoy groceries fresh from the farm and help grow the local economy.

» Dayton's Farmers Markets

See an indie or foreign film at The Neon

Dayton's arthouse has been showing films for more than 30 years.

» The Neon turns the big 3-0, what you need to know about its 4 births

See a show at the Victoria Theatre

The Victoria Theatre is more than 150 years old and has hosted countless events. Check out their current season:

» Victoria Theatre marks 150th anniversary
» The big Broadway shows coming to Dayton we're pretty excited about

Travel back in time at the SunWatch Indian Village

The SunWatch Indian Village existed more than 800 years ago, and it continues as an archaeological park with a window to the past.

» WATCH: SunWatch, seen from the air, shows how Native Americans here lived

Tour the town on a pedal wagon

Why crawl to the next bar when you can pedal your way there?

» Pedaling pub crawl wagon set to launch in Dayton

Have a laugh at the comedy club

Among them is Wiley's Comedy Club, which is under new management and plans to restore this Oregon District club.

» New owners have big plans for Wiley's Comedy Club

Reach new heights rock climbing

On the outside is a church, on the inside is a climbing facility that is warm and friendly.

» How to get involved at Urban Krag

Wander around the Dayton Art Institute

Not only does the Dayton Art Institute house beautiful works of art, it alone is a work of art.

» 4 (360-degree) views you should see at Dayton Art Institute

Have a beer at Alefest and Alefeast

Dayton's largest beer festival and winter companion event have been around for nearly 20 years and has been a popular event for avid beer drinkers to try local breweries.

» UPDATE: Both AleFest and AleFeast will have homes this year
» MAP: Dayton's craft beer: a guide to breweries