How can you describe the small city of Kettering, Ohio?
Maybe you’ll use these words: lovely, quaint, and brimming with attractions.
Kettering is in the southwest of Ohio in Montgomery County, lying in the Miami River valley, directly south of Dayton.
In 1952, the place became a village, named after Charles F. Kettering, an industrial scientist and a resident.
With beautiful scenery and a wide array of activities, this city is an excellent place to visit.
Kettering also has a thriving art and cultural scene, with several galleries, performing arts centers, and museums showcasing local talent and artisanship.
It’s home to many museums and other attractions.
From shopping at the local mall to dining at one of the many restaurants, there is no shortage of things to do in Kettering, Ohio.
Whether you want something fun to do in the area or want to relax, here are the best things to do in Kettering, Ohio.
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Fraze Pavilion is a premiere outdoor entertainment venue that hosts concerts, festivals, and other activities.
Built in 1991, the outdoor amphitheater can seat approximately 4,300 people.
The Fraze Pavilion is also home to “Summer’s Best Live Music Under the Stars,” where musicians and visitors gather for live entertainment.
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If you want to watch a concert, you can buy tickets at the Fraze Pavilion Ticket Office, Fraze Fanfare Show, or on their website.
They also have free festivals and concerts during summer, open to the public.
With its picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and rolling hills, Hills & Dales MetroPark makes an excellent place for picnics and family fun.
Hills & Dales MetroPark is a 63-acre park filled with exciting and relaxing activities that will leave you busy for the rest of your day.
You can enjoy playing with your kids in the playground and nature play area or walk the trails around the park.
Several spots around the park make an excellent subject for nature photography.
As you roam the park, you’ll find an abundance of Paw Paw trees and wildflowers native to the area.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and have fun simultaneously, you should visit Hills & Dales MetroPark.
Built in 1990, the Adventure Reef Water Park underwent renovation in 2011.
While it’s not the biggest, or the most famous, the Adventure Reef Water Park has a great deal to offer.
The park features plenty of attractions and activities for families, including a splash pad, a water playground, and a pool dedicated to babies and toddlers.
The water park also has swimming lessons for kids and adults who want to learn.
When temperatures rise, you can always enjoy refreshing swimming in the outdoor pool.
Otherwise, do one of the many indoor activities at the Adventure Reef Water Park.
The first thing that comes to mind when considering recreational activities in the city is the Kettering Recreation Complex
This recreation center has a lot of things to do and see, including pools and a spa, walking and running tracks, a gymnasium, aerobics and fitness facilities, and a nursery.
In addition, the recreation center is also home to the Charles I. Lathrem Senior Center and some aquatic facilities.
If you want to do something new, you can visit the Kettering Ice Arena to cool down on a scorching summer.
The Kettering Recreation Complex has something for everyone.
If you don’t know what to do during your free time, you can visit the recreation center and find something you’ll enjoy.
If you want to play on a course with some history, NCR Country Club is a great place to start your day.
It features two golf courses: the South Course and the North Course, proudly made by a well-known architect, Dick Wilson.
The South Course is a championship-caliber golf course that has hosted several competitions and championship games for 70 years.
While the North Course is a 6,828-yard prairie style, the links-type course with a par of 70 offers a challenging course to all golfers.
If you want to practice, you can try the indoor golf studio that has a Tru-Golf simulator where you can play different types of championship golf courses.
Besides golfing, NCR Country Club also boasts an aquatic center, fitness clubs, and practice facilities that you can enjoy during your visit.
Frankenstein’s Castle, Patterson’s Castle, or Witch’s Tower are some of the names people gave this one-of-a-kind landmark in Kettering.
Located on the premises of Hills & Dales MetroPark, the Witch’s Tower is a mysterious and intriguing tower that attracts visitors to the city.
It is a 56-foot turret-shaped lookout tower built in 1941 that is full of haunting tales.
Many stories abound about ghost sightings and people who died in the tower.
You can stroll around the tower, hike the trails, or have a small picnic with your family on the grounds near the Witch’s Tower.
The Witch’s Tower is an exciting place to visit, so don’t forget to stop by; however, only if you’re brave enough.
The Kettering Ice Arena is a great place to go if you’re looking for something fun and exciting.
You can easily find Kettering Ice Arena in Kettering Recreation Complex, so getting your family out for some ice skating is easy.
You can do several things at the Ice Arena, such as ice hockey, figure skating, and leisure skating.
Kettering Ice Arena also offers ice skating lessons for all types of skaters.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional ice skater, you can always learn something new.
If you want to celebrate, the arena hosts various events such as tournaments, specialty skates, and other special events.
Whether you want to practice gliding in the ice rink or watch skating competitions, you can do it all in Kettering Ice Arena.
Harrigan’s Tavern is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a drink or two in Kettering.
Since 1967, the Irish Pub on Marshall Road has offered various food and drinks, including their best-selling fish and chips, pizza, and burgers.
Besides delicious food and drink options, Harrigan’s Tavern offers live entertainment, including local musicians, every Friday night.
You can also enjoy a game of darts, join trivia nights, or relax on their large outdoor patio.
Enjoy summertime drinks with friends!
If you are looking for an authentic Irish experience without traveling outside of Ohio, consider visiting Harrigan’s Tavern.
Skateworld of Kettering is a family-friendly destination that has operated for over 40 years.
It is the best place for anyone who wants to experience the thrill and excitement of roller skating.
This skating rink provides lots of fun with its roller skating, arcade, miniature golf, and full-service cafe.
In addition, Skateworld of Kettering also provides services for birthday parties and corporate events.
You don’t have to go through the hassle of planning and organizing the party.
With all these fantastic offers and services, you’ll have a delightful experience with Skateworld of Kettering.
If you are looking for a place to have a great time with friends, family, or colleagues, MCL Restaurant & Bakery Kettering is the place for you.
The restaurant offers a fantastic selection of food and drinks, from appetizers to desserts.
MCL Restaurant & Bakery Kettering takes pride in their homemade goods, all made from scratch.
Their menu includes entrees, side dishes, desserts, and combination meals that are freshly made daily.
The restaurant is also great for hosting private events because they offer different packages and menus that will satisfy everyone.
You will never be disappointed with the quality of food and service at MCL Restaurant & Bakery Kettering.
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The National Museum of the US Air Force near Kettering, Ohio, is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation.
The museum has an impressive collection of historical artifacts and interactive displays that will keep you entertained for hours.
It has over 360 aircraft and missiles on display and an extensive collection of aviation art and artifacts.
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Visitors can also explore the history of aviation and see how it evolved.
You can learn about the many different types of aircraft used by the military during wars and conflicts.
Some interactive experiences allow you to take control of a fighter jet or fly a drone.
The best thing about this is that the National Museum of the US Air Force is in Dayton, Ohio, 18 minutes from Kettering.
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Still in Dayton, Buckeye Brew Tours offers an exciting way to try the best beers in the area.
It’s also 27 minutes from Kettering.
This is an excellent experience for the people who love beer or who love to tour.
Buckeye Brew Tours will take you to local breweries, educating you about how these breweries make their best-selling beers.
The tours will take up to three and a half hours.
Each brewery has 45 minutes up to one hour.
A bus will take you to every local brewery in the city of Dayton.
You can join a trivia game with prizes so you will not get bored on your way to the breweries.
The tour also includes snacks, bottled water, and a Buckeye Brew Bus wristband for discounts if you want to purchase from the breweries.
Buckeye Brews Tours is the perfect place for those looking to experience Ohio’s craft beer scene.
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Cox Arboretum MetroPark is a beautiful and serene place that provides a tranquil break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It is located in Springboro Pike, Dayton, only a 12-minute drive from Kettering, Ohio.
The park offers a whole host of things you can do, from bike riding and hiking to relaxing and picnicking.
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Visitors will enjoy the natural beauty of the park’s surroundings, with plants, trees, and other forms of life that create a unique environment.
Cox Arboretum MetroPark also aims to educate people about conservation, sustainable horticulture, and plant science.
This park is the perfect place to escape the stresses of everyday life in nature’s embrace.
Stop by if you have some time to spare.
The Magic Castle is an enchanting place in Dayton, eight minutes from Kettering.
It is one of the most exciting places to visit in Dayton, and you should come and see why.
The entertainment center brims with games like arcade games, batting cages, and a miniature golf course.
You can also celebrate birthdays and other special occasions in the Magic Castle with their full-service snack bar.
The Magic Castle has an incredible history, constantly adding new things to make your visit even more magical.
No matter your age or interests, the Magic Castle has something for you.
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The Carillon Historical Park is an open space museum in Dayton, Ohio, nine minutes away from Kettering.
This museum wants to inspire people to connect with the past and to learn about the events that led to where they are today.
Carillon Historical Park brings the past to the present through trains, a hand-carved carousel, a 4D Theater, tons of artifacts, and living history experiences.
You can also find historical buildings inside the park that have become a significant part of the city’s history.
The Carillon Historical Park is a treasure trove full of history.
If you want to learn more about the city’s past, you should stop by this park.
If you’re looking for activities in this charming city, you can try the 15 best things to do in Kettering, Ohio.
While it may not be a huge tourist destination, it has many exciting things to see and do.
Book your trip today and discover the things to do in Kettering.
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