You do not have to look far for summer activities in Dayton. Five Rivers MetroParks welcomes the return of the community’s summer favorites, such as the annual Summer Music Series and kayak rentals, this June at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave. Dayton is where summer fun is priority number one.
Celebrating nearly 60 years of preserving green space and natural areas, Five Rivers MetroParks is a nationally renowned park system composed of natural area parks, gardens, high-quality river corridors, urban parks and a network of recreation trails.
The first Summer Music Series concert coincides with the rescheduled Passport to MetroParks event on Friday, June 3, from 6 – 9 p.m.
This free family-friendly festival is an opportunity to preview all the happenings in Five Rivers MetroParks this summer, from cultural festivals to MetroParks programs.
The Dayton Salsa Project will play live music from 7:30 – 9 p.m., and Chevere LF Dance Studios will host a free salsa dance lesson that starts at 6 p.m.
Additional Summer Concert Series dates in June are:
- June 9, from 6 – 9 p.m.: Bob Gray Orchestra
- June 16, from 6 – 9 p.m.: Big Gil Blues & His Funky All Stars
- June 23, from 6 – 9 p.m.: The Goodwin Brothers
Attendees should bring a chair. No registration is required for these free concerts.
Starting June 2, Taiter’s Kayak Solutions will offer walk-up rentals from under the Patterson Road bridge (west end of RiverScape MetroPark). Rentals will be offered on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m., all the way through September.
Participants will be required to wear a life jacket, which will be provided. Learn more about kayak rentals at metroparks.org.
Additionally, MetroParks will offer paddling programs in the downtown Dayton area throughout the summer.
Fitness in the Park continues with free, all-levels classes held under the RiverScape pavilion. Classes are from 10 – 11 a.m. on select Saturdays. June Fitness in the Park dates are:
- June 4 and June 25: Zumba in the Park with Fit N Fruitful Wellness
- June 18: Yoga in the Park with Speakeasy Yoga
Free community fitness programs continue in June:
- Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 – 7:30 p.m.: Bootcamp with The Unit
- Tuesdays, June 7, 14 and 21 from 6 – 7 p.m.: Tai Chi & Qigong by the River with Immortal Tree Qigong
- Tuesday, June 28, from 6 – 7 p.m.: Booty Mix with The Ninth Beat
Participants should bring their own mat, towel and reusable water bottle to Fitness in the Park and community fitness classes. Registration is not required.
RiverScape MetroPark will host Music@Lunch each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to bring their lunch or purchase lunch at the RiverScape Café and enjoy it outside along the Great Miami River. Visit metroparks.org/riverscape for the schedule of live music performers. The RiverScape Café offers lunch items, snacks and drinks 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
RiverScape Café is also open during special events, such as the Summer Music Series concerts.
The Fountain Snack Bar opened Memorial Day weekend and offers snacks and cool treats, such as ice cream and drinks. Hours of operation are:
- Tuesday -Thursday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesday -Thursday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The interactive fountains and Five Rivers Fountain of Lights will operate until Labor Day, Sept. 5. The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights operates for 10-minute intervals at the top of the hour during weekdays from 7:55 a.m. – 10:05 p.m. and weekends from 10:55 a.m. – 10:05 p.m.
Swimming is not permitted in MetroParks’ locations, the public is invited to splash in the interactive fountains daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Summer Music Series is sponsored by AARP and supported by Kettering Health.
Five Rivers MetroParks protects the region’s natural heritage and provides outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.
Educational programs and recreational and volunteer opportunities are offered year-round for all ages. Five Rivers MetroParks is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies.
Qualifying Montgomery County families who may need financial assistance with MetroParks’ paddling and other fee-based programs can apply for the Access to Nature financial assistance program, funded by the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation. Families can receive up to $200 per year to participate in MetroParks’ programs, shelter and campsite rentals, and camps. Learn more and apply at metroparks.org/access.
Diane Sikora
Intern/Social media coordinator