This past Saturday night, I made the drive to Dayton, Ohio, to catch a Dayton Dragons game—and I’m glad I did. The Dragons are the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, and their ballpark is a gem. It was my first time there, but it won’t be my last.
First off, the team’s pedigree is legit. Some of the biggest names in recent Reds history—Elly De La Cruz, Joey Votto, Billy Hamilton—once wore a Dayton Dragons jersey. It’s pretty wild to think that future MLB stars are on that field right now, just waiting to be discovered.
Saturday night didn’t end in a win for the home team—the Dragons lost to the West Michigan Whitecaps, 7–4—but honestly, that didn’t dampen the experience one bit. There’s not a bad seat in the house, and with tickets starting at just $10.50, it’s one of the best values in sports. I found nearby street parking for free, though there are plenty of lots close to the ballpark for just $5.
The concessions surprised me, too—in a good way. Plenty of food and drink options under $10, and the portions were generous. Add in a vibrant downtown area with hotels and restaurants within walking distance, and it’s easy to see why the atmosphere feels more big-league than you might expect from a High-A club.
Dayton itself made a strong impression. The city was well-kept, the locals were friendly, and everything felt welcoming. I’d recommend making a weekend of it: catch a Dragons afternoon game, then explore the area or stay overnight and soak in more of what Dayton has to offer.
That’s what we did. Sunday, we visited the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. It was fascinating, enormous, and completely free (more on that in a future post).
If you’re looking for an easy summer adventure for the family that won’t break the bank, set your sights on Dayton. Baseball, history, and a friendly Midwestern city that knows how to show visitors a good time. What more could you want?