5 things you should do at RiverScape this summer to enjoy the outdoors

Here are five things you should try at RiverScape this summer:

1. Bike rentals and trails

Credit: JIM WITMER

Credit: JIM WITMER

You can rent a bicycle on weekends for one to three hours and enjoy one of the nation’s largest paved trail networks.

The rental center is first-come, first-served and has several different bicycle styles and sizes as well as accessories to help create a safer, more enjoyable experience.

You must be at least 16 years old to rent bikes, and helmets are provided for free.

2. Get out on the River Run

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

Dayton’s riverfront lets people rent kayaks and paddleboards and travel along the river while enjoying the view of the city’s skyline. People can also fish, sunbathe or take classes or camps to improve their abilities in kayaking or paddling.

The River Run was built with two passages so that novices and experienced paddlers can enjoy smooth or whitewater sections.

River Run’s development allows for better flood protection while improving the water quality.

3. See the Fountain of Lights

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

A key feature of Dayton’s RiverScape MetroPark is the series of five fountains reaching 200 feet high and 400 feet across where the Great Miami and Mad rivers converge.

Each fountain symbolizes one of the five surrounding rivers and features 60-foot spires that create patterns from sunlight display many colors when lit at night.

The fountain operates for eight minutes at a time every hour from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It functions until 9:54 p.m.daily, and individual jets are disabled when wind may interfere with the safety of traffic or park activities.

4. Experience the Festival Grounds

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

RiverScape hosts a plethora of summer events, from cultural festivals and summer concert series to 5Ks and classes.

The festival grounds allow for anyone and everyone to enjoy the MetroPark however they choose.

RiverScape's calendar contains information on the upcoming events.

5. Pavilion music and lunch 

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

On weekdays from May 8 to Sept. 29, the park offers live music and local food trucks from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There are a variety of musical artists and a rotating cast of food vendors for people to enjoy their lunch break.

RiverScape has metered parking that is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. The park features art and landscaping that help the beauty of the city along with interactive fountains for kids to cool off on hot summer days.