Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm: Perfect for Moms at Every Stage!

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Just North of Dayton lies a complete treasure trove of educational children’s activities: Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm.

In their own words, “As an environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and Audubon Center of the National Audubon Society in western Ohio, Aullwood promotes the protection of birds, wildlife and the habitats on which they depend. Aullwood offers both children and adults the opportunity to experience and appreciate the world through experience-based education. Discover our woods, streams, ponds, prairies, meadows, nature center and working sustainable farm!”

I’ve taken my young children there twice now, and both times I have been so pleased with how well they cater to children of all ages. But mostly, this Mama Bear loves that there’s a place for my kids to be kids, to get out and explore nature, and take a break from YouTube videos for a little while. On our first visit to the Farm, my 2.5 year old loved riding the giant tractor. He had the opportunity to meet several animals he’d only read about in his children’s books. He also learned how to “milk” a cow. Perhaps the thing I loved most, however, was the fact that my energetic and rambunctious toddler had the space and freedom to just run and get dirty in a place that not only catered to that, but encouraged it! How many other toddler Mamas out there know what I’m talking about?


After our Farm visit, we returned again to the Nature Center portion of the grounds where there were even things for my littlest to partake in. We got to see (and even pet!) woodland creatures such as turtles, fish, and snakes. My one year old got to pretend to be a baby bird for a little while in a plushy, infant-friendly bird nest while my toddler once again, ran around like a crazy person. Once we had made our way through the Nature Center, we hit the trails behind the building to do some hiking, throw some rocks and collect sticks. The trails were very easy for my little guy to navigate and I had to practically drag him out of the woods when it was time to leave for lunch.

If you’re a Mom of young ones who need to get out of the house, I cannot recommend Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm enough. If you’re a Mom of school-aged kids, I’ve got good news for you, too! The Aullwood Center offers so many programs for kids of all ages! 

On Friday, October 20, Aullwood Farm will offer GLOW: Nature at Night, an alternative to traditional spooky/scary Halloween activities. They have countless educational programs for schools and educational groups, such as candle dipping, bird-watching, geology and fossils, and tons more! They also offer several scouting programs for Girl and Boy Scouts who are looking to earn badges or perform service projects. In addition to their programs, they also do facility rentals for “B’Earthday” parties. If you’re a nature-loving Mama, looking to raise free-range kids, there’s no place else in Dayton that offers the access to the great outdoors like Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm.

Aullwood is open
Monday through Saturday from 9 AM – 5 PM
and Sunday from 1 PM – 5 PM.  

Regular admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 3-18,
and free for children under three.

Members of Friends of Aullwood and the National Audubon Society receive free admission with membership card. Contact them by calling 937-890-7360 or emailing [email protected]You can also find Aullwood  on FacebookTwitter or Instagram!

***DMB MOM TIP*** If you’re interested, but aren’t sure about a committing to being a member, Aullwood is offering FREE Admission Sundays on October 8 and November 4. Check out their Facebook page for more info!

1 COMMENT

  1. For those reading this later, as of January 2018 Aullwood’s general admission is free for children 2 and under, $5.00 for children 3 to 11, and $7.00 for adults 12 and over. Members of Friends of Aullwood and the National Audubon Society receive free admission with membership card.

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