The Cox Arboretum and Gardens MetroPark is a 189-acre arboretum and park. There are nature trails, woods, a children’s area, a bridge, a creek, and a lookout tower. Cox Arboretum and Gardens MetroPark is FREE, pet-friendly (dogs must be leashed), and open for picnics.
Features of the park
Bell Children’s Maze– Parents can view from the overlook or join children as they explore a path through 1,000+ boxwoods.
Zorniger Education Center– Programs, events, and educational activities about horticulture and natural history are held here throughout the year.
Conservation Corner– Take the Red Trail to the preserved habitats ( tall-grass prairie, shrublands, wetlands, and a bird blind) for environmental education, stewardship, and restoration ecology.
Nature Trails– There are about 2.5 miles of flat trails through woodlands and meadows with another mile of paved trails throughout the park.
Ruth Cummings Mead Woodland– A 100-acre mature hardwood forest with native wildflowers. There is a nature trail through this forest.
Specialty Gardens– Here one can learn to make easy, environmentally-friendly plant and garden choices such as stonewall perennials and rock and water gardens.
The Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture – An inspirational place where visitors can learn how gardening and landscaping can help conservation efforts.
Butterfly House– Temporarily closed, but you can see Ohio butterflies near the Edible Landscape Garden, the Conservation Corner, the Tree Tower, and around the flowers near the Butterfly House.
Observation Tree Tower– Provides amazing views of the Arboretum and beyond (81 steps up for a panoramic view).
Schools and other groups can schedule tours. Call 937-275-PARK (7275) to schedule.
Parking is Free.
Park Hours
Apr. 1 – Oct. 31, 8 AM – 10 PM
Nov. 1 – Mar. 31, 8 AM – 8 PM
After-hours bathrooms in the Kettering Learning Lab
6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449
Closed Christmas and New Year’s
May close for inclement weather.
Zorniger Education Center Hours Year-round
Mon. – Fri., 8 AM – 5 PM
Sat. – Sun., 11 AM – 4 PM
Closed on major holidays
Click here to read about other things to see and do around Dayton, Ohio.
