20 Things To Do In Akron, Ohio

- This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

Akron is one of Ohio’s largest cities and is in the northeast, about halfway between Canton to the south and Cleveland to the north. Akron is home to one of the state’s top public universities, and there is quite an impressive list of things to do in Akron.

Akron sits on the Ohio & Erie Canalway, a once vital thoroughfare for the Great Lakes region, which turned Akron into a bit of an industry titan during the 19th and 20th centuries. From the founder of the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company to the founder of the Alcoholics Anonymous program, several important figures have called Akron home throughout the city’s history. It’s one of Ohio’s most historic and culturally rich cities, filled with incredible landmarks and stunning outdoor attractions.

Akron, Ohio

20 Things To Do In Akron

akron ohio things to do
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Akron Ohio, you’ll have lots to choose from.

1- Watch A Game At Canal Park

Canal Park is the home of Akron’s minor league baseball franchise, the Akron RubberDucks, and is a state-of-the-art $30 million venue completed in 1997.

Canal Park lies right in the heart of downtown Akron and borders the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Corridor, Exchange Street and Main Street.

ADVERTISEMENT

The facility’s pedestrian concourse extends from Main Street and the stadium can hold 8,500 people.

Canal Park is a top place to go if you’re a sports fan for its lively atmosphere whenever the RubberDucks are in town.

Canal Park is at 300 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308.

Download the Akron Scavenger Hunt: Burn Rubber Round Akron to explore further.

2- See An Exhibition At Kent State University Museum

free things to do in akron ohio
Visiting the University of Akron is one of the things to do in Akron.

Located in Kent, 12 miles (19 km) from Akron, the Kent State University Museum showcases art such as glassware, paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles and decorative pieces throughout eight galleries.

Established in 1982, the Kent State University Museum showcases art from the 18th century to the present day in permanent and rotating exhibitions.

Kent State University Museum is at 515 Hilltop Dr, Kent, OH 44240.

3- Take The Kids To The Akron Children’s Museum

The Akron Children’s Museum was established by a group of local parents who wanted to bring a children’s museum to northeast Ohio.

It aims to educate, entertain and inspire kids about all sorts of topics such as science, nature and arts.

Situated in Downtown Akron, the museum is one of the city’s best attractions for families to visit and is a fun and intrepid experience for parents and kids.

Akron Children’s Museum is at 216 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308.

4- Go Snowboarding At Boston Mills Brandywine

fun things to do in akron ohio Snowboarder Climbing to the Top of the Slope with Snowboard
Going snowboarding is one of the fun things to do in Akron Ohio.

The official ‘snowboarding capital of Ohio’, Boston Mills and its sister ski resort, Brandywine, combine to provide wintertime visitors more than 79 acres (32 ha) of outdoor heaven to ski, snowboard, sled and play.

With 19 ski runs between the two resorts, Boston Mills Brandywine caters to amateurs and pros alike, and at Boston Mills, skiers can brave the mogul-studded Tiger Run.

The two resorts are open to adrenaline junkies day and night and are one-stop destinations that feature accommodation, shopping and dining options for travellers seeking a resort-style Akron vacation.

Boston Mills Brandywine is at 7100 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264.

5- Admire The Architecture Of Simon Perkins Stone Mansion

things to do in akron this weekend church
Admiring lovely architecture is another thing to do in Akron, Ohio.

The Simon Perkins Stone Mansion was constructed in 1837 by Colonel Simon Perkins, the son of General Simon Perkins, Akron’s founder.

A stunning example of Greek Revival architecture that many deem one of the best in Ohio, the mansion preserves and recounts the life of the Perkins family and the city’s history.

Meticulously preserved and decorated in periodically-correct furnishings, the Simon Perkins Stone Mansion provides visitors with a rare glimpse into Akron’s founding and life in northeast Ohio during the 19th century.

Simon Perkins Stone Mansion is at 550 Copley Rd, Akron, OH 44320.

6- Ride The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Operating in tandem with the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and celebrating historic railway cars for future generations.

The railroad was established in 1989 and offers tours aboard vintage railway cars throughout the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and toward the Ohio & Erie Canalway.

Riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a fun way to enjoy the scenic nature of northeast Ohio and it’s a memorable experience.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is at 1630 Mill Street, Peninsula, OH 44264.

7- Blossom Music Center

things to do in downtown akron Ready to rock. a musicians feet on stage at an outdoor music festival.
Attending a concert is one of the fun things to do in Akron Ohio.

The Blossom Music Center has attracted many famous musicians, bands, orchestras, and performers since this state-of-the-art facility opened in 1968.

Home of the Cleveland Orchestra during the summer, this outdoor venue stretches for over 800 acres (324 ha), is known for its architectural beauty and is a fantastic outdoor concert venue.

Blossom Music Center is at 1145 W Steels Corners Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.

8- Akron Fossils and Science Center

things to do in akron with kids
Looking at fossils is one of the cool things to do in Akron Ohio, with kids.

Situated just outside Downtown Akron and opened in 2005, the Akron Fossils and Science Center has a range of interesting exhibitions and artefacts to educate and inspire visitors of all ages.

The centre has been voted the best museum for kids in northeast Ohio and houses items such as dinosaur teeth, fossils, a mammoth’s jawbone, and even exotic and rare eggs.

The facility is dedicated to all things science and biology and has an impressive collection of unique artefacts unmatched anywhere else in northeast Ohio.

Akron Fossils and Science Center is at 2080 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Copley, OH 44321.

9- Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park

free things to do in akron this weekend small waterfall
A small waterfall in Brandywine Creek in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio.

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a natural refuge for northeast Ohio’s native animal and plant species, featuring scenery of rolling hills, thick forests and open farmland.

Situated just a short drive from the urban centres of Akron and Cleveland, the park covers nearly 33,000 acres (13,400 ha).

Managed by the National Park Service, it’s home to attractions such as the Towpath Trail, the Cuyahoga River, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, providing plenty of activities to enjoy.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is at 15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH 44141.

10- See The Animals At Akron Zoo

things to do in akron for couples
Visiting the zoo is one of the fun things to do in Akron with kids. Pictured here are lemurs.

The sprawling Akron Zoo opened in 1953 and has grown into a 50-acre (20 ha) venue housing over 1,000 different animals from more than 100 species.

Attracting over 400,000 visitors each year, the zoo has six themed areas, each housing animal species native to a specific region or biome of the world.

Akron Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is one of northeast Ohio’s best attractions for kids and grownups to learn all about rare and endangered animals from around the world.

Akron Zoo is at 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, OH 44307.

11- Admire Artworks At The Art Museum

best things to do in akron ohio
Looking for things to do in Akron at night? Check out some of the items on our list.

The Akron Art Museum is housed inside a modernised and updated 19th-century Renaissance revival-style building and is a visually stunning venue.

The museum showcases contemporary and modern art pieces from the 1850s to the present in seven galleries.

It’s a top spot to admire paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings from some of Ohio’s most prominent artists in one venue.

Akron Art Museum is at 1 S High St, Akron, OH 44308.

12- See A Show At Akron Civic Theater

things to do in akron
Looking for things to do in Akron (Ohio)? Here are 20 to get you started.

With a rich history, the Akron Civic Theater has been delighting locals with theatrical performances since 1929.

Designed by John Eberson and constructed by Marcus Loew, the theatre features an interior mimicking that of a Moorish castle, topped off with Italian alabaster sculptures, Mediterranean décor pieces, and antique furnishings from Europe.

The Akron Civic Theater is one of only five atmospheric theatres still standing in the United States and dazzles visitors with a star-lit ceiling.

Akron Civic Theater is at 182 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308.

13- Wander Around Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

The stunning Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is the former estate of F.A. Seiberling (the founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company).

The estate’s centrepiece is the 65-room Tudor Revival-style manor completed in 1915 and designed by Charles Schneider, Hugo Huber, and Warren Manning.

Today this incredible estate is open for tours and is a place the entire family can enjoy.

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is at 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303.

14- Get Outdoors At Summit County Metro Parks

The centennial Summit County Metro Parks was established in 1921 and is the second oldest park district in Ohio.

Spread over 15,000 acres (6,070 ha) across 16 individual parks, featuring three nature centres and more than 150 miles (241 km) of nature trails, the Summit County Metro Parks is northeast Ohio’s premier outdoor attraction.

The park system draws more than five million visitors annually and has accommodation options, picturesque scenery, wildlife and attractions around every bend.

Summit County Metro Parks is at 975 Treaty Line Rd, Akron, OH 44313.

15- Watch A Performance At John S. Knight Center

The John S. Knight Center is a live performance venue in Downtown Akron that hosts concerts and theatrical performances throughout the year.

It has been offering events such as live music, classical concerts, dance recitals and conventions since 1994.

The centre is a popular live performance hub for northeast Ohio and beyond and is conveniently situated near Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh.

John S. Knight Center is at 77 E Mill St, Akron, OH 44308.

16- Be Entertained At Lock 3 Park

Lock 3 Park is in the centre of Downtown Akron and is one of the city’s popular urban parks and the proverbial town square of Akron, where residents gather for important events.

The park started as a lock along the Ohio & Erie Canalway before being gentrified and converted into a green space when the canal’s importance decreased.

Today, Lock 3 Park has an amphitheatre, an outdoor skating rink and entertainment virtually every night of the week, making it one of Akron’s liveliest venues to visit.

Lock 3 Park is at 200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308.

17- Shop And Eat In Historic Downtown Seville

Perched on farmland in Ohio’s Medina County, Historic Downtown Seville dates back to 1816 and is home to many antique stores, old-school shops and restaurants and bars.

Minutes from Downtown Akron, this historic precinct offers a glimpse into early 19th-century life in Ohio.

It’s a world away from Cleveland and Akron despite being just down the road.

18- Visit Dr Bob’s Home

Dr Bob’s Home is the former residence of Dr Bob Smith, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Built in 1915, Dr Bob Smith lived there with his wife, Anne Ripley Smith, for over 30 years.

He created the Alcoholics Anonymous program while living here and helped hundreds of local Akronites become sober, kicking off an alcoholism treatment program that would spread across the world.

Now, the building is a National Historic Landmark in 2012 and is the place to discover more about the man himself and the life-changing legacy he left the world.

Dr Bob’s Home is at 855 Ardmore Ave, Akron, OH 44302.

19- See The Displays At Akron Police Museum

Established between 1967 and 1968, the Akron Police Museum features artefacts and exhibits donated to the museum by former officers, family members or local Akronites.

Showcasing a bit of everything, the Akron Police Museum’s exhibits include newspaper clippings, photographs, a Harley Davidson patrol motorcycle, weapons and even the headstone of the city’s first police chief.

Akron Police Museum is at 217 S High St, Akron, OH 44308.

20- Hale Farm and Village

In Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Hale Farm and Village was once the residence of Jonathan Hale, a farmer who moved to the region in 1810.

The National Register of Historic Places-listed farmhouse dates back to 1825 and preserves what life was like during the early 19th century.

The Western Reserve Historical Society operates this living museum, which has 32 structures, farm animals and lovely gardens.

Live demonstrations provide an authentic 1800s farming community feel for visitors to explore.

Hale Farm and Village is at 2686 Oak Hill Rd, Bath, OH 44210.

Plan Your Trip

best car rental

Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars. They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.


Find A Hotel – If you’re curious about this article and are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at these amazing hotels.

Previous article20 Things To Do In Manhattan At Night
Next article20 Things To Do In Findlay Ohio
Jessica Shaw
Jessica Shaw is a storyteller who has lived in four U.S. states - Missouri, Georgia, Ohio and Illinois - and has visited many others. She loves history and nature and is a big fan of road tripping.