Are you looking for some fun things to do in Akron, OH? Well, you’re in luck! Akron has something for everyone, from outdoor activities and entertainment to top-notch educational and cultural experiences. From skiing and snowboarding at the Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort, to checking out the eclectic exhibits at the Akron Art Museum and experiencing the best jazz music around at Blu Jazz, there is no shortage of fun to be had in Akron.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a group, here are 15 of the best things to do in Akron, OH.
15 Best Things to Do in Akron (OH)
| Activity/Attraction | Location | Opening Hours | Closing Hours | Admission Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort | 7100 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264 | Varies by season | Varies by season | Yes, varies by package |
| Akron Zoo | 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, OH 44307 | 10am | 5pm | Yes, varies by age |
| Kent State University Museum | 515 Hilltop Dr, Kent, OH 44242 | Wed-Sat: 10am | 5pm; Sun: 12pm | 5pm |
| Akron Art Museum | 1 S High St, Akron, OH 44308 | Tues-Sun: 11am | 5pm; Thurs: 11am | 9pm |
| Blu Jazz | 47 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308 | Varies by event | Varies by event | Yes, varies by event |
| Historic Downtown Seville | Main St, Seville, OH 44273 | Varies by business | Varies by business | No |
| National Inventors Hall of Fame | 3701 Highland Park NW, North Canton, OH 44720 | Mon-Fri: 9am | 5pm | Yes, varies by age and group size |
| Lock 3 Park | 200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308 | Varies by season | Varies by season | Yes, varies by event |
| Akron Civic Theatre | 182 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308 | Varies by event | Varies by event | Yes, varies by event |
| Canal Park | 300 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308 | Varies by game | Varies by game | Yes, varies by game |
| Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Tour | Various locations | Varies by tour | Varies by tour | Yes, varies by tour |
| Hale Farm & Village | 2686 Oak Hill Rd, Bath, OH 44210 | Tues-Sun: 10am | 4pm | Yes, varies by age and membership status |
| Glendale Cemetery | 150 Glendale Ave, Akron, OH 44302 | 8am | 5pm | No |
| Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens | 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303 | Varies by season | Varies by season | Yes, varies by age and membership status |
| Goodyear Heights Metro Park | 2077 Newton St, Akron, OH 44305 | 6am | 11pm | No |
| Cascade Valley Metro Park | 1690 Cuyahoga St, Akron, OH 44313 | 6am | 11pm | No |
| Weathervane Playhouse | 1301 Weathervane Ln, Akron, OH 44313 | Varies by show | Varies by show | Yes, varies by show |
| Akron Fossils and Science Center | 2080 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Copley, OH 44321 | Sat: 10am | 3pm | Yes, varies by age |
| Metropolitan Art Museum of Akron | 150 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308 | 11 AM | 5 PM | Yes |
| Mustill Store and Canal Visitor Center | 57 W North St, Akron, OH 44304 | 10 AM | 4 PM | Yes |
| Silver Creek Metro Park | 5000 Hametown Rd, Norton, OH 44203 | 6 AM | 11 PM | No |
| Sand Run Metro Park | 1750 Sand Run Pkwy, Akron, OH 44313 | 6 AM | 11 PM | No |
| Roller Fun Skating Rink | 2191 E Waterloo Rd, Akron, OH 44312 | Varies | Varies | Yes |
| John S. Knight Center | 77 E Mill St, Akron, OH 44308 | Varies | Varies | Yes |
Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort
If you’re an adrenaline seeker, then look no further than the Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort–also known as the “Snowboarding Capital of Ohio.” Boasting 19 ski runs across 79 acres, with both novice and advanced terrain, this ski resort can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors per hour. Whether you’re a fan of skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, or snowshoeing, you’ll find everything that you need for an awesome day on the mountain. And if you’re a true daredevil, try your luck on the Tiger Run, the steepest ski slope in the nation.
Akron Zoo
If you’d rather stay off the slopes, what better way to spend the day than exploring the Akron Zoo? With roots that trace back to the early 1900s, the Akron Zoo, spread across 77 acres, is home to a wide variety of animals, as well as the Akron Children’s Zoo and the William S. Davidson Museum of Natural History. Whether you’re a fan of wildlife or just looking for a fun, family-friendly activity, the Akron Zoo is sure to offer something for everyone.
Kent State University Museum
If you’re an art enthusiast, head to the Kent State University Museum for an 8-gallery tour with rotating and static exhibitions featuring various forms of artwork from local and international artists. With pieces ranging from the 18th century to today, this museum houses a wonderful selection of decorative items from around the world.
Akron Art Museum
The Akron Art Museum is a must-visit destination for architecture and art lovers alike. This incredible museum encompasses seven galleries showcasing a range of modern and contemporary artwork from all over the world, including sculpture, photography, paintings, and more. Plus, don’t forget to check out the museum building itself–a beautiful combination of a 19th century Renaissance revival structure with glass and steel additions.
Blu Jazz
If jazz is your thing, you’ll feel right at home at Blu Jazz, located downtown Akron. Here you can kick back, relish the sounds of some of the best local jazz musicians, visit the jazz photography gallery, and even grab a bite to eat from the onsite tapas restaurant. Now that’s a perfect evening of relaxation!
Historic Downtown Seville
If you want a taste of history, take a trip to Historic Downtown Seville, where you can find a range of historic buildings and attractions, including Seville Village Square, the historic Singers Tavern, and the Victorian Gothic Seville United Methodist Church. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through this charming area, and explore its many hidden gems along the way.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
Have a passion for inventions? Then make sure to check out the National Inventors Hall of Fame, which celebrates the achievements of inventors by recognizing and preserving their stories for future generations. Learn about the innovators who have helped shape our world throughout history, from the Wright Brothers to Alexander Graham Bell and Henry Ford.
Lock 3 Park
Enjoy a day of fun in the sun at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron. Home to the annual Rib White & Blues Festival and the Akron Marathon, this vibrant park also offers live concerts, free movie screenings, an ice skating rink in the winter, and more. Plus, don’t miss the annual Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival in September.
Akron Civic Theatre
The Akron Civic Theatre is a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue offering theatre shows, concerts, dance performances, and other events. Since opening in 1929, this gorgeous facility has undergone numerous renovations, making it the crown jewel of Akron’s art and entertainment venues.
Canal Park
Cheer on the Akron Rubber Ducks baseball team at the Canal Park ballpark for an exciting afternoon of America’s favorite pastime. Catch some baseball action during the summer months, or attend one of the special events held at the ball park throughout the year.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Tour
Experience the beauty of the Cuyahoga Valley during one of the many scenic railway tours offered by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Choose from a range of excursions, from kayak and canoe trips, to day trips and dinner trains, so you’re sure to find something just right for you.
Hale Farm & Village
Take a step back in time by visiting the Hale Farm & Village, which brings the 19th century to life with demonstrations of traditional crafts and agricultural pursuits, interactive programs, and hands-on activities. Tour this living history museum and explore the homes, garden’s and workshops of America’s early settlers.
Glendale Cemetery
Glendale Cemetery is a beautiful, tranquil place to explore. Established in 1838, this cemetery is home to a range of monuments and historical structures, including the mausoleum known as the final resting place of President James A. Garfield. It’s a great spot for a peaceful stroll or an afternoon of exploring.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
For a fun cultural experience, explore Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the former estate of F.A. Seiberling and his family. Showcasing the lifestyles of the 19th and 20th centuries, this 65-room manor was designed by iconic American architect Charles Schneider and is filled with fascinating stories and artifacts.
Goodyear Heights Metro Park
Goodyear Heights Metro Park is the perfect place for all outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through wildflower-filled meadows, a challenging mountain bike ride, or a thrilling hike up the trails of the Mount Peace Monument Tower, this park offers something for everyone.
Cascade Valley Metro Park
If you’re looking for a truly breathtaking nature experience, Cascade Valley Metro Park is an absolute must-visit. Explore the more than 1,000 acres of pristine woods, meadows and wetlands, where you can observe unique flora and fauna up close. Plus, there are plenty of activities to be enjoyed year round, from fishing and ice skating in the winter to swimming and canoeing in the summer.
Weathervane Playhouse
The Weathervane Playhouse, located in the Akron suburb of Akron Peninsula, is a professional theatre that has been entertaining audiences since 1961. Whether you’re a fan of Broadway musicals, comedies, or dramas, there’s something for everyone at the Weathervane Playhouse.
Akron Fossils and Science Center
Learn about science, geology, and paleontology at the Akron Fossils and Science Center. This amazing museum houses interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, including a fossil dig, a planetarium, and a “Wheel of Wonder” where visitors can explore the unique creatures of past and present.
Metropolitan Art Museum of Akron
Explore Ohio’s premier art museum, the Metropolitan Art Museum of Akron. Here, you’ll find a remarkable collection of European and American art, from sculpture to paintings and prints, as well as a variety of educational programs designed to inspire creativity.
Mustill Store and Canal Visitor Center
Explore the historic “Mustill Store”–a combination store, mill, and boatyard—as well as the adjacent canal visitor center, which offers guided tours of the historic site, boat rides, and educational workshops.
Silver Creek Metro Park
Visit Silver Creek Metro Park, a tranquil nature reserve located beside two reservoirs, where you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to picnics and wildlife watching. Stop by the Nature Center for hands-on exhibits and demonstrations.
Sand Run Metro Park
Hit the trails at Sand Run Metro Park, boasting nearly 4 miles of running and biking trails. Enjoy the park’s natural beauty as you explore the thick woods and sandy banks, and make sure to stop by Leasure Lake for some relaxing kayaking or canoeing.
Roller Fun Skating Rink
For an fun time, the whole family can take their skates to the Roller Fun Skating Rink, Akron’s biggest skating rink. Open year round, this awesome facility offers public skating sessions, private parties, lessons and special events like laser skate nights.
John S. Knight Center
Head to the John S. Knight Center for one of many amazing events throughout the year, including comedy shows, music concerts, conventions and trade shows. With its unique design and excellent acoustics, this impressive facility offers an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.
Bonus
Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom
The Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom is actually located in Cuyahoga Falls, which is very close to Akron, Ohio about 30-minute will take hardly. For a truly unique evening, experience the sounds of the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center, one of the most beautiful performance spaces in the region. Situated on 800 acres in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, here you’ll not only hear divine classics and unexpected symphonies like a Led Zeppelin symphony, but also films complete with live orchestra accompaniment.
Location: 1145 W Steels Corners Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in the Midwest, Akron, Ohio is definitely worth exploring. From skiing and snowboarding at the Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort in the winter to hiking at Goodyear Heights Metro Park in the summer, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in this charming city. Culture seekers can visit the Kent State University Museum, Akron Art Museum, and Metropolitan Art Museum of Akron to explore a wide variety of art and artifacts.
Families with kids can spend a fun-filled day at the Akron Zoo, while history buffs can learn about inventors and entrepreneurs at the National Inventors Hall of Fame. And if you’re in town during the summer, don’t miss the chance to attend a concert at the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom, an outdoor music venue located in nearby Cuyahoga Falls. With its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, Akron has something for everyone.