Alt Text: Akron, OH skyline at dusk.
Akron is the 5th largest city in Ohio, home to a population of nearly 200,000 people, and is the birthplace of America’s modern education system. Since its founding in 1825, Akron has matured from a humble canal village to the Rubber Capital of the World, and today owns its place as a manufacturing center and upbeat college town.
As the city has grown, so too has its local attractions! Today, Akron is full of family-friendly museums, art galleries, parks, and world-class entertainment. Wondering what to do in Akron for fun? Check out these 25 top attractions for a fantastic time any day in Akron.
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#1. Boston Mills and Brandywine Ski Resort
Hit the slopes with the whole family at Boston Mills and Brandywine Ski Resort. Open from the first snowfall till spring, this top Ohio ski resort also includes options for passes to sister ski resorts in New York and New England!
- Address: 7100 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
- Phone: (800) 875-4241
- Website: http://www.bmbw.com/
#2. Akron Zoo
The Akron Zoo is the definition of family fun in the city. Get up close and personal with exotic animals, learn about animal care during the zoo’s many educational programs, and leave with memories you’ll cherish forever.
- Address: 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, OH 44307
- Phone: (330) 375-2550
- Website: https://www.akronzoo.org/
#3. Akron Art Museum
Located in downtown Akron, this modern art museum features both permanent and visiting exhibits from global artists. In addition to guided tours, the museum also offers children’s programs designed to introduce kids to the magic and wonder of art.
- Address: 1 S High St, Akron, OH 44308
- Phone: (330) 376-9185
- Website: http://akronartmuseum.org/
#4. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
Originally the home of F.A. Seiberling, the founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, this historic house has been converted to a museum and gardens, dedicated to preserving Akron’s deep roots as the Rubber Capital of the World. In addition to tours, the museum also featured events like dog walks, yoga, auto shows and more.
- Address: 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
- Phone: (330) 836-5533
- Website: http://www.stanhywet.org/
#5. Summit Metro Parks
Summit County manages 16 parks spanning more than 14,000 acres and including more than 150 miles of hiking trails. More than 5 million people visit each year to explore everything the parks offer, from hiking and biking to boating, fishing, water sports, birding opportunities, and even archery!
- Address: 975 Treaty Line Rd, Akron, OH 44313
- Phone: (330) 867-5511
- Website: http://www.summitmetroparks.org/
#6. Brandywine Falls
Located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this pristine waterfall is one of the most picturesque spots near Akron, OH. You can drive and park close to the falls, or hike to them via the park’s many trails.
- Address: 8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067
- Phone: (330) 657-2752
- Website: http://www.nps.gov/cuva/learn/historyculture/brandywine-falls.htm
#7. Lock 3 Park
Lock 3 Park is downtown Akron’s top outdoor venue for concerts, festivals and other live events. Weekend concerts with massive headliners dominate the space from May-September, while during winter, the park becomes a winter wonderland, with outdoor skating, holiday shopping, and visits from Santa Claus.
- Address: 200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308
- Phone: (330) 375-2877
- Website: http://lock3live.com/
#8. Kent State University Museum
This museum, which operates in concert with the Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising, features fashion and fabric-based art pieces, such as quilts and clothing, as well as more traditional art pieces. New exhibits are featured throughout the year, so you can visit again and again!
- Address: 515 Hilltop Dr, Kent, OH 44240
- Phone: (330) 672-3450
- Website: http://www.kent.edu/museum/
#9. Akron Fossils and Science Center
Let your kids become mini-scientists when you visit the Akron Fossils and Science Center. The museum includes multiple rooms where kids can discover the fascinating science of archaeology, as well as interactive programs, day camps, and adventure trips!
- Address: 2080 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Copley, OH 44321
- Phone: (330) 665-3466
- Website: http://www.akronfossils.com/
#10. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Take a ride through the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park on a historic train line that’s been part of Akron’s history since 1880! The ride is most stunning during spring and fall when the foliage bursts with the colors of the seasons.
- Address: 27 Ridge St., Akron, OH 44308
- Phone: 330-439-5708
- Website: https://www.cvsr.org/
#11. Hale Farm and Village
Another top attraction in Akron, Hale Farm and Village is Akron’s only living history museum. Spanning 90 acres with 32 historic structures, the Farm features real farm animals and costumed tradespeople, who demonstrate early American trades such as Glassblowing, wool spinning, weaving, and blacksmithery.
- Address: 2686 Oak Hill Rd, Bath, OH 44210
- Phone: (330) 666-3711
- Website: http://halefarm.org/
#12. Dr. Bob’s House
Dr. Bob was the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and to preserve his memory, his home has been converted to an open museum. The historic 12 steps in front of his home were the inspiration for the 12-step program which has helped millions of people overcome alcohol addiction!
- Address: 855 Ardmore Ave, Akron, OH 44302
- Phone: (330) 864-1935
- Website: http://www.drbobshome.com/
#13. Summit Artspace Gallery
Truly, art lovers in Akron have plenty of options when it comes to fun things to do. At the Summit Artspace Gallery, you’ll find works from local artists, alongside internationally renowned craftspeople. A rotation of visiting exhibits makes every visit a new experience.
- Address: 140 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308
- Phone: (330) 376-8480
- Website: https://www.summitartspace.org/
#14. Akron Children’s Museum
Looking for family fun in Akron? The Akron Children’s Museum is the perfect destination. Explore science and technology with interactive exhibits, shows and more for a day your kids won’t soon forget.
- Address: 216 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308
- Phone: (330) 396-6103
- Website: http://akronkids.org/
#15. Akron Glass Works
Ever wondered how those beautiful vases, bowls and other glass pieces are made? At Akron Glass Works, you can see real glass artists at work, and even take a workshop to try your hand at glassblowing!
- Address: 421 Spicer Street, Akron, OH 44311
- Phone: (330) 253-5888
- Website: http://www.akronglassworks.com/
#16. Akron Police Museum
The Akron Police Museum is another wonderful spot in Downtown Akron, where you can go to appreciate the city’s history. Learn all about the Akron City Police Department, and see photos, confiscated weapons, uniforms and more.
- Address: 217 S High St # 402, Akron, OH 44308
- Phone: (330) 375-2181
- Website: https://www.downtownakron.com/go/akron-police-museum
#17. Akron Civic Theater
The Akron Civic Theater is your destination for all things live performance. From musicals and plays to stand up comedy to amazing bands and musicians, there’s always an amazing event going on at the Civic Theater.
- Address: 182 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308
- Phone: (330) 253-2488
- Website: http://www.akroncivic.com/
#18. John S. Knight Convention Center
From competitions to trade shows, the John. S. Knight Convention Center has it all. You can see upcoming events on the Convention Center website, and find the ones that most interest you!
- Address: 77 E Mill St, Akron, OH 44308
- Phone: (330) 374-8900
- Website: http://www.johnsknightcenter.org/
#19. Glendale Cemetery
This is one of the most beautiful spots to explore when the sun shines in Akron! From the stunning memorial chapel to the well-kept grounds, the cemetery is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
- Address: 150 Glendale Ave, Akron, OH 44302
- Phone: (330) 253-2317
- Website: http://www.glendaleakron.com/
#20: Akron Skate Park
This awesome skate park includes 1900 square feet of fiberglass-reinforced concrete ramps, bowls and more. There are areas for skaters of every level making this a perfect spot to bring the whole family (and embarrass your teens).
- Address: 990 Derby Downs Dr, Akron, OH 44306, USA
- Phone: 330-733-0810