Planning a weekend outing with the family but not sure where to find the best things to do in Akron? Maybe you’re new to the city and unsure of where you can go for a fun, affordable day with the kids. Akron Ohio is a wonderful city in Northeast Ohio. It’s known as the Rubber Capital of the World because it’s home to the headquarters of the Goodyear tire and rubber company. With a population of just under 200,000 people, it’s the fifth-largest city in Ohio.
You’ll be happy to hear that there is a wide variety of fun things to do in Akron Ohio with kids, whether you’re looking to be educated, entertained, or a combination of both.
From free museums to delicious Akron restaurants to lush parks, you’ll find all kinds of family fun to keep you busy. But with so many options, it’s hard to know where to begin. Here is a complete guide to the best things to do in Akron with kids to help get your weekend or family outing off to the right start.
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Akron Zoo | A Popular Zoo With Over 100 Wildlife Species and Other Things to Do in Akron
The Akron Zoo is a great place to start if your kids are interested in animals and wildlife. This 77-acre zoo features over 1,000 animals from 100 different species, including snow leopards, jaguars, lemurs, bats, Komodo dragons, and much more. It’s visited by over 400,000 people every year, making it one of the most popular family activities in Akron, Ohio, and all of Summit County.
Visitors can navigate through the different themed areas, which include a welcome center, Penguin Point, Komodo Kingdom, Curious Creatures, Wild Prairie, and much more. Ticket prices range from $10-$12 for adults and $9-10 for kids, and the zoo is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. So, if you’re looking for fun, educational activities where you can learn about a diverse selection of wildlife, the Akron Zoo is one of the best things to do in Akron Ohio.
If you’re planning a family getaway to Akron and want to stay close to attractions like the Akron Zoo, finding the right place to stay can make all the difference. From spacious homes with multiple bedrooms to kid-friendly vacation rentals near parks and museums, Family Vacation Rentals offers a wide selection of family-friendly accommodations in Akron, Ohio. Staying in a comfortable rental gives families more space to relax after a full day of exploring and helps turn a simple trip into a memorable family vacation.
500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, OH 44307 (330) 375-2550
Akron Children’s Museum | An Interactive Museum With Hands-On Exhibits Designed to Promote Lifelong Learning
The Children’s Museum is another must-visit for families looking for things to do in Akron. It features interactive exhibits on science, health, and technology designed to instill kids with a lifelong love of learning. Some of their most popular exhibits include the Akron Express, an area dedicated to model trains, or Healthy Little Monsters, where kids can pretend to be doctors or veterinarians.
Kids and families can spend hours exploring things to do in Akron at the Children’s Museum, whether it’s making art, shopping for food at the pretend farmer’s market, or building forts with jumbo blocks. Admission is $7 for kids and adults (yearly memberships are also available). It’s closed to the public for field trips on Monday and Tuesday, but you can stop by at various times Wednesday through Sunday. With so many fun areas and activities to explore, it’s one of the best things to do in Akron Ohio, with kids.
216 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308 (330) 396-6103
Lock 3 Park | A Family-Friendly Park That’s Home to Some of the Top Akron Attractions
Lock 3 Park is the perfect destination for a weekend outing if you’re in search of free things to do in Akron this weekend for families. The children’s museum is located within Lock 3 Park, but you’ll also find a range of other activities, including free concerts, ice skating, fireworks, a farmer’s market, and more. In the winter, this Akron park is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with ice skating rinks, sledding hills, and other fantastic things to do in Akron in the winter.
It’s home to the Canal Park Stadium, the field where the Akron Rubber Ducks baseball team plays, a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. It’s also close to some of the best restaurants in Akron, Ohio, such as Crave and the Diamond Deli. Lock 3 is the perfect place to spend some time outdoors and take in the fresh air. No matter if you’re into sports, science, or culture, it’s one of the best things to do in Akron.
200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308 (330) 375-2877
Akron Civic Theater | A Restored Performing Arts Venue Hosting Local and Touring Acts
Stop by Akron Civic Theatre if you’re in Lock 3 Park on Main St. and you’re looking for indoor activities in Akron, Ohio. Located adjacent to the park, this restored 1929 movie theater now hosts an interesting selection of live music, dance, comedy shows, and other things to do in Akron. While not every production will be right for kids, they put on plenty of family-friendly shows that feature beloved characters and wholesome themes.
You can see everything from touring musicians to local comedians to Broadway plays offering something for everyone. Those in search of family things to do in Akron Ohio, who love live performances and special events should definitely check out the Akron Civic Theater.
182 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308 (330) 253-2488
Akron Art Museum | A Popular Art Museum With Family-Friendly Events and Attractions
Looking for a bit of culture? The Akron Art Museum on High St is one of the best things to do in Akron Ohio on a quiet afternoon. The museum hosts frequent Akron family activities and programs specifically designed for kids, including outdoor toys and arts and crafts tables. Children under 18 get free admission, and on Sunday afternoons, they host Family Days, a free event with creation stations, booths from local vendors, and other fun things to do in Akron.
In the lobby, you’ll find the Open Studio, which features things to do in Akron for all age groups, including art materials for kids and sensory activities for babies. Adult admission is $12, and it’s open Wednesday – Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm (Thursdays, it stays open until 9 pm). It’s a great destination for anyone who wants family-friendly Akron, OH, attractions where they can learn and create.
1 S High St, Akron, OH 44308 (330) 376-9186
Cuyahoga Valley National Park | A National Park With Fun Activities for Kids
Families looking for things to do in Akron who want to spend some time exploring the great outdoors should spend some time at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Cuyahoga Falls. Situated along the Cuyahoga River and the Erie Canal on the way to Cleveland, it’s one of the best things to do in Akron for hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, birdwatching, horseback riding, or any other outdoor activity.
The park offers plenty of things to do in Akron for kids, including their Junior Ranger Handbook or Canal Question, which provides a fun way for kids to learn about nature by solving puzzles and answering questions.
Families can even explore the park aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a fully functional train that weaves through the wilderness. The park is free to visit and open 24 hours a day, making it one of the best things to do in Akron, OH, any time of the year.
Brecksville, Ohio (440) 717-3890
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park | An Indoor Play Area with Trampolines, Fitness Classes, and More
Families who want indoor play areas in Akron, Ohio, should check out the Urban Air Adventure Park. The massive indoor park features thrilling attractions and things to do in Akron designed to keep kids entertained, active, and engaged with open jump sessions, fitness classes, obstacle courses, dodgeball, and more.
After working up a sweat on the trampolines, you can stop by the Urban Cafe, an Akron restaurant serving pizza, chicken wings, sodas, and other kid-friendly options. The park is also available to rent for parties, private events, and sports leagues, making it one of the best things to do in Akron on any occasion.
Park passes start at $15 for kids under 40 inches, although you can get a discount by buying in a group. So whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity or a spot to host a birthday party, Urban Air is one of the best things to do in Akron Ohio.
160 Rothrock Loop, Akron, OH 44321 (330) 532-7116
Akron-Summit County Public Library | A Free Public Library With a Wealth of Resources
Another great place to go for events and free things to do in Akron is the Summit County Public Library. Located on South High Street in Downtown Akron, the Public Library is the perfect place to find books, digital media, and fun community events.
They have things to do in Akron for both kids and adults, including family story time, lego lab, and Pokemon club. Their 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a great way to instill a love of learning and help kids develop literacy skills by winning prizes every time they finish a book.
They also offer free online tutoring programs if students need help getting their grades up. It’s free to sign up and get a library card, making it one of the best things to do in Akron if you’re on a tight budget.
60 S High St, Akron, OH 44326 (330) 643-9000
The Lockview Restaurant | A Delicious Akron OH Restaurant With Kid-Friendly Menu Items
Dining out is another one of the best things to do in Akron. Lockview is one of the best restaurants in Akron, Ohio, for hungry families who want a welcoming place to eat. A stable in the Akron community, Lockview is famous for its gourmet grilled cheese, which comes with a side of goldfish crackers. Other kid-friendly menu items include the basket of tater tots and homemade macaroni and cheese.
They also offer plenty of adult entrees, including salads, sandwiches, and cocktails, making it one of the best restaurants in Akron, OH, for all ages. It’s centrally located on Main Street near a bunch of other things to do in Akron, right across from Lock 3 Park, the Children’s Museum, and the Civic Theater. So, if you’re looking for the best places to eat in Akron, Ohio, with kids after a weekend outing, Lockview is the place to be.
207 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308 (330) 252-5128
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Great Escape Room | An Interactive Experience That Teaches Problem-Solving Skills
Great for exercising problem-solving skills, the Great Escape Room is an interactive Akron, Ohio, attraction that challenges visitors to escape an elaborate set by looking for clues and solving challenges.
Based on a popular computer game, visitors are given 60-120 minutes to work together to solve various puzzles within an immersive reality environment. Its Akron location features four sets of private experiences for groups and parties.
It’s a great bonding experience that forces kids to think critically and work together. It’s one of the best things to do in Akron if you’re searching for a fun, collaborative experience for the whole family.
323 S Main St #201, Akron, OH 44308 (234) 281-2877
Map of Things to Do in Akron with Kids
Move to Akron with Summit Moving and Storage
Thinking about moving your family to this wonderful city so you can take advantage of all the fun things to do in Akron Ohio? Count on the reliable team of Akron movers at Summit Moving and Storage to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call (330) 633-3633 for a free quote.
