Best Time to Visit Popular Destinations in Akron, Ohio, United States
1. Akron Art Museum
Explore contemporary and modern art in this sleek museum. The collection includes works by Warhol, O'Keeffe, and more. Best time to visit is during the First Friday events for extended hours and free admission.
- Art Collection: Boasts a collection of over 5,000 works from local, national, and international artists
- Architecture: Features an award-winning modernist building designed by architect Richard Gluckman
- Events: Offers educational programs, workshops, and special exhibitions throughout the year
2. Lock 3 Park
Relax by the water at this popular downtown park. Enjoy concerts, festivals, and activities on Lock 3 Lake. Summer is the best time to visit for warm-weather events.
- Activities: Offers a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and ice skating
- Events: Hosts concerts, festivals, and events throughout the summer months
- Amenities: Features picnic areas, restrooms, and a concession stand for your convenience
3. North Carolina and Southern Railway (NC&S)
Step back in time on this historic train ride. Enjoy scenic views of Akron and the surrounding countryside. The best time to visit is during fall foliage season for breathtaking views.
- Scenic Rides: Offers a variety of scenic rides throughout the year, including special events like the North Pole Express during Christmas
- Historic Preservation: Restores and maintains historic railroad equipment from the NC&S Railway system
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for school groups, scouts, and families
4. Akron Zoo
Get up close with animals from around the world at this family-friendly zoo. Best time to visit is during the summer for animal encounters and special events.
- Animal Encounters: Offers animal encounters and feeding demonstrations throughout the day
- Exhibits: Features a variety of exhibits, including African Elephants, Gorillas, and Amur Tigers
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for endangered species through breeding programs and habitat restoration projects
5. Summit Lake State Park
Enjoy outdoor activities at this beautiful state park. Fish, boat, or hike along the trails. Fall is the best time to visit for leaf peeping and wildlife viewing.
- Activities: Offers fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and camping opportunities
- Nature Preservation: Protects and preserves a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to view a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians
6. Akron Fossils & Science Center
Discover the world of paleontology at this educational center. Best time to visit is during school breaks for hands-on activities and programs.
- Exhibits: Features exhibits on fossils, geology, and local prehistoric wildlife
- Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and special events for all ages
- Paleontology Research: Conducts paleontological research and excavations in the area
7. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Tour the historic home of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company founder, F.A. Seiberling. Stroll through beautiful gardens and take a carriage ride. Spring is the best time to visit for flower blooms.
- Historic Home: Offers tours of the Tudor-style mansion, including its gardens, stables, and garages
- Gardens: Features 70 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, including a rose garden and a Japanese garden
- Carriage Rides: Provides horse-drawn carriage rides through the estate's picturesque grounds
8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Explore this scenic national park. Hike, bike, or take a train ride through the picturesque countryside. Fall is the best time to visit for fall foliage and wildlife viewing.
- Activities: Offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and train rides through the park
- Nature Preservation: Protects and preserves a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and rivers
- Scenic Rides: Provides train rides on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad through the park
9. Firestone Farm
Visit this historic farm owned by the Firestone family. Learn about sustainable farming and take a hayride. Fall is the best time to visit for pumpkin patches and apple cider.
- Farm Activities: Offers farm activities such as hayrides, pumpkin patches, and apple cider presses
- Sustainable Farming Education: Provides education on sustainable farming practices and local agriculture
- Seasonal Events: Hosts seasonal events like a corn maze, haunted hayride, and holiday light show
10. Akron RubberDucks Stadium
Catch a baseball game at this family-friendly stadium. Best time to visit is during the summer for a fun outing with the kids.
- Baseball Games: Offers games for Akron's minor league baseball team, the RubberDucks
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Features a kid-friendly atmosphere with activities and giveaways during games
- Concessions: Offers a variety of concession options, including local favorites like Akronym ice cream
11. Blossom Music Center
Attend an outdoor concert at this beautiful venue. Best time to visit is during the summer for a variety of music acts.
- Music Acts: Hosts concerts by popular music artists across various genres
- Outdoor Experience: Provides an outdoor concert experience with a beautiful backdrop of surrounding hills and forests
- Food and Beverages: Offers food and beverage options, including local vendors and concessions
12. Hale Farm & Village
Step back in time at this living history museum. Learn about rural life in the 1800s and enjoy traditional craft demonstrations. Spring is the best time to visit for historic events.
- Historic Demonstrations: Offers traditional craft demonstrations like blacksmithing, pottery, and weaving
- Living History Museum: Features a collection of historic buildings and artifacts from the 1800s
- Historic Events: Hosts historic events like Harvest Festival and Christmas at Hale Farm
13. Akron Children's Museum
Educate and entertain the kids at this interactive museum. Best time to visit is during school breaks for hands-on activities and programs.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits that promote learning through play
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and special events for kids
- Parties and Celebrations: Hosts parties and celebrations like birthdays and field trips
14. National Inventors Hall of Fame
Learn about the inventions that have shaped our world at this museum. Best time to visit is during school breaks for hands-on activities and programs.
- Inventor Exhibits: Features exhibits on famous inventors and their inventions
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and special events for all ages
- Invention Challenges: Provides challenges and activities that encourage invention and creativity
15. Tangier Garden Restaurant
Experience Moroccan cuisine at this unique restaurant. Best time to visit is during dinner for an authentic dining experience.
- Authentic Moroccan Cuisine: Serves traditional Moroccan dishes like couscous, tagine, and kebabs
- Decor and Atmosphere: Features North African-inspired decor and an inviting atmosphere
- Catering and Events: Offers catering services for events and private parties