10 Fun Things to Do in Akron, Ohio
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I wasn’t totally sure what to expect from Akron, but I ended up having the best time exploring all the fun things to do in Akron, Ohio. It has this mix of outdoor adventure, local flavor, and a little bit of that quirky charm that keeps it interesting. From peaceful nature trails and scenic overlooks to delicious bites and cool history, there’s way more to this Northeast Ohio city than meets the eye.
Whether you’re walking through lush parks, learning about the Goodyear legacy, or grabbing a bite at a local favorite, Akron is one of those places that quietly sneaks up on you—in a good way.
Check out my Overlook Map with all of the spots we checked out in Canton and Akron!
Things to Do in Akron
1. Akron Zoo
If you’re spending a day in Akron and want something fun and lowkey, the Akron Zoo is such a good pick. It’s not massive, which makes it easy to get through without feeling overwhelmed—but it’s still home to over 1,000 animals and has some really well-designed habitats.
I loved how walkable and clean everything felt, and there were plenty of shaded areas which is always a win during the warmer months. It’s also super family-friendly without feeling chaotic if you’re going without kids. Definitely worth a stop!
2. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Out of all of the fun things to do in Akron, this was definitely one of my favorites! I had never been on a train in the U.S. before and doing it through a national park just made it so much more magical.
The ride with Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad was so peaceful and relaxing, and there are a few different cars you can choose from depending on the vibe you’re going for. We did the open-air car which was perfect for taking in the views.
There’s also a car with an upper dome level that would be so dreamy in the fall with all the changing leaves. They also do fun themed rides like a Polar Express-style train around the holidays, which honestly sounds like such a cute experience.
3. Northside Marketplace
If you love supporting small businesses and checking out local makers, Northside Marketplace is the spot. It’s right in downtown Akron and has a bunch of cool vendors—from handmade jewelry and home goods to unique snacks and treats.
It’s the kind of place where you just want to slowly browse and probably end up buying something you didn’t even know you needed. It’s small, but super cute and totally worth stopping by if you’re in the area! We also grabbed a quick breakfast from here right before hopping on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
4. Pizza from Luigi’s
Right next to the Akron station for the scenic railroad is Luigi’s, and if you’re doing the train, this is the perfect post-ride meal. It’s a classic old-school Italian spot and people love this place—and now I get why.
The vibe is casual, the portions are solid, and it just feels like one of those places locals have been going to forever. Get the pizza!
5. The Blue Door Cafe and Bakery
If you’re even remotely into brunch, you’ve gotta check out The Blue Door Cafe. It’s tucked away in a residential area and feels like one of those spots only the locals know about (but it’s always busy so clearly the word is out).
The food is next level—I’m talking flaky pastries, rich lattes, and creative brunch dishes that totally live up to the hype. We got their Old Town San Diego carnitas omelette and it was unreal (and big enough to share!). We stopped here right before exploring Summit Metro Parks and it was the perfect fuel!
6. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
This one totally surprised me! Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is a historic estate that feels like something straight out of a movie. It was the home of F.A. Seiberling, one of the co-founders of Goodyear, and it’s filled with so much history and beautiful design.
The house itself is stunning, but the real magic happens when you walk through the lush, sprawling gardens. We visited in the summer and everything was in full bloom—so dreamy.
7. Summit Metro Parks
We were seriously blown away by how gorgeous the Summit Metro Parks were—like, wildflowers everywhere, peaceful trails, and just straight-up beautiful nature all around. One of our favorite parts was checking out the Towpath Trail, which follows the historic route of the old Ohio & Erie Canal.
If you want to bike the area, check out the Summit Bike Share which is Summit County’s free bicycle share system!
We also made a stop at Cascade Valley Metro Park – Overlook Area, and oh my gosh—the views! It’s a super short 0.5-mile loop, but it leads you to this overlook that makes you feel like you’ve been transported way out of the city.
I wish we had more time to explore the rest of the park system because there’s so much to see! If you love the outdoors, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Akron.
8. Float the River or Paddle the River
If you’re looking to get on the water, both of these are such good options! Float the River is all about tubing—so picture a chill float down the Cuyahoga River, perfect for a group, especially on a hot summer day.
It’s only available on certain days though, so definitely check ahead. We did a tubing float like this in Helen, Georgia during our 2-week Southeast road trip and it ended up being our favorite activity of the whole trip!
For a little more movement, there’s Paddle the River, which has different trip options depending on how much time you have—short, middle, and long. We went with the short option, a 2-mile paddle that took around an hour, just because we were trying to squeeze in as much as we could in both Akron and Canton.
Even with the short route, we saw so much wildlife—birds, deer, turtles… and apparently there are otters if you get lucky! Some of the longer trips even take you through rapids, which I kinda wish we had time for. Definitely saving that for next time!
9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
This park was one of the absolute highlights of our time in the Akron area! Cuyahoga Valley National Park stretches across 33,000 acres between Akron and Cleveland, making it a super easy nature escape even if you’re based in the city. It’s actually Ohio’s only national park, which is pretty cool in itself, and it’s totally free to visit.
We checked out two of the most popular spots—Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot waterfall with a super photogenic boardwalk, and The Ledges, which is a 2.2-mile loop with incredible rock formations and a scenic overlook at the end that’s perfect for sunset.
This park has over 125 miles of trails, plus scenic train rides, waterfalls, wildlife, and so much more!
10. Explore Canton
Canton is just about 25 minutes south of Akron, and if you have the time, it’s definitely worth the detour! There’s so much to check out in the area—whether you’re into history, food, or just exploring new neighborhoods.
We did a downtown Canton food tour and got to try everything from Scrod (a type of fish) to desserts while learning about the city’s history along the way. Of course, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a must if you’re even remotely into football—there’s a ton of memorabilia and interactive exhibits that make it feel more like an experience than just a museum.
Canton also has cute shops, wineries, and beautiful public art all throughout the downtown area. There’s a lot more than meets the eye here!
Want more Canton ideas? Check out my full post on the best things to do in Canton!
Where to Stay in Akron
If your Akron itinerary includes nearby Canton, I highly recommend staying at Gervasi Vineyard—even though it’s technically in Canton, it’s such a stunning place that felt like a highlight of the whole trip!
With villas, a boutique-style Casa, and the historic Farmhouse, Gervasi delivers that upscale, Italian-inspired aesthetic that’s hard to beat. It’s not the most affordable option, but it’s certainly one of the most memorable and beautiful stays in the area.
For a more centrally located option in Akron itself, Courtyard Akron Downtown is a great pick if you’re doing activities like the Northside Market, Luigi’s, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (which picks up just steps away at the Akron Northside Station). Guests rave about its clean rooms, friendly staff, and ideal location close to downtown dining and entertainment.
For more options available during your travel dates, check here.
Which of these Akron activities are you checking out first?!
Between the charming cafes and scenic hikes to kayaking adventures and historic landmarks, there’s no shortage of things to do in Akron. We really fell in love with this area of Northeast Ohio, and I have no doubt you will too. I hope this guide helped you plan your adventure—let me know what you’re most excited to check out!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Ohio blog posts:
