Things to Do in Akron, United States of America

Akron, Ohio, known as the 'Rubber Capital of the World,' is a mid-sized city that seamlessly blends industrial heritage with modern attractions. Once home to major tire manufacturers like Goodyear, Firestone, and Goodrich, Akron has transformed itself into a vibrant destination featuring world-class museums, beautiful parks, and a thriving arts scene. The city sits in the heart of Northeast Ohio, offering visitors easy access to both urban amenities and natural beauty. Today's Akron showcases its reinvention through attractions like the Akron Art Museum with its striking architecture, the comprehensive Akron Zoo, and the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park on its doorstep. The city's downtown area has experienced significant revitalization, featuring trendy restaurants, craft breweries, and entertainment venues. With its affordable accommodations, friendly Midwestern hospitality, and proximity to other major Ohio cities, Akron serves as an excellent base for exploring the region while offering plenty of attractions to keep visitors engaged.

Top Things to Do in Akron

Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Just minutes from downtown Akron, this stunning national park offers over 125 miles of hiking trails, scenic waterfalls, and the famous Towpath Trail. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, bird watching, and seasonal activities like cross-country skiing. The park's crown jewel, Brandywine Falls, cascades 65 feet and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Park entry is free year-round, but parking can fill up on weekends during peak seasons (spring and fall). Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers seasonal themed rides for $15-30.

Visit the Akron Art Museum

This architectural marvel combines a historic 1899 post office with a stunning modern addition featuring a dramatic glass and steel design. The museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary art, photography, and regional works. The rooftop sculpture terrace offers panoramic views of downtown Akron and is perfect for Instagram-worthy shots.

Booking Tip: Admission is $10 for adults, free for children under 17. The museum is closed Mondays and offers free admission on Thursday evenings from 5-9 PM. Plan 2-3 hours for a complete visit, and don't miss the museum store for unique local artist creations.

Experience the Akron Zoo

Home to over 1,000 animals representing 100+ species, the Akron Zoo is renowned for its conservation efforts and interactive exhibits. Highlights include the Grizzly Ridge with North American wildlife, the Komodo Kingdom, and the popular Wild Asia area featuring tigers and red pandas. The zoo's compact 77-acre size makes it perfect for families with children.

Booking Tip: Adult admission is $16, children $12, with discounts available online. Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds and more active animals. The zoo offers behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters for an additional fee ($20-50), which should be booked in advance.

Tour Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

This magnificent 65-room Tudor Revival mansion was once home to Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling. The estate features opulent interiors, priceless antiques, and 70 acres of meticulously maintained gardens including formal English gardens, a Japanese garden, and seasonal displays. The mansion offers guided tours showcasing early 20th-century luxury living.

Booking Tip: House and garden tours cost $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $10 for youth. Gardens-only admission is $12. Book tours in advance during peak seasons (spring/summer). Special themed tours and events are offered throughout the year for $25-40.

Discover the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Located in downtown Akron, this interactive museum celebrates American innovation and creativity. Visitors can explore hands-on exhibits, learn about famous inventors and their breakthrough discoveries, and even participate in invention workshops. The museum showcases everything from the light bulb to modern digital innovations, making it perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Booking Tip: Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children and seniors. The museum offers group rates for parties of 10 or more. Interactive workshops and special programs are available for an additional $5-10. Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore all exhibits and activities.

Getting There

Akron is easily accessible by multiple transportation methods. The city is served by Akron-Canton Airport (CAK), located about 15 miles southeast, which offers flights from major airlines to destinations across the United States. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), approximately 45 minutes north, provides more extensive flight options including international routes. By car, Akron sits at the intersection of several major highways including I-77, I-76, and I-277, making it easily reachable from cities like Cleveland (40 minutes), Columbus (2 hours), and Pittsburgh (2.5 hours). Greyhound provides bus service to Akron's downtown station, while Amtrak's closest station is in Cleveland with connecting bus service available.

Getting Around

Getting around Akron is most convenient by car, as the city is designed with automobile travel in mind and parking is generally abundant and affordable downtown. METRO RTA operates the public bus system with routes connecting major attractions, downtown, and surrounding neighborhoods, with fares at $1.25 for local routes. Many downtown attractions are within walking distance of each other, and the city has been improving its pedestrian infrastructure. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, particularly in downtown and near the university. For exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park, having a car is highly recommended as public transportation options to trailheads are limited.

Where to Stay

Downtown Akron

Highland Square

Wallhaven

Fairlawn

Cuyahoga Falls

Green

Food & Dining

Akron's dining scene reflects its working-class roots while embracing modern culinary trends. The city is famous for unique local specialties like the 'Akron-style' chicken wings served with celery salt and the regional favorite, city chicken (cubed pork or veal on skewers). Downtown Akron features an array of restaurants from upscale establishments like Dante Boccuzzi Akron to casual favorites like Swensons Drive-In, famous for their Galley Boy burgers. The Highland Square neighborhood offers eclectic dining options including vegetarian-friendly spots and international cuisines. Local breweries like Thirsty Dog Brewing Company and Lock 15 Brewing Company showcase the city's craft beer scene, often paired with elevated pub fare and locally-sourced ingredients.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Akron is during late spring through early fall (May through October) when weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities and exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Summer months (June-August) offer warm temperatures perfect for hiking and outdoor festivals, though this is also peak tourist season. Fall (September-October) is particularly spectacular for leaf-peeping in the national park and surrounding areas, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Spring (April-May) brings blooming flowers and mild weather, ideal for visiting gardens at Stan Hywet Hall. Winter can be cold and snowy, but offers unique opportunities for winter sports in the national park and cozy indoor museum visits, plus significantly lower accommodation rates.

Insider Tips

Download the Cuyahoga Valley National Park app before visiting for detailed trail maps, wildlife spotting tips, and real-time updates on trail conditions and seasonal closures.

Many local restaurants offer 'Akron-style' dishes that you won't find elsewhere - try the city chicken, Akron-style wings with celery salt, or a Galley Boy burger for authentic local flavors.

The Akron Civic Theatre hosts touring Broadway shows and concerts - check their schedule as tickets are often much more affordable than similar venues in larger cities, and the restored 1929 venue is stunning.

Things to Do in Akron