Things to Do in Akron
If you’re visiting Greater Akron, there are a number of things to do that will help you experience the area’s unique charm and culture. Whether you want to spend your time exploring local attractions or simply enjoying some of the best food in Ohio, there’s something for everyone here.
One of the best ways to start your trip is by eating at a local restaurant. Check out some of the hottest spots in town, from Moe’s to Lock 15 Brewing Co.
1. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
For more than a century, trains have been taking passengers to the scenic wonders of what is now Cuyahoga Valley National Park. And you can do it yourself – with a ticket from the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, you can take your own train journey through this amazing natural area.
This 501(c)3 nonprofit is an excursion railway that runs along the historic Valley Line between Cleveland and Akron. It offers a variety of excursions throughout the year, including regular trips to the Canal Visitor Center in the north part of the park and to the canal-era Village of Peninsula in the south.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad also offers a Bike Aboard option that allows you to hop on and off as many times as you like along the Towpath Trail while enjoying the scenery. For more information and tickets, see the CVSR website.
2. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
A great place to enjoy a picnic and get some fresh air, the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm is part of Summit Metro Parks and offers several hiking trails, a 110-foot suspension bridge over a 45-foot-deep ravine, multiple ponds, an herb garden and so much more.
There’s plenty of wildlife to spot on the trails, too! You can even try your hand at archery on one of the many platforms.
The 104-acre nature area is named in honor of Frank A. Seiberling, a Goodyear Tire & Rubber co-founder and an early Metro Parks commissioner who donated more than 400 acres to expand Sand Run Metro Park.
3. The Perkins House
The Perkins House, constructed in 1837 by Colonel Simon Perkins, son of General Simon Perkins, is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture. The home is now a museum owned and operated by the Summit County Historical Society.
The house offers a rare glimpse into the life and history of Akron. It is meticulously preserved and is decorated in periodically-correct furnishings.
Visitors can see the house on guided tours. Additionally, the Perkins Mansion is often used for special events and school tours.
A visit to the Perkins House is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Akron. It offers a glimpse into the history of the city and gives a taste of what life was like in 19th century northeast Ohio.
4. The Akron Art Museum
The Akron Art Museum features a collection of regional, national and international modern art. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions.
Kids can get creative at Tots Create — Slant, Smoosh, Reshape, where they’ll explore the galleries and then go in for a hands-on, sensory play experience with everyday materials, such as cotton balls, paper, and paint. Older kids can participate in a Kids Studio Class – Tech Scrap Sculpture, where they’ll make a creative response to contemporary art.
The Museum’s new building, designed by Viennese architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, is a hybrid space that incorporates new concepts in addition to art. It’s a place where people can come to see art, but it also encourages them to engage in the artistic dialogue that may be happening outside of the Museum.
5. The Loew Theatre
The Akron Civic Theatre, also known as the Loew Theatre, is a spectacular landmark that has been providing entertainment and live performances for the community for nearly seventy years. Designed by renowned theater architect John Eberson, the building resembles a Moorish castle with Mediterranean decor, medieval carvings, authentic European antiques and Italian alabaster sculptures.
The auditorium is an atmospheric theater where patrons are virtually transported to an exotic landscape. Twinkling stars sparkle in a fiber optic sky, climbing vines and sculpted mermaids grace the ceiling and ornate plaster moldings frame the stage.
Executive Director Howard Parr said the theatre offers a variety of activities for its audience, including Cirque Ziva acrobatics, musical acts, theatre productions and ballet. After a comprehensive $19 million plus renovation effort in 2001, the theater reopened.
