Looking for something to do this summer in the Akron and Canton area? Visitors and residents alike will find a variety of fun activities for all ages.
Whether you are a child or a child at heart you can find something to do in the Akron area. From sports to the history of sports, there is fun to be had in this Ohio town.
Outdoor Activities for the Entire Family
Swimming is something that children always love to do and there are many great places to do just that. Spend a day at Clearwater Park in Uniontown. There is an all-day pass available that allows you to swim and play a round of miniature golf. There are also water slides and Gem Panning at the park.
Challenge Golf Course
Upon hearing the words “Canton, Ohio” most of our thoughts immediately turn to mustard-colored blazers and bronze busts of guys named Lambert and Ditka. Surely, the National Football League’s Hall of Fame has become synonymous with Canton, but the selection of quality public golf facilities in the city cannot be overlooked.
For a great round of family golf, visit the Challenge Golf Course. It is a great place for kids and is set up to accommodate handicapped individuals. They offer instruction especially to help the handicapped to able to enjoy the game. It is located on Flickinger Road by Edwin Shaw Hospital in the Village of Lakemore.
Many area hotels offer golf packages that will accommodate any size group and all of your needs, from tee time to bedtime. Many of the courses include dining at their clubhouses, and if not, the county offers many restaurant choices to satisfy every palate.
Quail Hollow State Park
Other outdoor activities could include horseback riding or mountain biking. There are bridle trails available at Quail Hollow State Park or at Brosch’s Stables in Hartville. The park also has mountain bike trails for great biking fun.
Metro Parks
Parks are abundant in many communities with bike and hike trails, and playground equipment, and the Metro Parks Serving Summit County offers many options of activities, planned programs, and much more. Currently, the park system has 12 parks and three additional hike and bike trails. A calendar of events is available on the website at summitmetroparks.org.
Akron Skate Park
For even more active activities enjoy a day at the outdoor Akron Skate Park. It is located at the Fulton Airport next to, of all things, the BMX bike track. Skateboarding and a bike track right next to each other, what more could a kid dream of? For further information on the bike track call 330-784-3777 or for the skate park call 330-375-2804.
Springfield & Portage Lakes
How about a family fishing day? There are many lakes in the area including Springfield Lake and Portage Lakes. The Nimisila Reservoir also offers canoeing or take a ride on the scenic cruise on Portage Lakes. Take a step back in time and visit Canal Fulton, Ohio and take a ride on a mule-drawn canal boat and visit the sites on the historic streets of this town not far from Akron. The website, discovercanalfulton.com offers ideas of things to do.
Akron and Canton Offer Famed Museums
Museums are abundant in the area from the American Toy and Marble Museum to the Art Museum, which often hosts family events. There is the McKinley museum which houses a lot of history on Ohio and President McKinley as well as hands-on science-related projects and a planetarium.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
There is even more museum action including one for the sports-minded. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton and has a host of displays from the football world including videos of games and players. For hours and special events visit. The Inventors Hall of Fame is loaded with inventions from all over and makes for an interesting family adventure. Rock and Roll fans will love the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame located in Cleveland. Memorabilia from many well-known rock stars are on display from the onset of popular music. There are often special events at the museum.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
For a special museum adventure, take a historic train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. There are several options for trips including one that takes in the McKinley Museum, the First Ladies Museum, or the Football Hall of Fame.
On a Rainy Day, Indoor Activities
On a rainy day or an extremely hot day check out the Linda Theater located at 1745 Goodyear Boulevard. This neighborhood theater has good prices and is family-friendly. The theater runs many children’s shows during the day.
Springfield Lake Roller Rink
The Springfield Lake Roller Rink is a fun place to be. Roller skating can be a lot of fun. This rink is a vital part of the history of the Village of Lakemore which was once a summer resort location for the rich Akron Industrialists and their families.
Top Off the Day of Activity with Baseball or Music
Top the day of fun off with a family outing on a summer night and attend a game at Canal Park Stadium. Enjoy an up-close and personal view of the players and a great chance to catch a foul ball during an Akron Aeros game and Friday nights is fireworks night.
Enjoy a concert on a beautiful summer evening at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron. There are family events, vendors, and free concerts. There is a schedule of events on the website, lock3live.com.