
Summer is about finding fun places to visit and activities to experience as a family. Especially if you've just moved to a new area, it's a perfect opportunity to explore. Our real estate agents can help you find all the best family-friendly attractions around Akron and North Canton this summer. Here are a few you shouldn't miss.
Football fans won't want to miss Hall of Fame Village. Surrounding the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a 100-acre sports and entertainment destination with football-themed attractions, including rides like RedZone, Forward Pass, and Spike It! The Center for Performance hosts events throughout the year, including:
There are also rental options to host your own event in the Village. Located near Canton homes for sale, it's an amazing experience the whole family will enjoy.
There's tons of great history at the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, but it's much more than that. There's plenty about the life and career of our 25th President at the McKinley National Memorial and the Ramsayer Research Library, but you can also explore space at the Hoover-Price Planetarium, or take an interactive journey through archaeology, ecology, and physical science at Discover World. Come discover history, science, and more!
There's no better place to learn about wildlife than the Akron Zoo. Their Behind-the-Scenes tours give you a look at how they care for:
Plus experience educational programs like Zoorific Career Day or Veterinary Career Day. There are plant exhibits too, where you can see things like flytraps and snow crocuses. And in August, don't miss their Summer Safari, a 21+ gala to explore the park after hours with wine and hors d'oeuvres.
The mansion at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is one of the largest homes in the United States. Built between 1912 and 1915, the architecture and decor are a monument to lavish luxury in the early 20th century. There are also four other buildings to explore, like the Gothic-style Corbin Conservatory, a greenhouse displaying a variety of citrus and tropical plants. Plus, check out the Gardens: 70 acres of beautiful landscaping, from a woodland dell filled with daffodils to a corridor of grey birches. The estate is also home to the Ohio Shakespeare Festival, with As You Like It on the schedule this summer.
To get back to nature, head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A short drive from Akron homes for sale, it exudes rugged, natural beauty, like forests, hills, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Cuyahoga River. A great place for fishing and birding, there are also over 125 miles of hiking trails, like the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, or the Buckeye Trail. You can also ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a scenic train ride through the park that offers beautiful views of the Cuyahoga Valley landscape and local wildlife.
For a hands-on look at 19th-century life, visit Hale Farm & Village. The Western Reserve Historical Society maintains this museum of living history with costumed interpreters providing craft and trade demonstrations, such as:
There are also 32 historic structures to explore, such as the Schoolhouse from 1816 and the Hale Summer Cottage from 1850. The museum also hosts summer events for younger children ages 2-5, with snacks, stories, and crafts that demonstrate life on a farm.
Families can visit the Akron Zoo, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Hale Farm & Village, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Hall of Fame Village, and the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum. Together, these stops offer a mix of wildlife, history, outdoor recreation, gardens, science exhibits, and seasonal events.
Yes. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the best outdoor destinations in the area, with hiking trails, river views, fishing, birding, and scenic train rides. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is another good choice for families who want gardens, historic grounds, and seasonal outdoor events.
The William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum is a strong rainy day option because it combines presidential history, local history, science exhibits, and the Hoover-Price Planetarium. Akron Zoo and Hall of Fame Village may also work depending on the weather and which attractions or events are open that day.
This is just a taste of what your family can discover around Canton and Akron. Contact us if you're ready to make your new home here.