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March
7
7
30 Free Things to Do in the Akron and Canton Area
Regardless of the season, the Akron and Canton area is bursting with fun things to do. Around here, you'll find some of the friendliest people in the country, an incredible dining scene, an abundance of interesting museums, talented local artists, plenty of outdoor opportunities, and more. And believe it or not, you can experience almost all of it without spending a cent!
Instead of staying in to save money, grab the family and go explore this wonderful region. From concerts on the lawn to vibrant art exhibits, we rounded up 30 of the best things to do in the Akron and Canton area that are completely free! Turns out that having fun on a budget isn't so difficult after all.
For History Buffs
Visit the Akron Police Museum, which showcases the history of the local police department all the way back to the 19th century. You'll find old police uniforms, a 1965 police motorcycle, confiscated weapons, lots of photos, and plenty of interesting stories! Take a tour of the Magnolia Flouring Mills, a stunning five-story, 19th-century mill that preserves the history of rural Stark County. Having fun isn't hard when you have a library card! Visit the Akron Library and tuck into a good book. Get spooked at Akron's Glendale Cemetery (or simply take in the history). The cemetery dates all the way back to 1839, and truly tells the story of the area! Walk the 108 steps to the top of the McKinley Presidential Monument.
Photo courtesy of the Troll Hole Museum
Visit the Troll Hole Museum, which boasts more than 20,000 troll items (including a Guinness World Record troll doll collection). Here, you'll learn everything about trolls, from ancient mythology to the modern dolls we're grown to know and love. Look for birds at the 703-acre Quail Hollow Park, located in Hartville. Grab your fishing pole and round up the family for one of the Stark Parks' summertime fishing derbies.For Foodies
Take a 45-minute tour of the Harry London/Fannie May Factory, where you'll be able to sample Ohio's famed Buckeye candies made fresh, and surround yourself with the aroma of chocolate. Tours depart hourly Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm. Take a tour of a nearby winery! Gervasi Vineyard offers free public winery tours on Saturdays. And in case you want to make a day of it, here are some of the other best vineyards in the Akron and Canton area.For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Photo courtesy of Summit Metro Parks
Visit one of the area's nearby Metro Parks, which feature wildlife viewing opportunities, bike paths, wildflowers, soccer fields and hiking trails. Play a round of disc golf at Arboretum Spiker Park or the Roscoe Ewing Park Disc Golf Course. Bike the 85-mile Towpath Trail through Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties (or at least part of it). Take advantage of the snowy weather in winter and go sledding! Here are the top 12 sledding hills in the area.
Photo courtesy of Summit Metro Parks
Get in touch with nature at the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, which boasts 104 acres of exhibits, live animals, trails and more.For Lovers of the Arts
Visit Studio 2091, which is situated in a 200-year-old building and hosts an ever-changing mix of contemporary artwork. Visit the Kent State University Museum, a gorgeous example of architecture that houses abundant collections of influential fashion and artwork from all over the world. Venture back in time at the Hoover Historical Center — the boyhood home of Boss Hoover, the founder of the Hoover Company. Stroll down 4th Street in Massillon, a historic district featuring gorgeous, 19th century homes.
Courtesy of Akron Art Museum. Photography by Joe Levack/Studio Akron.
Check out the galleries at the Akron Art Museum on Thursdays, when admission is completely free! The normal entry fee is $10. Sit in on the free, family-friendly concert series, Serenades in the Park. These shows will be performed all over Stark County by the Canton Symphony Orchestra from June to September. Tour the Canton Arts District, which boasts more than 30 art galleries, studios and specialty shops — plus a wide range of public street artwork and five live music venues! (And don't miss out on First Fridays, monthly celebrations featuring live music, performance and visual art events, delicious bites and more).
Photo courtesy of Bud Graham via Canal Fulton Glassworks
Marvel at the glass blowing demonstrations at Canal Fulton Glassworks, and then peruse the gorgeous work from local artisans. Visit the Canton Museum of Art on Thursdays! On this day of the week, admission is free from 10 am to 8 pm. View a free family-friendly movie at the Canton Palace Theatre on the first Friday of every month. You can find an updated list of events on the Facebook page. Volunteer for an incredible, local charity, or support your favorite theatre! Here are 22 Ohio causes worth supporting.For Explorers
Check out the summer farmers' market at Lock 3 in the heart of downtown Akron, or simply visit the area for a game of bocce. During the winter, enjoy a 10,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink!
Photo courtesy of Ohio's Amish Country
Admire the gorgeous scenery on the drive to Amish Country, and take some times to explore the traditional farms and shops. Tell spooky stories and visit these notoriously haunted sites in Ohio. There are 11 Ohio State Parks within a one-hour drive from Akron (including the famed Cuyahoga Valley National Park) and once a year, each of them offers free camping on a designated weekend! Plan ahead to snag a spot, and then check out these other incredible places to go camping in Ohio.Have fun!
Looking for more local recommendations? Here's how to have a perfect day exploring Akron, Ohio.
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