We can't believe it—summer is almost over. The Fourth of July has come and gone and your family will be shopping for back-to-school bargains before you know it.
But don't pack up your pool floaties and sunscreen yet! We still have a few weeks before the season is officially finished, which gives us plenty of time to squeeze in a little more summer fun. From splashing around at local water parks to meandering through local museums, here are some of our must-do end-of-summer activities for you and your kids in the Akron and Canton area!
We live in one of the best regions of the United States for fresh produce and locally produced meats—and you can find an unbeatable selection at your local farmers' market! Bring the kiddos with you and let them pick a few ingredients to use in your meals for the week and buy a few treats to enjoy on the way home! Many local markets also have live music, games and face painting to entertain the whole family. Here are the best farmers' markets near Akron and Canton.
The Akron Canton Jellystone Park is a family-oriented camp and theme park that features a water park, miniature golf and gem mining! Join Yogi Bear as you swim in the 500,000-gallon pool or eat homemade ice cream from the Pick-a-Nic Basket food stand. Plus, you can make it a weekend affair by staying in one of their adorable cabins or by setting up a tent and enjoying the great outdoors!
Do you have an aspiring pilot in your family? This internationally known museum focused on aviation will teach you and your kiddos all about the history of flight. Their interesting displays, interactive exhibits and historical archives will keep you entertained for hours. You're welcome to explore the museum on your own or you can take one of the free guided tours!
While trains might not be the most convenient way to travel anymore, they are certainly one of the most fun! Kids will love taking a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which winds through Cuyahoga Valley National Park and features spectacular views of Ohio's landscape. While each of their routes comes with its fair share of adventure, the CVSR hosts kid-centered events throughout the year. You can find their full event schedule here.
Photo courtesy of the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
Located in one of our favorite Akron neighborhoods, Merriman Valley, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a fantastic place to spend a summer afternoon! Take a day and explore their stunning gardens along with the magnificent castle-like residence that once served as the home for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company's founder, Frank A. Seiberling. They also host a variety of fun kid-centered events and workshops throughout the summer, so make sure to check out their calendar before you go.
Say goodbye to summer with the help of some furry (and some not-so-furry) friends at the Akron Zoo! With 25 acres of exhibits and guest amenities, your kids will have a hard time running out of things to do. See animals from all over the world up close, ride the train, spin around on the carousel, and marvel at the Wild World Animal Show. Admission is just $12 for adults, $9 for kids ages 2 to 14, and free for kids 2 and under. And don't forget to stop by the Komodo Kingdom Café to fuel up during your adventure!
While we love to enjoy ice cream year-round, for some reason, it just tastes better in the summer. Good thing the Akron and Canton area is bursting with delicious ice cream spots where you can say a sweet goodbye to the season—some of which have been around since the 1930s or earlier! Here are some of our favorites in the area.
Located in Akron, Laser Quest is the perfect spot to escape the heat for a few hours. Bring the whole family and navigate the expertly designed course, ducking behind obstacles to hide from the other team, but make sure to watch your back. We're sure your kids will love this heart-pounding adventure—and the chance to tag you out!
The Akron Art Museum is a work of art itself. With gorgeous architecture and dramatic steel and glass walls, you can peruse incredible art while looking out over the warm, summer day. They display stunning pieces of modern art, photographs and sculptures, which will take you all day to explore. Plus, this season, they are hosting several fun children-centered events that will help your child unleash a bit of their creative side; check out the museum's calendar for a full list!
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a dream come true for little adventurers, filled with trampolines that span from wall to wall. Enjoy freestyle jumping on the massive trampolines, engage in a game of dodgeball on a bouncy court, or dive headfirst into the foam zone! People of all ages are guaranteed to have fun here.
Photo courtesy of the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
Before summer ends, take time to visit the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum—where kids can enjoy the hands-on activities at Discover World and take a step back in time in the Street of Shops. Pay your respects to former President William McKinley, and enjoy the incredible view of Canton, by hiking up the 108 steps to the top of the Monument, where the president and his wife, Ida, are buried.
What fun activities will you do to say goodbye to the season? Let us know in the comments below!