Top 12 Free Activities in Akron, Ohio

Akron is more than just a suburb of Cleveland. This central Ohio city is the state’s fifth-largest and has no shortage of things to do, ranging from over 10 different city parks to world-class art, to quirky and unique museums. The best part? Many of Akron’s fun sites and activities are completely free. Here are 11 of our favorites for your next trip.

Investigate the Akron Police Museum

Learn about the rich history of the Akron Police Department by taking a free tour of the Akron Police Museum. The museum features many displays, including confiscated weapons, police equipment, uniforms, news clippings, and a rare 1965 Harley-Davidson police motorcycle. The museum is located at 217 South High Street, Mezzanine Level, and is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Explore the Summit County Metroparks

Address: 975 Treaty Line Rd, Akron, OH 44313-5837, USA

Phone: +1 330-867-5511

The Summit County Metroparks boasts more than 120 miles of paved and unpaved hiking and skiing trails, shelters, and pavilions for picnics and fishing, all for free. You can choose from 13 parks throughout Akron, many of which offer engaging programs led by naturalists, concerts, hiking activities, and family fun days throughout the year.

Learn About Akron’s History at Glendale Cemetery

Address: 150 Glendale Ave, Akron, OH 44302-1914, USA

Phone: +1 330-253-2317

A stroll through Glendale Cemetery reveals Akron’s past. The cemetery features statues and headstones of prominent residents, including F.A. Seiberling and four former Congressmen. Among its attractions is the Victorian Civil War Memorial Chapel, built in 1876, honoring the area’s soldiers. The picturesque setting of rolling hills is ideal for picnics, and summer festivals often take place here.

Experience Lock 3 Live!

Address: 200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308, USA

Phone: +1 330-375-2877

Located in downtown Akron, Lock 3 Park hosts free events throughout the year, with a packed schedule of summer and fall activities. Enjoy a variety of free concerts across multiple genres, family events, auto showcases, and more. Summer highlights include Homegrown Saturday Mornings, featuring locally grown produce and a slew of free activities including children’s educational programs, downtown historic site tours, trolley rides, and family games.

Visit Dr. Bob’s House

Address: 855 Ardmore Ave, Akron, OH 44302-1240, USA

Phone: +1 330-864-1935

Explore the home of Dr. Bob, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, through a free tour. This restored house is where AA began and over 300 alcoholics received treatment. Visitors can watch a video illustrating AA’s origins and view photo archives of those the program has helped. The house is open daily from noon to 3 p.m.

Take a Turn at Akron Skate Park

Address: 990 Derby Downs Dr, Akron, OH 44306, USA

Phone: +1 330-733-0810

Akron Skate Park is a sprawling 19,000 square feet, designed with various areas catering to beginner, intermediate, and advanced skaters. The park features a four-sided pyramid for stunts, a deep bowl reaching seven feet, a 65-foot snake roll, and various other structures for skateboarding enthusiasts. It is conveniently located next to the BMX track.

Walk Your Dog at BARC Dog Park

Address: 499 Memorial Pkwy, Akron, OH 44310, USA

Phone: +1 330-510-1364

B.A.R.C. Dog Park offers a safe, fenced area where dogs can play off-leash. This park enables dogs to exercise and socialize while their owners can relax in a welcoming environment. It is indeed a great place for dog owners to unwind as their pets enjoy freedom and fun.

Browse Summit Artspace Gallery

Address: 140 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308-2014, USA

Phone: +1 330-376-8480

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Summit Artspace Gallery for free. This evolving gallery highlights the work of artists from the greater Summit County area. On Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., various free workshops are conducted, focusing on different art genres. The gallery also provides affordable working space for local artists.

Tour the Magnolia Flour Mills

Address: 261 N Main St, Magnolia, OH 44643, USA

Phone: +1 330-477-3552

Delve into Ohio’s history at the Magnolia Flour Mills. Built in 1834 along the Sandy and Beaver Canal, this mill has remained in the same family for over 150 years. Today, the iconic red, five-story structure is open for tours that showcase its significant role in innovation and community collaboration in producing award-winning flour.

Visit the McKinley Presidential Monument

Address: 800 Mc Kinley Monument Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708-4832, USA

Phone: +1 330-455-7043

Just outside of Akron, the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum features an impressive monument. Visitors can climb 108 steps to the top, where the former president and his wife, Ida, rest in intricately designed marble sarcophagi.

Stroll Around Downtown Seville

If you’re interested in a day trip from Akron, consider visiting downtown Seville, located about 30 minutes away. This charming area is filled with historic buildings, antique shops, craft boutiques, restaurants, and bars. For a delightful experience that transports you back to the 1800s, Seville is an excellent destination.

Spend Thursday Night at the Akron Art Museum

Address: 1 S High St, Akron, OH 44308, USA

Phone: +1 330-376-9186

The Akron Art Museum opens its doors for free every Thursday night. Established in 1922, the museum houses more than 5,000 art objects, including a strong collection of contemporary works. Recently, a temporary exhibition featured the creations of African artist El Anatsui, known for his unique giant tapestries made from metal scraps and waste materials.