Discover the Charm of Greater Akron This Fall

Who is ready for fall and sweater weather? Summit County is filled with endless possibilities for fun as the seasons change. Whether you’re seeking outdoor experiences and beautiful foliage or activities indoors, we’ve got something everyone will enjoy. So pack your bags and get ready for a trip to Greater Akron and Summit County.

Akron is home to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the former estate of Goodyear Tire & Rubber cofounder F.A. Seiberling. The estate features the historic 65-room Tudor Revival Manor House, a recently restored Gate Lodge and approximately 70 acres of artistically landscaped grounds and formal gardens. Mark your calendars for Sept. 15 for their Vintage Days! Beginning at noon, there will be a vintage baseball game and then from 1 to 3 p.m., they’ll be featuring Living History where guests can meet the friends and domestic staff of the Seiberling family. 

Hiking the trails of the Summit Metro Parks or the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the season. Take the family out for a hike or a bike ride. Summit Metro Parks consists of 16 parks over 15,000 acres and more than 150 miles of trails. The CVNP was the twelfth-most visited national park in the U.S. in 2023 and boasts 33,000 acres of fantastic scenery. It’s also home to Brandywine Falls, one of Ohio’s largest waterfalls at over 60 feet! 

The Akron Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world, including lions, snow leopards, penguins, snakes, bears and more. The zoo is open year-round, with different admissions pricing depending on the season or special events. Events are always happening at the zoo and September is filled with fun! Bourbon ‘N Bears takes place on Sept. 14 for whiskey and wildlife lovers. Brick-Tastic is a unique experience where completed LEGO designs will be on display, then at the end of September, the zoo has its Wild About Grizzlies event where it’s all about the bears! The fan favorites of Brew at the Zoo and Boo at the Zoo both take place in October, so be sure to make your plans! 

The Akron Marathon Race Series, presented by Summa Health, is a pinnacle event each year. This is a three-race series that finishes in September with the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay. This marquee event is a tour through Akron and highlights major landmarks, neighborhoods and parks. 

While you’re in Akron, be sure to stop by the Akron Children’s Museum and the Akron Art Museum. The children’s museum is a place where children learn through play and exploration in environments created just for them. This is a playful and interactive learning experience for children and their families. Learn about wind and air by sending parachutes through wind tunnels or try the discovery ramps where kids can make their own ball maze with ramps and tubes. At the Akron Art Museum, two of their featured exhibits that go through the end of December are ”Where We Live: Photographs of Human Spaces” and “Zeerak Ahmed: Mother, I am Compelled to Leave.” Beginning Sept. 21 they will have ”GLOW: Neon and Light.” There are also After School Open Studios and Mess Makers programs each month to engage children in art.

History takes flight at MAPS Air Museum! This museum serves as a center of aviation history for Northeast Ohio. The museum features exciting educational displays of its collection of acquired artifacts, interactive exhibits and historical archives. Their exhibits include: Medal of Honor, Fallen Feathers Memorial of Ohio, the Super Sabre Memorial Exhibit and coming soon there will be a Bob Hope Room. Events are ongoing throughout the fall and range from car shows and pancake breakfast fundraisers to craft beer festivals and military shows/conventions.

Relax with a drink from one of 19 stops on the eighth annual Summit Brew Path. Pick up a free Passport at a participating brewery, complete at least 15 stops and get invited to the Brew Path Bash! Who doesn't enjoy a nice cup of coffee? The fifth annual Drip Drive is also taking place, and coffee lovers can enjoy 23 local coffee shops in the Greater Akron Area, all with unique drinks and atmospheres. 

Come Savor the Scenic in Summit! Learn more at visitakron-summit.org and check out our Visitors Guide!