The best things to do in Akron

27 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Akron’s best · Restaurants · Nightlife · Bakeries & Sweets · Arts & Culture · Beauty · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Shopping · Home & Garden · Parks & Outdoors · Health & Wellness · Sporting Goods · Cafes · Services

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Entertainment · 27 places · showing the latest additions first

Animal exhibits, a simulated rainforest, an interactive kids section, a gift shop & restaurants.

3900 Wildlife Way (Cleveland)

Animal exhibits, a simulated rainforest, an interactive kids section, a gift shop & restaurants.

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Fin Fest is on through August 11, so Greater Cleveland Aquarium is an easy win this week... wander the walk-through experience, check out…

2000 Sycamore St (Cleveland)

Fin Fest is on through August 11, so Greater Cleveland Aquarium is an easy win this week... wander the walk-through experience, check out the mock research vessel, and get face time with stingrays and other locals of the deep without leaving town.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 4, 2026

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From the storied South to the North and modern Fazio, Firestone Country Club serves up championship golf with tour-level practice and…

452 East Warner Road

From the storied South to the North and modern Fazio, Firestone Country Club serves up championship golf with tour-level practice and elevated dining. If your swing needs a pep talk, their facilities and history might be the nudge to get out this week.

From the Akron newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Playhouse Square

Entertainment

Playhouse Square is Cleveland’s home for the big stuff, from touring Broadway hits and opera to stand-up, dance and those jaw-dropper set…

1501 Euclid Ave #200 (Cleveland)

Playhouse Square is Cleveland’s home for the big stuff, from touring Broadway hits and opera to stand-up, dance and those jaw-dropper set pieces you can feel in your seat. The Lion King is roaring right now through August 16, so snag a night and treat your inner theater kid.

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Step into 1938 vibes at Highland Square Theatre where refreshed art deco style meets a big screen, crisp digital projection, and a new…

826 W Market St

Step into 1938 vibes at Highland Square Theatre where refreshed art deco style meets a big screen, crisp digital projection, and a new sound system. Grab popcorn, nachos, candy, plus beer or wine, then make it your easy win this week.

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Museum of Illusions

Entertainment

Family-friendly place featuring optical illusions, holograms and interactive exhibits, plus gift shop.

186 Euclid Ave (Cleveland)

Family-friendly place featuring optical illusions, holograms and interactive exhibits, plus gift shop.

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Well-kept municipal course featuring a restaurant, electric carts, and a patio overlooking the 9th green.

530 Nome Ave

Well-kept municipal course featuring a restaurant, electric carts, and a patio overlooking the 9th green.

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Capitol Theatre

Entertainment

A mix of studio & indie films fill the calendar at this refurbished 1921 venue serving beer & wine.

1390 W 65th St (Cleveland)

A mix of studio & indie films fill the calendar at this refurbished 1921 venue serving beer & wine.

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Live-action adventure games featuring multiple rooms and puzzles to solve in a time limit.

2515 Jay Ave #B3 (Cleveland)

Live-action adventure games featuring multiple rooms and puzzles to solve in a time limit.

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Straightforward course featuring par-3 and par-4 holes, plus a par-5, all set against a forest backdrop.

18599 Old Lorain Rd (Cleveland)

Straightforward course featuring par-3 and par-4 holes, plus a par-5, all set against a forest backdrop.

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The Nightlight

Entertainment

Snug movie theater featuring independent films, gourmet snacks, coffee, beer & cocktails.

30 N High St

Snug movie theater featuring independent films, gourmet snacks, coffee, beer & cocktails.

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This classic, long-running mini-golf course features a range of whimsical obstacles & a drive hole.

2939 Edison St NW (Uniontown)

This classic, long-running mini-golf course features a range of whimsical obstacles & a drive hole.

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Relaxed country club featuring tennis courts, a pool, and a golf course alongside refined dining and a ballroom.

200 N Wheaton Rd

Relaxed country club featuring tennis courts, a pool, and a golf course alongside refined dining and a ballroom.

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

2925 State Rd (Cuyahoga Falls)

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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OutRage Rage Room

Entertainment

Smashing sessions for bottles, TVs, printers and other household items amid friendly staff.

1464 S Water St (Kent)

Smashing sessions for bottles, TVs, printers and other household items amid friendly staff.

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Established movie theater with art deco decor featuring newly released, independent & foreign films.

13116 Shaker Square (Cleveland)

Established movie theater with art deco decor featuring newly released, independent & foreign films.

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Golf facility featuring a well-maintained course and a practice facility.

2000 S Hawkins Ave

Golf facility featuring a well-maintained course and a practice facility.

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Simple and well-kept mini-golf course offering waterside gel blaster guns.

12712 Hoover Ave NW (Uniontown)

Simple and well-kept mini-golf course offering waterside gel blaster guns.

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Private country club with swimming, tennis and golf, plus a renovated clubhouse.

240 N Portage Path

Private country club with swimming, tennis and golf, plus a renovated clubhouse.

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Challenging 18-hole public course featuring a clubhouse, friendly staff, and a venue for weddings.

3087 Chenoweth Rd

Challenging 18-hole public course featuring a clubhouse, friendly staff, and a venue for weddings.

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This water park offers attractions such as tube & flume slides, a lazy river & a 6-lane lap pool.

2025 Munroe Falls Ave (Cuyahoga Falls)

This water park offers attractions such as tube & flume slides, a lazy river & a 6-lane lap pool.

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K1 Speed Canton

Entertainment

Chain of indoor racing centers featuring electric go-karting for all skill levels, plus food.

8373 Port Jackson Ave NW (North Canton)

Chain of indoor racing centers featuring electric go-karting for all skill levels, plus food.

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Recreation destination with an 18-hole mini-golf course, driving range, skate park & batting cages.

1617 Bailey Rd (Cuyahoga Falls)

Recreation destination with an 18-hole mini-golf course, driving range, skate park & batting cages.

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Golf course featuring a par 3 layout.

1596 Flickinger Rd

Golf course featuring a par 3 layout.

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Lake 8 Movies

Entertainment

Movie-house displaying first-run flicks, plus a clean venue, comfortable seating and friendly staff.

588 W Tuscarawas Ave (Barberton)

Movie-house displaying first-run flicks, plus a clean venue, comfortable seating and friendly staff.

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Birdie Shack

Entertainment

Family-friendly venue with mini-golf, a driving range, batting cages, and an ice cream shop.

2567 OH-59 (Ravenna)

Family-friendly venue with mini-golf, a driving range, batting cages, and an ice cream shop.

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