Summer is here! Are you ready to break out the pool and sprinkler, fire up the grill and enjoy all the fun that the sunshine and warm weather brings? If you're looking for family friendly places to go and things to do in Northeast Ohio this is the list for you!
Many Thanks to Sluggers & Putters Amusement Park our Summer Fun Sponsor. Located in Canal Fulton, family owned & operated Sluggers & Putters Amusement Park boasts a variety of attractions designed for one single purpose: FUN for the whole family!
Text “Slugger Family” to 91944 for your choice of 1 free round of mini golf OR 1 free Retro Ride ticket
100 Things to Do in Northeast Ohio this Summer
Featured Summer Fun
Sluggers & Putters Amusement Park
Ohio’s Premiere Family Fun Park Nestled Right Here in Stark County. Located in Canal Fulton, family owned & operated Sluggers & Putters Amusement Park boasts a variety of attractions designed for one single purpose: FUN for the whole family!
Ohio’s largest family entertainment center started off with just Mini-Golf, Batting Cages and the Golf Driving Range 27 years ago, and has since added over 20 new fun attractions.
NEW in 2018: the F-22 Go-Karts, Lil' Thunder Racers and Ohio’s largest outdoor laser tag!
Attractions include: Two Mini-Golf Courses, Water Bumper Boats, Bumper Cars, Lil’ Dipper Roller Coaster, Flying Swings, Scrambler, Ferris Wheel, Rock Wall, Batting Cages, Space Jets, Frog Hopper, Kiddie Train, Arcade and Prize Room!
Delicious ice cream and food available at Auntie Em’s.
Text “Slugger Family” to 91944 for your choice of 1 free round of mini golf OR 1 free Retro Ride ticket
Clay's Park Resort
Clay's Park Resort just minutes from Akron/Canton offers over 500-acres of family fun including Adventure Water Park, Campground, Festivals and Group Outings!
Clay's Park Resort's Adventure Water Park has dual 150-foot, Wet Willie water chutes, dual zip lines, 18-hole miniature golf, white sand volleyball, Splash Pad, canoes, kayaks, kid's activities and more!
The full-service RV Resort/Campground offers every type of camping from cabin rentals, primitive tent camping to full-hookup/pull-thru sites. There is also fishing in the fishing lake, hiking/biking trails and heated indoor swimming pool. Clay's Park Campground is big-rig and pet-friendly, too.
Additional activities include themed weekends, The Country Fest, Warrior Dash, various Music Festivals, Yankee Peddler arts & crafts festival, and much more!
Akron Canton Jellystone Park
Family-oriented campground featuring a water park, 18-hole adventure miniature golf course, gem panning, and homemade ice cream! Day passes available, or stay overnight for an all-inclusive adventure.
Jellystone’s Clearwater Park boasts Stark County’s largest swimming pool. With over 550,000 gallons of water, a 144-foot water slide, a diving board, and our unique zero-depth entrance around the perimeter, Clearwater Park provides family fun for all ages. The toddler zone features an umbrella water play area and a 4-foot turtle slide. Challenge a friend on our log roller or in Downpour Derby.
Campground offers every type of camping including luxury cabin rentals, tent camping, and full-hookup RV sites. The fully staffed activity department and fun themed weekends provide free entertainment daily.
Book a 2-night stay* with us Sunday-Thursday and choose a FREE local destination of your choice (mention promo code NEOFUN to receive promotion) from the following: Hartville Kitchen & Collectibles, The Pro Football Hall of Fame, Sable Creek Golf Course, McKinley Museum, MAPS Air Museum, or Kingsway Pumpkin Farm.
i9 Sports
i9 Sports® provides a youth sports experience unlike any other teaching the importance of good sportsmanship on the field and in life. We believe the value we provide must go far beyond the sport itself. It must be about more than the rules of the game and more than the score.
i9 Sports offers flag football, soccer, basketball, and baseball in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Tallmadge, Copley and Sagamore Hills. Let us show you the difference The i9 Sports Experience makes!
$15 off any Fall program registration with the promo code "NEOFamilyFun15"
Wine and Canvas - Summer Special 20% Off
Wine and Canvas is not just a paint class it is Art Entertainment at its finest.
Register for one of the many featured painting options and open studio nights or contact us about hosting your private party. Perfect for birthdays, girls’ night out, date night and bachelorette or bridal showers.
Enjoy our new enhanced bar with cocktails, wine and ice cold specialty beers while you paint your masterpiece guided by one of our talented instructors.
A little nervous to paint? Don't be! No talent or experience is necessary. Our helpful instructors will guide you step-by-step! You will be amazed at your very own work of ART! Best part you take your artwork with you and leave the clean up behind!
Get 20% off by using the coupon code canvasnow20 when you register online at www.wineandcanvas.com
Everyday Heroes Activity Center
The Everyday Heroes Activity Center uses the Maltz Museum’s special exhibition space to offer children and families a way to explore the values of everyday heroes, celebrating everyday superpowers within each of us through books, crafts, and movement.
Make your own masks and capes, zoom around the good mood movement area, paint kindness rocks to give and share, build a better world with jumbo blocks, be the hero of your own story at our puppet theater, and more! Plus, you can explore the Museum’s core exhibition, An American Story, on a self-guided tour designed four younger audiences on the Everyday Heroes StoryWalk.
For ticket information or to bring a group call 216-593-0575 or visit www.maltzmuseum.org.
More Summer Fun Options
Spray parksoffer a fun interactive way for children to beat the heat during the summer. And what makes them even better is that they are often FREE or low cost.
Calling all City of Cleveland residents! Enjoy these FREE Swimming Pools in Cleveland. Be prepared to show your ID upon arrival.
Pack a picnic lunch, grab your towel and sunscreen and enjoy these fun Outdoor Water Parks.
Stay safe while at the pool this summer. Sign your kids up for swimming lessons and follow these Water Safety Tips.
Plan a day trip to a check out the Inflatables at Atwood Lake Beach or visit one of the many other Beaches across Northeast Ohio
Pick up some balloons the next time you are at the store and cool off at home with these Fun Water Balloon Games
Beat the heat, by enjoying a movie in the comfort of an air conditioned theater. Many local theaters offer Special Dollar Movies during the summer months.
Of course you can also enjoy a movie under the stars at one of the FREE Outdoor Movies. Remember your lawn chairs and blankets!
Take the family to enjoy a Drive In Movie.
Go see a live theatrical or musical performance at a local theater.
Let your kids burn off some energy at one of these local Parks & Playgrounds. Tip -> Sign up for our email newsletter to get details on the playground of the week!
Hike the trails at a State or Metropark. Participate in the Summit Metroparks Spree for All
Take your dog to one of the area Dog Parks
Get out your bikes and take a Family Bike Ride On the Towpath Trail
Don't have a bike or a way to get your bikes to the trail? Consider renting bicycles instead.
Or, let your kids ride around one of these mini cities: Kiddy City in Wooster | Safety Village in Stow
Go down the HUGE slide at Secrest Arboretum, tour Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens or visit one of the many other Outdoor Gardens & Arboretums across Northeast Ohio
Grab your smart phone, download the free geocaching app and head out on a Geocaching scavenger hunt
Try your hand at Orienteering
Go for an adventure to the Canopy Walk and Tower at the Holden Arboretum
Sign your kids up for one of the area outdoor adventure or sports themed Kids Clubs.
Hike to the Waterfall in Akron at the Gorge part of Summit County Metroparks or visit one (or more) of the Best Waterfalls in Northeast Ohio
See Bald Eagles (and baby eaglets) in the Wild at Walborn Reservoir
Relax at the park on a warm summer evening and enjoy the music at a FREE Outdoor Summer Concerts
Feed the ducks at Price Park in North Canton
Watch the Goodyear Blimp take off from the hanger across the lake at Wingfoot Lake Park
Support local farmers and get some delicious food at a local Farmers Market
Head out to go strawberry picking
Take a Trip to the Farm and get up close with farm animals, meet the farmers and learn about what it takes to be a farmer.
Go on a Safari at African Safari Park, The Farm at Walnut Creek or Wagon Trails Animal Park
See the Animals at either the Cleveland Zoo or Akron Zoo
Ride on a Canal Boat pulled by a Horse
Or go on a horseback riding adventure with trails rides or lessons. There are many places to go horseback riding.
Eat a funnel cake at one of the Summer Festivals or County Fairs
Make a stop at one (or two, or three) of the area Homemade Ice Cream Shops.
Challenge your family to mini golf, batting cages or bumper cars at one of the area Outdoor Play Centers.
Think Laser Tag, Inflatables, Trampoline Parks and more at one of the local Indoor Play Centers. Bonus: You can play in the comfort of air conditioning!
Take the kids skating at these local Roller Rinks.
Sign the kids up for the Kids Bowl FREE Program and let them bowl free all summer long and many local bowling alleys. Note: Shoe Rental Fees may apply
Or you can register for the Kids Skate FREE program offered at two roller rinks (Warren, Austintown). Note: Skate Rental Fees may apply
Pack a frisbee and play a game of Frisbee / Disc Golf. There are lots of local courses to choose from.
Play miniature golf or put-put indoors at one of the Glow in the Dark Indoor Miniature Golf
Learn how to fish, enjoy a friendly competition and compete for prizes in one of the local Youth Fishing Derbies. Be sure to check out our 5 Tips to teach your kids how to fish first.
Watch a FREE Water Ski Show at Emerald Lake in Norton
Lace up some skates and go Ice Skating….it's not just for the winter months!
Rent a Canoe or Kayak and enjoy a ride down the river.
Book an overnight stay in a Tree House
Head to an Indian's Game and see the Kid's Clubhouse
Attend an area Summer Camp
Keep the kids learning this summer! Try hands on science fun at Great Lakes Science Center, or visit one of the many other local Museums & Science Centers
Do Science Experiments at Home
See the Historic Planes at MAPS Air Museum
Encourage your kids to read by singing them up for one of the FREE Summer Reading Programs
Sign your Kids up for Art Classes let them express their creativity this summer
Take Music Lessons and learn to play an instrument or sing
Sign your kids up for a Vacation Bible School held at many local churches
Learn to build at a Home Depot Kids Workshop or Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinics
Star gaze and learn about Astronomy
Sit in the driver seat of trucks and tractors at a local Touch-a-Truck Events Bonus: Most are FREE
Find an area Playgroup to Join
Get some great deals on gently used children's clothing at an area Kid's Spring/Summer Consignment Sale
Take the kids to a parade or fireworks show being held to celebrate Memorial Day or the 4th of July
Treat dad to a special Father's Day Activity
Plan a road trip and visit Sandusky (i.e. Cedar Point, Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Castaway Bay and more) or head to the Warren County “Ohio's Largest Playground”
Planning a road this summer? Check out the fun things to do in Lousiville, KY head to the Smoky Mountains and experience the amazing things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. Of course, Paradise Ohio is also just outside your front door!
Does your child have a birthday party during the summer months? Use the Birthday Party Planning Guide to help make planning a breeze.
Enjoy a free kid's meal at one of the restaurants that offer Kid's Eat Free
Get a sitter for the kids and enjoy time away at one of these amazing romantic getaways in Ohio
Or go on a Factory Tour of Harry London's Chocolates. FREE Samples included. Yum! Check out these other local Factory Tours too
Only interested in the free events? Check out the list of FREE Summer Fun in Northeast Ohio for ideas and inspiration
So how about you? Are there any locations on the list that you've been to before? Attractions you're hearing about for the first time? I'd love for you to leave a comment about the places on the list you'd recommend or if there are any places you know of that didn't make the list.
You may also be interested in:
- FREE Summer Fun – 50 Activities that won't cost you a thing
- Weekend Fun – Weekly picks for the upcoming weekend
- Ultimate List of Things to Do with Kids in Northeast Ohio
You have a great list here but I’m looking for things to do as a family with teenagers. Some of the things on your list will work but do you have any other suggestions for keeping 16 year olds entertained? Thanks so much!
You should make this a list so we can print out and cross out as we complete these things 🙂
On Target is a great place for fishing and educational fun outdoor experiences..
Love using this website to find out what to do in the summer!! Thank you for this list!
Add Extreme Air trampoline park in Niles, Oh
Perhaps I missed it, but I did not see the Heinz poll dance festival listed. Free professional ballets at outdoor venues in Akron. They even have a program at the beginning where children can come up on stage and learn some moves!
I agree, it should be listed. A bunch of us moms take our daughters every summer. Info is here https://www.facebook.com/DanceFestival/info/
Thanks for the recommendation and for sending the link. Just added it to the listing.
Danielle
Be sure to include Lynn drive-in in strasburg on your list
http://www.lynndrivein.com/t
need things in lorain county and west
Racing from April till November, every Saturday night. Great family fun!
We also like The Jump Yard in North Royalton and Kids Play Indoor Fun in Avon Lake.
Thanks for the recommendations! I’ll add those to the list as too.
The jump yard is one of our favorites! If you go on Groupon ahead of time there are discounts for the all day plays. The 2 child all day play says $16 but when you pay for it for some reason it only charges $6. I mentioned it to them but they have never fixed it. So purchase away!
You need to add Wagon Trails in Vienna, Ohio
Thanks Debbie! I’ll get it added.
Wagon Tails on Youngstown-Kingsville Road in Vienna, Ohio. You feel like you are on a safari. Super friendly, family owned business!
You’re the second person to mention it today. 🙂 Just added it to the list. Thanks!
Danielle
Don’t forget Secrest Arboretum in Wooster! We have the Katsura Fortress, embankment slide, pavilions, gardens and summer events. All FREE!
Biblewalk wax museum in Mansfield Ohio is a must see- perfect for all ages,beautiful flower garden and gazebo for relaxation and meditation. Picnic area and dinner theater offered. One of Ohio’s many “secret gems”
Thanks for sharing! I had never heard of the museum before. Here is the link to their website for anyone who wants to find out more: http://livingbiblemuseum.org/index.html
You have a very informative site. I know where to get my information when I’m going to Ohio 🙂
You’ve got a great website, very helpful. I just stumbled across it today when searching for an area touch-a-truck event for my son. Thanks!
Jared,
Thanks for the compliment. I’m glad you find the site useful. Have fun at the touch-a-truck event, my kids always enjoy them.
Danielle
The Arms Family Museum in Youngstown.
Leann,
Thanks for sharing the museum looks like a great place to visit. Throughout the summer they even have a free hands-on-history program for children on Wednesdays. Here is the link for those interested: http://www.mahoninghistory.org/armhome.htm
Danielle
I agree, this is an amazing list! thank you so much for putting this together!
You’re welcome. Glad you like it!
What a great list! This is definitely something to refer back to often. Thanks for putting it together!
Hey Kristian,
Glad you like the list!
Danielle