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 Akron-Canton Jellystone Park™ for sponsoring our Summer Fun Guide. Whether you plan to stay overnight at the campground or just visit Clearwater Park for the day, you will find top-notch customer service and clean facilities that you and your family will enjoy visiting again and again.
100 Things to Do in Northeast Ohio this Summer
Featured Summer Fun
Getaway at Akron-Canton Jellystone Park™
Are you looking for a family fun getaway in Northeast Ohio for the weekend, a week, or maybe even just a night? With over 80 RV and tent camping sites and 10 luxury cabins, Akron-Canton Jellystone Park can accommodate all levels of camping.
Enjoy the fresh air and relax with your family. You'll also enjoy Yogi Bear™ visits, games, crafts, Clearwater Park and an 18-hole miniature golf course. Top it off with homemade ice cream and root beer!
Whether you plan to stay overnight at the campground or just visit Clearwater Park for the day, you will find top-notch customer service and clean facilities that you and your family will enjoy visiting again and again.
Code Ninjas Summer Camp - Unleash Your Child's Inner Ninja
Transform your child's love for technology into an exciting learning adventure. Guided by our team of Code Senseis, Code Ninjas Camps empower kids to gain valuable tech skills and make new friends.
Choose from a wide variety of virtial and in-center camps available for kids ages 7-14.
From coding and game building, to various STEM activities - it's an unforgettable experience!
When: Weekly Camps run from June 15-August 14
Where: Virtual or In-Center (35650 Detroit Road Suite 102, Avon)
Drive In Movies at the Canton Palace Theatre
The Canton Palace Theatre is bringing drive in movies to downtown Canton!
- Family-friendly films on Friday nights and classics on Saturday nights
- Pre-order a family pack of concessions and pick up when you arrive
- Easily Purchase tickets online in advance
- Gates open at 7:30pm and Movies start at 9pm
See the Movie Schedule and Purchase tickets here
Drive-In Movies in Downtown Canton
When: Friday and Saturday Nights from June 19 through August 8
Where: Canton Palace Theatre parking lot located two blocks south of the theatre on Market Ave., adjacent to the Renkert Building at 306 Market Ave. N.
Cost: $20 per car
Enjoy a new movie every Friday and Saturday night from June 19 through August 8!
Challenge Island STEAMtastic Summer Camps
Challenge Island is a high-energy, hands-on fusion of STEAM, 21st Century Skills, problem-solving adventure and a trademark STEAMbuilding experience.
Campers embark on fantastical themed STEAM journeys where they tackle various exciting challenges using only the materials in their treasure chest and their boundless imaginations.
Get 50% off your camp when you register with a friend or go for FREE when registering with two or more friends*!
*friends must register at regular price
Live interaction Virtual programs available!
Make Believe Summer Camps
Children ages 5-12 are invited to spend their summer at Make Believe! They’ll run, jump, play, explore, and make friends from the minute you drop them off until the minute they leave.
- Activities include arts and crafts, reading, story time.
- Games, puzzles, special projects & even cooking experiments for kids ages 5+
- All special activities & attractions at Make Believe, lunch & snacks are included
- Flexible & convenience to meet your family’s needs with many options
Your kids won’t be bored for a second. They’ll be too busy exploring our “Ballocity” 3 Story Indoor Playground, climbing the ropes course, conquering the rock wall, mastering the Ninja Wall, letting loose with bumper cars, practicing mini bowling, playing arcade games, and battling for the laser tag championship.
NannyLink Agency: The absolute BEST for your childcare needs!
NannyLink Agency is an elite nanny service provider that believes in taking a collaborative approach to linking phenomenal families with exceptional nannies!
With over 40 years of combined extensive service as Early Childhood Specialist and Early Childhood Educators the owners of NannyLink Agency have procured an elite team of highly trained, certified, and degreed professional nannies that will work diligently with your family to provide private and personalized childcare solutions.
Acquiring the precise match for your family is our top priority!
Cafe O’Play
Cafe O’Play is Northeast Ohio’s premier indoor play cafe created to offer families healthy food options and physically-active play in a safe, clean, and comfortable environment.
- Play Area especially built for children 10 years & younger
- Delicious and healthy menu items for parents and kids
- Birthday parties, live music, and special events for both adults & children
More than an indoor playground, Cafe O’Play is designed to build community, host unique events and offer a comfortable oasis for kids and adults.
New Services for Changing Times:
- Work with Care - Co-working with Childcare
- Second-Eye Service - 1 on 1 Childcare
- Open Play Reservations
- Mobile Food Ordering
Your health and safety is extremely important to Cafe O’Play. Get Information about what they are doing to keep their customers save.
Summer 2020 Family Fun Guide
More Summer Fun Options
Pick up some balloons the next time you are at the store and cool off at home with these Fun Water Balloon Games
Spray parks (opening dates vary) offer 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 (opening dates vary).
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
Beat the heat, by enjoying a movie in the comfort of an air conditioned theater. Many local theaters offer Special Dollar Movies (on hold until 2021) during the summer months.
Of course you can also enjoy a movie under the stars at one of the FREE Outdoor Movies (on hold until 2021). Remember your lawn chairs and blankets!
Take the family to enjoy a Drive In Movie.
Go see a live theatrical or musical performance (on hold until 2021) at a local theater.
Let your kids burn off some energy at one of these local Parks & Playgrounds.
Hike the trails at a State or Metropark. Participate in the Summit Metroparks Spree for All
Whether you have a little engineer or you’re the train junkie, you'll want to check out the best train rides in Ohio.
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.
Did you know there are Castles in Ohio? Plan a trip to check out one of more this summer!
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
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.
Find a treasure at one of the top Flea Markets in Ohio
Eat a funnel cake at one of the Summer Festivals (on hold until 2021) 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. 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 (on hold until 2021)
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
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 (on hold for 2021) 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 staycation and take a day (or more) to explore the fun cities in Northeast Ohio. We've got you covered with the top Things to do in Cleveland, Things to do in Canton, Things to do in Akron and Things to do in Youngstown.
Or maybe you are looking for a road trip to explore other Ohio destinations. Head to the Warren County “Ohio's Largest Playground” or check out the best Things to do in Columbus
You could go a little further and 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 or take family trip and enjoy the things to do in Indianapolis
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 Challenge – 12 Fun Weekly Themes, Tips, Resources and Prizes!
- 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