Family Fun at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

It’s pretty special to have a national treasure right in our own back yard. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is rich in history, Ohioan culture and stories that you’ll find yourself retelling to neighbors, co-workers and friends alike.

Built for F. A. Seiberling, founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, in the early 1900s, this estate allows you to step right into the pages of a storybook. Although clearly a worthwhile visit for those who can experience all aspects of the venue, there is really something for all ages.

A Step Back in Time at Stan Hywet

The Manor House

The 64,500 main house is nothing short of spectacular. Each room surprises visitors with collections from around the world. The details, architecture and time/money invested in this property are a rare gift to the Akron community.

You can spend hours wandering, reading and observing. The house offers tours, as well as tapes to guide you through the halls of the estate. However, we spent most of the time exploring on our own and we were pleasantly welcomed by staff with a vast knowledge of the history and story of the home, family and artifacts.

You can certainly bring your entire family, but be aware that the Manor House is much like a museum. Many areas are roped off, and people are not permitted to touch many of the collections. You will need to keep a watchful eye on smaller children, and getting around is a little more difficult with winding staircases and tight hallways.

The Gardens

You could spend an entire day taking in the beauty of Stan Hywet’s 70-acre gardens. The flowers, picturesque water settings and stately trees are an ideal backdrop to the grand estate.

Children can run freely while parents take in the smells, sights and sounds of nature. There are plenty of photo opportunities for families no matter what the season.

The Corbin Conservatory

This delightful and majestic greenhouse is home to an array of plants and flowers. You could spend hours alone just exploring the inside of this window surrounded garden.

The conservatory is open during the regular estate hours and gives you another spot to enjoy during your visit.

Molly’s Café

You can come hungry to Stan Hywet because a charming little café is nestled into part of the Carriage House, which used to be home to horse stalls. You can eat inside or outside on the terrace by the water fountain.

A great lunch menu of soup, salads and sandwiches (with a kid’s menu too) is the perfect option if you get hungry while strolling the grounds. After your meal be sure to check out the shop with unique knick-knacks.

Plan a Visit

The Manor House and Gardens are certainly reason enough to visit any time of the year. However, Stan Hywet offers some fun activities that you can plan your trip around. From breakfast with the Easter Bunny, to a Father’s Day antique car show (all dads are free), to Founders Day, to a Murder in the Mansion event, to a Christmas tea, the venue is constantly finding interactive ways for you to explore the historic home. Stan Hywet also offers a variety of regular activities, such as: vintage baseball, living history, geocaching, questing, wolf walks and the playgarden.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
714 North Portage Path, Akron OH 44303
(330) 836-5533
Website

Pricing: Dependent on the type of tour you take, self-guided manor house tour: non-member adults – $15, non-member youth (6-17 years): $6