What to Do in Northeast Ohio: A 72-Hour Guide to Akron & Cleveland
- Shauna Leff
- Aug 28
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 28
Visiting Northeast Ohio for a wedding, reunion, the holidays or just to see family? Maybe you’ve never thought of Ohio as a destination—most people don’t.
When my husband and I tell people we live in Ohio, Americans often give us a sympathetic look, while foreigners are curious. Truthfully, I once vowed I’d never return after high school. But after 20+ years of city life and traveling, we found ourselves drawn back for the education, freedom for our kids, real estate, and the balance of small-town living with big-city access. And honestly? Northeast Ohio has surprised us in the best way.
It’s not marketed like a “bucket-list” destination, but this corner of Ohio offers culture, sports, hiking, waterfalls, a national park, food, music, and four true seasons. If you’re here for a long weekend, here are my go-to recommendations—curated from planning wedding weekends, family visits, and countless “What should we do?” texts from friends when they are trying to make their hometown look exciting to their spouses and children.
My Favorite Things to Do in Northeast Ohio
The Towpath Trail is a popular 90+ mile recreational path that follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal, originally used by mules to pull canal boats. Rent bikes in Peninsula at Eddy’s (if you don’t bring your own). We usually start near Beaver Marsh or at Szalay's Farm, then ride up to the Boston Mill Visitor Center for a pit stop—Mitchell’s Ice Cream is a must before heading back. They also sell other treats and drinks.
Stunning rock formations and one of my favorite hikes in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). Bring a picnic blanket to relax afterward on the big open field and let the kids run. Tip: bring a ball, frisbee, or kite.
Brandywine Falls (Year-Round) [↗]: A short walk from the parking lot takes you to one of CVNP’s most photographed spots. For more adventure, explore the connecting trails.
Whether you’re biking the Towpath, hiking the Ledges, or visiting Brandywine Falls, this farm is the perfect add-on stop—famous for roasted corn, hot dogs, slushies, fresh produce, and its fall corn maze (cash/check only).
One of Akron’s crown jewels. Tour the historic mansion, stroll through the formal gardens, or let kids explore the Playgarden with its splash pad and climbing areas. In winter, come back for the famous Deck the Hall holiday lights.
Iconic, interactive, and a must for music lovers. Located in downtown Cleveland off Lake Erie's shore next to the Great Lakes Science Center and Browns Stadium. Give yourself time to dive into the world of legendary artists, groundbreaking music, and the cultural impact of rock and roll.
Hands-on exhibits and an OMNIMAX theater make this a hit with kids (and adults). It’s also right next door to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, so you can easily do both in one visit.
A modern, architecturally striking museum with thought-provoking contemporary exhibits, events, and family workshops.
One of the best in the country, with an incredible collection spanning from ancient to contemporary—and free general admission.
Beautiful glasshouses and outdoor gardens, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Water Fun (Late Spring–Summer):
Canoe, kayak, or tube with providers like Canoe Livery or Float the River. For a more relaxed day, rent a pontoon boat at Dusty’s Landing on Portage Lakes or head up to Lake Erie for big-water boating and shoreline dining.
Outdoor concerts, gospel Sundays, roller skating, outdoor movies, winter ice skating, and seasonal festivals.
Pack a picnic for the lawn and enjoy Cleveland Orchestra performances (kids’ lawn seats are free!) or catch top touring bands.
Old-school arcade games, duckpin bowling, and go-karting.
Chagrin Falls (Year-Round):
Quaint town with waterfalls, shops, great restaurants and even glassblowing classes.
Charming shops, restaurants, boba tea and frozen yogurt.
Cuyahoga Falls (Year-Round, liveliest Summer–Fall):
Revitalized downtown with shops, restaurants, live music and water activities.
Drive-In Movie (Summer–Fall):
Magic City or Blue Sky for a nostalgic night out.
Sports in Northeast Ohio
Cleveland Guardians (Spring–Fall):
Major League Baseball at Progressive Field. Summer nights with fireworks are a highlight.
Akron RubberDucks (Spring–Summer):
Family-friendly minor league baseball in downtown Akron.
Cleveland Cavaliers & LeBron’s Legacy (Fall–Spring):
Catch an NBA game at Rocket Arena. Fans can also visit House Three Thirty in Akron, LeBron’s community hub where you can gather to eat, drink, have a treat, see a show and visit Lebron's Home Court, an immersive journey into his life through original artifacts.
Cleveland Browns (Fall–Winter):
Cheer on the NFL team at Cleveland Browns Stadium on the lakefront—game day energy is unmatched.
In Canton, packed with history, memorabilia, and the annual induction festival in summer.
Amusement Parks
One of the best amusement parks in the U.S.—roller coasters, kids’ rides, water fun and HalloWeekends.
Classic water park fun. Life vests provided and life guards on duty.
Mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, and kid-friendly rides. This is really great for younger kids and a bit less chaotic than Cedar Point.
Entertainment & Music
Akron Nights Out (Year-Round):
Blu Jazz, Akron Civic Theatre, Goodyear Theatre, plus Lock 3 & Lock 4 summer vents.
Broadway shows, dance, and theater.
A lively venue downtown with national touring acts, intimate concerts, and a gospel brunch that’s a local favorite.
An open-air amphitheater on the waterfront with skyline views, hosting big-name concerts during the warm months.
Downtown Cleveland’s comedy hotspot—book a table and dinner at Cordelia nearby before the show.
Family-Friendly Spots
A smaller museum right off Lock 3 in downtown Akron, perfect for younger kids with hands-on exhibits. In winter, pair it with ice skating at Lock 3 for a fun day out.
Fort Island park is known for its Native American history and boasts trails and a boardwalk through a wetland marsh and wet woods. The park has a great playground, nature center and open green space —great for kids to run around and burn energy. Dog friendly.
Croghan Park (Spring–Fall, including Summer) [↗]:
Community park in Fairlawn with a brand new playground, basketball courts, tennis courts and Handball courts. Dog friendly.
Kid-friendly trails and nature exhibits that make exploring the outdoors easy and engaging for families.
A spacious park with walking paths, sports fields, and two playgrounds—perfect for families looking for fresh air and outdoor fun close to Akron. The park is also a great place to take your dog!
A great family day trip for farm visits, markets, buggy rides, and homemade treats.
Hands-on exhibits, an OMNIMAX theater, and the NASA Glenn Visitor Center with real spacecraft and astronaut gear. A hit with kids of all ages.
Food & Drink
I’m only sharing a handful of my personal favorite spots here—not trying to replace the many great food writers and reviewers who are always uncovering the latest gems.
Personally, I follow my friend, Nat Hans, on Instagram for new restaurant recommendations. She’s constantly exploring and sharing incredible finds around Northeast Ohio. If you’re looking for what’s new and buzzworthy, definitely give her a follow here. [↗]
Brunch
Perfect for a slow start to the day or a Sunday tradition.
A local gem with French-inspired dishes and incredible pastries.
A cozy brunch spot with hearty classics.
A popular chain with healthy and comforting options.
Known for its “Midwest Nice” vibe, Cordelia was featured on Tasting Table’s Best New Restaurants in the U.S. Heritage-inspired recipes and cocktails, led by James Beard Award finalist Chef Vinnie Cimino. Great for Sunday brunch or dinner.
Brunch with a view! Nestled inside the Sheraton Suites, it overlooks the Cuyahoga River and is a beautiful setting for a leisurely weekend meal.
Restaurants
Old-school Akron steakhouse (my grandparents dined here—it’s a true institution).
Cozy and upscale.
An Akron original since 1934, Swenson’s just celebrated 90 years of serving its famous Galley Boy burger. Though they’ve started expanding into new cities, their carhop service and hometown feel make it a true Akron classic with the best burgers in town.
A local late-night legend (cash only).
Known for its “Midwest Nice” vibe, Cordelia was named Cleveland Magazine’s 2023 Best New Restaurant and featured on Tasting Table’s 22 Best New Restaurants in the U.S. The menu blends heritage-inspired recipes with a modern twist, led by James Beard Award finalist Chef Vinnie Cimino. Perfect for Sunday brunch or dinner.
Sakura [↗] & Noodle King [↗] (Akron/Fairlawn):
Our go-to spot for sushi and ramen. Sakura serves fresh sushi while its sister restaurant, Noodle King, specializes in ramen—you can order from either menu. It’s always a welcoming atmosphere, and my kids love the boba tea and Japanese sodas.
Wineries & Special Occasion Spots (Best Spring–Fall, some Year-Round)
Looking for a special place to celebrate with good food, wine, and atmosphere that isn’t a chain restaurant? These wineries and vineyards are some of my favorite options for a beautiful meal or night out:
Known for its vineyard views and wood-fired pizzas, perfect for summer evenings.
Relaxed and modern spot with live music, outdoor seating, and great local wine.
Upscale and elegant, with gorgeous gardens and architecture—ideal for a special celebration.
Expansive property with indoor and outdoor dining, wood-fired dishes, and estate wines.
A full resort-like property with restaurants, villas, and a winery—one of the best places for a true wine country feel in Ohio.
Casual, family-friendly winery with stunning valley views and picnic-friendly grounds.
Local Ice Cream Shops
Ohio takes its ice cream seriously, and these local spots are worth a stop on a hot day (or really, any time of year):
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An Akron institution since 1936, serving rich, custard-style ice cream made fresh daily. They now have five loactions.
Known for creative sundaes, over-the-top milkshakes, and rotating seasonal flavors. They have four locations.
A local chain that originated out of Youngstown with a cult following—big scoops, classic flavors, and a nostalgic feel. They now have twenty-eight locations in Ohio and within other states.
A Cleveland favorite, serving small-batch, locally sourced ice cream. Their shops are bright and family-friendly. Their flag ship store is located in Ohio City, but you can also find them in 8 other locations.
Innovative flavors made in small batches with a modern twist, perfect for adventurous ice cream lovers located in downtown Akron across from Lock 3.
A classic roadside stand serving soft-serve and hard-dip favorites—great for a summer night drive.
A hometown favorite known for generous scoops, friendly service, and a true local feel.
Farms & Seasonal Fun
Festivals and family fun including corn crib chutes, rat racers, slides, and so much more!
Go picking for your own apples, berries and pumpkins in season and shop their fresh baked goods.
Concerts, events, wine tastings, fall festivals and stunning views with over 20 attractions.
Roasted corn, ice cream, slushies, live music, fresh produce and its fall corn maze (cash/check only).
Seasonal picking which includes tulips and daffodils (April), blueberries (end of June through August), Aronia Berries (end of July through August) and sunflowers (mid July through September). Check Facebook for hours and reservations for picking.
Fragrant fields and photo ops.
Haunted Attractions (Fall)
Embrace the spooky season with some of Ohio's most thrilling haunted venues:
Explore three haunted floors and four chilling levels of “science gone wrong.” There's even a Parent Zone in the Monster Midway if you're waiting on the sidelines.
A spine-tingling haunted experience with a 1-mile hayride, a haunted walking trail, and Morbid Manor inside the old funeral home.
Cleveland’s premier scream park, featuring a haunted hayride, multiple themed houses, and an immersive torchlit ranch setting that feels more theatrical than your average scare.
Ohio’s longest-running haunted attraction, set in Oak Grove Park. This volunteer-run classic offers spine-chilling scares—plus kid-friendly matinees with lights on and trick-or-treating.
The roller coasters don’t stop when summer ends—Cedar Point transforms into a Halloween festival with haunted houses, scare zones, and spooky fun alongside all the classic rides. Family-friendly daytime events balance out the nighttime frights.
Final Thought
Northeast Ohio might not be the first place you think of for a long weekend—but if you’re here for a wedding, reunion, or family visit, you’ll find more than enough to fill your days (and nights). From world-class museums and music to small-town charm, amusement parks, farms, and incredible hiking, this region delivers surprises at every turn.
It may not scream “destination vacation,” but give it a chance—and like many of our visitors, you just might fall in love.
