VISITING Akron–Canton · Akron and Canton

Visiting Akron–Canton with toddlers and little kids: the plan.

The Akron Zoo and the Children’s Museum are both a few minutes from downtown Akron, and Canton’s main library is just north of its downtown.

Top 2 can’t-miss spots

#1Akron, 505 Euclid Ave.
Akron Zoo
Open daily 11 to 4 through early April.
See it in the guide
#2Downtown Akron, 216 S. Main St.
Akron Children’s Museum
Check the museum’s site for hours.
Indoor
See it in the guide
Nap breaks built in

One day or two in Akron–Canton

A couple of big stops, a real lunch and a nap in the middle. Tap a stop for the full listing.

If you have one day
MORNINGAkron Children’s MuseumIndoor play downtown · Downtown Akron, 216 S. Main St.
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPAkron ZooOpen until 4 · Akron, 505 Euclid Ave.
If you have two days

Day 1 is the one-day plan above. Day 2:

MORNINGAkron ZooOpens at 11 · Akron, 505 Euclid Ave.
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPAkron Children’s MuseumIndoors · Downtown Akron, 216 S. Main St.
Where to stay

Kid-friendly areas near the big attractions

Pick the area by the stops you’ll make most, then plan around nap.

DTDowntown AkronNear the main library and the Children’s Museum.Near Akron Children’s Museum
Plan B

Rainy-day backup plan

If the forecast turns, swap the outdoor stop for one of these.

Akron, 505 Euclid Ave.Akron ZooDowntown Akron, 216 S. Main St.Akron Children’s MuseumAll indoors.Indoor
Before you go

Practical tips

Parking, strollers, changing tables and the best times to go.

Driving
You’ll want a car between Akron and Canton.
Holidays
North Pole Adventure trains sell out early, so book ahead.
Visiting in November or December?

Santa and Christmas lights in Akron–Canton

If your trip lands in the holiday season, these two pages have the dates, prices and booking links.

Santa in Akron–CantonBreakfast with Santa, Santa photos and Santa trains, with 2026 pricesChristmas lights in Akron–CantonDrive-thru and walk-through displays, start times and 2026 prices
Good questions

Visiting Akron–Canton with toddlers: the FAQ

Is Akron–Canton kid-friendly?

For a family with kids under 6, yes. Our Akron–Canton guide lists 4 places we checked for little kids, plus 2 free places and 4 picks for babies and toddlers. This page adds free storytimes at 2 library systems. This week’s list has 5 dated outings for ages 0–6. See free things to do in Akron–Canton and this weekend’s list.

Where should we stay with a toddler?

Downtown Akron puts you close to the zoo and the Children’s Museum.

What if it rains?

Go to the Children’s Museum or a library storytime.

Get the list every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the five things we’d leave the house for in Akron–Canton.