Kayak the Tuscarawas River to get closer to nature! This river offers both calm waters and rapids for an exciting challenge.
Kids will adore the hands-on science center, where they can stomp on an Allosaurus dinosaur and observe bees hives. Plus, take a step back in time at the Street of Shops model town – an educational learning opportunity!
1. Visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame serves as a living museum that highlights the rich history of professional football. Covering over 83,000 square feet, this museum showcases exhibits that trace its development from its early days up until today. Furthermore, this museum pays homage to those individuals and teams that have contributed greatly to football’s success over time.
The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums – this award represents the highest national recognition given to museums. Funders, outside agencies and the general public recognize it. As well as regular exhibitions at the museum, an annual Enshrinement Festival honoring new inductees into its Hall of Fame features parades, hot air balloon rides, concerts, meet-and-greets with former legends, meet and greet sessions and autograph sessions – making for a memorable celebration!
MAPS Air Museum, housing over 55 aircraft and artefacts, is another top attraction, drawing visitors who love aviation to its interactive displays like a 1908 Martin Glider.
2. Visit the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
Canton would not be complete without visiting the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, where history meets present-day. The museum features an 1800s town miniature, as well as the world’s largest collection of McKinley artifacts and an interactive science museum that will fascinate children of all ages.
The library features an interactive planetarium where visitors can gaze upon the stars. There are also hands-on activities designed to keep children entertained, such as identifying rocks and making rubbings. Micah was particularly charmed by animatronic dinosaurs and Discover World exhibit which taught her more about natural sciences.
Canton Classic Car Museum provides another fun family activity in Canton and features 80 vintage vehicles and memorabilia from decades past. Additionally, they offer various trip packages tailored specifically for families including one which offers batting cages and go-kart racing!
3. Visit the Canton Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre stands as an anchor in Canton’s Arts District. Offering modern comforts in an old world setting, this lovely space makes a wonderful wedding venue with timeless ambience for your big day celebrations.
The Canton Palace Theatre, constructed in 1926, stands as an impressive landmark that remains part of city culture today. The marquee of this historical venue shines brightly sixty feet above Market Avenue and holds an important place in Canton history and culture.
Canton Museum of Art is another popular tourist destination, boasting both traditional and contemporary paintings and sculptures on display. Additionally, educational programs and workshops are hosted throughout the year at this institution.
4. Visit the First Ladies National Historic Site
The First Ladies National Historic Site is an essential stop for feminists and supporters of women’s rights. Housed within Ida Saxton McKinley’s former residence, this museum showcases their roles and contributions to America over time.
This museum boasts two floors and offers something fun for adults and kids alike, featuring interactive exhibits as well as theater performances and small library rooms. Furthermore, it houses game-day equipment belonging to local hero Thurman Munson (former New York Yankee).
This popular attraction can be found not only near the Pro Football Hall of Fame but also a short walk from McKinley Presidential Library and Museum. The magnificent William McKinley Monument marks his final resting place and makes for an eye-catching site; additionally visitors can also explore McKinley Memorial Garden and Science Center nearby.
5. Take a stroll through Canal Fulton
Canal Fulton offers visitors a unique combination of big-city access and hometown charm, with its picturesque downtown district boasting local specialty stores and antique stores as well as George’s Lounge restaurant renowned for its delicious burgers such as Big O’Nesto, King George, Blue Ribbon and Gorgeous George burgers.
Canal Fulton Canalway Center in Fultontown features the St. Helena III canal boat for you to ride, learning about Ohio & Erie Canal’s importance while exploring America’s first ladies. In addition, you can visit Ida Saxton McKinley’s former house – now the First Ladies National Historic Site, telling their stories as they did for Ida Saxton McKinley herself! A great way to discover this area and enjoy being active while having some fun is a scavenger hunt – making active fun while discovering hidden gems along the way!
6. Visit the Canton Classic Car Museum
Vroom vroom! This museum goes far beyond cars. Boasting 45 rare and classic automobiles as well as thousands of pieces of historical memorabilia like antique toys, steam engines, oriental rugs, movie posters and photographs; its gift shop sells an assortment of merchandise related to its collection.
The Canton Classic Car Museum is the ideal family destination for anyone interested in automobile history. On display are exquisite cars such as a 1901 curved-dash Oldsmobile and 1970 Plymouth Super Bird; in addition to an authentically recreated funeral parlor featuring potted plants and an urn. Children will especially enjoy seeing all these wonders first-hand! Plus there is even an impressive collection of model cars and train toys just waiting to be seen by curious minds.
7. Visit the Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Canton offers numerous attractions and activities suitable for the whole family, such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame and McKinley Memorial – which pays homage to our 25th president while honoring Ida McKinley (Ida McKinley is his wife) as well as serving as an educational space about their lives as first ladies.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park provides visitors with an exhilarating flight through the air, featuring attractions like trampoline dodgeball courts, basketball trampolines and Sky Ladder zones.
Visit Clay’s Park, an exciting recreational area with waterpark and camping facilities near Canton that provides plenty of activities, such as Tilt-A-Whirl and Serial Serpent family rollercoasters and camping sites suitable for families with young children. The park can be reached within short driving distance.
8. Visit the Canal Fulton Art Center
If you want to express your creative side or simply appreciate fine art exhibitions, visit the Canal Fulton Art Center. Here, local artists display their creations using various media such as jewelry, pottery and woodwork.
Funtimes Fun Park provides family fun at its finest with baseball batting cages and the Serial Serpent rollercoaster as well as offering various trip packages suited to families.
Sports is an integral part of Canton culture, and you can celebrate that by visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Comprised of eight different venues highlighting legendary NFL players, this Hall is perfect for avid football fans to visit and take in some legends before sampling some local cuisine during an available food tour like Canton Food Tours’ food tour!
9. Visit the Downtown Arts District
The Downtown Arts District is an epicenter for creativity and commerce, offering seven galleries and shops that highlight the rich culture of our city as well as restaurants, bars, public art displays, special events such as First Friday of each month as well as many other amenities for visitors to enjoy during their visit.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Canton is one of the top activities available, offering visitors a thrilling trampoline park experience that stands out from the competition with various attractions to keep guests soaring through the air and landing softly into a foam pit. There’s also batting cages, an Ann Instant Replay booth, and outdoor laser tag available – perfect for an exciting time out!
Canton offers children an exciting outdoor adventure, offering kayaking, hiking, camping and swimming at Clay’s Park or exploring more extensive nature at Atwood Lake Park.
