Planning family friendly winter getaways in Ohio can be tough. The snowfall can be unpredictable, and the temperatures can vary by over 50 degrees. With the desire to be outside, but to have other options to fall back on, we planned a weekend vacation to Akron that played out as smoothly as freshly frozen ice.
Ohio is home to a lot of family friendly winter activities, but one thing that’s been on my Bucket List for several years has been to go ice biking. Yep, you read that right! You really can ride bikes on the ice in Akron. While visiting Akron, it only made sense to add the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in nearby Canton, to our agenda as well.
What I didn’t plan were all of the fun cafes and restaurants we would find in the immediate area. I like to plan, but I also like to leave a few things up to chance. The random finds are what bring on the big smiles, the giggles and the quirky photos. You gotta love travel!!
Dinner in Wooster
We headed to Akron coming from Columbus, so it made sense for us to stop in Wooster on our way north for dinner. I love finding repurposed businesses and the Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern made its mark near the top.
When I told my husband and teenager we were going to jail for dinner, they didn’t quite know what to expect. They know I’m a prankster, but they also know not to put anything past me. For this evening, we landed somewhere in the middle of those two things.
Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern
Seneca County’s historic brick jail has been refurbished into a very upscale steakhouse. You enter through the original doors on the ground level and then head downstairs to access the restaurant. It’s here that you are able to eat in the old jail cells. The iron gates remain as do the stone walls. It has the slightest bit of eeriness, yet the owners have created such a sophisticated ambiance you almost forget it should feel weird.
Upstairs, on the second floor, the old recreation room has been transformed into a cozy bar with a pool table and dart boards.
Just outside of the jail house, the tavern is available for more casual dining. During the weekdays, you can order many of their delicious appetizers for half off.
To take advantage of all three areas without breaking the bank, we opted to have dinner in the Tavern, dessert in the jail cell and play a few games in the Prohibition Room. It made for a great evening and allowed us to experience the entire property.
Historic Olde Jaol Steakhouse and Tavern 215 N. Walnut St. Wooster, Ohio 44691
Free Lodging in Akron
Akron has many hotels and Airbnb options for family friendly winter getaways in Ohio. We had acquired enough points through our Chase credit card to stay free for two nights. With a complimentary breakfast, a pool, and complimentary drinks, this was quite a savings.
If you are curious about how we earn our free stays, click on the Chase link or send me an email at boutifulblessingstravelblog@yahoo.com
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is quite an iconic building. The circular exterior with a football coming out the top can easily be seen from the interstate.
Going into the day, we all knew we would be learning more about the Hall of Famers but didn’t know what else to expect. Were we ever surprised!
The circular architecture makes viewing the displays extra nice because you make your way around the room to find yourself back where you started and ready to take on a new floor.
Whether you’ve been a football fan for years or have just started following the game, I feel you will get a lot out of your visit. There are parts that look like a typical museum and other parts that are more like a science center. The history of the league, the progression of the uniforms, and the Super Bowl rings are all showcased with ample signage. (You can get a personal tour or walk through on your own)
Science and Technology
Some of the guys’ favorite stops were to try on professional helmets and experience how the mics work. You can also go into an Instant Replay booth and see the play in question in slow-motion. Getting to size up to some of the larger players in the league is quite humbling. Molds of their legs, arms and hands really dwarfed us!
Gaming
On the lower level, you have the chance to play their Xbox on a huge screen. If you’re not part of the game (aka – me) there are educational displays about the Officials, the first collegiate African Americans and yes, even a café serving snacks.
Hall of Famers
The actual Hall of Fame room is quite a sight with row after row of bronze busts. They are very realistic and organized by years. If you’re looking for a particular player or coach, you can search the electronic database for added ease.
Overall, if you love the game of football, this is a destination worth going to. You can easily spend three to five hours reading everything and taking part in the activities. And if your ambitions are high, you can design your own Super Bowl ring. Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but from what I’m seeing, guys like them quite a bit too.
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2121 George Halas Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Winter Activities in Akron
Ice Bikes
Akron has a downtown rink where they make the most of the facility. One of their more unique attractions are the ice bikes. You will want to make your reservations online ahead of time to guarantee a ticket.
The bike sits on a frame so even if you haven’t ridden for a while, you needn’t worry. The bike has a blade in the front instead of a second wheel. Steering can be a bit tricky, but everyone seemed to get the hang of it after a lap or two. Pedal brakes make stopping easy. Your time slot lasts 15 minutes.
Bumper Cars
Bumper cars are another timed ticket with a 15-minute interval. Both the bikes and the bumper cars sell out quickly so plan accordingly. The bumper cars are electric and glide on wheels. You maneuver them with a joystick on each side. It’s silly and fun, but they don’t go very fast. The ride is geared more for young children although $10 and 15 minutes of your life won’t actually be wasted if you give it a try.
Ice Skating, Putt-Putt, Igloos and Firepits
The rink offers ongoing ice skating for only $5, skates included. It’s a nice sized rink with room for everyone. Benches are available for spectators. Next to the ice rink are igloos and firepits that can be rented. Inside the building, Akron has a shuffleboard and a 9 hole putt-putt golf course set up.
Overall, the city has done a great job offering multiple ways of enjoying the winter season. All ages and abilities can participate. If you’re looking for family friendly winter getaways in Ohio, this is a great place to start.
For hours, pricing and reservations, go to Lock 3 Live
Family Friendly Akron Restaurants
The Barn Restaurant
Yes, this really is a barn turned restaurant. Everything about the place is authentic from the oxen door handles to the exposed beams. The restaurant is HUGE with so much to look at in each section. The item that steals the show is the antique hay wagon that serves as the salad bar.
With typical, midwestern style meals, there’s something for everyone. Kids won’t be in a hurry to eat as there are multiple activities in the waiting area to keep them entertained.
The Barn Restaurant 877 W. Main St. Smithville, OH 44677
Cafes and More in the Akron Area
A Walk in the Park
I’ve been to a lot of coffee shops over the years, but this has to be the most eclectic one ever. Winter scenes in one corner, an autumn tree in another, while rain/sleet/snow (cotton balls on fishing string) falls from the ceiling. Seating of all sorts, including fun eggshell swings, round out the crazy café. We only ordered coffee but the breakfast dishes that were served around us made us think we should have opted for more.
A Walk in the Park Cafe 1491 Aster Ave. Akron, OH 44301
Monopoly Fun
As we pulled into our parking spot to get coffee at A Walk in the Park, we glanced up to see not only Park Place but Boardwalk. So random! For a Monopoly lover, this was just the kind of serendipitous moment that brings on that genuine smile. I don’t know anything about the two businesses except they are side by side and we didn’t lose any money by landing on them.
Kave Coffee
Later in the day, we Googled local coffee shops, and this was one of the few that stayed open into the evening hours. It has a very community-oriented vibe with local artwork on display, a lending library and board games. There are comfy couches, lots of tables and chairs and a few bar stools by the charging center.
When we pulled up to the coffee shop, we saw an adorable art deco movie theatre down the block. We had just missed the time slot for the shows but were able to hang out at the cafe long enough to catch the next showing. These random encounters are a traveling highlight of mine. Planning, yet going with the flow, allows those magical moments to happen.
Kave Coffee Bar 584 W. Tuscarawas Ave. Barberton, OH 44203
Lake 8 Movie Theatre
I’m always a sucker for snagging a movie in an old theatre. The nostalgia gets me every time. The huge, art deco sign hanging over the sidewalk has beckoned movie goers in since the 1920s. Who was I to turn it down? Inside, the original art deco décor continued, along with the original projector on display. I love that these things have been preserved for all to enjoy.
Lake 8 Movie Theatre 588 W. Tuscarawas Ave. Barberton, Ohio 44203
Winter Getaways in Ohio
Traveling as a family can be challenging. Everyone has their own interests, style and palette. Our trip to Akron for our winter Ohio getaway checked all the boxes and then some. Embrace the season by bundling up and trying something different. It might spur on a whole new love that you didn’t know you had.
Happy travels!!
Looking for additional Ohio getaway destinations? Type ‘Ohio’ in the search bar and a list of great resources will pop up.
Does giving back to the community while enjoying the city intrigue you? If so, you’ll love the Voluntourism Itineraries I created for Lancaster and Columbus.
