One of the best entertainment values around is found in downtown Akron at Canal Park, home of the Akron Rubber Ducks, the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The intimate stadium was designed by the same firm that designed Cleveland’s Progressive Field and features the largest video board in Double-A baseball. If you’ve never been to a minor-league game, you’re in for a treat. Not only are ticket prices a bargain at just $5 for general admission, the between-innings entertainment and contests are constant. And with just 9,000-plus seats, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Tip: If you like food challenges, try the 3 Dog Night: a hot dog stuffed inside a bratwurst stuffed inside a kielbasa, served in an enormous bun, and topped with sauerkraut and stadium mustard.

Just a mile and a half from downtown Akron is the Akron Zoo. This walkable, 50-acre attraction is home to more than 700 animals and 90 species. Legends of the Wildis the zoo’s largest exhibit and includes a snow leopard, jaguars, lemurs, three species of bats, and a 25-foot waterfall. Journey to the Reef features lionfish, clownfish, sea horses, eels, octopi, and jellyfish. Penguin Point is home to 18 endangered Humboldt penguins. Tiger Valley is home to lions, and tigers, and bears (Oh my!). And the 4.2-acre Grizzly Ridge is home to grizzlies, bald eagles, wolves, and coyotes.  And don’t forget the carousel featuring 33 hand-carved animals, plus a chariot. Open daily, 10am -5pm (504 Euclid Avenue; 330.375.2550)

Tip: If you have little ones, you’ll want to bring some singles (or those two-dollar bills you’re saving for a special occasion). To feed the farmland animals, you’ll need $2 for feed; train rides are $2; and the carousel is $2.

A magnificent display of opulence is on display at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, now celebrating its 100^th year. Akron’s first and largest National Historic Landmark is the former home of Goodyear Tire co-founder, Frank Sieberling, is truly a marvel. This 65-room Tudor Revival mansion is the nation’s 6^th largest historic home and one of five historic buildings that sit on 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, which include eight amazing gardens. A “don’t-miss” for families is the Playgarden, an outdoor sensory play experience for kids with activities, including an archeological site, a Tudor Revival playhouse and a kid-powered antique truck. Open now through December from 10am to 4:30 pm. Corbin Conservatory and grounds close at 6pm.

(714 North Portage Path, Akron: 330.836.5533)

What is perhaps Northeast Ohio’s most beautiful outdoor music venue - Blossom Music Center -is found just 25 minutes from downtown Akron. Built on 800 acres of land, this is the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra and an impressive roster of pop concerts. The pavilion seats 5,700, the expansive lawn accommodates 13,500, and the sound quality is amazing even near the back areas of the lawn. There’s also a restaurant, art gallery, concession stands, gardens, and a picnic area. Seasonal hours vary depending on events. (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls; 330.920.8040)

Tip: For pop concerts, only bottled water and  food in small see-through zip-locked bags are allowed. Rules for orchestra events are more relaxed. Bring your own wine and picnic baskets/coolers, it’s OK. Add a blanket and lawn chairs and you have the ingredients for a memorable evening. Just remember to check the forecast before buying lawn tickets as the shows must go on, rain or shine.

One of the most popular attractions in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Brandywine Falls, also just 25 minutes from downtown Akron. The picturesque 65-foot falls was carved by Brandywine Creek and showcases classic geological features, including a layer of hard rock that caps the waterfall, protecting softer layers of shale rock below. The soft rocks were formed from mud found on the sea floor that covered this area about 400 million years ago, and because the shale is thinly chunked, the water has an intriguing  bridal-veil appearance as it cascades down the falls. A combination of boardwalk and steps brings you into the waterfall's gorge and lets you view the waterfall head-on. Open daily, 7am to 11pm. (8176 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills Township)

Tip: The 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge starts near the Inn at Brandywine Falls (an historic bed and breakfast) and follows the edge of the gorge, eventually taking you down to creek level. The views of the creek and the layers of rock it has exposed are also worth the walk.

In Canton, summertime events at the Pro Football Hall of Fame are in full swing. Call the number below for more information. Here you will find 118,000 square feet of world-class exhibits, many of which are interactive, celebrating pro football’s past and present. Included are historic uniforms worn by football’s greats, bronze busts of Hall of Fame inductees, and Super Bowl milestones (including rings).  Recent additions to the museum include the football that Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning threw for his record-breaking 509^th touchdown and the jersey worn buy Oakland Raiders Safety Charles Woodson when he became the first player to record 50 interceptions. Open daily, 9am-8pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. (2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton: 330.456.8207)

Tip:  Plan on spending at least half a day to get your money’s worth. A favorite of fans, both young and old, is found on the lower level where you can play EA Sports Madden Football and test your knowledge in a trivia challenge.

While in Canton, a visit to the MAPS (Military Aviation Preservation Society) Air Museum is a must. This internationally known museum pays tribute to aviation and aviation history and features more than 35 aircraft, ranging from fighters such as the F4 Phantom to a MIG 17 to a Sopwith Triplane and bombers/attract craft such as the B26 Marauder and A-7 Corsair. All are meticulously restored and cared for. The museum is located at the Akron/Canton airport. Open Sun. 11:30am-4pm; Tues-Sat. 9am-4:30pm. Closed most major holidays. (2260 International Parkway, North Canton; 330 896.6332)  

Tip: The volunteer guides here are extremely knowledgeable so feel free to ask lots of questions.