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Things To Do In Canton Ohio

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byCindy

Canton located in Stark County, Ohio has many things to do! With museums, amusement parks, nature parks, and more!

vertical image with three photos of things to do in Canton, a football and footballers helmet, Stark County Courthouse, and Gervasi Vineyards

About Canton

Canton is the county seat of Stark County, northeast Ohio. It is the largest municipality in the Canton-Massillon metropolitan area which includes all of Stark and Carroll Counties. Canton is notable for being the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the birthplace of the National Football League. President William McKinley was a Canton resident.

Map of Things to Do in Canton

Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!

When we visit Canton, my kids always want to visit Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park. There is so much to do there, we end up having to drag them away! Personally, I like to finish off the visit by dropping into Gervasi Vineyards for a meal or just a glass or two of wine! The surroundings are amazing and it’s a very relaxing place. It’s always a great day out or weekend stay at Canton.

Things to Do in Canton

Canton is a beautiful city to spend some time in. Here is our list of interesting and exciting things to do in the city.

Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park

This waterpark is the perfect place to cool down when the weather is hot. In fact, it is easy to spend the entire day at this waterpark. This is not just a normal lake, there are things to do both in and around the lake.

There are ziplines that go into the lake and there are waterslides as well. There are lifeguards and staff on hand at all times. Life Jackets are compulsory when you are at this lake. The resort provides life jackets. 

Tent camping and RV camping are available. As well as the lake, there is also an indoor pool, restaurants, a fishing lake, and miniature golf.

Sluggers and Putters Amusement Park

This family fun park is very popular and has loads to do for all the family. There is an arcade, go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, flinging swings, and a small roller coaster.

The park also has special offers during the season, so check out their website ahead of time to see if there are any offers.

Gervasi Vineyard

Gervasi Vineyard is in a superb setting. The Winery is set in perfect vineyard territory. It has a backdrop of hills and the vines love the soil that these hills have provided over the ages. 

If you visit in the high season and you wish to have dinner, it is best to make a reservation ahead of time as it can get quite busy. You can also stay in the hotel or one of the available villas.

horizontal photo of the entrance to Gervasi Vineyards. Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Harry London Chocolates

Harry London Chocolates offers a free tour, call ahead for tour times. The tour lasts for about an hour and you will learn about the history of chocolate in Canton Ohio. There will be sampling as well.

You will also be shown how the chocolate is made from the beginning through to when it is ready to be distributed. After the tour, if you wish to purchase some chocolate, it is available from the shop.

Canton Palace Theatre

The Canton Palace Theatre opened its doors in the prohibition era in 1926. This theater is in Downtown Canton and has been entertaining guests for years. There are events and movies shown and hosted here.

Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is a destination that attracts people from around the world!

This is a museum that has something for everyone. It has exhibits, educational items, demos, and videos. When you arrive at the Hall of Fame, there will be a schedule of events that will take place throughout the day.

Some of the artifacts that are on display include items such as footballs, helmets, and uniforms. There are also items from past Superbowls. 

horizontal photo of a football and a football helmet on a football field

MAPS Air Museum

This Air Museum is a real treat. If you like all things air travel then this is the place to visit as they have lots of artifacts on display. Past pilots who have some amazing stories from when they were flying conduct tours.

Some exhibits encourage your interaction, you can sit in the pilot’s seat on some of the airplanes.

Canton Museum of Art

The Canton Museum of Art is a great place to visit, even if you are not a big lover of Art. It is in downtown Canton and has some fantastic permanent collections. The museum also plays host to exhibits that tour around the US. 

McKinley Museum and Presidential Library

The McKinley Museum is a jewel in the crown of Canton Ohio. A section of the museum is dedicated to education and science. You can play with things like magnets and lights.

The museum also has a brilliant ‘Discover World’ where you are greeted by a roaring dinosaur. The museum has a huge authentic mastodon skeleton that was originally discovered in Canton in 1970 and there are also other animals from our times as well.

Video of the roaring dinosaur

Additionally, there is a street with shops and other buildings along it. There is an exhibit about the local areas as well. There are videos and artifacts about the local area and how it came to be. This is a fantastic place to visit. if you are planning a visit, then please check out the times and fees on their website.

Stark County Courthouse

The Stark County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is in the Beaux Arts architecture style. The clock tower is stunning, with statues of trumpeting angels. This is where William McKinley began his path to the Whitehouse, and sadly, where the nation mourned his assassination. The beauty of this building makes it worth a look when you are in Canton.

  • Address: 115 Central Plaza N, Canton, Ohio 44702
horizontal photo of the clock tower at the Stark County Courthouse

Quail Hollow Park

Quail Hollow Park is a large park covering over 700 acres of land. Charming meadows, marshes, and woodlands are aplenty in this park. Some trails are available as well. There is a Mountain Bike trail that is over 3 miles long. There is also a bridle trail that is of similar length.

The Nature for All trail is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. There is a stunning Manor House that is set in the middle of the park as well. This grand House can be hired for events such as weddings, parties, and christenings.

Baylor Beach Park

This is a lovely, clean lake where you can come in the summer to cool off. It is also a great place for picnicking and there are tables on site. However, it is advised to bring your own chairs as these are not provided.

The lake has some diving boards and slides for children.

There is a concession stand that sells food and drinks. There is also a mini-golf and a campground available here. If you visit the website, there may be some offers available.

Atwood Lake Park

Atwood Lake Park is not too far away from Canton Ohio and it has a lot to offer. You can camp here and you can also enjoy the beach, nature center, and hiking trails. There is a fee to enter the park, so it is advised that you check out the website for more information.

Swimming, fishing, and kayaking are available. There are other watersports available and equipment can be rented.

Where to Dine in Canton

Canton has a lot of restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, and diners. We have selected a short list of places to eat that offer different styles of cuisine. You can check their menu online, and we have provided the Facebook link so you can keep up with any events or special offers they have going on.

Places to Stay in Canton

The large hotel chains have many locations in and around Canton. We list a couple below, as well as some independent hotels, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering rentals.

Let’s Visit Canton Ohio!

Have you visited Canton? Have we captured the essence of Canton in this post, or are there other things you think we should include? We would love to hear your suggestions! Feel free to drop them in the comments below.

If you are exploring Stark County, check out these articles we have written.

For those wanting to travel further afield, check out the things to do in Hocking Hills located in Hocking County

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at [email protected], and we can get it updated.

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Cindy Gordon, the owner of VisitOhioToday.com, is a passionate Ohioan with a deep love for her state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Her mission is to showcase Ohio's hidden gems and major tourist attractions through her website, offering visitors a comprehensive guide to all the wonders the Buckeye State has to offer. With a wealth of experience as a seasoned small business owner in the media industry, Cindy also manages four other websites in the food space, demonstrating her commitment to sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with a wider audience. Through her dedication, Cindy has become a trusted source for anyone looking to explore Ohio's diverse and vibrant offerings.

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