Busy bodies are a common sight in the Akron area, thanks to several cultural and recreational destinations that people can enjoy. A few of these include:

Akron Art Museum

Akron Art Museum blends an old 1899 post office with a new $35 million addition.

“The building is stunning. The lobby is stunning. Events and exhibits are exciting just because they’re in this space,” says Jessie Raynor, director of the Akron Area Arts Alliance.

Akron Zoological Park

The popular zoo houses more than 700 animals that include penguins, leopards, tigers, jaguars and Komodo dragons. The 50-acre Akron Zoological Park draws more than 150,000 visitors a year and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio’s only national park is just a few miles from the heart of Akron’s downtown district. Cuyahoga Valley has more than 33,000 acres and draws nearly 2.5 million visitors a year — ranking it among the top 10 most popular national parks in the country.

Akron Civic Theatre

This attraction was constructed in 1929 and underwent a $22.6 million restoration that was completed in 2002. The Akron Civic Theatre hosts live entertainment and events that include ballet, jazz concerts, rock performances and touring Broadway shows.

Akron Symphony Orchestra

The Akron Symphony Orchestra performs at EJ Thomas Hall and the Akron Civic Theatre, and has been a cultural mainstay in Northeast Ohio for more than 60 years. The Akron Youth Orchestra and Akron Symphony Chorus are also under the symphony's umbrella.

Sports Galore

Akron residents are within a short drive of Cleveland, where the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers play. Meanwhile, the University of Akron Zips have 15 sports teams, including football, soccer, men’s and women’s basketball and even a rifle team. Akron is also home to the All-American Soap Box Derby as well as the Akron Aeros Double-A baseball affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, plus championship golf courses that include Firestone Country Club.