Bring the Kids. . . We’re a “No Boredom” Zone,

Bring the Kids. . . We’re a “No Boredom” Zone,

Akron Children’s Museum allows kids to climb, jump, scoop, splash and build—just for starters. There’s a quake table, a wind tunnel, excavation station and marble runs.

Magical Theatre Company, Barberton, is a professional resident and touring company just for kids. Its home is a gem of a restored century-old theater on the city’s main drag.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Akron, has three hiking trails, gardens, a suspension bridge and two ponds. A 10,000-square-foot center with exhibits, live animals and presentations allows visitors to touch, listen and learn.

Akron Zoo sits on 77 acres, 35 of which have been developed into spectacular exhibits and gardens designed to bring visitors close to more than 700 animals. Its new Pride of Africa exhibit has lions, gazelles and more. Its Wild Asia exhibit, with Sumatran tigers and red pandas, opens in 2020. All the animals

are cared for according to the highest standards of the American Zoological Association (AZA), of which the Akron Zoo has been a member since 1989. It takes part in the AZA’s significant conservation projects.

The zoo can be easily navigated in a few hours and is handicapped accessible. For those with sensory processing needs such as autism, it offers special tools and services. Check out its many events such as Boo at the Zoo and Wild Lights.

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, Canton, is a multi-faceted tribute to the 25th U.S President, who was assassinated in 1901. It contains his important papers and historical artifacts. The Stark County Story has a life-sized Street of Shops that replicates a town from McKinley’s time. Its Discover World is an interactive

science center that takes visitors on the journey of our planet. An authentic mastodon skeleton found in Canton during construction of a building is on display. Take part in a simulated fossil dig, capture your shadow, interact with live animals and study Indian artifacts. The Hoover- Price Planetarium has more than 60 projectors that show a meteor shower, asteroids, constellations and more. Make sure to visit the solemn memorial to President McKinley.

Beech Creek Botanical Gardens & Nature Preserve in Alliance has been designed to help both children and adults better understand the natural world. Kids will especially enjoy the Amazing Garden Plant Science Center with more than 20 hands-on learning stations designed to convey key horticultural and environmental concepts. Adults will like the various botanical gardens and hiking trails.

Yogi Bear is in the house at Jellystone Park in Uniontown, between Akron and Canton. Bring your own RV or tent or stay in one of its eight cabins. When you stay overnight, admission to the park’s attractions— including its enormous swimming pool and Gem Mine— is covered.