Things to Do in Cuyahoga Falls
Cuyahoga Falls is one of Northeast Ohio’s best weekend getaway destinations, especially if you love scenic parks, river views, outdoor adventures, and walkable downtown areas. Located right next to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this city makes a perfect home base for hiking, concerts, family trips, and relaxing Ohio staycations.
Whether you’re visiting for the trails, Blossom Music Center, or exploring nearby Akron attractions, here are the best things to do in Cuyahoga Falls.
Table of Contents
- Explore Downtown Cuyahoga Falls
- Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
- Visit the Speakeasy That Looks Like a Post Office
- Enjoy Live Music at Blossom Music Center
- Explore Gorge Metro Park
- Float the Cuyahoga River
- Stop by the Tiki Bar for Trivia Nights & Tropical Drinks
- Have Fun at The Workz
- Visit Clifford’s Mini Auto Museum
- Swim at Water Works Family Aquatic Center
- Play Mini Golf & More at Downview Sports Center
- Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Falls
- Tips for Planning Your Visit
Explore Downtown Cuyahoga Falls
Downtown Cuyahoga Falls has transformed in recent years and is not one of the most walkable riverfront districts in Northeast Ohio.
Front Street is the heart of the action with restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, boutique shopping and live events throughout the year. It’s the perfect place to start your visit. Need recommendations on where to stay or eat? Check out my top places to eat and stay at Cuyahoga Falls.
Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The park features more than 33,000 acres of forests, waterfalls, scenic trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes because you will do a lot of walking.
Popular activities include:
- Biking the Towpath Trail
- Visiting Brandywine Falls (ADA-accessible, flat, and paved path to the falls on the upper boardwalk)
- Hike The Ledges Trail
- Visiting the Beaver Marsh wildlife area
- Birdwatching
Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
One of the most unique things to do in Cuyahoga Falls is riding the train through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This scenic railway runs along 26 miles of track between Akron and Independence, passing through forests, rivers, wildlife areas, and some of the park’s most beautiful landscapes.
Boarding stations are at Akron Northside or Peninsula, both just a short drive from Cuyahoga Falls. Most trips lasts 90 minutes while others can run up to 3+ hours depending on themed ride or scenic ride.
Visit the Speakeasy That Looks Like a Post Office
One of the most fun hidden gems in town is Watson’s Speakeasy. From the outside, it looks like an old post office building but inside you’ll find a craft cocktail bar with a vintage vibe and creative drink menu.
My husband ordered the Smoked Maple Old Fashioned which was fun to watch as it was prepared inside a smoke-filled glass dome right at the bar. I ordered the Sage Advice, a refreshing cocktail made with cucumber and sage-infused vodka, elder flower liqueur, and lemon juice, finished with a spiral slice of cucumber inside the glass.
Enjoy Live Music at Blossom Music Center
This outdoor amphitheater hosts major touring concerts all summer long and is also the summer home of The Cleveland Orchestra. Seeing a show here is easily one of the top experiences in the area.
Tip: Bring a blanket for lawn seating, it’s part of the experience.
Explore Gorge Metro Park
This park offers dramatic views of the Cuyahoga River gorge, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and access to waterfalls. It’s one of the most beautiful natural areas in Summit county and perfect for:
- hiking
- photography
- fall color views (during fall season)
- peaceful nature walks
Float the Cuyahoga River
During warmer months river kayaking, rafting, and tubing are popular activities for families and couples visiting the area. You can rent or bring your own kayak. For tubing, you can bring your own in areas outside the National Park but will need to rent one for Float the River location.
Stop by the Tiki Bar for Trivia Nights & Tropical Drinks
Tiki Underground is a locally owned tiki bar that serves tropical drinks and small plates since 2017. This place is a completely different vibe from the downtown vibe. Locals love visiting on trivia nights and themed evenings. The décor alone makes it worth visiting. It’s a fun stop if you’re planning:
- a casual date night
- a friends night out
- testing your knowledge during trivia night
- pre-dinner cocktail before exploring Front Street
- or a weekend downtown bar crawl
Have Fun at The Workz
If you’re looking for something fun to do indoor, The Workz is one of the best entertainment spots in downtown Cuyahoga Falls. Keep in mind this it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, opens in the evenings Wednesday through Friday and opens late morning on Saturdays and Sundays.
This family-friendly entertainment center includes:
- bowling lanes
- a large arcade
- a full restaurant and bar
- TVs for watching sports while you play
- speakeasy with unique cocktails
- trivia nights (on some Wednesdays)
- music bingo (Thursday nights)
- live music (usually Friday and Saturday nights)
Visit Clifford’s Mini Auto Museum
We found this hidden gem across from our hotel and it was so fun to look at hundreds of miniature cards and detailed automotive collectibles.
The collection features model vehicles from different eras and styles, making it a fun stop stop for car lovers, families with kids and collectors. Hours vary by season, but if the museum is closed when you arrive, the funeral home next door (run by the same family) may be able to open it up for you if they’re available. Just stop in and ask!
Swim at Water Works Family Aquatic Center
This is a great stop in the summer for families. You can relax along the lazy river, race down the drop and flume slides or swim. Poolside cabanas are also available to rent if you want to make a full day of it.
Will need a form of ID for ages 16 and older and only a certain amount of daily passes a day (first, come, first serve). Be sure to check all rules & regulations and seasonal pass only dates before visiting.
Play Mini Golf & More at Downview Sports Center
Downview Sports Center is a fun outdoor recreation spot if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Cuyahoga Falls or something active to add between downtown stops.
Here you can enjoy:
- mini golf
- batting cages
- a skate park
- open green space for relaxing or playing
Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Falls
Each season offers something different:
- Spring – Wildflowers and waterfalls in the national park
- Summer – Concerts at Blossom Music Center + river kayaking
- Fall – Peak Northeast Ohio fall colors
- Winter – Quiet trails + cozy downtown dining
Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Book hotels early during concert season
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking trails and walking downtown
- Plan at least one stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Stay near Front Street for walkable restaurants and shops
If you want to know how to plan your day, check out this One Day Itinerary in Cuyahoga Falls!
