Fun That’s Free

Top Free Things to Do in Stark County

50 Free Things to Do When You Visit Stark County

Jul 16, 2025

Who said you have to pay to have fun? These 50 FREE events, attractions, and activities will complete your trip, without breaking the bank!

#1

Stop by the Visit Canton Visitors Information Center in Downtown Canton (401 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702) and pick up all kinds of FREE information about all of the activities in Stark County while you shop items from various local partners!

#2

Head to Downtown Louisville to visit Umbrella Alley! This public art installation will create a one-of-a-kind backdrop for pictures, an afternoon lunch, or an evening drink with friends.

#3

Bike the 90-mile Towpath Trail through Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties.

#4

Head to the St. Raphael Center, home to the Mother Angelica Museum, enjoy a visit to this new Museum that showcases the life and accomplishments of Mother Angelica. Visitors are suggested to allow 2 hours for museum, chapel outdoor grotto, and exploring the gift shop.

#5

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at one of the many Stark Park locations.

#6

Hunt for bargains, treasures, and antiques at the Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market.

#7

Head to Sippo Lake Park to visit the Wildlife Conservation Center, where a plethora of different animals live for rehabilitation or permanently live for education programs.

McKinley Presidential Monument

#8

Walk the 108 steps to the top of the McKinley Presidential Monument located at the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum.

#9

Enjoy a chocolate factory tour at the Fannie Mae/Harry London Factory, where you even get to sample peanut butter Buckeyes and more candies fresh off the line.

#10

Visit the Massillon Museum and view the Immel Circus Gallery with 2,620 hand-carved pieces. The Massillon Museum is also home to the Paul Brown Museum, the perfect complement to your visit to the Hall of Fame City.

#11

Explore the arts, culture, unique restaurants, live music, and more at the monthly First Friday celebration in Downtown Canton.

Stark Parks

#12

Bring your fishing pole and participate in one of the many fishing derbies offered throughout the summer for kids presented by Stark Parks.

#13

Sway to the live musicians on The Piazza at Gervasi Vineyard, performing nightly throughout the entire Summer.

#14

Take a step back in time and visit the Hoover Historical Center—the boyhood home of Boss Hoover, the founder of the Hoover Company.

#15

Volunteer at one of the many museums as a docent or for a special event.

#16

Pegasus Farms' Wellness Garden is open for free self-guided tours and then head to the Country Store to purchase fresh veggies and herbs that you saw growing in the garden.

Centennial Plaza

#17

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy Free Summer Movies in Centennial Plaza Wednesdays throughout the Summer in partnership with the Canton Palace Theatre.

#18

Play a round of disc golf at the fan-favorite Oak Ledges in Massillon and Arboretum-Spiker Park in Canton.

#19

Meet your friends and family at one of the community festivals throughout the summer.

#20

Visit the Canton Museum of Art on Thursdays for FREE admission for everyone from 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

#21

Vroom, vroom. Bring your classic, oldies, rods, customs, bikes, and cars to Maize Valley Winery on Thursday evenings throughout the summer for the Meet in the Meadow Car Cruise.

#22

Take a stroll down Historic 4th Street in Massillon to admire the architecture.

#23

Savor the sights, sounds and gyros at the annual Canton Greek Festival—the first weekend of June.

#24

Check out live music every Thursday night in Duncan Plaza in Downtown Massillon June-August.

#25

See the Bald Eagles and their nest at Walborn Reservoir in Alliance.

#26

Explore Historic Downtown Canal Fulton, and don’t forget to stop and get ice cream either at Cherry Street Creamery or at Oser’s!

#27

Enjoy the Canton Blues & BBQ Fest in mid-July in the heart of Downtown Canton.

#28

Window shop while mall-walking at Belden Village Mall.

#29

Look up at the skies for over 60 hot air balloons during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic & Fireworks held at the end of July!

#30

Have kids between the ages of 2-12? Sign them up for Pigskin's Pals to enjoy FREE admission & experiences throughout Stark County!

#31

Enjoy a tour of the Magnolia Flouring Mills, a five-story 19th-century mill, during the spring, summer, and fall.

#32

Grab a lawn chair and head to one of the many Summer Serenades outdoor concerts at various Stark Park locations featuring members of the Canton Symphony Orchestra.

#33

Be in the presence of excellence at the Hall of Fame Fan Fest during Enshrinement Week.

#34

Attend the Community Parade or pack up your lawn chair and get there super early for non-reserved seats to the Grand Parade presented by Certified Angus Beef and get the chance to wave at your favorite football legend!

#35

Admire the beauty of flowers, fountains, and gazebos at the Canton Garden Center located in Stadium Park.

#36

Explore the Ohio Lincoln Highway during the Highway Buy-Way Sales the second full weekend of August.

#37

Enjoy shopping at Oakwood Square on the second Saturday of the month, May-September, for Sidestreet MKT presented by The 720 MKT.

Canton Arts District

#38

Explore the Canton Arts District and admire over 30 pieces of public art.

#39

Walk along the trails that wind through more than 800 acres at the Wilderness Center and try out the all-natural playground.

#40

Check out a book at one of the many Stark County Library branches and enjoy a beautiful afternoon of reading.

#41

Head to Petros Lake Park for the Mindfulness Walk where all ages can enjoy ten stations of activities, including a zen sand garden, a musical instrument, stacking stones, and a labyrinth.

#42

Attend Do at the Mu on the first Saturday of every month at the Massillon Museum.

Quail Hollow Park

#43

Go bird-watching or take your dog for a walk at Quail Hollow Park.

#44

Head to the Pro Football Hall of Fame team shop to see all 32 NFL teams' merchandise.

#45

Take a step back in time and explore the memorabilia and the toys of childhood's past at The Toys Time Forgot in Downtown Canal Fulton.

#46

Take a leisurely drive to admire the fall foliage on the drive to the gateway to Amish Country.

#47

Stark County is the home to multiple seasonal open-air farmers markets that will entice all of your senses.

Light Up Downtown in Downtown Canton

#48

Attend the annual Light Up Downtown in Downtown Canton.

#49

Drive-thru Stadium Park early December and you will be impressed by the drive-thru Holiday Light Display hosted by Canton City Parks!

#50

Follow Visit Canton on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to find out all about events, what’s new, and to find out where out mascot Pigskin is at!

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Mackenze Baker

Author

Mackenze Baker

Intern

Mackenze Baker is an intern at Visit Canton. She is a senior at Malone University and is a part of the Malone Women’s Golf team. She is double majoring in both Sport Management & Hospitality and Tourism. With these majors, she hopes to one day get a job as a sports marketer for a professional basketball team. When she is not at work or school, she enjoys spending time with both friends and family, golfing, going on walks with her dogs, and listening to music.