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Let’s be real for a second—January in Northeast Ohio can be gray. Sometimes, after days of cloud cover over Summit County, I find myself craving a splash of color and a little bit of inspiration. While we love bundling up for a hike in the CVNP, sometimes you just need to be inside, warm, and surrounded by beauty.
That is why I am so excited about what is happening this season at the Akron Art Museum. If you haven’t visited the “Crystal” (that gorgeous glass building downtown!) in a while, this winter is the perfect time to go. Whether you need a place to let the toddlers get messy (without ruining your dining room table) or a unique date night idea, they have it covered.
The Best Budget Tip: Free Thursdays in January!
As a mom, I am always looking for value. I love that the Akron Art Museum offers Free Thursdays every week from 11 AM to 9 PM. It is such a generous gift to the community. You can pop in after work or school, explore the galleries, and not spend a dime on admission.
With the kids away at Ohio University, my husband and I are using Free Thursdays for Date Nights this January. Since the museum is open until 9 PM, it is the perfect way to spend a chilly evening.
The Perfect January Date: Park in the High/Market deck, walk over to the museum for a free stroll through the galleries to see the Ketchum photos, and then grab a warm dinner at a local spot downtown. It is romantic, cultural, and budget-friendly!
For the Families: If you have little ones, Thursdays are great because the museum often hosts “Creative Play” dates or tours. It’s a great way to burn off energy after school before heading home for dinner.
Celebrating Our Backyard: The CVNP Exhibition
If you have been following my blog long, you know how much our family loves the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. What a treasure of natural beauty we have in our own backyard. That is why I was thrilled to see the new exhibition, Ordinary Miracles: Robert Glenn Ketchum’s Photographs of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It celebrates 50 years of our beloved park. Seeing these stunning photographs is a great reminder of how lucky we are to have this green space right in our backyard. It’s a peaceful, visual walk through the woods without the freezing wind chill!
Mom Tip: This exhibition runs through January 25, 2026, so you need to plan your visit soon before it’s gone!
Cool History for Teens & Music Lovers
If you have teens who are into music (or if you are a Black Keys fan!), you have to check out the Alfred McMoore: All This Luck In My Head exhibit.
Did you know the band name “The Black Keys” was inspired by Alfred McMoore, an Akron outsider artist? This exhibit explores his work and that local connection. It’s the kind of cool local trivia that I find fascinating.
Mark Your Calendars: February Fun
If you are looking for a reason to dress up and get out of the house with your spouse (or a girls’ night out!), look ahead to next month:
Midwinter 2026 (Feb 7): A celebration of art and music.
Circa Jazz: A 1920s Dance Party (Feb 13): How fun does this sound? It’s perfect for an early Valentine’s celebration.
Plan Your Visit
The museum is closed on major holidays, but otherwise, they are ready to welcome you.
Address: One South High, Akron, OH 44308
Website: AkronArtMuseum.org
Parking: We usually park in the High/Market deck; it’s close and easy to navigate.
Have you been to the museum lately? Let me know in the comments if you plan on checking out the CVNP photos before they leave on the 25th!
