It is so tempting this time of year to just hibernate. The gray skies roll in, the temperature drops, and it feels easier to stay locked up inside in our pajamas. But I am a huge believer that we need to get out and have experiences—especially in the winter! We can’t let the cold stop us from making memories with our kids.
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If you are looking for inspiration, a bit of relaxation, or just a way to get the kids out of the house without spending a fortune, the Akron Art Museum is the answer. It is one of our local gems, and there is so much happening right now to spice up your holiday break.
Free Thursdays & Visiting Info
One of my favorite things about our museum is Free Thursdays. Every Thursday, the museum is open late (until 9 PM) and admission is free for everyone. This is the perfect low-risk way to bring kids. If they only last 45 minutes, it’s fine because it was free!
Museum Hours:
Wednesday – Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Free Thursdays: 11 AM – 9 PM
Holiday Reminders: Please note the museum will be Closed on Christmas Eve (12/24), Christmas Day (12/25), and New Year’s Day (1/1).
Current Exhibitions: What to See Right Now
There are some incredible things on view that you can catch over the holiday break. Whether you want to show your kids local history or stunning visuals, check these out:
- For Visual Stunners: If you want to see something truly vibrant, look at Myrlande Constant: DRAPO. These are monumental hand-beaded tapestries that blend history and storytelling. It closes soon (January 4, 2026), so make this a priority for your holiday visit!
- For the Nature Lovers: We all love the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, right? Celebrate its 50th anniversary by checking out Ordinary Miracles: Robert Glenn Ketchum’s Photographs of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It is on view through January 25, 2026, so catch it before it’s gone!
For the Music Fans: Did you know the band The Black Keys got their name from an Akron artist? You can meet Alfred McMoore, the outsider artist whose words inspired the band, in the exhibition Alfred McMoore: All This Luck In My Head (on view through Feb 15, 2026).
- Contemporary Art: You can also walk through the ongoing collection, A Growing Conversation, featuring heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Mickalene Thomas.
Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Fun in 2026
Looking ahead to the new year, there are some exciting events to put on the calendar now so you have something to look forward to in February:
- New Exhibits: Starting January 31st, keep an eye out for a restored historic Tiffany-stained glass window and the photography of Jess T. Dugan.
- Midwinter 2026: A Celebration of Art, Music, and Creativity: Saturday, February 7 from 6 – 9 PM.
- Circa Jazz: A 1920s Dance Party: Friday, February 13 from 7:30 – 11 PM.
So, zip up those coats, bundle up the family, and go soak up some culture downtown. It beats staring at a screen all winter!
