12 Exciting Outdoor Things to Do in Canton Ohio

No matter the time of year, there are plenty of things to do in Canton Ohio. When the weather is nice, you might want to get out and enjoy the sunshine or snow (depending on the season). If you’re in the Buckeye State’s Northeast, check out these top outdoor things to do in Canton Ohio.

Wander Exploration Gateway

Exploration Gateway is a stunning space advertised as an indoor event venue. It overlooks Sippo Lake, offering some of the most breathtaking views of the waterways and surrounding wetlands.

But the grounds themselves are worth visiting. It features many miles of hiking and biking trails that wind along the lake in constant view of the water for a beautiful outdoor adventure.

What makes the Gateway truly unmissable, though, is the one-of-a-kind ecosystem that crosses both wetlands and forests. This offers the chance to encounter stunning native plant and animal life. The Gateway features a gift shop that’s worth visiting as well!

Stop & Smell the Roses at Beech Creek Botanical Garden

Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve is a stunning preserve of 181 acres located just outside Canton in nearby Alliance. Beech Creek is dedicated to preserving nature and providing a place to educate the community about our planet.

In addition to nature playgrounds and hiking trails, there are breathtaking gardens, a butterfly house, and a caterpillar nursery. Every garden at Beech Creek is different, from the hummingbird garden to the sensory garden.

There are countless educational events throughout the year for visitors of all ages too. Some of them are seasonal events, such as the Earth Day celebration and Easter egg hunt.

Hit the Ice at Hall of Fame City Ice Rink

For a short time during winter, visitors can enjoy coasting under the sky at the Hall of Fame City Ice Rink. The outdoor ice rink is open only seasonally from December to February while temperatures remain consistently below freezing. But it’s well worth taking the time to visit!

The affordable price of admission makes ice skating perfect for a cheap romantic or family outing. As you skate, you can enjoy the surrounding sights of downtown Canton and Northeast Ohio in winter. Then, take a seat on the benches and enjoy a snack while watching the other skaters glide by.

Splash at Clay’s Resort

Clay’s Resort in North Lawrence just outside of Canton is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. It is only one part of the famous Jellystone Resort, which includes 500 acres of campsites and outdoor activities to do near Canton Ohio.

Visitors can book a cabin or bring an RV for their stay. The park includes everything from a mini-golf course to an Adventure Park obstacle course right on the lake.

There are also waterslides, zip lines, and a giant “jumping pillow” for kids. If you like to keep things simple, you can rent a kayak or a paddleboard, or hit the lake for some fishing.

There are several other Canton Ohio campgrounds to check out as well!

Visit the WhoaZone at Atwood Lake Park

If there’s anything more fun than going to the lake, it’s going to a challenging course on the lake! The WhoaZone at Atwood Lake Park is a family-friendly water obstacle course that features challenges for people of all ages.

The award-winning course features floating challenges — climbing towers, bounce zones, and more. There’s also a calmer splash zone with fun attractions for young kids.

If you’re all bounced out, feel free to lounge on the beach, or rent a boat and hit the lake. Just book ahead of time because the park is popular, and reservations fill up fast!

Learn at Raptor Hallow Sanctuary

Raptor Hallow Sanctuary is a part of Beech Creek Botanical Gardens, but it offers a distinct experience. Here, visitors get the chance to see and learn about birds of prey, reptiles, and mammals.

These creatures are unable to be returned to the wild because of injuries or other circumstances. Instead, they enjoy a happy life at the sanctuary.

The facility serves to educate and raise awareness of local wildlife and the role that each creature plays in the ecosystem. Special education programs include owls, hawks, and foxes. There are educational programs for visitors of all ages, from kindergarten and up.

Tour the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is one of the most famous hiking and biking trails in not only the Buckeye State but also the entire Midwest.

The trail winds 87 miles along the eastern border of Ohio, connecting to even more miles of trails from Cleveland to Zoar Village. At any time of year, you’ll find people hitting the trail for outdoor things to do in Canton Ohio, such as hiking, biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and jogging.

The trail is located within sight of breathtaking natural views, as well as some of the most interesting cultural and historical sites, including the Ohio Railroad and Beaver Marsh.

Make a Tee Time at The Legends of Massillon

Golf lovers will rejoice to learn that the Canton area is home to a top-quality course. The Legends of Massillon is located in — unsurprisingly — the nearby town of Massillon.

Here, you can enjoy a 27-hole course with four sets of tees, making it perfect for golfers of any skill level. The course includes 22 water holes and 80 sand bunkers, which means that there’s a nice amount of challenge and variety.

The entire game is played overlooking some of the most beautiful scenery in Northeast Ohio! The Legends has won multiple awards, including the Fourth Best Golf Course in Ohio by Great Lakes Golf.

Enjoy the Blooms at the Canton Garden Center

What’s so special about a garden center? In Canton, this 75-year-old center still operates as a not-for-profit. Instead, it serves as a free resource for learning about gardening, farming, and landscaping. One of the main objectives of the garden center is to train future generations to respect and cultivate nature.

There are many community events at the Canton Garden Center throughout the year, including many educational programs for kids on topics about plants, insects, and animals. If you love growing plants in your own garden or just learning about nature, you’ll enjoy the Canton Garden Center.

Get Airborne at Canton Airsports

Did you know that you can go skydiving right outside of Canton? With a drop zone located in nearby Alliance, Canton Airsports offers group and individual skydiving excursions that are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Don’t feel confident on your own? Canton Airsports offers tandem skydiving, so you’ll be strapped to a certified professional. The team will coach you through the experience, lending support and safety during your 14,000-foot free fall at 120 mph!

Maybe you’re an adrenaline junkie who lives for the thrill — or maybe skydiving has been on your bucket list for years. No matter your experience, Canton Airsports is one of the most unique outdoor things to do in Canton Ohio.

Hike Through Quail Hollow State Park

Quail Hollow State Park is one of the most stunning and fascinating parks in Ohio. The 701 acres of preserved land include everything from pine forests to marshlands and meadows. But most fascinating is the fact that the whole park is located adjacent to a historic manor dating from 1838.

The manor, which includes 40 rooms, sits on grounds that are lush with gardens and fascinating historical features. It’s open for tours, but visitors are also welcome to explore the public grounds. The park itself includes many miles of hiking and biking trails. Keep an eye out for red foxes and wild turkeys!

If you’re interested in more history, you could check out the William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum in Canton Ohio too!

Play Some Games at Sluggers & Putters Amusement Park 

Are you looking for a fun place to take the family during a slow afternoon? Sluggers & Putters Amusement Park features 20 fun things to do, from mini golf to amusement park rides.

You can also enjoy a game of paintball or ride go-karts around the track. There are even child-friendly go-karts made for kids as young as 7 years old.

Alternatively, you can take to the water to enjoy a game of bumper boats, or board the Ferris wheel to enjoy the surrounding view. Young kids will have fun on a train ride around the park, while visitors of all ages can hit the roller coasters, high swings, and other rides.

Enjoying the Great Outdoor Things to Do in Canton Ohio

There are many great indoor things to do in Canton, but there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors too! Northeast Ohio is the perfect place to enjoy recreational activities, such as sports, hiking, swimming, and much more.

If you’re from out of town, you can make the most of your visit by staying at one of the Canton Ohio hotels, vacation rentals, or campgrounds. You can even plan a tour of Canton Ohio breweries and wineries, and take advantage of the amazing culinary talents at restaurants in Canton Ohio.