Akron Zoo is one of the smaller AZA-accredited zoos in the Midwest — about 60 acres, around 700 animals — and it leans toward the high-quality-on-a-walkable-scale model rather than competing with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo down the road. The recently expanded Pride of Africa habitat (lions, white rhinos, vultures) and the Wild Asia complex (Sumatran tigers, red pandas, snow leopards) are the highlights.
For families, this is one of the easier zoos to do in a half-day: stroller-friendly paths, good shaded picnic areas, a small wheel ride, and a carousel with hand-carved animals that reflect the species in the zoo. It is genuinely walkable, which becomes noticeable after you have done a few larger zoos and remember just how much ground they ask you to cover.
Open daily April to October, with reduced hours and lower admission November to March. Members of any AZA zoo get reciprocal discounted entry.