Release Date: July 24,2025
Akron Children’s Museum to Debut Grow & Go Bank and Sound Studio Exhibits
AKRON, Ohio – July 24, 2025 – Members of the community are invited to join the Akron Children’s Museum as it celebrates the opening of two exhibits on July 31.
The Grow & Go Bank exhibit and an enhanced Sound Studio will debut July 31 starting at 10 a.m. Children will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity and build their own musical instruments using various materials and techniques near the Sound Studio. The Grow & Go Bank exhibit takes children on a journey to experience the world of financial literacy through engaging, hands-on activities designed to make money management fun and accessible. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m., marking the formal opening of both exhibits.
Through PNC Bank’s sponsorship, the Grow & Go Bank exhibit gives children the opportunity to discover essential financial tools through engaging activities, including playing bank teller or financial literacy teacher.
“Year after year, the Akron Children’s Museum has delighted visitors, generated support for one of the state’s most important cultural and educational resources and created economic impact for northeast Ohio,” said Joe Luckring, PNC regional president for Akron. “As the museum embarks on this wonderful exhibit, all of us at PNC look forward to helping welcome visitors to Grow & Go Bank.”
The Sound Studio exhibit refresh is made possible in loving memory of Jason A. Kardish, a Hudson native who is remembered for his joyful and playful spirit with family and friends. Children can choose from audio sound players featuring songs, nature sounds, or stories read aloud. The exhibit includes an electronic drum machine, electronic DJ turntable, MIDI board for creating original songs and fun hand instruments including maracas and xylophones.
The fun will continue at 11:30 a.m. with a special 30-minute interactive performance led by Grammy nominated Mr. Jeff, while children play their handcrafted instruments alongside his show for the entire crowd. Event refreshments will be provided. All activities are included with the $7 museum admission fee.
"These renovations and brand-new exhibits represent our commitment to providing children with meaningful learning experiences that combine education with play," said Traci Buckner, Akron Children’s Museum Executive Director. "From financial literacy to musical creativity, these new spaces will inspire curiosity and learning for years to come."
The Akron Children's Museum has been a cornerstone of educational entertainment in the community since 2016, providing interactive experiences that promote learning through exploration and discovery. The new exhibits demonstrate the museum's ongoing dedication to evolving with the needs of young learners and their families.
About PNC Bank
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products, specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For more information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
About the Akron Children’s Museum
Founded by a group of young parents, the Akron Children’s Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to being Akron’s premier gathering place for children and families. A place where play inspires exploration, discovery, and problem-solving, ACM strives to provide experiences that cultivate lifelong learners who will inspire creativity and provide innovative leadership and diverse perspectives to the greater Akron community and the world for generations to come.
For more information about Akron Children’s Museum, visit: https://www.akronkids.org or call 330-396-6103