Release Date: January 14,2026
Akron Zoo to Offer Free Admission
January 13, 2026, AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo is offering free admission for all guests on Monday, Jan. 19 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Parking is also free.
MLK Day also brings back the zoo’s popular exhibit, “Celebrating Black History in Perkins Woods.” The exhibit will explore the history of Perkins Woods, a city park where the Akron Zoo currently resides, and will focus on three main topics – how Black residents in Akron expanded the John Brown Monument, fought a plan to move the zoo from Perkins Woods and operated a long-lived Custard Stand at the park’s edge.
“Celebrating Black History in Perkins Woods” will be open Jan. 19 – March 3 from Fridays – Sundays during zoo operating hours of 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Appointments are available during the week and after hours. The exhibit is located in the zoo’s Nature’s Theater and included with general admission.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Off-season hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission rates are $11 – $21. Children under two are free and parking is free. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.
Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation zoo with more than 2,000 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron, the zoo strives to connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.