Columbus some beautiful parks for adventure and imagination.
No matter what time of year, there are different outdoor spaces around the city where the kids can get out and explore, play, and burn off some energy.
Whether you’re looking for old-school swings or high-tech playground equipment, Columbus has your back. So load up the kids, grab the sunscreen, and pack up the snacks!
It’s time to check out some of the city’s best parks and playgrounds.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park Playground
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The Scioto Audubon Metro Park is the perfect place to wear the kids out! Not only is there tons of nature to explore, including trails, overlooks, and a boardwalk, there is a unique playground full of fun things to climb on.
Fryer Park
Located just outside Columbus in the suburb of Grove City, Fryer Park isn’t your traditional playground. Oversized musical instruments and space-age inspired equipment encourage children to use their imagination while playing outside. The park is conveniently located near the Grove City YMCA and they opened a brand new Splash Pad this summer, perfect for hot, sunny days.
Ballantrae Community Park Spray Fountains
Speaking of splash pads, Ballantrae Spray Fountains in Dublin is the perfect warm-weather destination for kids of all ages. On hot days, the fountains can get pretty packed, so be sure to get there early! Grab yourself a nice spot on the grass and enjoy a picnic while taking a break from the water.
Jeffrey Park
Located behind the historic Jeffrey Mansion in Bexley, Jeffrey Park is an awesome place to spend a sunny afternoon. With plenty of shade, a shelter house, and playground equipment for kids of all ages, it’s a wonderful resource for parents in Columbus. One of the coolest parts about this playground is that the kiddos can have a massive “make-believe” session on the castle grounds.
Columbus Commons
The Columbus Commons is one of the most popular downtown parks, and in my opinion, it has the most fun for kiddos! Not only is there an interactive section of the park that encourages kids to use their creative and imaginative play skills, it has something no other park in Columbus has! The Carousel at the Commons will, without a doubt, be the highlight of your visit. Open from April to October, kids can hop aboard the merry-go-round for for free!
Schiller Park
In the heart of German Village sits the historic Schiller Park. One of the most well-known parks in Columbus, Schiller has plenty of space to keep the kids entertained. In addition to the recently renovated playground, there are walking paths, tennis and basketball courts, and even a pond, perfect for duck feeding or fishing!
Natural Play Areas
Several parks in central Ohio have whimsical, natural play areas for kids. Whether they’re building forts with sticks or splashing around in creek beds, your kids will have a great time and you’ll have a blast watching them embrace nature.
Natural Play Areas
Several parks in central Ohio have whimsical, natural play areas for kids. Whether they’re building forts with sticks or splashing around in creek beds, your kids will have a great time and you’ll have a blast watching them embrace nature.
Shale Hollow Nature Preserve
If it’s an especially hot day, a visit to Shale Hollow Nature Preserve will be perfect. Kids can enjoy the natural play area, splash around in crystal clear creek water, and test their bravery on a fun, wobbly bridge. You can read more about Shale Hollow Nature Preserve here.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory
The Children’s Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory has to be one of the best additions to kid-centric places in Columbus. Take your children to explore the 2-acre section of the park that includes a tree canopy, a splash area, fairy gardens, and so much more. You can read more about The Children’s Garden here.
Blendon Woods Metro Park
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There is a 10-acre natural play area at Blendon Woods that features a wooded hillside and ravine where the kids can stretch their legs. Play structures in the area include a zipline, a teeter-totter, a basket swing, a cargo climbing net, a tether-ball, and more. To get to the play area, just turn right at the ranger station then take the second left to the parking lot. The entrance to the natural play area is at the far end of the lot.
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
The 9-acre natural play area at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park has boulders and fallen logs to climb on, as well as easy access to the creek where you can wade into the water. The kids can run along the footpaths and enjoy visitor-made forts. The natural play area is right off the last parking lot in the Indian Ridge Picnic Area.
Glacier Ridge Metro Park
The natural play area at Glacier Ridge may not be the largest, but it’s full of so much fun. There are towers, ramps, ropes, ladders, and even a zipline! If the kids are interested in a challenge, there’s also a 4-acre obstacle course at the park.
Three Creeks Metro Parks
A beautiful pine forest is the site of the natural play area at Three Creeks. The children can climb on trees, build forts with sticks and branches, or play hide and seek in the woods. The play area is 12 acres, so there’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy some sunshine and good times.