Updated: August 10, 2026
Working out doesn’t have to mean staring at a wall of treadmills.
Summer in Columbus is full of ways to get a genuinely good workout outdoors, from riverfront runs to paddleboarding on Hoover Reservoir. No gym membership required.
Working out doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Several activities on this list are free or donation-based and the ones that do cost money are reasonably priced and super enjoyable activities that have the added benefit of being good workouts. Stay active, Columbus!
Go for a run at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
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Of course, you can take a run at any park you’d like, but I personally love the variety of trails at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. You can run right along the water or through the shade of the forest, with the bison fields just beyond. Plus, if it’s hot after your run, you can always dip your feet in the creek to cool off.
Go for a swim at Alum Creek State Park
Working out is always more fun and a little easier when you’re doing it in the water. The beach at Alum Creek offers plenty of space to spread out and you can spend your whole day swimming around and busting out some sweet water aerobics moves.
Take an outdoor yoga class
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From sessions accompanied by farm animals to recharging sessions to help you practice a little self-care, there are a variety of yoga classes around Columbus that meet outdoors all summer long. And if a group class isn’t your speed, you can always take your own mat to the park and follow along with a video.
Hit up the Climbing Wall at Scioto Audubon Metro Park
If you’re into rock climbing and you live in Columbus, it’s highly unlikely that wouldn’t already know about the Climbing Wall at Scioto Audubon Metro Park, but I believe it deserves a place on this list nonetheless. The wall features bouldering along with top rope and lead climbing. You have to bring your own climbing harness, but there are four auto belays at the wall. Climbers must be over age 13 and those between 13 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Take an epic bike trail tour
Central Ohio has some incredible bike paths and greenways that you could spend so much time exploring this summer. From urban rides that take you along the riverfront through the heart of Downtown Columbus to countryside rides with beautiful views, Central Ohio’s trail network runs deep. You can plan your own bike rides or check out this handy list of interesting paths around the city.
Go for an early morning hike at Clear Creek Metro Park
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If you can wake up early, head down to Clear Creek Metro Park and hit the trails before they get crowded. The park is more magical at dawn, and you’ll get to hear the forest waking up as you hike through.
Try your luck at Stand Up Paddleboarding
I’m not historically known for having incredible balance. Honestly, even that is overselling my ability. But it doesn’t matter because even if you fall off your stand up paddleboard every time, it’s still super fun. Stand up paddleboarding is a surprisingly good core workout and it comes with the added bonus of not hurting if you fall off. Through SUP Columbus, you can rent a board and get a lesson at Hoover Reservoir. For more info, you can visit SUP Columbus here.
Help out a pup in need by walking a dog or two
Want to get your steps in and become best friends with an adorable dog? Franklin County Dog Shelter is always in need of volunteers to walk the dogs. You’ll be doing something good for yourself, and you’ll make the day of a shelter pup a little bit brighter. You can get more info about volunteering at the shelter right here. You could also offer to take a neighbor’s dog along for a walk or a run. Plenty of dog owners would happily lend out a four-legged workout buddy.
Go kayaking
I don’t think it’s possible to have a better workout while sitting down than by kayaking. Your whole body will be feeling the burn, all while you’re enjoying some of Central Ohio’s beautiful waterways. Here’s what you need to know about kayaking in Columbus so you can fully prepare for your next aquatic adventure.
