14 Coolest Playgrounds in Columbus - On a Map!

Katie G.:  Goodale Park is the oldest park in Columbus, nestled in Victorian Village with skyline views. There are two playgrounds at this 32-acre park. One is best for younger kids and one is suitable for older kids. In the center of the park, you can't miss the retention pond and elephant fountain which show two baby elephants shooting water from their trunks.

Kelly R.:  Scioto Audubon Metro Park is an oasis in the city. Two paved hiking trails loop around the park, but the real attraction is the amenities. There's a fun playground (with an interactive electronic game), teens can try out the rock climbing wall (BYO harness), and there is a smaller 10 foot boulder for younger kids. A parkour-style obstacle course features a tire run, 8-foot wall, tunnel crawl, balance beams, monkey bars, and more. While you're there, check out the nature center, eat lunch at one of the shaded picnic tables, and take in a breathtaking view of the Columbus skyline.

Kelly R.:  Located within a 22-acre eco friendly park, this cool playground is constructed entirely from recycled materials. There is lots to do for younger kids, with a variety of vehicles to climb and play on.

Kelly R.:  Fryer Park boasts the educational Discovery Frontier playground, with a space theme! Kids have fun locating the different planets, peering through telescopes, scaling the climbing wall, and playing with musical features. This playground is accessible for kids of all abilities.

Kelly R.:  Features at this unique playground in Westerville include a large spider web climbing structure, NEOS 360, swings and a sandbox. Younger kids love exploring and climbing through the play train.

Katie G.:  This cute little playground in Westerville offers features not found in other parks around town, like a larger play structure made up of climbing walls. There's a rope ladder, slide and curvy climbing rope. Younger kids can enjoy a smaller play set which offers slides, a maze and a ladder and pole climber. Kids can "play" musical instruments and swing on the swings.

Kelly R.:  According to my kids, this is the best playground in Columbus! We have been here countless times, and there is something new to discover on each visit. There are plenty of slides and climbing structures, a rope ladder, a rock wall, plenty of swings, an NEOS 360, a scavenger hunt and much more. This playground is accessible for kids of all abilities.

Kelly R.:  Homestead Park features 2 impressive playgrounds designed for younger and older kids, the larger of which has a cool tunnel built into the landscape. I had some trouble keeping track of my kids because of the layout, so try to come with another adult if you have a runner. There are natural areas, walking paths, a covered bridge, a replica train station with train car, and a pond to explore. A large white Ohio bicentennial barn makes a fun location for a family photo.

Katie G.:  Hannah Park offers two playgrounds - one for younger kids and one for older kids, tennis and basketball courts, a fishing pond, a large picnic shelter and plenty of green space. There's a music game that lights up while little ones run around and push buttons. Bring the bikes and scooters and take a ride around the paved path around the pond; it's a great spot for a nature walk.

Kelly R.:  This Westerville playground gets crowded on a nice day, but it can accommodate a lot of people because it is just so big. Kids enjoy xylophones, climbing rocks, balance obstacles, electronic NEOS game, and various educational opportunities. There is even a grownup exercise station. I love that this playground is integrated into a natural landscape, so kids can also walk around a boardwalk and explore the pond. The park also features a covered picnic area and bathrooms. This playground is accessible for kids with all abilities.

Kelly R.:  The playground at North Orange Park is huge, with lots to explore. There are two distinct areas designed for little and big kids, and I love that the younger kid area doesn't feel like an afterthought. There is a large sand pit, plenty of swings, a big variety of slides, and many ADA accessible features.

Kelly R.:  Follow the winding road all the way around to the very back of Powell's large Liberty Park, and you will come upon Every Kids Playground - one of my family's favorites! This large playground has distinct areas for older and younger kids, and features include a big rocking glider, a fun rolling slide, a sand area, many opportunities for climbing, and large open space for kicking around a ball or flying a kite. There is an adjacent shelter area with picnic tables and restrooms. This playground is accessible for kids with all abilities.

Katie G.:  Glacier Ridge Metro Park is home to some of the most unique playgrounds in Columbus! There's a 3-acre obstacle course where kids (and adults) can race through 12 challenging stations including a cargo net climb, tunnel crawl and more. An impressive cedar play area designed by OSU architecture students has towers, ramps, ropes and a zipline to explore.

Kelly R.:  This dinosaur-themed playground in Delaware was a big hit with my family! Located adjacent to the Delaware YMCA, this place is a kid favorite - especially when the splash pad and concession stand are operating. Features include lots of opportunities for climbing and sliding, interactive games, a dino-head slide, and a cool parent-and-child swing. It's worth a drive even if you don't live nearby.