11 Best Columbus Parks & Nature Spots

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.

Hannah Scott:  The Topiary Park is a truly unique Columbus gem! The plants in this public garden are sculpted to recreate Seurat's famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte. It's beautiful, whimsical, and a lovely place to spend a couple hours with your family and a picnic.

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.:  Columbus is home to one of the largest public rose gardens in America, with more than 12,000 roses and 13 acres to explore. The Formal Rose Garden reaches peak bloom in June and September. Picnicking on the park lawns is permitted.

Hannah Scott:  Waterfalls are often tucked deep into the woods and difficult to reach (especially for younger family members with smaller legs). Since it's located on just 2 acres, Hayden Falls Park gives the whole family a chance to experience a stunning 35-foot waterfall surrounded by a lovely nature preserve. Be ready to snap a family selfie to document the moment!

Hannah Scott:  Inniswood is a delightful collection of botanical gardens and trails that span 123 acres. You'll find over 2,000 species of plants as you explore the grounds, including native wildflowers and wildlife. Families will love the children's garden with its interactive water stations and other outdoor play areas designed to inspire the imagination.

Katie G.:  Highbanks (named for the scenic bluffs overlooking the Olentangy River) has some of the best hiking trails in Ohio. It’s a great place for a family nature walk in the woods, with easy, moderate, and challenging trails of all lengths. There's a 15-acre unstructured natural play area, overlook deck, nature center, a full calendar of activities, and plenty of wildlife to discover.

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.:  The largest park in the Columbus area, Battelle Darby Creek sprawls over 7,000 acres along two scenic rivers. Numerous hiking trails range from easy to difficult. The headliners are the park’s bison, returned to the native prairie where their ancestors roamed 200 years ago. Kids love to watch the bison, whether from the observation deck or the park’s amazing nature center, were they can explore interactive exhibits, including a 53-foot long living stream.

Katie G.:  This beautiful park in Powell attracts birds and white-tailed deer, and families can enjoy a couple easy hikes that explore the woods, meadows, wetlands and pond. There's a fun playground with separate climbing walls for little and big kids. A special natural play area includes an earth-covered tunnel and a log obstacle course.

Katie G.:  Named for the shale rock found in the park’s stream bed and cliff walls, Shale Hollow brings a little bit of Hocking Hills feel to central Ohio. Kids love looking for the unique round rock formations called “concretions" and searching for salamanders in the creek. The park has two kid-friendly hikes, a natural play area, plus a rare off-trail exploration area (creek wading!) -- all easily accessible via State Route 23 in Lewis Center.