Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, Columbus features 250+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy.
Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of CBUS’ best:
Nature parks
Heritage Trail Park, 7262 Hayden Run Rd.
The park boasts a 6.1-mile biking and pet-friendly trail + a 3.6-mile horseback riding trail. The park is located along the scenic Heritage Rail Trail.
Blendon Woods Metro Park, 1069 W. Main St.
The massive 653-acre park is surrounded by beech-maple and oak-hickory forests and is a great place to explore wildlife. The park has seven hiking trails, disc golf, natural play areas, and cross country skiing.
Creekside Park, 123 Mill St.
Water lovers can enjoy paddle boats, fishing, and wading along Big Walnut Creek. Plus, enjoy walkways and picnic areas at the 7.9-acre spot.
Quarry Trails Metro Park, 2600 Dublin Rd.
Nature lovers will thrive with a 25-ft waterfall, observation areas, and a mountain bike trail. Other activities at the park include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and sledding when weather permits.
Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland Croy
Observe wildlife from a 25-ft tower or explore four nature trails + a challenge course. The park opens at 6:30 a.m. daily.
Find a small oasis within the city, like at Quarry Trails Metro Park. | Photo by @pavonia_shelly_photography
Family parks
Millstone Creek Park, 745 N. Spring Rd.
Find a playground for those ages 2-12 years old, a basketball court, biking path, and wetland area. Plus, the shelters have picnic tables and a charcoal grill.
Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr.
Located along the Scioto Mile downtown, this scenic park has city skyline views, The Scioto Mile Fountain (which will soon undergo major enhancements), and a performing arts stage. Plus, grab dinner in the park at Milestone 229.
Blackburn Park, 263 Carpenter St.
This park is great for all ages with picnicking areas, a playground, and a recreation center. In the warmer months, kids can enjoy a spray ground.
Dorrian Green, 50 Belle St.
Explore the interactive park located downtown near COSI. Amenities include cornhole, ping pong, an interactive playground, splash grounds, and a butterfly and pollinator garden.
Fryer Park, 3899 Orders Rd.
This 110-acre park in Grove City has fun for the whole family. Enjoy areas for biking and walking, fishing, a sledding hill, splash pads, and softball diamonds.
Dog parks
Big Walnut Dog Park, 5000 E. Livingston Ave.
The park is open from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily with lighting so your dog can play after sunset. Enjoy gated entrances with three acres of enclosed space and separate areas for large dogs and small dogs to play safely.
Wheeler Memorial Dog Park, 25 Thurber Dr. W.
Located centrally to most Columbus suburbs, this dog park features four acres of land. Find off-leash areas for dog exercise with walking trails and picnicking.
Spindler Dog Park, 2121 Spindler Rd.
This Hilliard dog park has an area for small and large dogs to play off the leash. There is both a grassy area and paved trail for walking.
Scioto Audubon, 400 W. Whittier St.
This 120-acre metro park has pet amenities inside of it like an agility course for dogs and 10 miles of trails to walk pets on the Scioto Greenway Trail. Plus, find a 2.5-acre dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs.
Three Creeks Dog Park, 2748 Spangler Rd.
You can find this spacious, off-leash park at Sycamore Fields in Groveport. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk with an area for large and small dogs to play separately.
Nando’s Dog Park at Darree Fields Park, 6555 Shier-Rings Rd.
Named after Dublin’s first Police Canine Unit, Nando, this park is open from dawn to dusk. Find two acres of land with a walking area for larger breeds plus benches, picnic tables, and donation stations for pet waste removal bags.
Sports parks
Dodge Park, 667 Sullivant Ave.
This 18+ acre park features an outdoor hockey rink, ball diamonds, basketball courts, athletic fields, and a skateboarding park. Plus, find playgrounds, a recreation center, and a swimming pool.
Maloney Park, 1701 Joyce Ave.
Get active with 24+ acres of athletic fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. The park also features a playground, walking trail, and gazebo.
Fred Beekman Park, 2200 Carmack Rd.
Located at OSU’s campus, this park has sand volleyball and basketball courts, clay softball diamonds, a synthetic turf baseball diamond, and a one-mile jogging path surrounding the park.
Schiller Park, 1069 Jaeger St.
From a tennis court to basketball court to softball field, there’s something for everyone at this 23+ acre park. Amenities also include a walking trail and playground.
Cooper Park, 5740 Cooper Rd.
This park is nearly 36 acres and includes soccer fields and a basketball court. Plus, find a playground + woods and wildlife area.
Your park grab bag
Picked your perfect park? Make the most out of your experience with our favorite items for a relaxing day outside:
- Is there anything quite like sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book? Check out our guide to books by local authors to help choose your next great read.
- The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight e-reader option that stands up to bright sunlight.
- A good water bottle keeps you hydrated — we’re big fans of the best-selling Owala FreeSip + this insulated stackable tumbler from Asheville NC-based retailer Pirani.
- Heading to the park with kids? Check out the Owala FreeSip for kids.
- Don’t forget the travel-size bug spray and sunscreen.
- These sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack are available at discount prices + have a style for everyone.
- Keep it all together in a handy tote bag — these adorable tote bags are all crafted by small businesses and local makers.
