As a mom exploring Columbus with my curious four-year-old daughter, I’m always on the lookout for parks where she can run, climb, and discover something new. With 20 Metro Parks across the city, we have endless options for outdoor fun. In this post, I’m sharing the parks that offer the most children’s activities and that we love visiting together. Some days we’re spotting bison in open fields, other days we’re hiking shaded trails or learning about wildlife.
Each park offers a mix of play, adventure, and nature, helping kids burn energy and families slow down together. Whether your little ones enjoy climbing, spotting wildlife, or simply exploring freely, these parks provide the perfect setting for family-friendly activities and endless play and adventure.
1. Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Location: 1415 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
Battelle Darby Creek is known for its bison herd, which always excites kids. While the park is large, the bison live in a specific area, and the nearby nature center is perfect for wildlife exploration. Inside, children can enjoy interactive games, puppets, a living stream with fish and turtles, and a small library.
The park also has hiking trails, picnic shelters, and playgrounds, making it easy to spend an entire day outdoors. Watching the bison and then exploring the nature center’s exhibits creates a perfect balance of education and playful adventure for kids.
2. Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Location: 6975 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Blacklick Woods is a recent discovery for us, and it stands out for its canopy walk. Kids can walk at tree-top level, cross rope bridges, try hammocks, and climb structures that aren’t found in typical parks. It’s an unforgettable adventure for children who love high-energy play.
Near the canopy walk, the nature center features puppets, live animals, and a small craft corner, providing an indoor space for quieter activities. Trails are easy for families, and the mix of high adventure and educational exhibits makes Blacklick Woods a memorable park experience for kids.
3. Blendon Woods Metro Park
Location: 4265 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43230
Blendon Woods Metro Park is a top choice for families, especially with the recently opened inclusive playground. The wide park area is filled with thoughtfully designed equipment, including slides, swings, climbing structures, and even a mini zipline. Playground hours are Tuesday to Friday after 4 pm, Saturday after 12 pm, and all day Sunday and Monday.
Another favorite feature for children is the observation decks near the pond, where binoculars allow them to see wildlife in and around the water. Blendon Woods combines adventure, seasonal beauty, and learning for a truly special experience.
For me, fall is one of the best seasons to visit. As you drive in, you’re greeted by vibrant yellow, orange, and red leaves, and following the scenic tour signs through the park lets you enjoy the autumn colors while the kids explore.
4. Glacier Ridge Metro Park
Location: 9801 Hyland-Croy Rd, Plain City, OH 43064
Glacier Ridge Metro Park is perfect for energetic kids who need to burn off energy and enjoy outdoor play. The natural play area and obstacle course are ideal for climbing, jumping, and running. There’s also a small playground, but most children gravitate to the natural play area where they can explore creatively.
Nearby trails vary from short paved paths to woodland loops. We usually walk the trails while our daughter rides her bike or scooter, and then settle in with coffee as she plays nearby. Glacier Ridge offers a balance of activity, exploration, and peaceful moments, making it ideal for play and adventure.
5. Highbanks Metro Park
Location: 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Highbanks has been our family favorite for years. When our daughter was a baby, we spent weekends walking forest trails or strolling by the river. As she grew, we started spending more time at the renovated playground, which is now bigger and more engaging. In addition to the playground, Highbanks offers a nature center, a natural play area, and a zipline that keeps kids excited and active.
Big Meadows often hosts outdoor movie nights and weekend festivals, adding extra fun to our visits. Trails like Scenic River and the Overlook Trail offer scenic views of the Olentangy River, and wildlife spotting along the way is always a highlight. Highbanks combines active play, learning, and natural beauty, making it one of the most versatile Columbus Metro Parks for families.
6. Homestead Metro Park
Location: 4675 Cosgray Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026
Homestead Metro Park may not be huge, but it’s full of fun for kids. The park has two large playgrounds, wide open spaces, and the historic caboose train that sparks imaginative play. Children can run between the playgrounds, climb on the caboose, or explore the pond area.
A short walking trail circles the pond, perfect for a stroller walk, biking, scooter riding, or even a leisurely afternoon stroll. The park also includes basketball and sand volleyball courts, which older kids can enjoy. Homestead is a spot where children can move freely and parents can relax, making it ideal for a casual day outdoors or a full afternoon of play.
7. Inniswood Metro Gardens
Location: 940 S Hempstead Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
Inniswood Metro Gardens is one of the most peaceful and beautiful parks we visit. Walking through its themed gardens, like the Rose Garden and Herb Garden, feels calm yet playful.
The Sisters’ Garden is designed with children in mind, featuring activities such as the story trail, maze, caves, treehouse, and windmill water pump. My daughter loves pumping water at the windmill and climbing the treehouse to look over the gardens.
Most of the trails at Inniswood are paved and short, making them stroller-friendly. It’s a perfect place for little explorers to wander safely while learning about plants, flowers, and butterflies. Seasonal programs, such as butterfly walks and garden crafts for kids, make Inniswood ideal for families who want a mix of adventure and education while exploring children’s activities at Metro Parks.
8. Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Location: 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215
Scioto Audubon offers something for kids of all ages. Older children can try the climbing wall while younger ones burn off energy in the playground next to it. In summer, families can play sand volleyball, and in winter, the sledding hill is a big hit. The park also features an outdoor obstacle course.
Inside the nature center, there’s a small library, craft room, live animals, and, most importantly, an indoor playground. On sunny days, children can enjoy the outdoor playground and boardwalk, and when the weather is cold, the indoor area keeps them active and engaged. Scioto Audubon is a versatile park that blends city access, nature, and children’s activities at Metro Parks.
Tips for Visiting Columbus Metro Parks with Kids
- Pack for play: Bring extra clothes or towels for creeks, mud, or water activities.
- Visit early: Mornings are quieter and offer better wildlife spotting.
- Bring snacks and water: Picnic tables and shelters make breaks easy.
- Check programs: Many parks offer free family events, guided hikes, or crafts; check the schedule before visiting.
- Enjoy every season: Spring brings wildflowers, summer hosts outdoor events, fall showcases colorful leaves, and winter trails stay open for snowy walks.
Every one of the Columbus Metro Parks offers something unique for children. From treehouses and windmill pumps at Inniswood, to the inclusive playground and observation decks at Blendon Woods, climbing walls at Scioto Audubon, and bison at Battelle Darby Creek, these parks turn weekends into adventures our daughter looks forward to every week.
As a mom, I’ve learned that kids thrive when they can explore, climb, and imagine freely. The Metro Parks give us that opportunity every time. These parks are perfect for families seeking play and adventure, quality time outdoors, and unforgettable memories.
If you’re looking for family-friendly activities near Columbus, this Metro Parks guide is a great starting point. You can also check out my favorite parks in Columbus for more outdoor family fun.