One of my favorite things about living in Columbus is how easy it is to get outdoors. No matter the season, you can always find a beautiful park to explore, unwind, or entertain the little ones. Over the years, I’ve collected a list of go-to spots that I love for different reasons. Here are my favorite parks in and around Columbus, and what makes each one special.
1. Highbanks Metro Park
Location: 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Best For: Hiking, nature watching, kayaking, fishing
Highbanks is a beautiful place where you truly feel immersed in nature. The park offers over 10 miles of trails, from the easy 1-mile Big Meadows Path to the more challenging 2.5-mile Dripping Rock Trail that winds through forests and passes steep ravines.
Highbanks spans a wide area with two main picnic areas, Big Meadows and Oak Coves. Both picnic areas have playgrounds, which makes them great for family outings. We usually head to the Big Meadows area, where its playground was renovated a few years ago and now has a wider variety of equipment. There’s also a zipline for children on the big lawn and a natural playground inside the forest.
Another favorite feature is the nature center with a natural playground next to it, which gives kids a more creative and sensory-rich play experience. Inside the nature center, you’ll find hands-on exhibits, wildlife displays, and a peaceful little library that I adore. One of my favorite things to do is to sit by the large windows and watch the birds fluttering around outside – it’s such a calming space.
Highbanks is also a hotspot for wildlife spotting. Deer are common, and you might catch a glimpse of a barred owl or even a bald eagle soaring overhead. In the winter, it’s a peaceful place for a snowy walk, and in the spring, the forest floor comes alive with wildflowers.
There’s no shortage of things to do here. You can join guided nature programs like night hikes or kids’ nature activities. You can also cast a line in the river for some fishing or kayak on the Olentangy River. Pack a snack, wear comfy shoes, and you can easily spend a whole day exploring.
2. Park of Roses & Whetstone Park
Location: 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Best For: Strolling, biking, relaxing, and (of course) rose-gazing
Nestled inside Whetstone Park, the Park of Roses is a peaceful place in the heart of the city. This garden boasts over 10,000 rose bushes with more than 350 varieties, making it one of the largest public rose gardens in the U.S. From late spring to early fall (peak bloom in June), the park bursts into a rainbow of color. It becomes beautiful with neatly arranged rows of flowers that are a dream for photographers and nature lovers.
But there’s more than just roses here. The park also has herb and perennial gardens, shady walking paths, open lawns for lounging, and a gazebo. It’s a perfect place for a calm afternoon, a picnic date, or a quiet solo stroll. Whether you’re looking to snap some photos or simply stop and smell the roses, this spot never disappoints.
Whetstone Park itself is much larger than just the rose garden. You’ll find Whetstone Library, a recreation center, playground, tennis courts, ball fields, and open green spaces at the entrance. As you head deeper into the park, you will see wooded trails along the Olentangy River, picnic areas, wide lawns, a peaceful pond, and another playground tucked into the trees.
We love grabbing food from a nearby spot and enjoying a picnic on Whetstone’s beautiful large lawns. Afterward, we often take a walk or hop on our bikes to explore the Olentangy Trail, especially on the weekends. It’s one of our favorite family routines – simple, active, and full of fresh air.
3. Inniswood Metro Gardens
Location: 940 S Hempstead Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
Best For: Strolling, quiet walk, garden lovers, kids
Inniswood Metro Gardens is a true botanical treasure located in a suburban neighborhood. With more than 120 acres of beautifully curated gardens, woodlands, and boardwalks, this park is ideal for a peaceful wander. Each garden has its unique theme, like a rose garden, a herb garden, a woodland rock garden, and even a beautiful children’s garden known as the Sisters’ Garden.
The Sisters’ Garden consists of several areas, including a maze, a wooded trail, treehouses, a windmill water tower, and interactive features. You’ll often see parents with toddlers exploring the fairy tale corners of the Sisters’ Garden, or kids following a scavenger hunt through the trees.
Inniswood’s more about soaking in the scenery than high-energy activities, but there’s still plenty to do. The boardwalk trails offer a smooth and stroller-friendly experience, making it ideal for families with young children. Kids love the treehouse in the natural play area, and there’s a pond that’s perfect for a reflective pause.
It’s the kind of place where you can slow down and notice the little things, like a butterfly dancing from flower to flower or the sound of rustling leaves. You can admire blooming flowers and perfectly trimmed hedges, then take a few steps into a shaded forest full of chirping birds.
Inniswood is also a great place to visit across the seasons. Spring brings flowering bulbs and cherry blossoms, summer is lush and vibrant, autumn shows off brilliant leaf color, and even in winter, the park has a quiet, serene beauty. It’s perfect for photography, sketching, or simply recharging with nature. I always leave Inniswood feeling recharged, like I’ve found a little slice of peace.
Pro tip: Dogs are only allowed on the outer Chipmunk Chatter Trail, so plan accordingly if you’re bringing a pup. Plus, no food is allowed in the gardens.
4. Antrim Park
Location: 5800 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43235
Best For: Running, walking, biking, fishing, lake views
Antrim Park is a favorite for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers. This park centers around a serene lake, with a 1.2-mile loop that’s perfect for a quick walk or jog. You’ll often see people walking their dogs or pushing strollers while enjoying the lake views.
The park also connects to the Olentangy Trail, a longer multi-use path that stretches for miles and links several parks and neighborhoods. So you can bike or run all the way to downtown or up to Worthington if you’re up for it. Fishing is allowed in the lake, and there are benches for those who just want to relax and enjoy the surroundings. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the light reflects off the water.
5. Sharon Woods Metro Park
Location: 6911 Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081
Best For: Walking, running, biking, picnics, fishing, lake views
Sharon Woods Metro Park is a great all-purpose destination for families and nature lovers. The 3.8-mile paved multipurpose trail is ideal for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and stroller-pushers. Also, several short wooded trails connect to each other, offering a more immersive natural experience without being too tiring.
Schrock Lake is the heart of the park, reflecting towering trees – it’s so serene, I could sit there for hours. Along the lake, there are plenty of picnic tables where you can sit down to fish, enjoy the view, or eat your lunch. The sunset over the lake is especially stunning, casting beautiful reflections on the water.
The park features several shelters and picnic tables in three main picnic areas, namely Apple Ridge, Maple Grove, and Schrock Lake. Each picnic area offers a large playground with climbing features, swings, and slides that appeal to both toddlers and children. Close to Apple Ridge Picnic Area, there is a natural play area inside the forest. Families often gather here for birthdays, weekend outings, or just to let the kids run free while parents enjoy a coffee and some conversation.
Sharon Woods is also great for nature education. The Schrock Lake area is home to ducks, turtles, and the occasional heron, which kids love spotting. Seasonal programs at the park often include family-friendly nature walks and interactive exhibits. The park is also breathtaking in the fall, with vibrant leaves transforming the landscape into a sea of color.
6. Homestead Metro Park
Location: 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH 43026
Best For: Playgrounds, picnics
Homestead Metro Park is one of those parks that just feels easy and welcoming. It’s compact enough to explore without getting overwhelmed, but packed with features that make it a fun destination. The 0.8-mile paved trail is perfect for walking, biking, or even rollerblading, and connects to the 6.1-mile Heritage Trail, so you can stretch your legs further if you’re feeling adventurous.
Two colorful and big playgrounds keep kids entertained for hours. Reservable shelters make it easy to host family reunions or birthday parties, and the open fields are great for flying kites or tossing a ball around. A small lake with a charming covered bridge is perfect for photos. Homestead Metro Park is a great spot if you’re looking for a no-fuss park day with the kids or a peaceful lunch break outdoors.
7. Franklin Park
Location: 1755 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Best For: Garden lovers, picnics, festivals
Franklin Park is a gem just east of downtown, offering a peaceful blend of nature and culture. At the heart of the park is Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where you can explore vibrant plant displays, stunning glass art by Dale Chihuly, and seasonal exhibitions that are great for all ages. Outside the conservatory (free to wander), the park features ponds, open lawns, and trails perfect for walking and picnicking. There’s also a small playground area where kids can play while adults unwind in the shade. I love grabbing a coffee and wandering the gardens in spring when the tulips pop and trees bloom.
This park is especially lively in the spring and summer when festivals and events bring music, food trucks, and local vendors. It’s a great place to take kids to run around or to meet up with friends for an afternoon under the trees. Whether you’re admiring the gardens or just enjoying the sunshine, Franklin Park feels like a little escape from the city.
8. Griggs Reservoir Park
Location: 2933 Riverside Dr, Columbus, OH 43228
Best For: Kayaking, fishing, peaceful riverside views
Griggs Reservoir Park, stretching along the Scioto River, is my go-to when I want nature with a side of city energy. There’s a multi-use path for walking and biking that stretches along the river, and plenty of picnic areas are scattered throughout the park.
The park features a boat launch, making it popular for kayaking, canoeing, and small boat sailing. It’s also a peaceful place to fish or just sit by the water and enjoy the view. Sometimes, I grab my lunch and sit by the river to eat, which brings me an incredible sense of peace and happiness.
Griggs is a quieter, more laid-back space compared to other Columbus parks, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s great for a solo retreat or a mellow weekend outing with family. Don’t forget your camera – the reflections on the river at dusk are seriously beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Each of these parks has its own personality, from the wild trails of Highbanks to the peaceful gardens of Inniswood. Whether I’m chasing my daughter around a playground, planning a lazy lakeside picnic, or sneaking in some solo nature time, these parks help me stay grounded and connected to the beauty around us.
If you live in or near Columbus (or if you’re just visiting), be sure to check these out. Got a favorite park I missed? Drop it in the comments – I’m always up for discovering a new green space!