
Best Parks & Green Spaces in Columbus, Ohio, United States
1. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A stunning glasshouse filled with diverse plants from around the world, including a tropical rainforest and desert environments.
- Tropical Rainforest: Experience an authentic Amazonian ecosystem within a climate-controlled glasshouse.
- Desert Dome: Explore desert plants and learn about the unique challenges they face in their native habitats.
- Chihuly Glassworks Display: Admire magnificent glass sculptures by renowned artist Dale Chihuly throughout the conservatory.
2. Columbus Park of Roses
A beautiful 13-acre park showcasing over 10,000 rose bushes in more than 400 varieties.
- World's Largest Collection of Hybrid Tea Roses: Explore the largest concentration of hybrid tea roses in the world, with new varieties blooming each season.
- Rose Garden Walkways: Stroll through themed garden walkways featuring unique rose cultivars and color combinations.
- Annual Rose Festival: Attend the annual Rose Festival in June to celebrate the beauty of roses and learn from horticulture experts.
3. Schiller Park
A scenic park featuring a picturesque pond, a historic German monument, and walking trails.
- German Cultural Monument: Visit the Bavarian-inspired Kolkhof Memorial, honoring a beloved Columbus mayor who was of German descent.
- Beautiful Pond and Scenic Trails: Relax by the pond or take a leisurely stroll along the park's walking trails surrounded by lush greenery.
- Historic German Village: Explore the charming, historic German Village nearby, which offers unique shops and restaurants.
4. Highbanks Metro Park
A sprawling park with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and a nature center.
- Scenic Overlooks: Take in breathtaking views of the Alum Creek Valley from the various scenic overlooks.
- Nature Center: Learn about local wildlife and ecology at the on-site nature center, featuring interactive exhibits.
- River and Ravine Trails: Explore the park's extensive trail system, which winds through forests, along the river, and past cascading waterfalls.
5. The Scioto Mile
A series of parks and green spaces along the Scioto River, offering walking paths, bike rentals, and river cruises.
- River Cruises: Take a relaxing river cruise to enjoy views of downtown Columbus from a unique perspective.
- Bike Rentals: Rent a bike and explore the Scioto Mile's extensive network of bike paths.
- Outdoor Events and Festivals: Attend outdoor concerts, festivals, and events held along the Scioto Mile throughout the year.
6. Wild's Park
A family-friendly park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and a miniature train.
- Miniature Train Rides: Take a nostalgic ride on the miniature train through the park.
- Playgrounds and Picnic Areas: Enjoy quality family time at the playgrounds or have a picnic in the designated areas.
- Seasonal Events: Attend seasonal events, such as Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, and Christmas light displays.
7. Inniswood Metro Gardens
A tranquil garden with a collection of perennial plants and unique sculptures, offering peaceful walks through beautiful landscapes.
- Renowned Perennial Collection: Discover a diverse collection of perennial plants showcased in various garden settings.
- Artistic Sculptures: Appreciate the unique sculptures dotted throughout the gardens, created by local and national artists.
- Peaceful Walking Trails: Relax and unwind on the park's scenic walking trails, surrounded by lush greenery and soothing sounds of nature.
8. Glacier Ridge Metro Park
A natural area with hiking trails, wetlands, and a wildlife observation tower.
- Wildlife Observation Tower: Spot local wildlife from the observation tower, such as birds, deer, and beavers.
- Hiking Trails: Explore various hiking trails that wind through forests, fields, and wetlands.
- Nature Programs and Events: Attend educational programs and events offered by the park staff to learn about local ecology and wildlife.
9. Grove City Town Center Park
A modern park featuring a splash pad, playgrounds, and amphitheater for outdoor events.
- Splash Pad and Playgrounds: Cool off at the splash pad or let your kids play on the interactive playground equipment.
- Amphitheater for Events: Attend concerts, movies, and community events held in the amphitheater during warm weather months.
- Walking Paths: Take a leisurely stroll along the walking paths surrounding the park.
10. Scioto Audubon Metro Park
A nature preserve with a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands.
- Wildlife Observation: Observe local wildlife in their natural habitats, such as birds, deer, and beavers.
- Nature Trails: Explore the park's extensive network of nature trails, which wind through various habitats.
- Educational Programs: Attend educational programs and events offered by the park staff to learn about local ecology and wildlife.
11. Genoa Park
A riverfront park with walking paths, outdoor seating areas, and a water feature.
- Riverfront Location: Enjoy stunning views of the Scioto River while strolling along the park's walking paths.
- Water Feature: Relax by the water feature, which offers a calming ambiance during warm weather months.
- Outdoor Seating Areas: Grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink at one of the outdoor seating areas.
12. Debbie's Dog Park
A park designed specifically for dogs, with separate areas for small and large breeds.
- Separate Areas for Small and Large Breeds: Ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all dogs by keeping them in their appropriate size area.
- Agility Equipment: Let your dog burn off energy on agility equipment, such as tunnels, jumps, and obstacles.
- Shaded Seating Areas for Owners: Relax in the shade while keeping an eye on your furry friend playing nearby.
13. Hannah Park
A family-friendly park with a playground, sports fields, and a pavilion.
- Playground Equipment: Let your kids enjoy the various playground equipment designed for different age groups.
- Sports Fields: Organize a game of soccer, football, or softball on the park's sports fields.
- Pavilion for Gatherings: Reserve the pavilion for family gatherings, picnics, or small events.
14. Bicentennial Park
A park with a skate park, basketball courts, and a playground.
- Skate Park: Show off your skills or learn new tricks at the on-site skate park.
- Basketball Courts: Compete with friends on the park's basketball courts, suitable for all ages and skill levels.
- Playground Equipment: Let your kids explore the playground equipment designed for different age groups.
15. Whetstone Park of Roses
A serene park featuring a rose garden, pond, and walking paths.
- Rose Garden: Admire the beautiful rose garden, showcasing over 350 varieties of roses.
- Scenic Pond: Relax and unwind by the peaceful pond, which is home to various waterfowl.
- Walking Paths: Take a leisurely stroll along the park's walking paths, surrounded by lush greenery and soothing sounds of nature.