The best parks & outdoor spots in Columbus

3 parks & outdoor spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Parks & Outdoors · 3 places · showing the latest additions first

Southside Park

Parks & Outdoors

Southside Park keeps it simple and fun with paved trails for a quick stroll, pools to cool everyone off, and play areas that let the kids…

Sandfort Rd (Phenix City) · ✓ checked Sep 25

“Southside Park keeps it simple and fun with paved trails for a quick stroll, pools to cool everyone off, and play areas that let the kids burn energy while you get a minute to breathe, chat, or pretend your steps count as cross-training.”

From the Phenix City newsletter, October 1, 2026

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Riverfront Splash Pad

Parks & Outdoors

Riverfront Splash Pad is the easy win this week at RushSouth Whitewater Park, home to the world’s longest urban whitewater course on the…

1000 Bay Ave

“Riverfront Splash Pad is the easy win this week at RushSouth Whitewater Park, home to the world’s longest urban whitewater course on the Chattahoochee, featuring a splash pad and interactive playground that actually make summer bearable. Let the kids go wild while you snag a Riverwalk breather.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Columbus Botanical Garden

Parks & Outdoors

Columbus Botanical Garden is showing La Calavera Catrina now through November 9, a bright, joyfully spooky trail of nine eight-foot-tall…

3603 Weems Rd

“Columbus Botanical Garden is showing La Calavera Catrina now through November 9, a bright, joyfully spooky trail of nine eight-foot-tall skeleton sculptures by Ricardo Soltero woven through their living galleries. Stroll shaded paths, snag some yard inspiration, and make your midweek wander actually relaxing.”

From the Phenix City newsletter, September 27, 2026

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