The best parks & outdoor spots in Columbus

“Rhodes Park packs a quarter-mile cinder track, basketball courts, ball fields, and a solid playground, plus picnic spots when the post-game snacks appear out of nowhere. It also serves as a trailhead for the Sullivant Trace Trail and boasts an inclusive ADA Sports Pad that set a Midwest precedent.”

From the Springfield newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Metro park for biking, sledding and hiking, featuring a waterfall, playgrounds, and more.”

“City park featuring a pedestrian tunnel.”

“25 miles of paved path, and a legit disc golf course. Public docks, nature preserve vibes, no jet skis or swimming.”

From the Hilliard newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Goodale Park is Columbus’ oldest public park, ringed by stately Victorians with skyline peeks, and lately it’s getting even better with Art in the Park bringing four permanent artworks. Worth a quick trek when you want shady walks, people watching, kid energy to burn, or a volunteer morning that actually feels fun.”

From the Mansfield newsletter, September 3, 2026

“North Bank Park delivers downtown river views, paved paths that link right into the Scioto Mile, and enough picnic tables to stage an impromptu potluck. Bring the kids for the splash pad, then bookmark the pavilion if you’re plotting a low-stress event.”

“Glenview Park is a pocket of woods with greenway trail access, a simple playground, picnic tables, and a no-frills basketball court, perfect for low-key hangs or kid energy dumps. Walk the shaded path, spot a bit of wildlife, then refuel with a laid-back bench picnic.”

From the Reynoldsburg newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Wooded, family-friendly park featuring playgrounds and sporting areas, plus a pond for fishing.”

“Wetland area with university research center, trails & an observation pavilion, open to the public.”

“Glenwood Park in Greater Hilltop packs a little of everything... programs at Glenwood Community Center, a pool for hot days, hoops on the basketball courts with pickleball overlays, a community garden, a paved path, and a woods-and-wildlife nook when you want shade. Easygoing, genuinely local.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Monument-filled green space along the Scioto River with a playground and paths.”

“Kid-friendly green space with picnic tables and a play area.”

“If you want a low-key nature escape that still feels special, Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk gives you a rope-bridge adventure and an easy, kid-friendly trail, with picnic spots and actual restrooms, so your Saturday nature break doesn't have to be rugged to be legit.”

From the Reynoldsburg newsletter, September 6, 2026

“665 acres in the Hayden Run community, Haydens Crossing Park is the kind of low-key greenspace that covers a lot of moods: quick solo walk, kid energy outlet, or unwind-with-a-view kind of evening. Close, calm, and just wild enough to feel like you got away.”

From the Dublin newsletter, September 3, 2026

“When you need trees, not treadmills, Blacklick Woods Metro Park delivers with 652 acres of beech-maple forest, seasonal swamp ponds, and a prairie, plus the Canopy Walk 40 feet up.”

From the Reynoldsburg newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Whether you want to cheer on neighbors or volunteer as a Buddy, Grove City Dream Field brings feel-good baseball to life with all-ages action each spring, a competitive adult league that actually keeps score and crowns a champ, and a crowd that feels like a mini block party.”

From the Grove City newsletter, September 3, 2026

“City park offering a playground, walking trails, picnic tables, and a waterfall.”

“With the Scioto Mile Fountain right there and a riverfront stage that keeps free fitness classes and live music rolling, Bicentennial Park is the midweek reset you forgot you needed. Grab a friend, breathe a little, and let the city soundtrack do the rest this week.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Fenced park featuring a splash pad plus an ice rink in the colder months.”

“If your week needs a low-stress reset, Blackburn Park delivers with hoops, a futsal court, tennis courts that double for pickleball, a sprayground for cooling off, and a solid playground for the kids. Plus a community garden and an open air shelter make it an easy Near East hang.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 14, 2026