The best parks & outdoor spots in Ontario

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

Browse another shelf: all of Ontario’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Nightlife · Bakeries & Sweets · Health & Wellness · Arts & Culture · Home & Garden · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Entertainment · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Cafes · Pets · Services · Sporting Goods

Pinned in Ontario today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Ontario — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Parks & Outdoors · 10 places · showing the latest additions first

Portal Park

Parks & Outdoors

City park featuring a pedestrian tunnel.

2720 N High St (Columbus)

“City park featuring a pedestrian tunnel.”

Website ↗

Griggs Park

Parks & Outdoors

Griggs Park turns the Scioto into your backyard playground, with a six-mile reservoir for boating, skiing or wakeboarding, plenty of…

2933 Riverside Dr (Columbus)

“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

Website ↗

Goodale Park

Parks & Outdoors

Goodale Park is Columbus’ oldest public park, ringed by stately Victorians with skyline peeks, and lately it’s getting even better with Art…

120 W Goodale St (Columbus)

“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

Website ↗

North Bank Park

Parks & Outdoors

North Bank Park delivers downtown river views, paved paths that link right into the Scioto Mile, and enough picnic tables to stage an…

311 W Long St (Columbus) · ✓ checked Sep 18

“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.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 22, 2026

Website ↗

Run a Ontario business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park

Parks & Outdoors

Right in the city, The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park is a 52-acre living lab with mellow trails, an…

352 W Dodridge St (Columbus)

“Right in the city, The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park is a 52-acre living lab with mellow trails, an observation pavilion, and surprise cameos from blackbirds, frogs, and busy muskrats. Open to the public when you need a quick reset that actually works.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 30, 2026

Website ↗

Battelle Riverfront Park

Parks & Outdoors

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

25 Marconi Blvd (Columbus)

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

Website ↗

Weinland Park

Parks & Outdoors

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

1280 Summit St (Columbus)

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

Website ↗

Quarry Trails Millikin Falls Area

Parks & Outdoors

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

2158 Old Dublin Rd (Columbus)

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

Website ↗

Bicentennial Park

Parks & Outdoors

With the Scioto Mile Fountain right there and a riverfront stage that keeps free fitness classes and live music rolling, Bicentennial Park…

233 S Civic Center Dr (Columbus)

“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

Website ↗

Blackburn Park

Parks & Outdoors

If your week needs a low-stress reset, Blackburn Park delivers with hoops, a futsal court, tennis courts that double for pickleball, a…

263 Carpenter St (Columbus)

“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

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →