Five Favorite Parks in Columbus
The Unchanging Peace of the Outdoors in a Busy Life
I love the outdoors. Hiking has always been a favorite way for me to pass the time. Growing up my dad would take us to different metro parks to picnic and explore the trails. During college I student taught in a little town called Peninsula in Northeast Ohio, which just so happens to be the home of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I would walk the trails everyday after teaching to clear my mind and transition into my evening work. When my husband and I moved to Mount Vernon, Ohio after graduating I, again, finding myself outside after teaching all day, walking the Kokosing Trail. Spending my afternoons immersed in nature really has been my constant, favorite past time.
These days it’s a bit harder to find time to get lost in nature. For one, Columbus is… a city. There’s not as much land to escape into! But I also became a mom. And, well, you know what that does to your time, I’m sure. However, getting outside to explore, breathe fresh air, admire animals and seasonal plants, and take my mind off of the daily to-dos is still a necessity for me.
My Five Favorite Parks in Columbus
Most weekday mornings I take my girls to a park around Columbus, but I especially love going after an organizing project! Here are my top 5 favorite parks (so far) around Columbus!
Side note: These parks reflect my current season of life, with a baby and two year old. There’s usually less hiking and more playgrounds and nature centers these days!
This park is so near and dear to my family right now! We love how you can start at the nature center and then walk to different areas around the park, depending on your interest for that day. I love exploring the creek behind the nature center, following the paved path to the swing set, and even discovering the natural play area in the woods toward the back of the park. Walking to the different activity areas gives me time to look at nature and clear my head. Also, picnicking at Highbanks for dinner is a wonderful way to spend a meal.
Yeah, I hadn’t heard of this one until recently either. Straight up 23 you’ll find this wooded beauty tucked back on a winding road. Tucked away is the most perfect nature center (especially if you love amphibians!), a few trails to get lost on, and a lovely bird sanctuary. What I loved most about Deer Haven is the absence of city sounds. Since this park is in Delaware county it’s very quiet; sounds of cars are replaced by birdsong and the rustle of thousands of leaves. If you’re looking for a peaceful way to end your day, Deer Haven is the place.
My dad gets full credit for my obsession with Chestnut Ridge Metro Park. Growing up we would frequent this gem, hosting birthday parties and Saturday morning hiking sessions alike. Since the park also holds an interesting piece of personal family history (isn’t the old house foundation so neat?), I just love walking it’s trails now as an adult. Once you climb to the top of the hills, it’s pretty hard to believe this park is in Columbus. This trail will give you a workout and is such a fun way to unwind after work!
You knew this one had to make the list! Admittedly, before I moved back to Columbus (I did grow up in Bexley!), I thought Inniswood was the most boring metro park ever. Pretty much just some paved trails? With super manicured gardens? *Sighs in unimpressed* However, I now appreciate this park as a mega kid-friendly way to quickly escape into some nature right in the city. If I need to see some trees and stat, but I have the girls, Inniswood is such an easy yes. The kids area is enchanting and I really love the little waterfalls we come across. This is a leisurely-stroll park to go to post organizing. It’s a fave.
Alright, this one is cheating. It’s an hour outside of Columbus so I definitely do not go there to unwind after organizing these days, but it just holds such a special place in my heart. I couldn’t leave it out! I walked around the Ariel-Foundation lakes with my pup almost everyday after teaching when I lived in Mount Vernon. Teaching is an extremely rewarding yet stressful career so I found these walks incredibly restorative and peaceful. There are swings along the lakes to take a breather and maybe even watch some ducks swim. Pack a picnic and your Eno hammock for a perfect, relaxing afternoon by some water.
Check Them Out!
What did you think of my five favorite parks in Columbus picks? Visiting a Columbus park is the best way to relax after a fulfilling day of my absolute favorite work- organizing! If you haven’t tried any of these parks yet and you consider yourself an outdoorsy person, give one a visit! You may be surprised how much nature can be found right here in Columbus. What’s your favorite way to unwind after work? Let me know in the comments below!