Whether you’re looking to decompress in nature or to get active outdoors, Columbus features 250+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy.

Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of CBUS' best:

Nature parks

Rocky Fork Metro Park, 7180 East Walnut St.
This Westerville park spans more than 1,000 acres, featuring a three-mile horseback riding trail, a one-mile paved hiking trail, and an off-leash, pet-friendly area.

Heritage Trail Park, 7262 Hayden Run Rd.
The park boasts a 6.1-mile biking and pet-friendly trail + a 3.6-mile horseback riding trail. The park is located along the scenic Heritage Rail Trail.

Blendon Woods Metro Park, 1069 W. Main St.
The massive 653-acre park is surrounded by beech-maple and oak-hickory forests and is a great place to explore wildlife. The park has seven hiking trails, disc golf, natural play areas, and cross country skiing.

Griggs Reservoir Park, 2933 Riverside Dr.
Water sports and boating are permitted along the reservoir, plus visitors can enjoy a disc golf course, a pedestrian path, and a nature preserve.

Creekside Park, 123 Mill St.
Water lovers can enjoy paddle boats, fishing, and wading along Big Walnut Creek. Plus, explore walkways and picnic areas at the 7.9-acre spot.

Quarry Trails Metro Park, 2600 Dublin Rd.
Thrive in nature with a 25-ft waterfall, observation areas, and a mountain bike trail. Other activities at the park include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and sledding when weather permits.

Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland Croy
Observe wildlife from a 25-ft tower or explore four nature trails + a challenge course. The park opens at 6:30 a.m. daily.

The Columbus Park of Roses, 3901 N. High St.
Flower fanatics can find serenity in this 13-acre park filled with 12,000+ roses. Bonus: Check out Hanna's experience at the beautiful park, complete with buzzing bees and blooms.

Find a small oasis within the city, like at Quarry Trails Metro Park. | Photo by @pavonia_shelly_photography

Family parks

Millstone Creek Park, 745 N. Spring Rd.
Find a playground for those ages 2-12 years old, a basketball court, biking path, and wetland area. Plus, the shelters have picnic tables and a charcoal grill.

Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr.
Located along the Scioto Mile downtown, this is Hanna's favorite park in the city. Take in city skyline views, splash at The Scioto Mile Fountain (which reopens with major enhancements on Friday, May 24), and walk the trails spanning the riverfront.

Blackburn Park, 263 Carpenter St.
This park is great for all ages with picnicking areas, a playground, and a recreation center. In the warmer months, kids can enjoy a spray ground.

Dorrian Green, 50 Belle St.
Explore the interactive park located downtown near COSI. Amenities include cornhole, ping pong, a playground, splash grounds, and a butterfly and pollinator garden.

Fryer Park, 3899 Orders Rd.
This 110-acre park in Grove City has fun for the whole family. Enjoy areas for biking and walking, fishing, a sledding hill, splash pads, and softball diamonds.

Goodale Park, 120 W. Goodale St.
Unwind at the Victorian Village park that has been in CBUS since the 1800s. Bring a tennis racket to hit the courts, a blanket to picnic in the greenery, or sit on the benches by the large fountain and pond.

The $15 million upgrades to The Scioto Mile Fountain will include special lighting at nighttime. | Renderings via City of Columbus

Dog parks

Big Walnut Dog Park, 5000 E. Livingston Ave.
The park is open from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily with lighting so your dog can play after sunset. Enjoy gated entrances with three acres of enclosed space and separate areas for large dogs and small dogs to play safely.

Wheeler Memorial Dog Park, 25 Thurber Dr. W.
Located centrally to most Columbus suburbs, this dog park features four acres of land. Find off-leash areas for dog exercise with walking trails and picnicking.

Spindler Dog Park, 2121 Spindler Rd.
This Hilliard dog park has an area for small and large dogs to play off the leash. There is both a grassy area and paved trail for walking.

Scioto Audubon, 400 W. Whittier St.
This 120-acre metro park has pet amenities inside of it like an agility course and 10 miles of trails on the Scioto Greenway Trail. Plus, find a 2.5-acre dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs.

Three Creeks Dog Park, 2748 Spangler Rd.
You can find this spacious, off-leash park at Sycamore Fields in Groveport. It's open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk with an area for large and small dogs to play separately.

Nando’s Dog Park at Darree Fields Park, 6555 Shier-Rings Rd.
Named after Dublin’s first Police Canine Unit, Nando, this park is open from dawn to dusk. Find two acres of land with a walking area for larger breeds plus benches, picnic tables, and donation stations for pet waste removal bags.

Pets playing at Daree Fields Park | Photo via Ellie B.

Sports parks

Dodge Park, 667 Sullivant Ave.
This 18+ acre park features an outdoor hockey rink, ball diamonds, basketball courts, athletic fields, and a skateboarding park. Plus, find playgrounds, a recreation center, and a swimming pool.

Maloney Park, 1701 Joyce Ave.
Get active with 24+ acres of athletic fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. The park also features a playground, walking trail, and gazebo.

Fred Beekman Park, 2200 Carmack Rd.
Located at OSU's campus, this park has sand volleyball and basketball courts, clay softball diamonds, a synthetic turf baseball diamond, and a one-mile jogging path surrounding the park.

Schiller Park, 1069 Jaeger St.
From a tennis court to basketball court to softball field, there's something for everyone at this 23+ acre park. Amenities also include a walking trail and playground.

Cooper Sports Park, 5740 Cooper Rd.
This park is nearly 36 acres and includes soccer fields and a basketball court. Plus, find a playground + woods and wildlife area.

Your park grab bag

Picked your perfect park? Make the most out of your experience with our favorite items for a relaxing day outside:

Is there anything quite like sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book? Check out our guide to books by local authors to help choose your next great read.
The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight e-reader option that stands up to bright sunlight.
A good water bottle keeps you hydrated — we’re big fans of the best-selling Owala FreeSip + this insulated stackable tumbler from Asheville NC-based retailer Pirani.
Heading to the park with kids? Check out the Owala FreeSip for kids.
Don’t forget the travel-size bug spray and sunscreen.
These sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack are available at discount prices + have a style for everyone.
Keep it all together in a handy tote bag — these adorable tote bags are all crafted by small businesses and local makers.