Search Results for: natural play areas

Slate Run

Canal Winchester, Ohio. Slate Run features a variety of habitats ranging from the open areas of grasslands, wetlands and meadows to the forested areas of beech, oak, hickory and sugar maple. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound at the 1,705-acre park. Sandhill cranes have nested in the 156-acre wetland and the northern bobwhite quail have been reintroduced in the park.

Wetland observation tower at Glacier Ridge Metro Park

Glacier Ridge

Plain City, Ohio. Glacier Ridge was named for the end moraine or glacial debris left behind when the glaciers retreated some 12,000 to 17,000 years ago. Much of the 1,037-acre park was once covered with farmland. Visitors can traverse a boardwalk through the Honda Wetlands Area or climb a 25-foot observation tower to see waterfowl and other animals.

Blendon Woods

Westerville, Ohio. Blendon Woods contains spectacular stream-cut ravines with exposed ripple rock sandstone and open fields surrounded by beech-maple and oak-hickory forests. The 653-acre park is a great place to see a variety of songbirds, waterfowl and other wildlife, especially the flock of wild turkeys meandering about in search of food. The 118-acre Walden Waterfowl Refuge with its 11-acre Thoreau Lake provides a sanctuary for hundreds of birds, ducks and other wildlife. Open year-round, it features two elevated observation shelters with spotting scopes for viewing waterfowl.

Three Creeks Metro Parks Summer Confluence

Three Creeks

Groveport, Ohio. Three Creeks is named for the confluence where Alum, Big Walnut and Blacklick creeks join. Owls, great blue herons and more than 100 species of birds have been sighted. Visitors may catch a glimpse of beaver, mink, coyote and deer. The 1,100-acre park is a partnership with the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

Sunburst and sunflowers at Sharon Woods Metro Park

Sharon Woods

Westerville, Ohio. Sharon Woods is a mixture of forests and fields with towering oak, hickory and beech trees and an 11-acre lake. Tucked inside the 768-acre park is the Edward Thomas Nature Preserve, named for the renowned Ohio naturalist and one of the founders of the park system. Many seasonal pools are present and provide critical spring breeding habitat for amphibians and other wildlife.

Summer sunset at Darby Bend Lakes

Prairie Oaks

West Jefferson, Ohio. Prairie Oaks features nearly 500 acres of lush flowering prairies and grasslands that were restored using seeds native to the Darby Plains. The spectacular scenery of the Big Darby State and National Scenic River, which flows through the 2,123-acre park, provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoor adventure along with several deep lakes.

Field Trip Descriptions

Curriculum enhancing studies in nature for groups of all ages Our Free education programs are offered throughout the year for children with varying interests and ability levels. Programs are designed ...Read More
Parents with preschoolers in Big Darby Creek during a preschool creeking program.

Family & Kids

Connecting Kids & Families With Nature For more than 70 years, Metro Parks has been connecting kids and families with nature. Whether you come to the park for a picnic, ...Read More

Highbanks

Lewis Center, Ohio. Highbanks is named for its massive 100-foot-high shale bluff towering over the Olentangy State Scenic River. Tributary streams cutting across the bluff have created a number of deep ravines in the eastern part of the 1,160-acre park. Ohio and Olentangy shales, often containing outstanding large concretions, are exposed on the bluff face and sides of the ravines.

A group of backpackers training on the trails at Battelle Darby Creek.

Park Activities

Find an activity in your Metro Parks. I’m looking for... - Select Activity - Archery Backpacking Biking Boating Canoeing / Kayaking Cross-Country Skiing Day Camps Disc Golf Fishing Fitness Golf ...Read More