Karli Nardecchia
Metro Parks Camps and Special Events Specialist
Endless fun awaits you and your family at Metro Parks. Check out some of our favorite activities for your next outing.
Scioto Audubon offers spectacular views of the Scioto River as well as some fun activities to get your hearts pumping! Lace up your hiking boots and enjoy a leisurely stroll on the Scioto Greenway Trail or pedal by the river on your bike. Work up a sweat on the climbing wall and kid-friendly boulders. Take it up a notch and try out the obstacle course. It features a quarter-mile running track, a tire run and flip, 8-foot wall, tunnel crawl, balance beams, monkey bars, cargo climb, belly crawl, over/under and a log run.
Sharon Woods is a great spot to meander through the woods. As you walk, run or bike on the Multipurpose Trail, look for wildlife scurrying in the fallen leaves or deer leaping through the forest. The trail’s tree canopy gives way to colorful fields of plants of wildflowers. Unleash your wild child in the 7.5-acre natural play area where kids and adults can wander off-trail, climb trees and rustle in the leaves. Wrap up your day with a picnic and then unwind as the sun sets over Schrock Lake.
Look no further than Walnut Woods for a magical adventure. The whole family, including your leashed pet, will marvel at the beauty of the 2.6-mile Sweetgum Trail. You’ll hike past tall stands of pine trees as you wind through this wonderland. Don’t forget to bring your camera so you can capture some incredible photos with a stunning backdrop!
Soak up the rest of fall at Prairie Oaks. Take a walk on the Adler, Coneflower, Darby Creek Greenway, River Rock or Sycamore Plains trails for a spectacular view of the Big Darby State and National Scenic River. Big Darby Creek is a beautiful backdrop for outdoor adventures like fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Relax by the water as you wait for a bite on your line or admire the beauty of the park as you float down the creek.
Bring your own bow and arrows and try your hand at archery at Scioto Grove. The static course is great for beginners and children while the 3-D course is perfect for those looking for a challenge. Let your competitive side shine at the 18-hole disc golf course as you compete against friends and family. If you’re looking for fun trail, explore the REI River Trail. It features a rope swing bridge that kids and adults love to walk on and stepping stones that cross over Grant Run.
Metro Parks offers endless family fun. We hope to see you out on the trails!