Hi all! Since the quarantine got extended, we find ourselves looking for more things to do outside because this nicer weather. This week is also National Travel and Tourism Week, so I wanted to write a post about keeping the travel spirit alive! One thing you can do is be a tourist in your own city and visit all of the best parks that Columbus has to offer! Grab some takeout to support local or pack your lunch to head to these top 5 picnic spots!
Schiller Park
https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/parks/Schiller-Park/
Schiller Park is in German Village. This park has so many things packed into 23 acres it is crazy. There is a basketball court, floral gardens, pond, art displays, playground, gazebo, tennis court, stage and walking paths. In addition to all of this, there is plenty of lawn making this a perfect picnic spot. This park is bordered by the gorgeous traditional style German Village houses and is just a short walk from restaurants.
Scioto Audubon Park
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-audubon/
Scioto Audubon Park is 120 acres of outdoor activities and a nature center. The kids will absolutely love the nature center which serves as a bird conservation facility. They have many interactive displays as well as a summer camp program for kids or events for adults. The park surrounding has bike trails with bike rentals conveniently on site. Scioto Audubon also offers space for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing along the Scioto River.
For those who come for a picnic spot, there are multiple shelters with tables and grills, a playground, interactive game for kids, and a sand volleyball court. Finally, my favorite part about this park is the obstacle course and rock climbing. Both activities are perfect for getting your energy out, however for the rock climbing you have to come a bit prepared. There are two 10 foot climbers for kids to climb, but for the other walls that reach 35 feet, you will need to bring your own harness and ropes.
Columbus Park of Roses
Columbus Park of Roses is an absolutely gorgeous garden. The park is 13 acres and home to more than 12,000 roses. However the park has much more than roses, including a large variation of shrubs, herbs, and bulbs. If you are here for a picnic spot, the park has several benches for you to sit on.
I have been to this park multiple times for a photoshoot and have almost always seen a newly wed couple taking portraits there as well. The scenery is just so pretty. However, if you have kids this will not be the most entertaining park for them.
Scioto Mile Bicentennial Park
https://www.sciotomile.com/parks/bicentennial-park/
Alternatively, your kids will love the Scioto Mile Bicentennial Park. This park rests right along the Scioto river and has a large splash pad for kids to play in during the summer. The splash pad is located right next to the glass restaurant Milestone 229. Make sure to get their hot pretzels for an appetizer!
Bicentennial Park is also known for the festivals and events held there. There is large stage which is perfect for plays and concerts. A few steps from the park is a walk and bike path along the river. The path is also scattered with a ton of benches for a picnic spot.
Topiary Park
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-topiary-park-columbus-ohio
This park is located on the grounds of the previous Columbus School For The Deaf. The school was relocated to northern Columbus because of the it’s rapid growth. However, the old school remains abandoned by the Topiary Park. The Topiary Park is dedicated to recreate Georges Seurat’s famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
While the actual Topiary Statues are limited to the painting’s characters, the lawn is nearly 7 acres. There is plenty of space for you and your family to picnic!
If you go picnic at any of these parks please let me know what you think and submit your pictures! I’d love to see. Think I forgot any parks? Comment your favorites below!
Sincerely,
Meghan Ann
Like this post? Check out The Best Things To Do and Instagrammable Spots in Charlotte, NC
If you’ve never been to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden, it’s well worth the visit. It will reopen on May 31.
https://www.fpconservatory.org/
Columbus looks beautiful! I would love to visit one day, I’ve only been to Cincinnati in Ohio and I loved it there.
Tay | Today With Tayla