26 Columbus Area Hikes & Trails for Your Family

Named for the shale rock found in the park’s stream bed and cliff walls, Shale Hollow brings a little bit of Hocking Hills feel to central Ohio. Kids love looking for the unique round rock formations called “concretions" and searching for salamanders in the creek. The park has two kid-friendly hikes, a natural play area, plus a rare off-trail exploration area (creek wading!) -- all easily accessible via State Route 23 in Lewis Center.

Katie G. said:  Seymour Woods is a 115-acre nature preserve located North of Columbus, in Delaware County. The property was once the home of the Avery Powers Homestead built back in the 1830s. Most recently, James O. Seymour owned the property and willed it to the state of Ohio in 1972. The easy hiking loop trail winds around woods and ravines. Along the trail you can see the old boarded up family cabin of Seymour and the ruins of the Powers homestead.

Parking is available in front of the gate to the preserve along the street. The trail is not well-maintained, therefore, it's probably best for older children.

Since it's located on just 2 acres, Hayden Falls Park gives the whole family a chance to experience a stunning 35-foot waterfall surrounded by a lovely nature preserve.

Katie G. said:  This is a hidden gem in Columbus. Short hike to the amazing falls, which are literally right off the main road.

Katie G. said:  With many different habitats, Deer Haven Park is great to visit anytime of year. The hiking trails will take you through forests, meadows, wetlands or prairies as you look for wildlife. The bird sanctuary at Deer Haven has many bird feeders and nesting boxes and is home to many local and migrating birds. When the family is done hiking be sure to visit the nature center where you can see many taxidermy stuffed animals, view the birds or read a nature book. Deer Haven offers many programs and activities throughout the year so be sure to check out the monthly calendar!

Stratford is an educational organic farm. Families can explore the land, hike 4 miles of nature trails, check out the gardens and greenhouses, go fishing, and visit the livestock.

Katie G. said:  Delaware State Park is the former home of the Delaware Indians. Woodlands, meadows, wetlands and a large reservoir make up this park. There are five easy hiking trails less than 2 miles each surrounding the park which connect from the lake shore to the four camping areas in the park. Summer activities at the park include camping, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, disc golf and bird watching. Depending on the weather in the winter, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating and ice fishing are available.

Katie G. said:  This beautiful park in Powell attracts birds and white-tailed deer, and families can enjoy a couple easy hikes that explore the woods, meadows, wetlands and pond. There's a fun playground with separate climbing walls for little and big kids. A special natural play area includes an earth-covered tunnel and a log obstacle course.

The largest park in the Columbus area, Battelle Darby Creek sprawls over 7,000 acres along two scenic rivers. Numerous hiking trails range from easy to difficult. The headliners are the park’s bison, returned to the native prairie where their ancestors roamed 200 years ago. Kids love to watch the bison, whether from the observation deck or the park’s amazing nature center, were they can explore interactive exhibits, including a 53-foot long living stream.

Katie G. said:  This sprawling park (over 1,000 acres) just outside Dublin has a great variety of kid-friendly hiking and trails. Explore the forest, meadows, or wetlands -- or all three! Glacier Ridge also offers a disc golf course, a playground, and a reservable shelter. The Honda Wetland Education Center lets kids learn about this key habitat, and climb the 25 foot observation tower to get an osprey’s-eye view. If you have a horse, there’s a 5 mile equestrian trail (open to cross-country skiing when there’s snow).

Note: The park has two entrances that are 2.1 miles apart, so check the map before you go.

Katie G. said:  As the name suggests, Prairie Oaks Metro Park has 500 acres of flowering prairies and grasslands. Hike one of the many trails to see the Big Darby State and National Scenic River, which flows through the park. If your family is interested in recreational activities, the park has plenty to offer. Biking, boating, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, horseback riding and natural play areas will keep you entertained in the spring, summer and fall months. Cross-country ski trails are open in the winter, weather permitting.

Katie G. said:  Blues Creek Park provides 2.5 miles of hiking trails through woods and prairies. The springtime is filled with vibrant flowers and tall prairie grasses and in the winter, visitors can enjoy the sledding hill. A catch-and-release fishing pond is available for all ages with no license required. Pack a lunch as there are two picnic shelters and a playground to entertain the family after your hike.