With most splash pads and pools closed, I thought you might want some natural options to cool off this summer. These are our favorites. I hope you’ll enjoy them too!
Creekside Gahanna
101 Mill St. Gahanna
This can easily be a day adventure. Feed the ducks(peas, corn and lettuce are best for their tummies) and go creeking. There are nice paved paths through the woods and natural stones in the shade that are perfect for a picnic, or sit on the rocks by the creek. The business space is fun to walk around and see murals and fountains too.
https://cbus4kids.com/creekside-gahanna-🌿🦆🛶/
Shale Hollow Preserve
6320 Artesian Run, Lewis Center
This is the clearest and cleanest water we have played in for a creek. It’s also shaded, pretty and tranquil. There is a fun wobbly bridge and short walking trails for little ones.
https://cbus4kids.com/?s=shale+hollow
Highbanks Metro Park
9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center
A natural splash pad with beautiful views. We bought fish nets and our girls were so excited! My oldest daughter enjoyed the ‘rainbow rocks’, and my youngest just enjoyed the calm water to splash in.
How to get there?
Drive to the Big Meadows Picnic Area and walk straight across the open field from the restrooms, enter the path in the woods past the natural play area. Once you get to the path intersection, turn left. Continue walking until the creek becomes rocky and more shallow, you’ll know when you get there.
https://cbus4kids.com/creeking-and-natural-play-area-highbanks-metro-park/
Sycamore Creek Park-Pickerington
Walk across the covered bridge and walk down to the creeking area. There is also an arboretum that is a nice stroll and great place for a picnic blanket.
https://cbus4kids.com/sycamore-creek-park-🌳/
Indian Run Falls
700 Shawan Falls Drive, Dublin
This is a picture at the top of the falls, but there is a calmer space below to get your feet wet. And who doesn’t want to see a waterfall?
Coffman Park
5200 Emerald Parkway Dublin
They have a great toddler park too. But with The pandemic, playgrounds still freak me out. This little stream is fun though.
https://cbus4kids.com/?s=coffman
Gantz Park
2255 Home Rd. Grove City
A little creek, but enough to have some fun.
https://cbus4kids.com/gantz-park/
Rock Mill Park
1429 Rockmill Rd. NW
A road trip!
A great educational experience about mills along with a great waterfall and view. A covered bridge to walk on, and picnic area for a sweet treat(get some from the Happy Goat before you drive there or donuts from Gypsy Joe’s Ice Cream).
Dip your toes in a calm creek.
