15 Ways to Explore Columbus from a Social Distance
Are you looking to get the kids out of the house this summer, but would like to continue to social distance yourself from the masses? Then read on! I have put together a compilation of outings that we have done in and around Central Ohio that I felt were safe ways to explore while still practicing social distancing.
Spend a magical afternoon walking The Fairy Trail at Infirmary Mound Park and see if you can find all 24 of the fairy homes and businesses along the wildflower trail. You can find signs to the trail by starting to walk around the north side of Mirror Lake from the Shelter 6 parking lot.
Wander through a field of cement corn at Cornhenge in Dublin, Ohio. “Commissioned by the Dublin Arts Council and completed in 1994, Field of Corn (with Osage Oranges Trees) consists of 109 6ft, white ears of concrete corn that sprout right from the ground just off the highway.”
Hike the Bluebell Trail at Three Creeks Metro Park. An easy 1 mile trail that runs alongside Blacklick Creek with a view of the confluence of Blacklick, Big Walnut and Alum creeks. There are sections for you to walk down by the creek, so dress accordingly.
Take a tour of Columbus Art, Architecture, and History on a self-guided Columbus Art Walk. Maps are provided for 14 districts in Columbus and will take you to sites where you can then listen to pre-recorded messages that will teach you about the point of interest.
Create some epic echoes in Glen Echo Ravine. Find the bird tunnel for the echoes and then take a walk along the trail to take in nature in the middle of the city. My daughter swears fairies inhabit the area. We recommend planning your outing on a gloomy day during the week to avoid the crowds.
Stretch your legs in and around the Chief Leatherlips Sculpture in Scioto Park, Dublin, Ohio. The sculpture is a 12-foot high portrait of the Wyandot Native American Chief Leatherlips with a view of the river and green space to run.
Hike the Ridges Trail at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park. The Chestnut Ridge Trail is a one mile, moderate to difficult hike, that includes a 150 ft gentle ascent through the woods. The trail takes you to the top of the ridge and includes gravel paths and boardwalks in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This isn’t a toddler friendly hike, but my almost 5-year-old loved it.
Spend time at Friendship Park in Gahanna, Ohio. This park makes the list because there is green space for running, a story walk for literacy, and the Big Walnut Creek tucked in the back for creeking.
Walk, bike, or paddle board to explore the The Scioto Mile. Located in downtown Columbus, the Scioto Mile is comprised of more than 145 acres of lush parkland, which makes it pretty easy to stay socially distanced from people.
Enjoy an afternoon exploring the Topiary Garden found in the Old Deaf School Park which is tucked behind the Main Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library in downtown Columbus. The topiaries in this park are designed to replicate a one-of-a-kind artistic recreation of a world-renowned painting.
Take a 2.5 mile hike on the Sweetgum Trail at the Walnut Woods Metro Park. This is an easy loop around the Tall Pines Area and goes through stands of sweetgum, pine and oak trees.
Hunt for Bison at Battelle Darby Creek. Check out the Bison and then take to the trails for a nature walk. Finding your way there can be a bit tricky, so be sure plug 1415 Darby Creek Dr into the GPS.
Cool off by spending an afternoon creeking. We can vouch for creeking at Shale Hollow and Three Creeks Metro Park. Our goal is to check out all the creeking spots this summer.
Explore the grounds at Green Lawn Cemetery. This outing may sound a little unconventional, but as a non-profit association established in 1848, Green Lawn Cemetery welcomes guests to explore the 80 acres that offer family-friendly history, artwork, nature, an arboretum, and birdwatching.
Do some research to find a U-Pick farm near you to pick an abundance of fresh produce. Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, and apples are available at various times throughout the summer, so make some phone calls to find the best fit for you.
