The Columbus Metro Park System is simply impressive and such a gift to Central Ohio. We have spent years exploring the parks and the play spaces are always being added to and updated. Here is the most up to date list of the current notable play spaces in the metro parks. The spaces range from traditional playgrounds to a more naturalistic approach to play spaces. Make a list and start exploring the Central Ohio Metro Park system – it’s definitely worth it!

Battelle Darby Creek

Cedar Ridge Picnic Area, 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, Oh

The playgrounds in the Cedar Ridge picnic area have been recently updated and are ready for playtime. Located in a shady area, the play spaces include climbing structures, slides, swings, and baby swings. Pack a picnic lunch and spread out a picnic blanket in the open field or take advantage of the picnic shelters. Restrooms are located in the area, which is definitely a bonus!

Blacklick Woods

Ash Grove and Meadows Picnic Area, 6975 East Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg Oh

Blacklick Metro Park has a lovely little playground set up in the Meadows Picnic Area complete with slides, ramps, climbing structures, and swings. A playground is under construction in the Ash Grove Picnic area, that looks like it will be open soon, that includes slides, swings, track rides, and climbing structures. Both picnic areas have shady spots, sheltered picnic area, and restrooms.

Blendon Woods

4265 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, Oh

Blendon Woods is filled with so many places to explore, but the two standout areas are the newly installed playground structure and the natural play area. The new playground structure includes an extremely tall and winding slide, net climbing structures, interactive games and activities, and spinning structures. The natural play area is the best in the metro park system complete with climbing nets, a log see saw, tether ball, large rope swings, and a zip line that will take you across a little creek. Both areas are in pretty shady spots with a lot of places available for a picnic lunch. Restrooms are in the park, but not easily accessible from these two locations.

Chestnut Ridge

8445 Winchester Rd NW, Carroll, Oh

The playground at Chestnut Ridge includes a little house area, ramps, interactive activities, little slides, swings, baby swings, and an adapted swing. The playground is located in full sun, but shade can be found in the house area and under the structure. There are restrooms and sheltered and unsheltered picnic areas. It should be noted that there is an open body of water that is near the playground.

Glacier Ridge

9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City, OH

Glacier Ridge has two play areas to explore: a traditional playground space and then a more naturalistic playground space. The playground space includes climbing structures and slides and is located in a very sunny spot. The naturalistic playground space is positioned in dappled sunlight and includes wooden climbing structures, net climbing ladders, and a mini zip line.

Highbanks

9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH

Highbanks has a fantastic zip line located in full sun in the back of the Big Meadows Picnic Area. There are sheltered and unsheltered picnic areas and restrooms in the area.

Stayed tuned – Summer 2023 a new playground space will be opening in the Big Meadows Picnic Area.

Homestead Metro Park

4675 Cosgray Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026

Homestead has received major updates and now features three different play areas to be explored, all within walking distance from each other. The original playground sits back behind the nature center and features swings, slides, climbing structures and tunnels. The newer playgrounds are located up front by the entrance and includes a challenge course, where the old gravel pit used to be, and new playground equipment complete with climbing structures, small slides, and musical instruments. Dappled sunlight can be found, picnic tables scattered throughout, and restrooms on site.

Inniswoods

940 S Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH

The Sister’s Garden in Inniswoods has the sweetest little play space. A whimsical tree house with a little boardwalk is tucked back into the woods and then little play houses and an interactive water feature is located in the middle of the garden. The garden area and play structures are fun and interesting to explore year round.

Pickerington Ponds Metro Park

Burning Lake Area, 4432 Gender Road, Canal Winchester, OH 43110

The Burning Lake Area is the newest part of Pickerington Ponds. While the area is still under construction, the balance course and a lovely little hammock area is complete and ready for action.

Prairie Oaks

3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, OH

Prairie Oaks features traditional playground equipment, but placed under a large sun shade. A spider web net, climbing rocks, and slides built into the side of a hill can also be found in this area, but are subjected to the full sun. Sheltered and unsheltered picnic spots and restrooms can also be found near the play space.

Quarry Trails

2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Columbus, Oh

Quarry Trails, the newest of the Metro Parks, features a pretty impressive climbing structure complete with ropes, nets, and ladders, and a double zip line. The play space is surrounded by a few picnic tables and is located in full sun near open water. There are no accessible rest rooms at this time.

Rocky Fork

7180 East Walnut St., Westerville, Oh

The playground at Rocky Fork includes climbing structures, a rolling slide, traditional swings, and a partner swing. It is situated in full sun and features sheltered and unsheltered picnic areas and rest rooms.

Scioto Audubon

400 West Whittier St, Columbus, Oh

The playground at Scioto Audubon is located in the back of the park and features a poured rubber surface, climbing structures, and slides. There are some sun shades, but the majority of the playground is located in full sun. Picnic tables and restrooms are available.

Scioto Grove

Arrowhead Picnic Area, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, Oh

The play space at Scioto Grove includes a massive net climbing structure that leads up to a very large slide. This space can be intimidating and is geared towards older children. There are swings and an adapted swing on site. Picnic tables and restrooms are easily accessible, and the whole space is subjected to a lot of sun.

Sharon Woods

Maple Grove and Apple Ridge Picnic Area, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, Oh

An updated playground can now be found in the Maple Grove Picnic Area of Sharon Woods. This playground features a few very tall slides, climbing structures, and swings. Apple Ridge features a more traditional playground complete with smaller slides, climbing areas and baby swings. Sheltered and unsheltered picnic areas and rest rooms can be found.

Slate Run Metro Park

Buzzard Roost Picnic Area, 1375 St. Rte. 674 North, Canal Winchester, Oh

The playground at Slate Run features climbing nets that lead up to slides, swings, and baby swings. The playground is situated in dappled sunlight, sheltered and unsheltered picnic spaces can be found, and rest rooms are located nearby.

Three Creeks

3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, Oh

The playground at the confluence trails area features climbing structures and slides. It is located in direct sunlight and is surrounded by trees and some picnic tables. Restrooms are located nearby.

Walnut Woods

Buckeye Area, 6723 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport, OH 43125

The play area at Walnut Woods has more of a naturalistic feel to it complete with a climbing net, climbing rocks, a log tunnel, and swings. The space is located in dappled sunlight and surrounded by sheltered and unsheltered picnic areas. Restrooms are also easily accessible here.