Like much of life right now, it has felt like springtime in Ohio has been put on hold this year. But, the sun really is beginning to shine and the temperatures are warming up. While of course adhering to social distancing policies, and #MaskUpCBus when necessary, let’s look at some indoor and outdoor activities to jumpstart your Spring in Columbus, Ohio.
Parks Galore – It’s a no-brainer to get outside and enjoy one of the 19 Columbus Metro Parks or 350 parks operated by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department or the untold number of suburban and private parks spread throughout Central Ohio. Some of our favorites include:
- Scioto Mile – Just steps away from 303, the 175 acres of parkland along the Scioto River in Downtown Columbus offers miles of multi-use trails running from Bicentennial Plaza to North Bank Park.
- Schiller Park – Surrounded by historic German Village, the park has paved paths throughout and the park is super pet-friendly, which means you can bring your furbaby along for the walk.
- Goodale Park – The oldest park in the city, nestled in the adorable Victorian Village neighborhood. There are walking trails, a gazebo, a pond, and more. Residents of the Jerome and 985 High love being close to this city oasis.
- Scioto Audubon Park – Wildlife and birds thrive and flourish in this 120-acre park located along the banks of the Scioto River just south of downtown Columbus. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching.
Bike Trails for Miles – Literally, the Olentangy and Scioto Bikeways offer more than 110 miles of trail just within Franklin County. These trails are part of the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, that when completed will not only connect Columbus with Cleveland and Cincinnati, it will also link Columbus with the other 2 most developed bikeway regions in the state.
Hiking in the City – There are hundreds of hiking trails within the Columbus city limits and in Metro Parks around town. One of the most popular trails is the combined trail of Overlook and Dripping Rock at Highbanks Metro Park. The 5.8-mile trail is just one of several inside the park but a favorite for hikers because of the rolling terrain and scenery and the loop that lets you start and end at the visitor center.
Catch a Movie – South Drive-In recently announced that they would be opening this spring with appropriate social distancing protocols in place so that we can all enjoy the nostalgia of a summer night at the movies.
DIY at Home – Bring the fun home with assorted DIY kits from local businesses. From make-at-home sweet treats to pizzas to tacos to cocktails to arts & crafts to personal spa treatments. Regardless of what you are looking for, there is likely a DIY Kit available. Check out options from Columbus on the Cheap, Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau, and EatPlayCBus – there’s something for the whole family.
Learn From Home – Keep the learning going and make it fun at the same time. From Virtual Field Trips from WOSU to #COSIConnects activities, and keeping up with the animals through the Columbus Zoo Live! cameras at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium learning doesn’t have to stop and it doesn’t have to stop being fun. And don’t forget the arts! Check out online collections and virtual tours of some of your favorite museums and jam at home with some of your favorite bands with these tips from Experience Columbus.