Columbus is an out of doors fanatic’s dream, with a plethora of thrilling actions to maintain residents entertained and engaged with nature. From exploring parks and gardens to biking and kayaking, the town is stuffed with journey. Whether or not you’re a long-time native, are contemplating shopping for a home in Columbus, or looking for residences within the metropolis, there’s no scarcity of issues to do outdoors. Get able to immerse your self within the pure fantastic thing about Columbus with these ten exhilarating out of doors actions that locals can’t get sufficient of.

1. Discover the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Within the coronary heart of Columbus, Ohio, is the famend Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, an ideal vacation spot for anybody residing in Columbus. Spanning over 580 acres, this world-class facility is dwelling to greater than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from throughout the globe. Embark on an immersive journey by means of themed areas such because the African Savanna, North America, Asia Quest, and extra. With a concentrate on conservation and schooling, the Columbus Zoo presents a wide selection of interactive displays, academic applications, and up-close encounters with wildlife. Along with the animal sights, you can even take pleasure in a wide range of leisure actions, together with rides, a water park, and a golf course, making it a perfect outing for the entire household.

2. Stroll by means of the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

For these in search of a serene retreat to attach with nature and artwork, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a must-visit vacation spot. This fascinating 88-acre complicated showcases various plant collections, breathtaking gardens, and spectacular artwork installations that promise a rejuvenating expertise. The Conservatory is dwelling to over 400 species of crops from world wide, housed in numerous biomes, together with a desert, a rainforest, and a Himalayan mountain vary. The fascinating Chihuly Assortment options the beautiful glass paintings of Dale Chihuly, masterfully built-in into the plush inexperienced landscapes. 

3. Go to the Scioto Mile

The Scioto Mile is a picturesque city oasis, stretching alongside the banks of the Scioto River and connecting downtown Columbus with the colourful Enviornment District. This scenic waterfront park presents an array of out of doors leisure actions for locals to take pleasure in, with miles of multi-use trails for strolling, jogging, and biking. The Scioto Mile additionally boasts an interactive fountain, good for kids to play in throughout heat summer season months, and ample inexperienced house for picnics or just absorbing the solar. Cultural occasions, concert events, and festivals regularly happen on the Bicentennial Park amphitheater, including to the dynamic ambiance of the Scioto Mile. As you discover this stunning park, make sure you cease at one of many many charming cafes, eating places, or native retailers that line the streets, providing a style of Columbus’ thriving city scene.

4. Discover the Olentangy Path

The Olentangy Path presents a pleasant escape for nature lovers and out of doors fans, offering a 13-mile-long scenic pathway that meanders by means of the center of Columbus. Following the banks of the Olentangy River, the path connects a number of parks, together with Antrim Park, Whetstone Park, and the Park of Roses. The tree-lined, paved route is ideal for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, whereas the quite a few entry factors and resting spots alongside the way in which make it a handy and pleasurable tour. The Olentangy Path additionally serves as an important hyperlink to different fashionable trails within the space, such because the Scioto Greenway Path and the Alum Creek Path.

5. Bike the Alum Creek Greenway Path

The Alum Creek Greenway Path is a hidden gem within the Columbus space, providing a scenic, 22-mile-long route that traverses various landscapes and connects quite a few parks and leisure amenities. Winding alongside the Alum Creek, the path presents picturesque views of the waterway, lush woodlands, and open meadows, offering an idyllic setting for strolling, jogging, or biking. A number of trailheads and entry factors make it simple to affix the path at numerous areas, whereas the a number of bridges and underpasses guarantee a clean and uninterrupted journey. The Alum Creek Greenway Path can also be a part of the Ohio to Erie Path, a 320-mile-long route that connects the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Cleveland.

6. Go to the Topiary Backyard Park

Nestled within the historic downtown space of Columbus, the Topiary Backyard Park is a singular and enchanting out of doors attraction. Impressed by Georges Seurat’s well-known portray “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” the park contains a residing topiary interpretation of the paintings, full with 54 life-sized human figures, eight boats, three canines, a monkey, and a cat, all meticulously sculpted from yew bushes. The rigorously manicured gardens and tranquil pond present a serene backdrop for this spectacular show of residing artwork. Not solely is the topiary exhibit a sight to behold, however the park itself additionally boasts loads of open inexperienced house, strolling paths, and benches, offering the right setting for a peaceable picnic, leisurely stroll, and even an out of doors artwork lesson. Nestled within the coronary heart of a historic neighborhood, the Topiary Park is an enthralling and kooky oasis that provides respite from the hustle and bustle of the town.

7. Play a spherical of golf at one among Columbus’s many golf programs

Columbus is dwelling to a number of glorious golf programs, together with the Muirfield Village Golf Membership, which hosts the annual Memorial Event. Whether or not you’re a newbie or an skilled golfer, there’s a course for everybody to take pleasure in. The programs additionally provide beautiful views of the town’s pure magnificence, making it a singular {golfing} expertise. 

8. Attend a live performance or film on the Columbus Commons

Columbus Commons is a vibrant, city inexperienced house within the coronary heart of downtown Columbus that serves as a hub for neighborhood gatherings and out of doors actions. This inviting six-acre park boasts lush lawns, superbly landscaped gardens, and a state-of-the-art efficiency stage, which hosts a wide range of cultural occasions, concert events, and festivals all year long. Columbus Commons can also be dwelling to a fascinating carousel, a studying room, and out of doors health lessons, catering to guests of all ages and pursuits..

9. Go kayaking on the Scioto River

One side that makes Columbus such a great place to reside is its proximity to water. For many who favor water-based actions, kayaking on the Scioto River presents a singular solution to expertise Columbus’ pure magnificence. The mild currents of the river present a perfect surroundings for each novice and skilled kayakers, permitting for a leisurely paddle whereas taking within the metropolis’s picturesque skyline and luxurious riverside landscapes. A number of outfitters alongside the river provide kayak leases and guided excursions, making it simple for guests to embark on this aquatic journey. Paddling by means of the center of the town, you’ll have the chance to look at wildlife, discover secluded islands, and witness the colourful city lifetime of Columbus from a refreshing new perspective.

10. Hike the paths at Highbanks Metro Park

Highbanks Metro Park, situated simply north of Columbus, is a sprawling 1,200-acre pure oasis that gives a perfect setting for out of doors fans to discover and reconnect with nature. The park’s in depth path system presents over 11 miles of picturesque mountaineering trails, starting from simple to average problem, catering to a wide range of talent ranges and pursuits. As you traverse the varied landscapes, together with lush forests, open meadows, and steep ravines, preserve an eye fixed out for the park’s considerable wildlife, reminiscent of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous chook species. Highbanks Metro Park can also be dwelling to plenty of historical Native American earthworks and burial mounds, including a component of historic intrigue to your out of doors journey.