Located in German Village, Schiller Park is the ultimate family friendly park. We’ve been visiting for years and I feel like each time is even more magical than the last. This morning was absolutely perfect. A morning where everything just falls right into place.
As we drove down S. 3rd, on our way to Stauf’s to grab coffee, I notice Rosie The Flower Truck parked outside of Pistacia Vera. I’ve wanted to stumble upon this truck for quite some time. Stephen pulled right over and said, “Go get some flowers!” That I did. If you’re not familiar, Rosie the The Flower Truck (from Orchard Lane Flowers) is a vintage 1948 Chevy 3100 with a former life as an everyday run-around-town-truck, a Rat Rod Drag Racer, and now, brings flowers to all corners of Columbus. You can usually find her by checking their Instagram @rosie.theflowertruck. I just found out this morning they’ve added a second truck named Fern! Yay – more opportunities to pick up a bouquet of gorgeous flowers.
After picking out a bouquet, we went a few blocks down to Stauf’s to grab an iced coffee. I was really impressed with them. Only one person was allowed in at a time. When you walked in, you were greeted by a table, plexi-glass, a grab and go table and someone to take your order. Once you paid via card, you went back outside.They would make your drink and bring it to a table. It looked like their was an option to order online.
I grabbed a large iced milky way latte and a W*nder Hemp-Infused Beverage – a naturally-flavored CBD sparkling beverage. The latte was delicious per usual and the W*nder drink was pleasantly refreshing. I am not a fan of sparkling drinks, but this had great flavor.
After our drinks were secured, we headed down a few more blocks to Schiller Park – the ultimate family park and quite possibly the best in Columbus. Did you know Schiller Park is the second oldest park in the City of Columbus, runner up to only Goodale Park, established in 1857?
I give Schiller Park such high praise because it truly offers SO much.They have a wonderful playground that is very toddler friendly, a TON of shade, picnic tables galore, gorgeous flowers, a fishing pond, walking trails and currently their is the cutest fairy garden + gravity-defying sculptures hanging from the trees by Polish artist Jerzy Kedziora. You could quite possibly spend hours at the park!
Playground
As you can see from the video, there are two different sections. One for bigger kids and one for younger kids. I appreciate how it was separated by a fence. This is an awesome playground for younger kids because there is more than just one structure. It truly was a toddler playground.
They had a few structures within the fenced in area. Keep in mind, it is fenced in, but not gated. They have a train, a bigger play structure, a smaller one that is ground level to enter, swings, a four person teeter totter type of thing and a crawling sort of thing.
This is the structure that is ground level to get on. It had three different slides, which was awesome.
Of course the first thing the girls wanted to do was swing! They sprinted right over to them. They had (I think) 6 baby/toddler swings that were covered by trees. They do have bigger kid swings, but they were located over by the other playground.
I love this park so much. There was a ton for the girls to safely do. They had such a good time.
They even went down the “big” slide!
Once you’re done playing, there is so much more to explore within the park. .
Flowers and Trees Galore
Schiller Park is absolutely stunning. There are beautiful gardens throughout, flowers blooming, perennials in all colors, weeping willows and so much more.
Did you know years and years ago, The German Village Society, The Friends of Schiller Park, the Huntington National Bank, and the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department worked together to create and implement a plan that would closely resemble the park as it existed in the late 1800’s. You can read more about Huntington Gardens here.
German Village Art
Throughout the park you will find statues, such as the Umbrella Girl and Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller – each with an interesting history. Did you know at one point the Umbrella Girl was stolen from the park?
You’ll also notice that there are a few signs from the Columbus Art Walk Site. If you call 614-645-2646 and put in the site #, they will give you details about where you’re standing. There is actually an entire German Village Art Walk that you can take.
“The German Village Art Walk will lead you through Columbus’ first historically designated neighborhood located just south of Downtown. Experience the heart of German-American culture, restored homes with legendary tales, and over a dozen unique architectural styles. You will find brick-lined streets, the poet Schiller, and much more!”
You can Download and Print before you go or pick one up at any of the locations listed here.
Suspension: Balancing Art, Nature, and Culture
Right now, there is an amazing art feature by Polish artist Jerzy Jotka Kędziora. He has been quoted as saying, “Art must get out of museums and reach the people.” I think these life-sized public sculptures do just that. There are 23 figurative sculptures scattered throughout the park. You can’t miss them, just look up!
Explore the exhibit on your own with this self-guided walking tour. You can download it here.
Fairy Garden
We have wanted to go to the Magical Fairy Trail in Granville, but weren’t sure if it was worth the drive for the girls yet. This miniature fairy garden has put going to Granville at the top of our list. The girls LOVED it. Much more than I expected. They were ooing and ahhing the entire time. It is so cute. I love that it is pig themed. It was created by Carol Schar, who has lived in German Village for over 25 years.
It took us a minute to find it and finally someone was passed by led us in the right direction. Funny enough, we had been just a few feet away a couple of times! I circled in white where it is located. It is across from the elementary school.
Can you see why I think Schiller Park is probably the best park in Columbus? It offers many different things and just has a good vibe about it! Oh, and by the way, if you’re looking for lunch to bring to the park – check out Brown Bag Deli. They are walking distance and have some of the best sandwiches. Currently, they’re only accepting online orders!
Stauf’s German Village – 627 S 3rd St #1060, Columbus, OH 43206
If you need a coffee shop walking distance to the park, Winan’s is a block or two away. There address is 897 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206.
Schiller Park – 1069 Jaeger St. Columbus, OH 43206
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