This blog post is from 2020. Make sure to check websites/social media for updated rules/hours/etc. before visiting!

Gahanna is a hidden gem with plenty of surprises waiting to be discovered. We recently visited for the first time this summer and were amazed by what the city has to offer. Usually, we would spend our weekends at Creekside, but due to the cancellation of many festivals, we haven’t been able to. However, our most recent visit reminded us that there’s so much more to explore in Gahanna beyond the events.

[Note: We visited all of these spots in one evening. Most are walking distance of each other. We had to drive to the park, but it was the perfect way to end our evening.]

Creekside Park

Creekside is a versatile destination that tops my list of favorite spots to visit. Whether I’m looking for a family-friendly atmosphere or a romantic date night setting, Creekside delivers with its beautiful fountains, natural stone architecture, and stunning views of Big Walnut Creek. The area boasts a range of dining options that offer delicious cuisine to satisfy any craving. One of the unique features of Creekside is the herbal cocktail trail, where local restaurants, pubs, and distilleries create herb-infused cocktails that are a must-try for any visitor. The combination of gorgeous scenery, fantastic dining, and creative cocktails make Creekside a destination that I never tire of visiting.

Creekside Park is one of the highlights of the area, situated just behind the restaurants and the impressive fountains. With 5 acres of boardwalks and woodland paths to explore, the park provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The tranquil environment of the park offers a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, a relaxing picnic, or a fun-filled family outing. The park is also home to various events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals, adding to its appeal as a vibrant community hub. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Creekside Park during your visit to the area.

A fun bonus at Creekside Park is the opportunity to rent kayaks and paddle boats. To rent, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance, and rentals are available in 30-minute time blocks. The cost is $10 per boat, and it’s important to note that an adult (aged 18+) must be present during the rental.

Creekside Address: 117 Mill St., Gahanna, Ohio 43230
Friendship Park Address: 150 Oklahoma Ave, Gahanna, Ohio 43230

The Free Plant Library

The Free Plant Library is located in the old car wash at Creekside, conveniently situated across from Blank Slate Coffee. You can easily spot it in the first bay to the left – you won’t miss it! The library is a community-driven initiative, similar to the Free Libraries you may have seen popping up around Columbus. The concept is simple – take a plant, leave a plant. But that’s not all you’ll find at the library. It’s a treasure trove of gardening supplies, including pots, decorative rocks (both painted and unpainted), and all the essentials for creating at-home fairy gardens. Don’t forget to stop by and check it out during your visit to Creekside.

Update for 2021

You can read more about the Plant Library here. In weird times, this is such a great way to bring the community together.

You’ll find a variety of plants, from medicinal plants to veggies & fruit to landscaping. I even saw a decent sized tree!

I LOVED this idea. If the girls were a bit older, I bet this would be their favorite part. Collecting supplies to create at-home fairy gardens.

Have you ever found a kindness rock out and about? We found one in Mount Vernon last week, and it was such a fun find. Another great way to feel connected to your community.

“Take a Rock for Inspiration; Give a rock for motivation; and leave a rock to grow this station.”

A bonus find in the same space is the Before I die I want to… wall and the artwork in the other empty car wash spots. On the wall, you’ll find all the things people hope to do in their lifetime. It was inspirational and, at times, heartbreaking. 

Address: 152 Mill St. in Gahanna, OH

Woodside Green Park

Woodside Green Park has been on our list for quite sometime. The park is 32 acres and gorgeous. It is home to a nice playground with a few swings, paved pathways for walking on a great nature path, a giant cardinal sculpture, softball and baseball fields, basketball court, catch and release fishing pond, heated restrooms, and a shelter house. All of those things are WONDERFUL, but we went to this park for its fantastic natural play area.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Before we explored the park, we started out with a picnic! They had a ton of greenspace, perfect for picnicing with toddlers. We picked up Areapazo located at Creekside, which is not far from the park. I think it maybe took us 10 minutes and that’s because we got the red lights! If you scroll to the bottom, you can find out more about Arepazo.

We didn’t play on this playground, but it looked great. Nothing fancy, but just enough. Not pictured are the four swings to the left of the playground.

The natural play area is right in front of the parking lot, making it easily accessed and not hard to miss.

In the natural play area, there are obstacle courses, huge logs to climb on, little houses to play in, a huge tunnel with a dirt hill on top, and more. The girls had a great time running around and getting dirty! There was plenty for them to do, but it would be such a fun time for older kids who love climbing.

Just to the side of the play area, there is a creek. The girls loved splashing and trying to run into the middle of it as fast as they could! We weren’t exactly prepared for creeking, but they had an absolute blast!

I highly recommend this park. I think it is great for all ages. We hope to be back sooner than later.

Address: 213 Camrose Ct, Gahanna, OH 43230
Gahanna Parks Website

Bonus Spots // Coffee + Dinner (or Lunch)

Upper Cup Coffee is a MUST stop if you’re in Gahanna. They sure know how to make a tasty cup of coffee. They choose the best coffee beans from around the world and roast them in-house. You can taste the love they put into their process at first sip.

Address: 121 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230
Website

Another must stop if you’re hungry (or even if you’re not hungry because once you get one whiff, I guarantee your mouth will start watering) is El Arepazo Latin Grill. They have an easy to use online ordering system with an even more straightforward pick-up process. They have a menu full of delicious, homemade unique flavors. You can’t go wrong with what you order. I do highly suggest ordering a few sides (or a bottle) of the cilantro sauce – spicy or mild. Once you get your first state of it, you’ll understand why it is a necessity! 

Address: 93 N High St, Gahanna, OH 43230
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