Our Columbus Metro Parks have done it again. They’ve created an innovative and fun way for us to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time with the Blendon Woods Story Trail. Departing from the Nature Center, you’ll find the story The Mitten by Jan Brett, printed out on boards throughout the 1/3 mile trail out to the lake. After the first few pages, they’ve added small cut-outs of the animals in the books that you can take with you. Just a fun touch to make it more interactive + a perfect way to help retell the story at home.
Read the Columbus Metro Park COVID-19 Updates before visiting
On each board, you’ll find two pages of the story, as well as an interactive question on the bottom that the park staff has come up with. They did such a great job making this so much fun!
The girls LOVE to read, but I wasn’t sure how they would react or interact to reading this book in a “new way.” They LOVED it. They would stand to listen to the pages and then literally run to the next board! It was the cutest thing.
The Story Trail is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible and is a short enough walk for even the smallest visitors to complete, but long enough to get the wiggles out!
The story trail is on the path that leads back to Thoreau Lake, which provides a sanctuary for hundreds of birds, ducks and other wildlife! Open year-round, it features two elevated observation shelters with spotting scopes for viewing waterfowl. This was a great way to take a “break” before walking back.
When you get back to the nature center, they have an outdoor library with seats. I noticed there were only one or two kids’ books, so we will make sure to bring some to donate next time!
This was such a fun afternoon and a great way to get some fresh air in! The trail is flat, the perfect length has a great turnaround point, and has so much to look at. The perfect toddler (and older) activity! I can’t wait to see what next month’s story is going to be.
Looking for more ways to explore the parks? Check out this blog post!
Westerville Library Story Trail
- Location: Johnston-McVay Park
- Address: 480 S. Hempstead Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
- Current Story : Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora
- Website : https://www.westervillelibrary.org/story-trail
This is located at a BRAND NEW park in Westerville. We visited the weekend it opened and the story wasn’t yet installed. Check out this reel I made of the park on Instagram for pictures – you will see that it isn’t in the “woods” like the Blendon Woods trail! It is located right next to the parking lot, which makes it easily accessible.
Alum Creek Story Trail
- Location: Alum Creek State Park Beach
- Address: 3400 Lewis Center Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035
- Current Story : When we were there last year, it was all about Honey Bees. We haven’t been back yet to check it out, but I am waiting on confirmation of story!
- Website : https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/family-friendly/storybook-trails
Read about our visit on opening day here
Gahanna Story Trail
- Location: Friendship Park
- Address: 150 Oklahoma Ave., Gahanna, OH 43230
- Current Story: “The World Around Her” – This year’s story was written by: Allison Slates, Areej Khalid, Azhaar Yasin, Ruby Lobert, and Zakia Mohamud. The artwork was created by: Rachel Deibel, a Gahanna Lincoln High School student. The illustrations are accompanied by questions and challenges to encourage engagement by visitors as they wander down the scenic park trail.
- Website: https://www.gahanna.gov/virtual-story-trail-opening/
Check out this blog post by CBUS 4 Kids to get more details on the park and what to expect while visiting
Plain City StoryWalk®
- Location: Pastime Park
- Address: 370 N Chillicothe St, Plain City, OH 43064
- Current Story:
- Website: http://www.plaincitylib.org/storywalk/
Grandview Heights Public Library’s StoryWalk®
- Location: C. Ray Buck Park
- Address: 1280 Goodale Blvd, Grandview Heights, OH 43212
- Current Story: Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Stories change periodically.
- Website: https://www.ghpl.org/2020/05/11/ghpl-storywalk
Check out Say-n-Play Columbus visit this past June. Keep in mind the story has changed!
For a list of OHIO STATE PARKS WITH STORYBOOK TRAILS click here
