The best news of June (so far)? The Nature Centers are opening back up at our Columbus Metro Parks, and we are THRILLED. I have such great memories of exploring most of them with my nanny kids a few years ago. We were able to take the girls once to Highbanks before everything shut down, and it was so much fun. They loved seeing the turtles, snakes, and fish. I can’t wait to take them to all of them. They’re such a great addition to a day of exploring the park, plus they have A/C and bathrooms – perfect for hot summer days!
Here is a list of the nature centers + a few other fun things to explore while visiting…
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Opening: Tuesday, June 8th
Hours: 9am-8pm
Address: 1415 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
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Other Fun Things to Do:
– See the bison. They roam freely within two enclosed pastures.
– Natural Play Area, Indian Ridge Picnic Area. Last parking lot at the end of the roadway.
Follow along on their Facebook Page for more updates
Innis House at Inniswood
Opening: Wednesday, June 16th
Hours: Tuesday- Friday 8-4:30 pm, and Saturday-Sunday 11-4 pm
Address: 940 S Hempstead Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
Follow along on their Facebook Page for more updates on Inniswood Metro Park, where Innis House is located or check out their website here.
Highbanks Nature Center
Opening: Tuesday, June 15th
Hours: 9 am – 8 pm
Address: 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Check out these events happening at Highbanks from June 14-July 1st
Other Fun Things to Do
– A really great creek, perfect for all ages. Check out this blog post for all the details.
– Near the creek, they have a zipline
Follow along on their Facebook Page for more updates
Blendon Woods
Opening: Tuesday, June 22
Hours: 9am – 8pm
Address: 4265 E Dublin Granville Rd Westerville, OH 43081
Other Fun Things to Do
– Storybook Trail: This month’s book is “Bat Loves the Night” and it can be found as you stroll along the Lake Trail.
– AMAZING Natural Play Area, like super amazing!! I thought I had more pictures, but I don’t. Here are a few. Just take my word on it, the natural play area is great. You can find pictures from the opening day here. Just next to the natural play area entrance is a toddler-friendly playground.
Follow along on their Facebook Page for more updates
Blacklick Woods
Opening: Tuesday, June 22
Hours: 9am – 8pm
Address: 6975 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg OH
I haven’t been to Blacklick Woods, but Julie from What Should We Do Today? has a great write-up on it with all the details.
Homestead Park – Hilliard
Opening: June 22
Hours: 9am – 8pm
Address: 4675 Cosgray Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026
I haven’t been to this park before, but check out this blog post from Columbus for Kids. She shares ALL the details. The playgrounds look fabulous.
I hope you have the best time making memories at our Metro Parks. Don’t forget to subscribe to their emails and follow along on their social media pages, that is where they update all their events and what is going on at the parks.
