An Ohio State property, this area has some interesting constructed wetlands. The indoor education…read morecenter is only for students and there aren't public restrooms available. They call part of the area a constructed "billabong". It does not have any Australian wildlife, but it connects to the larger river greenway trail and it is a nice little area that is free to access.

Columbus is fortunate to have a Ramsar wetland (a wetland of international importance) right here…read morein our own backyard, and it is easily accessible from the Olentangy Greenway Trail, which runs right by it. The grounds are open to the public from dawn to dusk daily, but respect the signage because research is underway. There is an observation pavilion, which is unfortunately in need of repairs at this time. When it's open, it gives you a nice view of the wetland area and all of the wildlife that may be about. There's good signage that explains the wildlife, the natural history of the area, and how research is conducted. Regardless, there are several paths that will take you in and around the area so you can enjoy the views, and you can also walk around on the Olentangy Greenway Trail to look around, as well. We saw several deer walking near the trail. There is parking available if you're driving by, otherwise, make it a nice little stop on your greenway trail journey!

Cute nature center! We were able to get the Friends of Metro Park Passport which we will now go to…read moreother parks to get all the stamps. The ranger helping us was so kind. There were really fun interactive elements to the center including a tank you could put your hands in. I enjoyed learning about all the different animals and their migration patterns. We were also able to see a lot of bison! All in all a great little stop if you have the time!

We always have a great time here. The nature center and Buffalo are really cool to see and the…read moretrails are very nice.

Deer Haven shares an entrance with neighboring Havener Park. If you pass the first parking lot,…read morewhich is the lot for Havener, and head to the right, you'll find the lot for Deer Haven near its great visitor center. Around the exterior of the building is a native plant pollinator garden near bird feeders and an insect hotel. There are also box turtles behind the building during warm weather. Another wonderful new feature in this area is the Deer Haven Aviary, which showcases a variety of birds of prey that cannot be returned to the wild. Signage indicates that the birds will rotate out in conjunction with Ohio Nature Education (ONE). On our visit, we were able to view turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks, and red-shouldered hawks. A great aspect of Deer Haven is that it is a great way to view a variety of habitats close together: wetland, meadow, pond, and forest are connected through the three trails, Tree Swallow Trail, Bent Tree Ridge Trail & Creek Crossing, and Grass Trail. Both the Tree Swallow and Grass Trails also connect to Havener Park trails, so you can extend your explorations. There is currently a neat science exhibit available in the park. We found a fascinating one in the wetland area, in which a mini wetland is available in a case to be examined by a magnifying glass, with an identification key for different critters available. There is also a magnifying glass stand so that you can place things you find, like rocks or plants, inside of the post to examine. Fun place to visit!

This Delaware Park opened in 2008. It has a Visitor Center(vc) that can also be rented. The vc…read morehas a nature library, bathrooms with changing tables, and a kitchenette. The drive back to the vc is not that impressive and a little disappointing but don't be fooled! This park has 97 acres that is filled with 3 trails, a Bird sacturary, natural play area and much more. the Bent Tree Ridge Trail has a wildlife blind that overlooks the pond that allows you to view ducks, and other water fowl. The vc has a really nice nature library that is filled with books, toys for children. There are large water tanks with turtles, frogs, snakes etc. The main room is filled with stuffed wild life animals. The animals are all labeled and there is lots of info about these animals to read about. Bring your binoculars, or grab a loaner pair and look out the windows and see all the birds at the feeders. If you cant figure out what bird you are looking at there are birding books to help with identification.

Another 5* experience. Never met a park we didn't like, and The Farm is just exceptional. Even more…read moreexceptional if you're under 5!

Always a nice metro park to visit - there's a historical working farm on the property as well…read more There's lots of different types of paths to go walking on including pet friendly ones. Including a pond that you can walk down by for fishing and birdwatching. And there's an old covered Bridge on one of the trails that you can see from the drive in.

Also known by its nickname "Sheep Farm Park," this is the new property purchased by Columbus…read moreRecreation and Parks that was formerly a (you guessed it!) sheep farm. It was actually a historic farm from about the 1880s, so it's a nice bit of history in the area. They've started with some basic set up: there's a nice large sign by a parking area, and signage directs you to the trail that's been mowed through the grassy field. Pet bags are provided at the trailhead so it seems dog friendly. It's a nice green area in the midst of neighborhoods and across from the OSU Airport. I've heard that they are discussing potential additional amenities/improvements, so it will be interesting to see what else they do. In the meantime, it makes for a nice place to take an easy walk and to watch airplanes heading out or coming into the airport across the street.

This is a perennial favorite section of the fair! It's a quieter, relaxing bit of nature within the…read morehustle and bustle of the fair, but it is packed with plenty of things to do, see, and learn. Tour the tiny nature center, which was showcasing amphibians at the time of our visit, and step inside a yurt to see what makes it a unique overnight option. If you're taller than 50 inches, you can sign up for a kayak lesson in the pond. They offer good instructions on the basics and then let you try it out. The Discovery Pavilion has a lot of information, the kayak sign-up booth, a section that showcases state parks (this year, the focus was on the upcoming Great Seal State Park). They also offer a living stream exhibit where you can see some of the critters that can be found and hold a crayfish. There's also a sand dig area. A neat addition this year was the opportunity to try putting out a virtual fire with a light up fire extinguisher. A fire tower is located near the classic giant Smokey the Bear. Unfortunately, you can't climb it, but it does set the scene nicely. Smokey, who is turning 79 this year, will chat with you if desired. There are multiple playground options - the recycling express train is a kid favorite, a wildlife themed one, and a newer gas and oil themed one that has a very neat - and popular - OHIO structure in it. There is also a prairie to explore, a display of native animals (owls, hawks, fox, skunk, and more), a wetland area, a butterfly house, a geology walk, and a number of additional hands-on activities, including archery and shooting ranges, and a fishing pond for 14 and under using cane poles. A gift shop and information booth are also available. A lot of related organizations usually host booths back here too, with additional activities, games, and plenty of information. This is always the first place I recommend when asked about the fair!

Open during the run of the fair, The Natural Resources Park is an 8 acre oasis of green where…read moreyou'll find an abundance of trees, cooling shade and scenic views. Located in the SE corner of The Ohio State Fairgrounds, you'll find this cool micro-park is a nice getaway from the overload of the sights and sounds of the nearby Midway and Kiddie-land areas. This place is packed with plenty to see and do. Be sure to check out the amphitheater there where you can relax and watch a show, visit the butterfly house to watch the little winged ones and don't miss the aviary with it's premier resident, an American Bald Eagle. Take a stroll through the wetlands and prairie areas too while you're there. People preferring something more active might want to head over to the shooting range and try their hand at archery or target shoot with an air gun. The park also has a 7200 square foot pond so you can try your hand at some kayaking. And for the kiddos, let them do some fishing at the stocked pond or have a talk about fire safety with an animatronic 14 foot tall Smokey the Bear. Natural Resources Park is an educational park and there's a lot of Ohio Department of Natural Resources folk around to answer your questions. Looking for the best places in Ohio to hike, bike, fish, camp and boat? These men and women are eager to talk with you about what The Buckeye State has to offer us. Make it a point to visit the park while you're there this year. There's something for everyone and you just might learn a little bit if you do.

Contrary to what is stated this park is not closed!!! I just spent about an hour there just walking…read morethe trails which are very nicely maintained. You can walk, run or bike just watch out for the walnuts and wet leaves in the fall. Besides very well maintained pathways there's a lot of nature. For you bird lovers this is amazing place to watch birds. Bring the kids and the dogs! There's a log cabin which you can't get into but is fun to look at and read a little about it's history. There are several bridges over clean streams. Another fantastic local park for photographers from beginners to professionals to take some amazing pictures. Other people whom I encountered along the way were friendly and kind. It made for a lovely walk!

This is a pretty area with some great paved walking paths to wander around on. There are picnic…read moretables and a nice garden space near the parking lot, and you can follow the trail back from there into the woods. One section will take you past the historic Fleming cabin with an interpretative sign. There is a very nice newly replaced boardwalk/pier at the pond, which offers some seating and picnic tables, and lets you enjoy the view. The water is a bit low right now - I'm not sure if they have a way to manipulate the depth that was adjusted while the pier was being rebuilt, or if it just happens to be low right now. If you go all the way out to the bench area, you can still get a nice view of the filled up portion of the pond, however. Vernal pools also appear throughout the year. A nice place to take a walk or go for a jog!

A beautiful 75 acre meadow…read more This place is breathtaking! I waked all the trails and recorded 2.5 miles. The front entrance to this place is not very inviting but don't be fooled. Once you walk past the first set of trees it opens up to a beautiful meadow filled with lots of wildflowers, trees, and wildlife. It was very peaceful and quite back in the meadow. I enjoyed listening to the sounds of the trees and the birds calling. It was nice to get away from the sights and sounds of the city and enjoy nature. My main reason for coming here today was to look for birds, and I found 22 different species. I enjoyed walking around this park and had lots of fun exploring all of the paths. I loved every minute of it and would definitely do it again.