5 Great Parks and Playgrounds in Northwest Columbus

AUTHOR BIO: Zac Pinkerton is an author, freelance writer, and entrepreneur from the Columbus, OH area. With a family of 6, he loves to do new things in and out of town with the fam. He enjoys writing about family, relationships, and healthy living. Check out more of his articles or get in touch at ZacPinkerton.com!

We are lucky in Northwest Columbus to have so many great playgrounds and parks to explore. From swings to slides, to climbing walls and water features, Northwest Columbus's parks and playgrounds keep my kids active, are a great place to meet old friends (and make new! friends), and they're FREE!
I often get asked what our favorite playgrounds are, so I thought I'd share here with you my family's picks for our top five playgrounds and parks to visit in Northwest Columbus.

Locations are listed alphabetically:

Carriage Place Park

4900 Sawmill Rd
Columbus, OH 43235

What we love about Carriage Place:

Carriage Place Park is the perfect place for families all year long. The park features 2 playgrounds—one that is great for kindergarten aged and above and there is a separate nature inspired park next to it. Surrounded by benches, both parks are close enough to each other that parents can pick a bench and keep an eye on children at both parks. Have older kids? Spanning more than 13 acres the park also features numerous soccer fields, baseball fields, tennis courts, and basketball hoops. Also on the property is the Carriage Place Recreation Center, where residents from Northwest Columbus can sign up for various activities throughout the year (at a reasonable price).

Amenities at Carriage Place Park:

Picnicking - Picnic tables are scattered all throughout the 13+ acres of Carriage Place Park. Many are under shady trees, making for a perfect picnic spot on a sunny day.
Walking Trail - The walking trail circles the entire park and has a great variety of scenery. The
kids can collect sticks & rocks (the girls like picking flowers) and you can see little bits of nature
along the way.

Parking Lot - A large parking lot (but it fills up fast!) There is also additional parking on the side of the street leading up to the park in case there are lots of events going on at that time.
Recreation Center - With drinking fountains, restrooms, an indoor multipurpose gym, and vending machines, the Recreation Center makes Carriage Place Park one of the most accessible parks on the list.

Hayden Falls Park

4326 Hayden Run Rd.

Dublin, OH 43017

What we love about Hayden Falls Park:

Hayden Falls Park is another great location for enjoying nature in Northwest Columbus. As part of Griggs Nature Preserve, it is conveniently located with ample parking. This makes for an easy trip for families and kids of all ages. The kids love running up and down the boardwalks
and picking out birds and animals as they see them. With a great view of the Scioto River, the kids enjoy spotting boats and more wildlife with a broad view that stretches for miles. At the end of the boardwalk is a beautiful waterfall that is perfect for more pictures and playing.

Amenities at Hayden Falls Park:

Parking Lot - A convenient parking location right off of Hayden Run Rd. This makes for an easy
trip for kiddos of all ages
Boardwalk - A broad boardwalk that is sufficiently fenced in to keep the kids safe. They can
freely run up and down the boardwalk and enjoy views of nature, the Scioto River, and a
beautiful waterfall.

Woods & Wildlife Area - Featuring a unique gorge habitat that only occurs along the western shore of the Scioto River, this ecosystem is home to many rare and endangered plants.
Decked Overlook- A decked overlook with a gorgeous view of the 35-foot waterfall is great for pictures while keeping everyone safe from falling

Hilliard's Station Park

4021 Main St.

Hilliard, OH 43026

What we love about Station Park:

Haven't been to Hilliard in awhile? It's definitely time to check it out. The Old Hilliard area is turning into something special, and Hilliard's Station Park is at the center of it all. The splash pad area is definitely the highlight for families. It runs all day long from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is always music playing and, most weekends, there is live entertainment or events going on. You are allowed to bring small water toys and enjoy the grassy areas nearby for a picnic, relaxing, or tanning. This is really one of the best up-and-coming spots in Northwest Columbus featuring live events throughout the years and great spots to eat like Otie's Tavern & Grill, The Old Bag of Nails Pub, and Starliner Diner.

Amenities at Station Park:

Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area - Hello, adults! Hilliard's Station Park features the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) where adults 21+ may purchase and carry alcoholic beverages within a designated area.
Picnic Tables - Several picnic tables around the park provide plenty of space for you and the family to enjoy snacks or meals.
Restrooms - Clean public restrooms/changing rooms are right next to the splash park. This is great because older kids can use the restrooms with entrances in view (so they don't run off) and you can change in and out of wet clothes if you have more to do in the day

Drinking Fountains & Vending - Drinking fountains and vending are available near the restrooms
as well. Great for staying hydrated and re-upping for cheap snacks if you didn't come
prepared.
DORA Vendors - Many food vendors are within walking distance of the park. Check out HERE for a full list of vendors in the area.
Splash Fountains - The kids' favorite part is surely the splash fountains. If you go after sunset,
you can see the fountains light up and change colors! This is a real treat for kids of all ages.

Indian Run Falls

700 Shawan Falls Dr.

Dublin, OH 43017

What we love about Indian Run Falls:

This is one of the best-hidden gems in Dublin! They have recently re-done the walkways so that they are safe for the younger kids. Indian Run Falls features absolutely beautiful scenery and long, safe walking trails. It is nestled right near Old Dublin and the new Bridge Park developments, so a trip to Jeni's or Starbucks afterward is a great choice. With picturesque scenery for all seasons and a safe, convenient location, Indian Run Falls is one of Northwest Columbus's best nature spots.

Amenities at Indian Run Falls:

Walking Paths - With about 3.5 acres of newly-renovated walking paths, Indian Run Falls offers a safe space for parents and kiddos alike to walk freely and enjoy the picturesque scenery
Decked Overlooks - Multiple decked overlooks throughout the park offer perfect stopping
points for viewing or taking pictures. They are fully fenced so we can keep tabs on the kids and have wooden benches for resting.
Boardwalks - Safely constructed boardwalks over the falls. Another great opportunity for
pictures and viewing. The kids love looking the waterfalls and pointing out what animals they
find!

Two Shelters - The park features two shelters with restrooms and drinking fountains. This is a
MUST for those of us with younger children who will, inevitably, need to use the restroom at the
most inconvenient times.
Parking Lot - Indian Run Falls features a sufficient parking lot in an easily-accessible location.
This is great because it makes getting in-and-out of the park a breeze.

Village Green Park

47 Hall St.

Powell, OH 43065

What we love about Village Green Park:

Village Green Park is simply amazing. First, we have to mention the Splash Pad which is open 9 am - 9 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. Next, there is the Solar Picnic Pavilion which is a huge public (shaded) space with plenty of picnic tables for your family to enjoy lunch or snacks. Adding the several picnic tables, a skate park, a playground, and two ponds, Village Green Park is surely a great spot in Northwest Columbus for your family.

Amenities at Village Green Park:

Solar Picnic Pavilion - The Pavilion is a great space for just hanging out or enjoying some
snacks or lunch. It is NOT rented out for private events, so you and your family are free to enjoy the space any time you are at the park.
Splash Pad - The Splash Pad speaks for itself. Open all summer long from 9 am - 9 pm, the
Village Green Splash Pad is so much fun for all the kids. Come prepared with swimsuits
Municipal Building - The Powell Municipal Building is powered by solar panels on the Solar
Picnic Pavilion. This is a great resource with air conditioning, restrooms, drinking fountains, and vending.

Parking - Plenty of parking for this hot summer spot. The parking here allows for quick access to the park and sidewalks so you can bring the stroller or wagon through the park.
Walking Paths - Lots of walking paths all through the park. Another great feature of the walking paths is that the City of Powell's Parks & Recreation provides walking paths between all Powell parks.

Hope this list of top five playgrounds and parks in Northwest Columbus helps you find -- or rediscover! -- some fun places for your family to explore this summer. Now get those kids out to play!

NW Columbus Macaroni Kid is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in Columbus, Oh. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, giveaways and more. We proudly serve families in Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, Powell, West Clintonville, West Worthington, Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Plain City! NW Columbus Macaroni Kid is full of useful local information like this PLUS tons of kid-friendly events on our event calendar. Have an event you'd like submitted to our calendar for consideration? Submit an event here. Like what you see here and want to get all the fun delivered to your inbox weekly? Subscribe to our FREE weekly e-newsletter for the 411 on local family fun! #CbusMacKid

5 Great Parks and Playgrounds in Northwest Columbus

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