11 Epic Outdoorsy Things In Columbus Anyone Can Do
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Sonya Afanasyeva
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Columbus is a super fun place and there are lots of activities you can do while enjoying the outdoors. No matter what season it is, you’ll be able to find a way to get some fresh air. With these 11 outdoors activities, it’s up to you whether you want to push yourself or take it easy. Check them out!
You might not know that you can visit a beautiful waterfall right here in the city! Hayden Run Falls is located within a park that provides a short path from the parking lot to the falls. You can enjoy the falls from a well-maintained boardwalk. If you like waterfalls, check out these other waterfalls in Columbus.
Hayden Run Falls is located at 4326 Hayden Run Rd., Dublin, OH 43017.
Hayden Run Falls is located at 4326 Hayden Run Rd., Dublin, OH 43017.
Did you know there is a super fun ziplining park in the city? At ZipZone Adventures you can test your strength as you zoom through trees and climb through obstacles. There are various tours and adventures that are perfect for any age or fitness level. For more info, check out our recent article featuring this exciting zipline in Columbus.
ZipZone Outdoor Adventures is located at 7925 North High St., Columbus, OH 43235.
ZipZone Outdoor Adventures is located at 7925 North High St., Columbus, OH 43235.
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The city of Columbus does many things well, but there's one thing that always stands out: the amount and quality of Metro Parks all around us. There are endless trails and beautiful sites to enjoy in Central Ohio. Here are 10 great hikes at Columbus Metro Parks to start with.
Many people have no idea that there is an underground cave to explore just outside of Columbus. The caves were formed millions of years ago by rivers that cut through the limestone rock, and the Wyandotte Indians used these caverns as shelter from rough weather. You can visit the Olentangy Indian Caverns Monday through Sunday from 9:30am to 6:00 pm, and guided tours are available.
The Olentangy Indian Caverns are located at 1779 Home Rd., Delware, OH, 43015.
The Olentangy Indian Caverns are located at 1779 Home Rd., Delware, OH, 43015.
The Columbus Zoo is one of the best in the country! There are animals from all sorts of habitats, including polar bears, lions, cheetahs, and kangaroos. Plus, you can enjoy it year round! While some of the animals are not outside during the cooler months, you will love the Christmas lights that go up at the zoo during the holidays.
The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is located at 4850 W Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065.
The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is located at 4850 W Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065.
Walk through one of Clintonville's famous ravines. This is a favorite place among locals to stroll, walk the dog, ride bikes, and rollerblade. You will love wandering along the winding road and gazing at the beautiful trees surrounding you. Be cautious, as this is a drivable road; however, car traffic is always pretty slow.
The Walhalla Ravine is located between High St. and Indianola Ave. on Walhalla Rd., Columbus, OH 43202.
The Walhalla Ravine is located between High St. and Indianola Ave. on Walhalla Rd., Columbus, OH 43202.
This oasis for water lovers is a great state park right here in Columbus. At Alum Creek you can enjoy camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and so much more. There are trails to walk and a great fenced dog park for your four-legged pals.
Alum Creek State Park is located at 3305 S. Old State Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
Alum Creek State Park is located at 3305 S. Old State Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
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Located a short drive from Columbus, The Wilds is a safari park that is a must see. Here you will find exotic animals roaming freely and you can travel through the vast park via organized tours in open-air vehicles. There are also many ways to get more involved with the park. Check out our recent article about visiting The Wilds for more information.
The Wilds are located at 1400 International Rd., Cumberland, OH 43732.
The Wilds are located at 1400 International Rd., Cumberland, OH 43732.
This is a great way to enjoy both the outdoors and the beautiful views of Columbus. Paddle In The City offers weekly guided kayak, canoe, and stand up paddleboard tours and classes. You will be given a safety lesson before you head to the water and will be accompanied by guides the whole time. You'll see some of the most scenic parts of the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers.
Paddle in the City is located at 650 W Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215.
Paddle in the City is located at 650 W Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215.
Columbus (and all of Ohio) has an extensive system of Greenway Trails. These are beautiful paved trails that you can use to bike, walk, jog, roller blade, or whatever your preferred method of exercise is. The trails connect many of Columbus's parks, rivers, and creeks. You will experience both natural and urban areas along the way.
The Scioto Audubon Park is unique in that it sits just west of downtown Columbus and offers lots of different activities. While you enjoy the city's skyline in the distance, you can explore this park on its trails, engage in bird watching, make your way up the climbing wall, or do some fishing.
The Scioto Audubon Metro Park is located at 400 W Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215.
The Scioto Audubon Metro Park is located at 400 W Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215.
What are you favorite outdoorsy things to do around Columbus? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to share photos of your adventures on the Only In Columbus Facebook page or tag us on Instagram (@onlyincolumbus) using #onlyincolumbus for a chance to see your photos featured!
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