At this point we have only explored 3 of the 16 metro parks Columbus has to offer and I am constantly knocked off my feet at each one. When we moved here I never would have guessed this city had so much to offer in the way of family activities and bringing nature into an urban setting. We have not traversed our way through all 16 parks yet but this one has got to be the most urban park of them all. With a freeway on each side and located in the Brewery district of downtown Columbus, this park is a nature oasis! A very unexpected spot amidst all the hustle and bustle. This park is on a peninsula stretching into the Scioto River and contains many wetland areas where you can use their telescope to observe turtles, frogs, big fish, and all sorts of wildlife. Great for kids but also for people of all ages.

The three trails are easy with Scioto Greenway and Connector being the best for hiking, biking, and pets. Rent a COGO bike and take in the breathtaking scenery and great view of the city. Grab some friends and rock climbing equipment and scale the 32 ft. climbing wall, or start up a game of sand volleyball. (They also offer classes so you can learn to climb and where they provide the equipment!)

Just here to exercise? Not only can you bike or run the trails but there is a great obstacle course and outdoor gym of sorts. And don't keep the dogs or kids at home because there is a great dog park that is separated into 2 areas by breed size and they each have their own agility course.

The kids can explore a new-age playground that has to be one of the coolest playgrounds I have ever seen. Not to mention preschool story time at 10 a.m every Thursday and Saturday morning at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center's library. Don't leave without seeing the indoor play place aka Forest Room that the kids can run, play dress up, and climb. The play place opens right up to an observation deck overlooking a wetland and don't miss the sandbox around the corner! (I know my kids sure didn't, *groan*)