Looking for Outdoor Adventures? Discover Activities Near Our B&B

Your Guide To Outdoor Adventures in Columbus

Columbus, Ohio, is a city full of surprises, especially for those who love the outdoors. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to relax outside, Columbus has something to offer everyone. From expansive parks with lush green trees and colorful gardens to exciting riverside activities, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to discover. If you’re staying at our cozy bed and breakfast, you’re in for a treat with a variety of things to do just a stone’s throw away. Here’s your ultimate guide to outdoor activities in Columbus, Ohio.

Explore Columbus Metro Parks

Columbus is home to an impressive network of metro parks, each offering unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. With hundreds of trails sprinkled throughout the city, your next adventure is never far away. Two must-visit parks near our B&B are Battelle Darby Creek and Highbanks Metro Park.

Battelle Darby Creek: A bit of a drive from our B&B but well worth the drive is Battelle Darby Creek. Known for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems, Battelle offers over 7,000 acres of forests, prairies, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy hiking along miles of trails, where you might spot bison grazing in the prairies. The park is also a fantastic spot for nature watching, with numerous opportunities to see birds and other wildlife. This is an excellent spot for those seeking some sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city or families who like to get out and explore.

Highbanks Metro Park: Much closer to us is Highbanks Metro park, another gem in the Columbus metro park system. It features rugged trails that take you through dense forests and along the Olentangy River. The park is named for its towering shale bluffs, which provide breathtaking views of the river below. Highbanks is also a popular spot to watch birds, especially during migration seasons.

Outdoor Adventure Ideas for Nature Lovers

For those who crave adventure and love being immersed in nature, Columbus has plenty to offer. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bird Watching at Blendon Woods: Blendon Woods is a haven for bird enthusiasts. The park’s nature center offers bird viewing windows, and the 1.2-mile Lake Trail circles Thoreau Lake, a prime spot for observing various bird species. It’s a great spot to go for long dog walks as well.

Inniswood Metro Gardens: If you prefer a more leisurely outdoor experience, Inniswood Metro Gardens is perfect. This botanical garden features beautifully landscaped gardens, walking trails, and themed gardens. It’s a great place for taking memorable photos with loved ones and has lots of fun for little ones packed in as well. It’s a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Outdoor Patios Near Our B&B

After a day of exploring, nothing beats unwinding on a comfortable patio with good food and drinks. Fortunately, Columbus has several excellent outdoor patios close to our B&B where you can relax and soak in the atmosphere. These are also great picks if you’re not much of a nature enthusiast but love spending time outside soaking up the sun.

The Boat House at Confluence Park: Located where the Scioto and Olentangy rivers meet, The Boat House offers stunning river views. It’s the perfect place to spend your last night in town while watching the boats go by.

Brewdog Franklinton: If you’re a craft beer fan, BrewDog Franklinton has a fantastic outdoor patio. It’s a great place to enjoy a cold beer and some delicious pub fare while taking in the city skyline (P.S. The wings are enormous!). Brewdog also is also pup friendly (hence the name) and has lots of fun games for kids to play as well. Not much of a beer person? No problem! We highly recommend checking out their “Fill Collin’s” a yummy mix of gin, blackberry and lavender that is perfect for sipping in the sun.

Things To Do on the Scioto River

The Scioto River is a central feature of Columbus and offers numerous activities. Whether you’re looking to fish, bike, or simply enjoy the water, the Scioto River has you covered.

Fishing

There are tons of great spots for fishing enthusiasts to try their luck along the Scioto River. There are all kinds of fish to try catching including bass, catfish, and bluegill. Popular fishing spots include the area around Griggs Reservoir and the stretch of river near the Scioto Audubon Metro Park.

Bike Riding

The Scioto Greenway Trail is a scenic bike path that runs alongside the river. This multi-use trail spans several miles and connects various parks and downtown Columbus. It’s perfect for a leisurely ride or a more intense cycling workout. Bike rentals are available in the area via CoGo, making it easy to hop on and explore.

Discover the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

No visit to Columbus would be complete without visiting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This world-renowned zoo offers a fantastic mix of animal exhibits and interactive experiences and is close to many popular centrally located hotels.

The Columbus Zoo

The Columbus Zoo has well over 10,000 animals representing more than 600 species. Visitors can explore different regions of the world, from the African Savanna to the Australian Outback, all within the zoo’s expansive grounds. Highlights include the Heart of Africa exhibit, where you can feed giraffes, see zebras, and cheetahs, and the Polar Frontier, home to polar bears and Arctic foxes. It’s the perfect outdoor adventure to tackle in a day and a popular attraction for those traveling with children. 

Zoombezie Bay

Make a splash at Zoombezi Bay, the zoo’s adjacent water park. Featuring tons of water slides, a massive wave pool, and a relaxing lazy river, it’s a great place to cool off and have some fun in the sun. Zoombezi Bay offers attractions for all ages, making it a perfect outing for families and adults alike.

Nature Watching at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

If it’s a rainy day but you still want an outdoor feeling, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a great option. Located just east of downtown Columbus, this conservatory features stunning gardens and seasonal displays.

The outdoor gardens at Franklin Park are beautifully maintained and a peaceful escape from the busy city. Stroll through the various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Community Garden Campus. Each area offers unique plants and landscapes to discover as well as activities for children.

During certain times of the year, the conservatory hosts special events and exhibitions both indoors and outdoors, such as the popular Blooms & Butterflies exhibit, where hundreds of butterflies are released each spring.

Outside Adventures: Ziplining and Ropes Courses

For those seeking a bit of thrill, Columbus offers some exciting adventure options like ziplining and canopy walks.

ZipZone Outdoor Adventures: ZipZone offers a variety of zipline tours and aerial courses. The treetop canopy tour takes you high above the forest floor, offering stunning views and an adrenaline-pumping experience. There are also adventure courses for different skill levels, making it a fun time for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.

Blacklick Woods Canopy Walks: Just a short drive from Columbus, Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk provides another excellent outdoor experience. The best part? This canopy walk is easily accessible by elevator for those who prefer to skip the stairs or may have mobility issues. There is also a nature center to learn more about the local wildlife and observe small animals and reptiles.

Relaxing Outdoor Activities

Not all outdoor fun needs to be high-energy. Columbus offers plenty of relaxing activities that allow you to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Local Farmers Markets

Exploring local farmers’ markets is a great way to experience the community and enjoy fresh, local produce. The North Market, located downtown, is a bustling market featuring a variety of vendors selling everything from seasonal fresh fruit and veggies to handmade jam and bread. It’s a wonderful place to stroll, sample local delicacies, and perhaps pick up a few unique souvenirs.

Top Picnic Spots

Columbus has many scenic spots perfect for a leisurely picnic. Some top choices include:

Goodale Park: Located in the Short North Arts District, Goodale Park is one of the oldest parks in Columbus. It features beautiful gardens, a picturesque pond, and plenty of shaded areas ideal for a relaxing picnic.

Schiller Park: Situated in the historic German Village neighborhood, Schiller Park offers a charming setting with its mature trees, well-maintained lawns, and lovely flower beds. It’s a peaceful spot to lay out a blanket and enjoy a sandwich.

Scioto Mile: This urban park along the Scioto River provides a vibrant atmosphere with its fountains, plazas, and scenic river views. There are plenty of benches and open spaces where you can sit down and enjoy a picnic while watching the boats go by.

Columbus, Ohio, is a city that truly caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for thrilling adventures, relaxing activities, or simply a beautiful place to make fun memories, Columbus has it all. So, if you’re staying at our B&B, take advantage of these wonderful outdoor opportunities and make your visit unforgettable.