LIZ CHRISTIAN
Social Media and Marketing Specialist
As the temperatures dip and the air gets crisp, it’s easy to feel like staying inside with a warm cup of cocoa is the only option. But what if we told you that winter in the parks is nothing short of magical? From winter wildlife watching, to flying down the sled hills, there’s a whole different side of nature to explore and enjoy during the colder months. Throw on your coziest sweater, grab some gloves (and maybe your cross-country skis) and let’s dive into winter fun!
Sledding
No winter is complete without a good old-fashioned race down a hill covered in snow. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, the thrill of zooming down the hill is something everyone has a chance to enjoy at Metro Parks. All the sledding hills are BYOS (Bring Your Own Sled) and are monitored by park staff for safety and to make sure everyone has a great time.
Enjoy the thrill of beating your friends to the bottom of the sled hills at Quarry Trails, Battelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods Metro Golf Course, Highbanks, Scioto Audubon, Scioto Grove, Sharon Woods, and Walnut Woods. Check our social media to see if the sled hills are open, or call the number listed for the specific park on our website before heading out.
Winter Wildlife Watching
Did you know that winter is one of the best times to see wildlife? Birds are busy flitting through the trees, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a deer or two making their way through the chilly landscape. The lack of leaves on the trees makes it easier to see farther, so grab your binoculars and camera, and head to your nearest Metro Park for some winter wildlife watching. With a little patience, you may find woodpeckers, cardinals, or even the occasional owl!
Don’t want to sit out in the cold? The Nature Centers at Battelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods, Blendon Woods, and Highbanks are excellent places to sit inside while keeping an eye out for wildlife.
Ice Skating
Glide into winter fun at one of the two ice skating ponds at Metro Parks! Whether you’re moving smoothly across the ice or wobbling a bit (no judgement), ice skating at Metro Parks is always a blast. This activity is only available at Blendon Woods and Battelle Darby Creek, and can only happen if it’s cold enough for the water to freeze. We make sure there are at least 4 inches of solid ice across the entire area of the pond before opening the skating ponds to the public. Bring your own skates. Check our social media to see if the skating ponds are open, or call 614-370-6254 for the skating pond at Battelle Darby Creek, and 614-620-1861 for the skating pond at Blendon Woods.
Winter Hiking
The air is crisp, the trails are quieter, and there’s a certain calm that comes with the sound of crunching snow beneath your boots. If you’re looking for a peaceful stroll through nature, a winter hike in Metro Parks is the perfect way to reconnect with the great outdoors. Plus, you can join in on our Winter Hikes Series to earn a patch for completing seven hikes in seven parks!
Cross-Country Skiing
Ready to add a little chill to your workout? Metro Parks has cross-country skiing trails where you can glide through winter’s serene landscape. Whether you’re an experienced skier or a newbie, it’s an exhilarating way to get some fresh air and explore the beauty of the parks during the colder months. Cross-country skiers are welcome to use any Metro Parks trail when snow conditions permit skiing, but five parks have dedicated trails that are reserved solely for cross-country skiing when we have snow. Please bring your own skis. The five parks are Battelle Darby Creek (Dyer Mill Ski Trail), Blendon Woods (Sugarbush Trail), Glacier Ridge (Savannah Trail), Highbanks (Coyote Run and Scenic River Trails) and Prairie Oaks (Bridle and Coneflower Trails).
Snowshoeing, Arts and Crafts, Campfires, and More!
Of course, just like any other time of year, Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure and each individual park offers tons of fun winter programs! Try snowshoeing with Outdoor Adventure, join the naturalists for a hike, make s’mores over a campfire, and more. There are multiple ways to find all the FREE and fun programs we offer at Metro Parks. Follow your favorite parks on Facebook to find the latest on programs, visit the events page on our website, or narrow down your search by park and activity by using our Program Search site.
Winter Tips and Tricks:
- Dress in layers: Winter temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day, so it’s best to wear at least a couple of layers! Check out our blog Layering for Winter for more insight on how to layer your clothes in the colder months.
- Keep your pets safe and comfortable: If you’re bringing your dog along for the adventure, be mindful of the cold. Short-haired breeds and older dogs are especially vulnerable to the cold. Bring booties to protect their paws from salt and ice, and make sure they’re warm and dry after outdoor activities. All pets are required to stay on a leash at Metro Parks unless otherwise specified. Find pet-friendly trails and activities on our website.
- Bring snacks and water: Even though it’s cold, staying hydrated is important. It’s easy to forget to drink water in the winter, but you’ll need it for energy on longer hikes or during high-energy activities like sledding and skiing.
Whether you’re out exploring nature on a hike, zooming down a sledding hill, or cozying up by a fire, the parks offer something for everyone. So, bundle up, embrace the chill, and get outside to enjoy all the winter magic these beautiful parks have to offer.