4 Water Activities Around Columbus

Columbus, OH is one of the most exciting cities in the Midwest with tons of culture and attractions to explore! There's no need to worry about having to leave the youngsters behind when you set out to experience the best that the city has to offer: here are some fun kid-friendly activities to enjoy when you're in our wonderful area! 1. Play the Latest Video Games at Game Arena What kid doesn't love video games? Game Arena is a modern arcade that features all of the major consoles and high-end PC gaming setups. You'll be able to play the latest and most popular titles with the kids in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. This arcade regularly holds tournaments and other events throughout the year, so it's a great place to compete and socialize. more If you need to take a break and grab a bite, Game Arena hosts Takorea, a terrific Korean joint that serves up delicious Korean fried chicken, bulgogi nachos, and much more! 2. Learn About the History of Printed Cartoons at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum Named after the acclaimed Ohio cartoonist, this museum is located on Ohio State University's main campus and features the world's largest archive of comic book and printed cartoon art. The collection boasts well over 500,000 works, including comic strips, magazine cartoons, and graphic novels. In addition to American art, Billy Ireland is home to an extensive international collection and a section devoted to Japanese manga. 3. Take a Scenic Bike Ride Along the Camp Chase Trail The amazing scenery of the Camp Chase Trail provides the perfect excuse to strap the bikes to your Honda CR-V's versatile crossbars and head out for a ride! This section of the Ohio to Erie Trail is mostly flat and paved, making it easy for younger bike riders to negotiate. While traveling along the trail, you'll get great views of Big and Little Darby Creeks and the wooded areas just outside of the southwestern part of town. 4. Get Up Close with the Wildlife at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium The Columbus Zoo sprawls over 580 acres and is home to thousands of animals from over 800 species. Several regions of the world are represented here, such as the Congo Basin's rainforest and the Arctic Circle. When you take the kids to the Heart of Africa section of the zoo, they'll be able to feed giraffes by hand or ride a camel! The park even features a number of kid-friendly amusement park rides. Participating in any of these exciting activities is sure to make any child's day! In search of a new ride for getting the family from place to place? Stop by Performance Columbus today and check out our huge selection of vehicles that can help you make terrific memories with your friends and family! Image via pixabay.com

Are you planning a tour of Columbus, OH, and the surrounding area in the comfort of your Toyota Highlander? On your next drive through the region, you'll discover fantastic biking trails throughout the city where you can explore fantastic scenery, local attractions, and nearby parks with the whole family! Check out some of our favorite spots around our lovely city that are just waiting to be enjoyed: 1. Alum Creek Trail If you're looking for a scenic bike ride along the best river corridors in Columbus, you'll love the Alum Creek Trail. This fantastic cycling trail includes excellent views, including Three Creeks Park, Westerville, and the Ohio Dominican University area. It's a wonderful place to enjoy a few hours of hiking or cycling with the family and a popular spot for dog walking. You'll enjoy the giant trees, spectacular river scenery, and nearby attractions. more 2. Wilson Road Park Wilson Road Park is an exceptional place for cyclists, with lighted trails, restrooms, benches, and over 47 acres to explore on foot or by bike. You'll enjoy the wooded areas, an open shelter for picnics, and access to the Greenway Trail and the Camp Chase Trail. This local park offers connections to over 125 miles of regional paths, with further access to the Erie Trail, which follows the Ohio River to Lake Erie. This major trailhead offers picnic tables, a water fountain, bicycle racks, and a bike repair station for your convenience. It's the perfect spot for cyclists of all levels and all ages. 3. Three Creeks Metro Park This extensive park offers excellent facilities for sports, boating, fishing, and trails for hiking, cycling, and dog walking. It's an excellent place to visit for the day and explore the great outdoors during your next drive to Columbus. It's a fantastic pet-friendly place to spend the day, with well-maintained, easy-to-ride trails, scenic walking paths, and a beautiful lake in the center of the park for fishing and birdwatching. 4. Antrim Park Antrim Park is a great local place to enjoy an afternoon at one of the sports fields, trails, or courts. This park connects with an impressive cycling trail, which offers spectacular scenery and photography opportunities. Antrim Park has a pond and river, which is ideal for fishing, and it's a short drive from many of the city's local attractions, including access to the downtown trail, which is perfect for sightseeing. On your next family trip to Columbus, you'll discover exceptional dining, shopping, and plenty of outdoor choices to enjoy nature. If you feel like getting more active around town, there’s a plethora of beautiful park spaces with cycling trails to explore with the whole family, no matter your level of skill – you can even bring along your furry friends on some of the trails! Start making your plans to check them out! Image via pixabay.com

Columbus, OH is endowed with a diverse range of natural habits and an enviable municipal park system. The hiking trails on this list will take you through dense forests, swampy wetlands, grand gorges, and meandering rivers. 1. Alum Creek Trail Starting at Wolfe Parke and following the river all the way, this 17-mile out-and-back trail is ideal for those looking for a long walk in the countryside, without leaving the city! The main path keeps the same elevation throughout making this an easy walk. The cool bridges are a great place to pause and enjoy the smooth flow and tranquil sounds of the creek. Friendly deer are abundant along this beautiful trail. more 2. Olentangy Trail This heavily trafficked point-to-point trail takes you along the banks of the beautiful Olentangy River. With a distance of 13 miles, this is not for people looking for a short amble in the city. The trail is mostly paved and crosses two bridges where you get a lovely view of the dam. Curvy turns, downhill paths, and forested sections make this an entertaining and fun hike. 3. Gahanna Woods Loop Located within the Gahanna Woods nature preserve, this untamed 2-mile loop will make you feel like you're deep in the jungle! A mix of gravel and board walked paths take you through forests and along swampy wetlands teeming with frogs and bursting with wildflowers. The path can get rather muddy, so rugged footwear and bug spray is recommended. 4. Dripping Rock Loop Dripping Rock is a busy 2.5-mile ring in the Highbanks Metropolitan Park. The route features some nice hills and valleys, though the elevation changes aren't too crazy and this is a suitable walk for all skill levels. Many benches are strategically dotted around, allowing you to take a breather and enjoy the views of the lake and stream. 5. Hayden Run Falls This is a very short, but sweet boardwalk path in Griggs Nature Preserve. The walk through the stunning gorge ends at the waterfall and plunge pool. This is an excellent option for those who want to get out in nature, but are short on time. 6. Columbus Park of Roses Walk As the name of this trail suggests, there are lots of roses and gorgeous wildflowers here. Although not an arduous hike by any stretch of the imagination, this 2-mile loop is very popular amongst birdwatchers and photographers and is definitely a must-visit when in the area. 7. Sugarbush Trail Sugarbush is a lovely trail with a pleasant mix of mature forest and open prairies. It is well-maintained and well-marked making it a pleasure to follow. Wild turkeys and deer are frequently spotted here. 8. Antrim Lake Loop The long, flat gravel path which circles the lake is a very popular walking destination. There are multiple trails to explore which take you off the beaten path and into the woods. These are just a few of the possible spots to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature. Start making your weekend plans today! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License