From neat nature center to natural play area, metro park pleases kids
The Highbanks Metro Park in Lewis Center has served me well during my more than 20 years of living in Columbus.
When I was single, I’d often jog around a circular wooded path at the 1,159-acre park, forested with oaks, hickories, aspens and ash trees.
Before getting married, my husband and I would partake in the park’s many free programs, such as evening hikes, where we’d call out to barred owls: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you, all?”
Mike and I recently returned to Highbanks on a pleasant November day with our two young children, Rosie and Max. The outing proved to me that the park is perfectly suited for all ages, but especially for youngsters.
We began our visit at the Nature Center, which features a bird observation window, well-stocked library and neat displays, such as a 30-foot replica of a giant prehistoric fish found in the area.
Rosie and Max enjoyed the interactive activities best, including reaching into drawers to discover stones, feathers and bones. They also discovered a wooden, cutout tree and a cabinet full of hand puppets to create their own stories.
We left the nature center in search of a playground, and we found several, some with only swings, and others with slides and climbing contraptions. We had great fun jumping into piles of leaves near a picnic area that was buzzing with people.
The park has miles and miles of trails for exploring. Some parts overlook the banks of the Olentangy River and have deep ravines cut by glaciers 10,000 years ago. There also are two Native American burial mounds to observe.
Other kid-friendly attractions include a sledding hill and a natural play area, where it’s OK to climb a tree or play in a stream. Families also can take part in free organized activities such as campfires and moonlit hikes.
Highbanks is located at 9466 U.S. 23 N. in Lewis Center. From I-270, take U.S. 23 north about three miles. The entrance is on the left.
Learn more about the 16 central Ohio Metro Parks at www.metroparks.net.
