{"id":4995,"date":"2025-01-05T20:58:57","date_gmt":"2025-01-05T20:58:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/saynplaycolumbus.com\/?p=4995"},"modified":"2026-02-06T19:14:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T19:14:04","slug":"76-ways-to-play-this-winter-in-columbus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestsidedesign.org\/snp\/index.php\/2025\/01\/05\/76-ways-to-play-this-winter-in-columbus\/","title":{"rendered":"76 Ways to Play this Winter in Columbus"},"content":{"rendered":"

A few years ago we decided to change our mindset and really start to embrace winter. One of the main ways we do this is by creating a list with the anticipation of looking forward to the things that we generally only do during the winter months. This is an updated version of the list we pull from each year for inspiration. Check it out and let us know if you are up for the challenge of shifting your mindset towards winter this year.<\/p>\n

Opt Outside<\/em><\/h1>\n

Participate in the Columbus Metro Parks\u00a0Winter Hike Series<\/a>. <\/span><\/em>In January and February enjoy hot drinks and treats. Each month features different parks where you can take a walk and get your hike card stamped. Bundle up, choose your route, grab a friend and go for a hike this winter in your Metro Parks. Check out the website for all of the dates and times.<\/p>\n

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Search for Bison at Battelle Darby Creek.<\/a><\/strong><\/em>\u00a0The bison are in the winter field which makes them closer to the parking lot and nature center. <\/span><\/span>The bison are located in the Battelle Darby Creek\u00a0Metro Park near Galloway and completely free to the public. \u00a0Finding your way there can be a bit tricky, so be sure plug 1415 Darby Creek Dr into the GPS.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Take part in the Winter Letterbox Adventures<\/a> with Preservation Parks<\/span><\/em>. Sign up and print off a Letterbox Booklet and follow\u00a0the clues to guide you on a winter exploration of 5 different parks. Once you have discovered all five signs, you will be given a code to unlock the prize bin outside the Deer Haven Park Visitor Center or on the Gallant Farm farmhouse front porch. Prizes are limited and available until March 24 or while supplies last.<\/p>\n

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Try out Ice Skating at the Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink<\/a>.<\/span><\/em> The City of Dublin has installed a temporary ice rink at the Riverside Crossing Park this winter that\u00a0can be enjoyed in temperatures up to 60 degrees. The rink is open Friday through Sunday and admission is $12 a person.<\/p>\n

Hunt for Dublin Riverboxes<\/a><\/span><\/em>. These are artist-created vessels that are inspired by the hobbies of letterboxing and geocaching which combine map-reading or GPS skills and artistic pursuit with delightful \u2018treasure hunts\u2019 in beautiful, scenic places. Print off and bring along a Riverboxes Passport Booklet<\/a>, stamp it at each Riverbox, and turn it in to the Dublin Arts Council for a prize.<\/p>\n

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Check out the Dawes Arboretum<\/a><\/span><\/em>\u00a0via the eight miles of hiking trails or the four-mile Auto Tour. The Parkwoods Trail is a fun and easy loop that is stroller friendly, or climb to the top of the overlook tower to get an awesome view of the space. Be sure to keep an eye on the\u00a0Calendar of Events<\/a>\u00a0page for fun family friendly activities.<\/p>\n

Spend the day on the slopes.\u00a0<\/span><\/em>Whether you are a skier or prefer to stick to tubing, there are two ski resorts within an hours drive from Columbus. Check out Mad River Mountain<\/a>\u00a0or Snow Trails<\/a> for all the details.<\/p>\n

Visit the animals at Slate Run Living Historical Farm<\/a><\/span><\/em>. Slate Runs is part of the Metro Park system and provides the opportunity to experience first-hand what farm life would be like on an Ohio farm in the 1880s. An old farmhouse, barn, and gardens, are open for visitors to explore. Staff, dressed in traditional attire from the 1880s, are there to work the farm, answer questions, and help get visitors involved in farm life.<\/p>\n

Visit “The Troll That Hatched an Egg”<\/a> exhibit at The\u00a0Aullwood Audubon<\/a> in Dayton, Ohio.<\/span><\/em> The\u00a0Aullwood Audubon is now home to Bo, Bodil and Bibbi, and their troll-sized bird nest. These giant trolls by internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo have come to life at Aullwood Audubon and are ready for your visit. \u201cThe Troll That Hatched an Egg\u201d is one of only a few of \u00a0Dambo-created exhibitions in the United States and Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n

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Indoor Nature Centers<\/em><\/h1>\n

Visit a metro park or state park nature center.\u00a0<\/span><\/em>Each nature center offers hands-on, close-up experiences with the natural world. Days and hours of operation are different at each nature center, so be sure to click the link and check out the details before visiting.<\/p>\n