Best Columbus Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

The indoor conservatories showcase rotating seasonal displays—particularly the February orchid exhibit—while outdoor gardens offer wandering paths perfect for a family outing. Expect beautifully maintained tropical plants, butterfly exhibits, and changing installations throughout the year that give you reasons to return across seasons, though visiting after 2pm helps you avoid school groups and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Short, easy trails wind through meticulously maintained gardens bursting with seasonal blooms—from spring crocuses and tulips to summer color—with small waterfalls, benches for resting, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Free admission and ADA-accessible paths make this a relaxed afternoon outing where young explorers can spot pollinator-friendly plantings and enjoy well-kept grounds without crowds.

Winding trails reveal a peaceful botanical escape where kids spot wildlife like ducklings gliding past, paddle boats launch from a small pond, and plenty of dining options line the boardwalk for a full afternoon out. The arboretum shines year-round, especially during the holiday season when twinkling lights transform the grounds into a festive destination.

Thousands of rose varieties bloom across distinct garden sections—from formal rose gardens to herb and perennial areas—creating a fragrant, colorful landscape perfect for leisurely family strolls. Walking trails wind through the gardens, with picnic spots, open fields, and playgrounds nearby, making it easy to spend a full afternoon among the flowers, snap photos, and let kids explore the grounds.

Seasonal — typically spring through fall

With 1,800 acres of beautifully maintained trails winding through themed gardens—including a serene Japanese Garden and a distinctive cypress swamp—The Dawes Arboretum offers families multiple ways to explore at their own pace, whether on foot or via the relaxing auto tour. Kids can climb the observation tower to spot the famous hedge letters from above, while knowledgeable staff and interactive exhibits in the visitor center turn a nature walk into a gentle learning adventure.

Multiple themed garden areas with labeled plantings invite leisurely exploration—plan 90 minutes to two hours to wander the walking paths, identify herbs and flowers at your own pace, and discover fountains, a pergola, and shaded spots throughout the grounds. Beyond the gardens themselves, a playground, creek-side trail, labyrinth, and picnic shelters make this intimate park perfect for families who want to combine a botanical stroll with active play and outdoor relaxation.

Winding paths lead past blooming gardens and herb beds punctuated with hands-on discoveries—animal track markers, a whispering bench, and musical instruments—that naturally capture young explorers' attention without feeling forced. The grounds offer genuine breathing room for families to wander at their own pace, with water features and open spaces that invite both active play and quieter moments.

Seasonal — typically spring through early fall

Living shrubs trimmed into the figures from a famous French painting create a whimsical outdoor gallery in downtown Columbus—a free, shaded spot where kids can spot topiary people, animals, and boats while you stroll around the pond and take in the creative landscape. Pack a picnic blanket and let everyone linger as long as they like, since there's no pressure and plenty of peaceful space to explore the botanical artistry at a family's own pace.

Climbing to the top of this tower rewards visitors with sweeping views across the arboretum's gardens and rolling Ohio countryside—a peaceful vantage point that makes a satisfying destination after exploring the grounds. Pack a map, wear comfortable shoes for the trails, and plan for a picnic to make a full afternoon of wandering the well-maintained grounds and spotting local wildlife.

Walking through the diverse gardens on the OSU campus, you'll find seasonal highlights in the trial garden where new plant varieties are displayed side by side, plus themed garden areas worth revisiting across different seasons. Guided tours led by Master Gardeners offer hands-on learning, and picnic tables make it easy to pack a lunch and linger in this compact but thoughtfully planted gem.

A serene pond anchors this compact arboretum, where a gentle walking trail loops through plantings of flowers, shrubs, and seasonal displays on both sides of Logan Avenue. Kids enjoy spotting wildlife around the water, and families can try catch-and-release fishing or simply stroll the quiet grounds—especially lovely in winter or after rain.

Shaded trails wind through completely wooded grounds with a gentle stream, offering 2–3 miles of easy, natural paths perfect for little legs and nature spotting—mushrooms after rain, deer sightings, and occasional tree markers add discovery to the walk. The unimproved trails invite families to explore at their own pace, though facilities are basic (a single portable restroom at the parking area).

Outdoor fitness stations and tree identification markers dot two walking routes through this neighborhood green space, offering a low-key way to combine a stroll with learning about local plantings—best enjoyed by families who like exploring under-the-radar spots rather than traditional manicured gardens.