There are tons of awesome sledding spots in and around Columbus to choose from. In fact, there are so many that you may have a hard time narrowing down which sledding location you want to try out. No need to worry though! I have compiled a list of 13 sledding spots that you will not want to miss.
1. Scioto Park
Location
7377 Riverside Dr, Powell, OH 43065
Scioto Park is 20 – 30 minutes northwest of Columbus in the town of Powell. The park itself is situated at the banks of the Scioto River (hence the park’s name).
Hours
The park is open daily from 8 am to 8:30 pm. The sledding hill is available for use from 7:30 am to dusk.
Cost
Free.
More Info
At the heart of Scioto Park, you will find an interesting sculpture that honors the native American Chief Letherlips. Just to the south of this iconic sculpture, you will find the amazing sledding hill that I am talking about.
This sledding hill is so good that it is officially recognized by the town of Powell and has its own designated hours.
This is hill is quite steep and offers a fast and thrilling ride to the bottom of the hill. One great feature that this park offers is a designated walkway that makes the hike back up the hill more bearable.
Additional Things to Know
This park does have a tendency to get crowded. This is especially true after a good snowstorm or on the weekends. Be sure to sled safely and watch out for fellow sledders and the trees at the bottom of the hill.
In addition to that, keep in mind that there are restrooms available for use. You and your family can sled in comfort know that these amenities are available.
2. Clinton-Como Park
Location
301 W Pacemont Rd, Columbus, OH 43202
This great sledding spot is located 15-minutes north of downtown Columbus in the Riverview neighborhood. The park is a short distance from Ohio State University and is situated on the Olentangy River.
Hours
Open daily from 7 am to 11 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
This park is a popular spot for those in the northern part of the city. For some, it is their favorite sledding spot! The hill in the park is perfect for little kids. It is just steep enough to allow them to get some speed and long enough to entertain them, while still being safe.
The hill is a lot milder than other hills in the area an, therefore, may not be the best option if you have kids that are older than 10 years old.
Additional Things to Know
The park itself is very nice and great for families to do other snow play activities such as building snowmen or starting a snowball fight. Its 19.5-acres provides ample space for your kids to run around and play.
Parking can be a bit of a pain. The parking lot is quite small and can fill up fast! This is especially true on a good snow day. I’d suggest arriving earlier in the morning or going later in the afternoon if you want to beat the crowds. If you live in the area, walking might be your best option.
3. Fryer Park
Location
3899 Orders Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
Fryer Park can be found in Grove City, which is about 14 miles (25 minutes) south of the Columbus. If you are coming from the city, you’ll go straight down I-71 and then you’ll get off on exit 97.
Hours
Park hours are from 7 am to 9 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
This 110-acre space-themed park features a sledding hill that is out of this world! This officially designated hill offers a smooth but steep ride till you stop at the bottom. You’ll want to sled this hill until you tire of walking back up.
Additional Things to Know
Good news! This park has ample parking and restrooms that are available for public use. Fryer Park is a great place to go if you want to get out of the city. It is in a remote location and is a breath of fresh air. This is one place you will not want to skip over this winter.
4. Antrim Park
Location
5800 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43085
Antrim Park is situated 15 – 20 minutes north of the downtown area. Highway 315 and the Olentangy River cut right through the park.
Hours
Open daily from 7 am to 11 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
This park is absolutely beautiful! Not only does the Olentangy River flow through it, but there is also a gorgeous lake (Antrim Lake) right in the middle.
Aside from the beauty of the park, you will also find a sledding hill that is ideal for the kiddos. The hill isn’t super large or dramatic. Rather, it offers a slower-paced and more relaxing ride.
Additional Things to Know
If sledding isn’t your thing, you can walk on the various trails that are located in the park. Antrim Park also offers multiple athletic fields, a playground, a shelter house, and much more. I highly suggest paying this park a visit, not just in the winter, but also in the warmer months.
Also, you will definitely want to take your camera!
5. Blacklick Woods Metro Park & Golf Course
Location
6975 East Livingston Avenue, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
This massive park is located east of Columbus in the town of Reynoldsburg. If you are coming from the city, it is around a 20-minute drive. The park is right of I-70 and Lancaster Ave.
Hours
Open daily from 6:30 am to 10 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Blacklick Park and Golf Course boast some great hills for sledding. There are some smaller hills within the park/trail area, however, the best hill is located in the golf course.
Once the snowflakes fall, this hill becomes a perfect place to get some speed. The slope moderately sized but provides a really fun sledding experience. This is one place that you will not want to skip over this winter.
Additional Things to Know
Another great thing about this sledding spot is that visitors can use the golf course’s restrooms if needed. In addition to that, there is plenty of parking that is close to where the sledding goes down.
6. Big Run Park
Location
4201 Clime Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
This sledding spot is 7-miles west of the city and can be found right off of Clime Rd, right by the St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church.
Hours
Open daily from 7 am to 11 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Big Run Park is a favorite amongst locals in this area. There is a good-sized hill at the far end of the park that is a “two-for-one” package deal. The hill is bumpy on the right-hand side. This can make for a more adventurous trip down. The left-hand side provides a smooth and quick ride on the sled. Both are very fun to sled down and the choice is up to you! Try both or stick to yours.
Additional Things to Know
Much like some of the other parks already mentioned, Big Run can get crowded and parking is limited. Keep this in mind when planning your sledding excursion.
7. Schiller Park
Location
1069 Jaeger St, Columbus, OH 43206
Schiller Park is located in the German Village section of the city. The park is basically in the hear of downtown and can be found in the cross-streets of Reinhard Ave, City Park Ave, E Deshler Ave, and Jeager St.
Hours
N/A
Cost
Free.
More Info
If you are looking for a park that is super close to downtown Columbus, Schiller Park is the place to go. People have been sledding in this park for years! Schiller is the second oldest park in the city and was established in 1857.
Once the snow falls, this park becomes a sledder’s paradise. There is a decent slope behind the playground that is the most popular place to sled. This hill boasts a short but steep ride to the bottom.
Additional Things to Know
If sledding at Schiller Park is on your list (which it should be), you will find plenty of parking. In addition to sledding, Schiller offers many other facilities and features such as a basketball court, gazebos, a playground, a pond, a recreation center, various walking trails, and much more.
8. Whetstone Park of Roses
Location
3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
This sledding area is located 13 minutes north of the downtown area in the Whetstone section of the city. The park is on the banks of the Olentangy River and is just a little bit north of the Ohio State University.
Hours
Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
During the spring and summer, this park is known for its magnificent display of roses, however, during the winter it is known for its sledding hills. Whetstone Park is one sledding spot that is at the top of most Columbus natives’ list and attracts many people every winter.
The park is situated on a great slope and therefore has some amazing sledding opportunities. There are two designated sledding hills that are larger and steeper than some of the other ones you will find in the park. These two hills are loads of fun and are sure to entertain you and your family for hours on end. It can be exhilarating.
Additional Things to Know
This park has it all! There are even restrooms that are located at the front of the park. Also, as was mentioned earlier, Whetstone Park is gorgeous during the spring and summer. The whole park is lit up in a vivid array of colors when the roses are in bloom. I highly recommend visiting this park during any season!
9. Battelle Darby Metro Park
Location
1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
Battelle Darby Metro Park is a little way out of the city. You will find the park in the city of Galloway, which is 25-minutes east of Columbus.
Hours
Open daily from 6:30 am to 8 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Battelle Darby is not for the faint of heart! This massive park (7,103 acres) is home to one of the steepest hills on this list. I am not joking when I say that this hill is a little insane! Sledders can clock in some high speeds as they bomb down this slope. I will say that this is the best hill for the adventurous and brave sledders.
Additional Things to Know
If you are looking for the steep hill that I have just described, you will find it near the canoe access point. Be advised, this hill is not suitable for the little ones.
10. Olentangy River Parklands
Location
600 W Wilson Bridge Rd, Worthington, OH 43085
This fun-filled sledding spot is located 15-minutes north of downtown Columbus in the suburb of Worthington. The park is just a couple miles north of Antrim Park.
Hours
N/A
Cost
Free.
More Info
This park is a somewhat of a hidden gem amongst sledding spots. It is tucked away at the banks of the Olentangy River and has a variety of hills to choose from.
Olentangy River Park is perfect for sledders of all ages and is a great destination for families who want to sled together. The main hill is decently steep and offers a long/enjoyable ride to the bottom. There are gentler hills for the younger sledders which are located near the tennis courts. This is sledding spot is a must-visit for everyone!
Additional Things to Know
This park also has tons of trails that provide great opportunities for sightseeing. There are also opportunities to use various fields for other activities as well. When there is no snow, the skate park is worth checking out and there are also places to go kayaking and canoeing.
11. Blendon Woods Metro Park
Location
4265 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH
Blendon Woods Metro Park is located in the northeastern part of the Columbus metro area. It is roughly 15 miles from downtown and can be easily accessed from I-270.
Hours
Open from 6:30 am to 10 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
If you are looking for a place to clear your head and get a breath of fresh air, Blendon Woods Metro Park is the place for you. Not only is this hill located on some beautifully wooded property, but it also offers some great sledding opportunities for your kids. The actual sledding hill is not too big but is large enough that your kids will enjoy it.
In addition to the “kiddie” sledding hill, Blendon Woods also provides an opportunity for you and your family to go ice skating on a one-foot-deep pond that is located in the park. What is there not to like about this park?
Additional Things to Know
If your little one’s fingers and toes get cold, they can warm them up in the heated bathrooms. Blendon Woods is also a great place to go wildlife watching. It is home to a lot of different bird species.
12. Snow Trails (Tubing)
Location
3100 Possum Run Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903
Snow Trails Resort is located in the Mansfield which is an hour north of Columbus. To get there, you simply drive north on I-71 and take exit 169.
Hours
Hours are determined at the start of the winter season. Check their website for more information concerning hours.
Cost
For a 2-hour tubing session, adults pay $25 and kids $5 & under are $15.
More Info
If you are keen on getting out of town and are looking for an authentic tubing experience, Snow Trails is the place to be!
The tubing hill is open from December until March and offers 7 lanes of tubing fun that is sure to have the whole family grinning from ear to ear. Your adrenaline will be pumping as you slide down the 1,100-foot slope to the bottom of the hill.
The first 500 feet of the ride features a 100-foot verticle drop. The remaining 600 feet slowly mellows out. The best part about tubing at Snow Trails is the fact that you don’t have to worry about walking back up the hill once you are done. There is a magic carpet list that’ll cart you back up to the top.
Additional Things to Know
The tubing park is great for riders of all age and there are no age or height restrictions. In addition to tubing, Snow Trails also offers areas for skiing and snowboarding. You never have to worry about them not having enough snow due to the fact that they make a lot of their own snow.
13. Avalanche Tubing Park
Location
2026, 4398 Snow Valley Rd, Zanesfield, OH 43360
This tubing park is a 50-minute drive northwest of Columbus and is located in the town of Zanesfield. The tubing park is located on the same property as Mad River Mountain (they are essentially one and the same).
Hours
Monday-Wednesday the tubing park is closed. On Thursday, it is open from 5 pm to 9:30 pm; Friday 5 pm to 11 pm; Saturday 9 am to 11 pm: and Sunday from 9 am to 9:30 pm.
Cost
Tickets are sold for $25. Each tubing session is 3 hours long.
More Info
This is another great place to take your family tubing. The Avalanche Tubing Park offers 10 groomed lanes that are 1,000 feet in length. In addition to that, there is also a magic carpet conveyor lift that shoots you to the top of the slopes so that you can pack in as many rides as possible.
Visit Our Winter Sledding Gear Page Before Your Full Day of Sledding!
Additional Things to Know
Once you are done sledding you can warm up by the outdoor fire pit or inside the lodge. The tubing park also offers a snack bar. This may not be the cheapest option, but it is definitely an experience you do not want o miss out on.
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