The A Grade Ahead headquarters in Central Ohio is surrounded by endless opportunities for educational field trips that go beyond math or English. In this article we will focus on our metro parks. With over 20 parks to explore, nature lovers in the Central Ohio area will never get bored. Head to Highbanks to hike along endless trails and visit the archeological Adena Mounds. Spend an afternoon strolling through the beautiful gardens at Inniswood. Stop by Blendon Woods to witness waterfowl, wild turkeys, and songbirds in their natural environments. If you’re into history, you’ll love Slate Run’s Living Historical Farm. Join us as we explore the trails, gardens, and natural play areas of Central Ohio.
Highbanks
As described on its website, the name Highbanks comes from, “its massive 100-foot-high shale bluff towering over the Olentangy State Scenic River.” The park is full of beautiful trails that wind around deeps ravines exposing layers of shale. Guests can visit the nature center to observe local wildlife and to learn about the area’s Adena cultural history. If you are interested in archeology, you will appreciate visiting the ancient Adena burial mounds located within the park. Would you like to get your kids interested in archeology? Check out this article by A Grade Ahead teacher Susanna Robbins who explains how to create an archeological dig site in your own backyard.
Inniswood
If you enjoy peaceful walks through beautiful gardens, Inniswood is the place for you. The 123-acre park is a breathtaking blend of natural and landscaped beauty. With 10 curated gardens and 6 walking trails, visitors have a lot to explore. Families with children will love the Sisters’ Garden Loop that features interactive activities including mazes and a woodland treehouse. Thanks to its serene beauty, Inniswood is a popular destination for professional and amateur photography. Check out the Inniswood Garden Society website for a description of all the gardens and trails.
Blendon Woods
Do you like observing wildlife in its natural environment? Blendon Woods allows visitors to do just that. The park features a 118-acre waterfowl refuge with an 11-acre lake that is home to birds, ducks, and other animals. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit two observation shelters to view waterfowl in their natural habitat. For hikers, the park has 7 different trails passing through woods, creeks, ravines, and meadows. Adventurous kiddos will love the 10-acre natural play area where they can explore nature in the wooded hillside ravine. The play area also features a zip line, teeter-totter, basket swing, cargo climbing net, tether-ball, and more! Interested in blending science and wildlife? See if A Grade Ahead is offering their “Eco-Explorers” enrichment camp in your area!
Slate Run
Are you into history? Consider a trip to Slate Run Living Historical Farm in Canal Winchester. You will step back in time to experience life on an 1880s farm. Walk through the farmhouse to see what a living room, a parlor, and a kitchen were like 140 years ago. Head outside to visit the farm animals including horses, pigs, turkeys, geese, and more. Pump water from the well to feel the difference between then and now. Throughout the property you will notice the staff and volunteers wearing period costumes as they complete daily chores. Slate Run offers guests the opportunity to truly appreciate the hard work and hands-on beauty of the past.
From archeology and history, to botany and zoology, Central Ohio Metro Parks have it all. At A Grade Ahead, we love all these enriching field trip opportunities. Have you visited a metro park recently? Which is your favorite park? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!
Author: Amanda Hutson, Curriculum Assistant at A Grade Ahead
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