Summers are HOT in Columbus and our kids all enjoy being outside at the parks. We at Columbus Mom have compiled a list of parks that won’t leave you frying in the sun. The parks on this list have shaded spots such as large trees, tent covers, and some with buildings nearby to pop in and cool off.

Playgrounds with Shade:

1. Schiller Park
   • 1069 Jaeger St.
     Columbus, OH 43206
   • This park is wonderful on a warm day! Located right next to Schiller Community Center, this park is a great option for a break from the direct sun. We love that it has loads of infant swings!
2. Miller Park
   • 1903 Upper Arlington Ave
     Upper Arlington, OH 43221
   • Situated right in the heart of Upper Arlington, the playground is located next to the Miller Park Library. There are 2 play structures and 2 infant swings. There are large trees in the area for shade and a creek in the woods for the bigger kids to explore.
3. Darree Fields Park
   • 6259 Cosgray Road Dublin, OH 43016
   • One of Dublin’s largest parks, it consists of baseball, soccer fields and multiple playgrounds. The Miracle League Playground was built for children with special needs so it can be enjoyed by all. One of the best parts is that the play structure is covered with a tent for ample shade!
   • 
4. Northam Park
   • 2070 Northam Rd, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
   • Located next to the Tremont Library the newly remodeled Northam Park is a great spot to hit. There is shade with large trees all around and even some tables to sit at, so pack a lunch or snacks. You can cool off in the library and hit bathrooms if you need a break from the sun. This park is also mulch free!
   • 
5. McCord Park
   • 333 E. Wilson Bridge Rd.
     Worthington, OH 43085
   • This park is adjacent to the Worthington Recreation Center, the play structure and surrounding area have mature trees for some good sun coverage.
6. Pingree Park
   • 374 Pingree Dr.
     Worthington, OH 43085
   • Perfect park for smaller kids! The play area is mulch free and surrounded by massive trees!
   • 
7. Kaltenbach Park
   • 5985 Cara Rd, Dublin, OH 43016
   • Located right behind the Ted Kaltenbach Community Center there are 2 playground sections with some beautiful trees around the perimeter of the area. There is also a sand volleyball court that the kids enjoy playing in (bring some sand toys and they will be entertained for hours).
   • 
8. Jeffery Mansion Park
   • 165 N Parkview Ave, Bexley, OH 43209
   • This is the perfect toddler park.  The park has a fence around the play area. There are large trees around the playground and walking paths that will lead you in woods to walk around the grounds.
9. Fryer Park
   • 3899 Orders Road, Grove City, OH 43123
   • There’s so much to do at this park. The playground is space-themed and is all accessible. Over the swings there is a tent for shaded, otherwise, the playground is open to the sun. During operating hours, you can walk over to the newly constructed splash pad area and cool off. Also enjoy fishing, Century Village, and a preserved wooded area for bird watching.
   • 
10. Coffman Park
    • 5200 Emerald Pkwy, Dublin, OH 43017
    • This is a fun spot to visit with two separate playground areas. One is almost completely shaded and is located close to the amphitheater. Kids will have fun exploring the different sections. The other playground is close to the basketball courts and is a nice spot too, but it isn’t shaded.
    • 
11. Sharon Woods Metro Park
    • 6911 Cleveland Avenue, Westerville, OH 43081
    • There are lots of sections in this Metro Park, but the shaded playground pictured below is close to the Natural Play Area.
    • 
12. Windsor Park–Dream Field Playground
    • 4414 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123
    • This inclusive playground space was recently built to give opportunities for children with all abilities to play. The playground has a baseball theme, several ramps, rubber surface, many swings and lots of space to play. Around the playground area are some shaded tents to stand under and a shelter with tables.
    • 
13. Oxford Park
    • 4280 Oxford Drive, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220
    • A small community park with one play structure that is covered by trees.
14. Tanger Outlets Playground
    • Address
    • This nature-themed playground has a fence around it to help keep the little ones contained. There are Adirondack chairs for adults to sit on. This playground is located close to Kirkland’s and Yankee Candle. (Thanks to our reader that submitted this recommendation!)
15. Blendon Woods Metro Park– Natural Play Area
    • 4265 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH (Westerville area)
    • The Natural Play Area was revamped last spring and it’s a fun and unique area to explore! Kids and adults will have a blast roaming through the wooded area and coming across various activities that encourage natural and imaginative play. Some highlights include a wooden teeter-totter, tetherball, a spider web cargo net and a ZIP LINE across a creek. You can also cool off by heading into the air-conditioned nature center.

We’d love to expand this list with shaded playgrounds in all areas across Columbus. Comment below if you know a good one we missed.