The weather may not feel like it just yet, but fall is around the corner. My favorite season! The humidity is gone; the temperatures are down; the leaves are changing color; there is some semblance of a schedule now that kids are back to school; life is good! Life is even better outside!
Below are my top six places to get outside in Delaware County. Although it doesn’t seem to be a factor that was considered when ranking the health of Ohio counties, I believe that our awesome outdoor spaces have something to do with Delaware’s #1 spot.
Shale Hollow Preserve
Hands down my favorite place. It’s a hidden gem in the middle of suburbia. I thought about not even adding it to this list because, selfishly, I kind of love that not many people know about it yet.
- What I love: Natural play areas. Shade. The best creeking around. The best rock skipping around.
- Know before you go: You really have to be looking for it, especially if you are driving north on 23.
- Bathrooms: Yes.
- Combo Trip: Olentangy Mini Golf or Dairy Queen both within two minutes of the park.
Stratford Ecological Center
Their website says it best: fostering an appreciation for the land. There are animals, gardens, greenhouses, barns, trails, a pond, and tons of room to explore!
- What I Love: It’s a working farm! Wonderful volunteers! Kids are encouraged to get dirty and to ask questions.
- Bathrooms: Yes.
- Know Before You Go: Visiting is free, but donations are encouraged. Play clothes and shoes are a must.
- Combo trip: Asahi Sushi and Hibachi – so yummy and so many options for both the kids and adults!
Alum Creek Below Dam Playground
- What I Love: Two playgrounds, shade in shelter houses, pretty views of the reservoir, a workout on the steps up to the dam, often model planes are flying about, thanks to nearby Dinneen Field.
- Bathrooms: Yes.
- Know Before You Go: The playgrounds can be very wet and muddy after a good rain. Still fun to play, but bring rain boots for you and the kids!
- Combo Trip: Climb the stairs around sunset. Stunning! Or, dinner at the newly opened 101 Beer Kitchen for adult drinks and a great menu for the whole family.
Alum Creek State Park
So many adventures to be found with over 4,000 acres of land and over 3,000 acres of water to explore.
- What I Love: Never the same adventure twice. It feels like a vacation when you are near the water. A beach! Tons of trails. Docks to watch boats, birds, and fish.
- Bathrooms: Yes, at the marina. Or behind that tree 😉
- Combo Trip: Rocky’s Italian Ice at the Marina.
Veteran’s Park
A park that opened in summer 2016, this “Spray and Play” area is huge, and well planned.
- What I Love: Safe for a wide variety of ages. Easy to see the whole area. Unusual playground equipment.
- Know Before You Go: Not a lot of shade. The splash pad is really close, so be ready for a battle if you don’t intend on letting the kids get wet.
- Bathrooms: Yes, super close, and very clean!
- Combo Trip: Dinosaur themed splash pad, Delaware YMCA, snack bar (be sure to check the hours), and a picnic shelter all on the same property. Make an afternoon of it!
Downtown Delaware
- What I Love: Quaint, trendy, friendly. Great restaurants, local shops, and entertainment. Walk everywhere. Great window shopping!
- Bathrooms: Yes, for paying customers in establishments.
- Combo Trip: No need to leave downtown. You can paint pottery at Bare Bowl, eat dinner at Son of Thurman, have frozen custard at Whit’s or find a new favorite book for the kids at Fundamentals.