# Glacier Ridge Metro Park Winter Paved Trail & Play Areas > Place to go for families in the Columbus area (OH). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open on its own schedule - Where: Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland-Croy Rd, Plain City, OH 43064 - Ages: All ages (Flat paved trails for winter strollers, 25-foot wetland observation tower, and interactive challenge play area) - Price: Free admission and parking; All trails, observation tower, and play areas free to the public - Organizer: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks - Official page: https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/glacier-ridge/ - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/glacier-ridge-metro-park-winter-paved-trail-and-play-areas--listing-7a9754b1e43fd24ddc7b38a1 ## About Named for the end moraine left behind by retreating glaciers over 12,000 years ago, Glacier Ridge Metro Park encompasses 1,037 acres of restored wetlands, open meadows, and woodlands in Northwest Columbus. In the winter season, the park offers crisp, wide-open horizons and brisk winter walking opportunities. The 5-mile paved multi-use trail is flat and well-maintained, making it ideal for families pushing jogging strollers or pulling sleds when snow blankets the ground. A major family highlight is the Ironweed Trail and its wooden wetland boardwalk, which leads to a 25-foot observation tower where children can climb up to scan the snowy marshland for wintering northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, and deer. Near the park entrance, an all-weather children's play area and 3-acre obstacle course provide active youngsters with climbing and balancing fun. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Paved multi-use paths are wide, smooth, and easily navigable; the wetland boardwalk is barrier-free, though the observation tower requires stair climbing. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Covered picnic shelters with windbreaks, heated park restrooms with running water and infant changing tables located near the main parking lot. • Age Suitability: Perfect for all ages, from infants bundled in strollers to energetic elementary and middle schoolers enjoying winter trails. • Sensory Tips: Crisp, breezy open meadow landscape with panoramic winter skies; spacious and quiet with minimal crowds on winter mornings. ## Similar picks in Columbus - [Sharon Woods Metro Park Autumn Lake Loop & Edward S. 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Nestled in Westerville, Inniswood Metro Gardens is a 123-acre botanical haven that takes on a serene, sculptural beauty during the winter season. The gardens feature an… - [Three Creeks Metro Park Confluence Trail Family Bike & Stroll](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/three-creeks-metro-park-confluence-trail-family-bike-and-stroll--listing-b2fbb8a021da70f4e9bab449) — Sun, Nov 29 · 9:30 AM · Three Creeks Metro Park, Groveport · All ages · Free · checked Nov 7. Named for the scenic confluence where Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick Creeks merge together, Three Creeks Metro Park spans 1,100 acres of tranquil river bottomland and wetlands… - [Winter Stories with Fairfield County Park District — Pickerington Library](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/winter-stories-with-fairfield-county-park-district-pickerington-librar--listing-46be7f1f135ea5929223a20b) — Wed, Dec 2 · 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM · Pickerington Public Library - Main Library · Ages 3–7 · Free · checked Oct 20. Naturalists from the Fairfield County Park District bring a winter nature story and a seasonal craft to Pickerington's main library. The 30-minute quarterly session introduces… ## More for families - [Things to do with kids in Columbus — November 2026](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/events/2026-11) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/columbus/events/2026-11.md) - [This weekend in Columbus](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/this-weekend) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/columbus/this-weekend.md) - [Things to do with kids in Columbus](https://grassyknees.com/columbus) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/columbus.md)