# Homestead Metro Park Heated Barn & Playgrounds > Place to go for families in the Columbus area (OH). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open on its own schedule - Where: Homestead Metro Park, 4675 Cosgray Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026 - Ages: All ages (Full-size vintage train caboose, covered bridge, modern winter playgrounds, and warm shelter barn) - Price: Free public admission, parking, and playground access - Organizer: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks - Official page: https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/homestead/ - 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/homestead-metro-park-heated-barn-and-playgrounds--listing-4abed7998c4a6f7ce354ad42 ## About Homestead Metro Park in Hilliard brings a delightful 44-acre slice of rural Ohio charm to the Columbus suburbs, making it a favorite year-round play park for families with young children. Even on cold winter days, the park's scenic historic replicas—including a picturesque covered bridge, a 1920s full-size train caboose, and replica timber barns—offer fantastic photo backdrops and imaginative playtime. The park boasts two expansive, modern playgrounds equipped with tire swings, climbing nets, and spiral slides that stay active all winter long. When little fingers and toes need warming up, families can head inside the park's heated shelter barn or walk the flat, paved 0.75-mile loop trail circling a tranquil 2.5-acre pond. The park also serves as a trailhead for the paved 6.1-mile Heritage Rail Trail, perfect for family winter strolls. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Exceptionally smooth, paved asphalt walkways connect all parking zones, playgrounds, train caboose, and restrooms with zero stairs. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated enclosed shelter building with picnic tables and benches; heated modern restrooms equipped with diaper changing facilities. • Age Suitability: Ideal for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary school kids who adore trains, playgrounds, and open grassy spaces. • Sensory Tips: Playful, friendly community park setting; playground features colorful tactile equipment; quiet pondside walking path provides a calm sensory wind-down. ## Similar picks in Columbus - [Prairie Oaks Metro Park Winter Wetland Wildlife Walks](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/prairie-oaks-metro-park-winter-wetland-wildlife-walks--listing-56f8ae89720920b726c6173f) — Open on its own schedule · Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Hilliard · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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