# Prairie Oaks Metro Park Winter Wetland Wildlife Walks > Place to go for families in the Columbus area (OH). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open on its own schedule - Where: Prairie Oaks Metro Park, 2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026 - Ages: All ages (Wide gravel and paved trails around frozen glacial lakes for winter birding and brisk family hikes) - Price: Free public admission, parking, and dog-friendly lake trail access - Organizer: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks - Official page: https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/prairie-oaks/ - 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/prairie-oaks-metro-park-winter-wetland-wildlife-walks--listing-56f8ae89720920b726c6173f ## About Encompassing nearly 2,200 acres of restored prairies, grasslands, and crystalline post-glacial lakes along the Big Darby State and National Scenic River, Prairie Oaks Metro Park provides one of Central Ohio's most serene winter landscapes. In the winter months, the park transforms into a peaceful white wilderness where families can hike wide, gently rolling trails around Beaver Lake, Darby Bend Lakes, and Sycamore Plains. The open grasslands and snow-dusted wetlands offer prime viewing for winter wildlife, including short-eared owls, northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, white-tailed deer, and red foxes trotting across snowy meadows. Kids love skipping stones across iced-over shorelines and spotting beaver lodges on the lakes. The wide trails accommodate rugged all-terrain strollers and wagons, making it a refreshing destination for families seeking crisp winter air and unhurried nature exploration. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Flat, finely crushed limestone and paved paths provide easy navigation for rugged all-terrain strollers; level parking lots offer direct trail access. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Covered lakeside pavilions with windbreaks and picnic benches; heated public restrooms with running water located near the Darby Bend Lakes area. • Age Suitability: Enjoyable for all ages; open, wide trails give young children plenty of freedom to run, stomp snow, and explore safely. • Sensory Tips: Exceptionally peaceful, quiet winter atmosphere with wide open skies and the soft rustle of dry prairie grasses in the winter wind. ## Similar picks in Columbus - [Prairie Oaks Metro Park Beaver Lake Family Trail](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/prairie-oaks-metro-park-beaver-lake-family-trail--listing-515847c0af3752fb6a93f26e) — Sat, Nov 28 · 9:30 AM · Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Hilliard · All ages · Free · checked Nov 7. Covering nearly 2,200 acres across western Franklin and eastern Madison counties, Prairie Oaks Metro Park is celebrated for its sweeping grassland prairies and five sparkling… - [Glacier Ridge Metro Park Winter Paved Trail & Play Areas](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/glacier-ridge-metro-park-winter-paved-trail-and-play-areas--listing-7a9754b1e43fd24ddc7b38a1) — Open on its own schedule · Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Plain City · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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… - [Inniswood Metro Gardens Winter Evergreen Trail & Children's Garden](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/inniswood-metro-gardens-winter-evergreen-trail-and-children-s-garden--listing-ec36272465ddd8adef6e63ee) — Open on its own schedule · Inniswood Metro Gardens, Westerville · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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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. 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