Scioto Audubon Metro Park Winter Birding & Indoor Nature Center

About this adventure

Situated on the Scioto River just south of downtown Columbus, Scioto Audubon Metro Park is a 120-acre reclaimed urban oasis that becomes a prime winter wildlife hub when snow dusts the riverbanks. Families can bundle up and walk flat, paved multi-use trails along the Scioto Greenway, watching for wintering bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and waterfowl resting along the river corridor. The crown jewel of the park is the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, a heated green building with floor-to-ceiling glass viewing galleries equipped with mounted spotting scopes and binoculars for kids to scan outdoor bird feeders. Inside, children enjoy puppet theaters, nature picture books, and live animal exhibits featuring native box turtles and corn snakes. Outdoor adventurers will also appreciate the park's 35-foot climbing wall, which remains open for bundled boulderers on dry winter days. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Exceptionally wide, flat asphalt multi-use paths throughout the riverfront and boardwalk loops; step-free automatic entrance doors to the nature center. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Quiet library reading nooks and rocking chairs inside the nature center overlooking the scenic wetland ponds; modern ADA-compliant family restrooms with changing stations. • Age Suitability: Welcoming all ages from stroller-bound toddlers to curious school-age bird watchers. • Sensory Tips: Peaceful nature sanctuary with gentle background river sounds; indoor bird blind offers a tranquil, hushed space with sweeping daylight views.