Columbus winters can be cold, grey, and a little long. Thankfully there’s one age-old Midwest cure for that: sledding. From family-friendly slopes to steep runs that’ll have you laughing and screaming at the same time, Central Ohio delivers some of the best winter fun you can find this side of a snow cone.
Whether you’re packing the kiddos or rallying your friends for a throwback snow day, here are the best sledding hills near Columbus you need on your radar this winter.
❄️ Metro Parks That Bring the Snow Fun
Highbanks Metro Park
9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Highbanks is a classic sledding destination for good reason. With both gentle and serious slopes, it’s perfect for families and thrill seekers alike. The large hill can get pretty fast once snow packs in (hay bales help mark trees and obstacles), and the bunny hill gives little sledders a safe place to play.
Scioto Grove Metro Park
5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123
Wide open spaces and easy-to-access sledding near picnic and trail areas make this a solid family favorite. The hill here isn’t super intimidating, but it’s long enough to make the trip worth it.
Quarry Trails Metro Park
2600 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Urban sledding with a twist. Quarry Trails is a newer Metro Park with a hill right off the main park that delivers a steep, speedy run. The vibe here is a little more rugged than some other parks, but that just adds to the fun.
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
If you’re chasing speed and adrenaline, Darby Creek’s sledding hill is great. 8
Blendon Woods Metro Park
4265 E Dublin-Granville Rd, Columbus, OH
Super family-friendly sledding plus restrooms and parking make Blendon Woods a go-to for parents with young kids. The hill is gentle and fun, perfect for little sledders taking their first snowy ride.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH
Right near downtown, Scioto Audubon has a sledding hill that families and casual sledders love. It’s also got plenty of trails and amenities, so you can make a whole winter day of it.
🛷 Community Parks With Great Winter Runs
These spots aren’t huge, but they’re perfect when you want easy access and fun sledding without a long drive.
Scioto Park (Dublin)
7377 Riverside Dr, Dublin, OH 43017
A local favorite with hills steep enough to feel exciting but not overwhelming.
Coffman Park (Dublin)
5200 Emerald Pkwy, Dublin, OH 43017
Perfect for families and younger sledders looking for gentle slopes and wide spaces.
Antrim Park
5800 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH
A great sledding hill tucked into a classic Columbus park. Not huge, but long and fun for most ages.
Clinton-Como Park (Clintonville)
301 W Pacemont Rd, Columbus, OH
A long, smooth slope that’s fun for kids and teens alike (parking can fill up fast).
Whetstone Park of Roses
3923 N High St, Columbus, OH
A sledding staple for locals with two designated sledding hills inside the park (plus restrooms).
Big Run Park
4201 Clime Rd, Columbus, OH
A fun little hill with both smooth and bumpier sections if you want to spark some sense of adventure.
Blacklick Woods (Reynoldsburg)
6975 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH
Golf course terrain doubles as a sledding hill when it snows, and it’s a fun mid-ground option between gentle and fast.
Walnut Woods Metro Park (Groveport)
6716 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport, OH
A gentle hill that’s ideal for littles, plus other trails and woods to explore post-sledding (the Tall Pines area is nearby and absolutely magical after a snowfall).
Even More Spots to Explore
Here are some additional sledding-friendly places locals swear by (especially after a good snowfall):
- Olentangy River Parklands (Worthington) – Variety of hills for all ages.
- Sharon Woods Metro Park (Westerville) – Classic Metro Park sledding hill near picnic facilities.
- Huntley Bowl Park (Worthington) – Known for good runs close to home.
- Sycamore Creek Park (Pickerington) – Neighborhood slope with easy access.
- Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park (Hilliard) – Small but solid (and popular) sledding option.
Sledding Tips for Central Ohio Winters 🧤
- Check conditions before you go. Some hills are unofficial and can be closed or unsafe if there’s ice or heavy wind.
- Bring layers. Columbus temps can feel way colder when you’re waiting in the sled line, especially when the wind is whipping.
- Helmet up for steeper hills. Some Metro Park slopes get seriously fast (looking at you, Quarry Trails).
- Arrive early on snow days. The most popular hills fill up quick.
- Start small and work your way up. This applies to both kids AND adults… we’re not as young and spry as we used to be!
Get Out There and Slide 🛷
Columbus and Central Ohio have tons of sledding spots ranging from mellow to wild. Whether you’re introducing your kids to snow fun for the first time or just reliving your favorite winter memories, there’s a hill with your name on it.
Just remember… the snow won’t sit forever. Once it sticks, grab a sled and step outside!
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