Grove City is uniquely situated close to the hustle and bustle of Columbus without sacrificing wide open green space. With two metro parks and numerous inner-city parks, the city is perfect for outdoor adventures.
Looking to get into backpacking? The REI River Trail at Scioto Grove Metro Park is the perfect place for your pilot backpacking trip this summer — nearby to Grove City and Columbus, but far enough away that you can truly test your equipment. The trail winds 1.8 miles along the Scioto River and through the metro park’s wooded areas to shield you from the summer sun.
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park offers 14 hiking trails of varying length and difficulty, including an ADA compliant trail that makes exploring the prairies and woods accessible for everyone. Make sure you take the trail past the resident bison herd and snap a photo of the majestic animals. Cool off in the Nature Center and give the kids an interactive lesson on the critters living in Big Darby Creek at the 53-foot living stream.
Before hiking the trails, get your first glimpse of the metro park via canoe or kayak by booking a trip with Trapper John's Canoe Livery. All the gear you’ll need to get down Big Darby Creek is included, and a variety of trip options let you decide how long to be on the water.
Fryer Park is a hub of activity in the summertime with eight softball diamonds, a 1-mile trail for biking or walking, a wooded birdwatching area, and an all-accessible, space-themed playground for youngsters of all abilities to let their imaginations take off. The park is also the home of Century Village, which hosts 19th century buildings to explore. Volunteers from the Southwest Franklin Co. Historical Society bring the village to life with activities like blacksmithing classes. Keep an eye out throughout the year for open houses and the annual Southwest Franklin County Historical Society Heritage Day Celebration, which usually takes place in June.
Skateboarders, bring your board and practice your tricks at the Grove City Skate Park. This 11,000-square-foot concrete skate park is great for anyone hoping to hone their skills, from novices to skilled skaters. Drop into bowls with sides from three to 18 feet high, or carve your way around rails, boxes, and ramps.
Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in America, has made its way to Grove City. Pick up a paddle and participate in a friendly game at one of the six outdoor pickleball courts at Windsor Park. Find your future teammates — or opponents! — through the ever-growing local Facebook group.
Your pups are welcome to join your altogether adventure too! Let your dog run free in the off-leash play area at Breck Community Park. Named for Grove City’s founder, the park has two fenced-in areas (one each for large and small dogs) for your furry friends to meet and greet.
Grove City offers countless opportunities to explore with your pup! Take your furry friend to one of the dog beaches at Battelle Darby Creek, where you both can splash around, play, and cool down from the heat. Your dog can also tag along for a night on the town in Grove City’s Historic Town Center. Local restaurants offer dog-friendly patios: Enjoy Mexican favorites at Local Cantina, craft beer at Hop Yard 62, or delicious pub grub at Grove City Brewing Company/Plum Run Winery.
Get your heart racing and unleash your competitive spirit with a game of paintball at LVL UP Sports. You’ll have epic playing fields to sprint, dodge, and weave through — including one with the largest paintball castle in the Midwest.
Altogether adventure means inclusive adventures for everyone. Buddy Ball is a baseball league where all abilities are welcome and encouraged. The games take place on the Mirolo Dream Field in Windsor Park, where the diamond is rubberized for ease of use for wheelchairs, walkers, and more.
When you start your visit, drop in to Grove City Guide + Gear first. Doubling as the visitor center, it’s your one-stop-shop for adventure gear like paddle bags and carabiners, plus locally crafted souvenirs. Not sure where to explore? The staff are area experts who love to share tips on places to visit. Guide + Gear also hosts delightful micro events throughout the year to engage the community, including Superhero Day on June 23 and a Back to School Party this August. To hear more about upcoming micro events, follow @visitgrovecity on Facebook and Instagram.
Summer is the season for festivals in Grove City. Mark your calendar for these headliners!
Pair Ohio-crafted wines with local artists at the Wine and Arts Festival to celebrate Ohio’s bounty June 16–17. Food, wine, local vendors, and live music make this event the perfect way to kick off summer in the Town Center.
Get the gang back together for the 40th Annual Grove City Alumni Softball Tournament, the last full weekend in July. As the world’s largest high school alumni softball tournament, the event packs six decades of Grove City High School graduates into one incredible tournament.
The Bourbon & Spirits Festival, formerly the Craft Distillers Festival, is perfect for anyone looking to sample liquors from a variety of distilleries all in one place. Visit Park Street on August 12 to meet distillers and sample their products.
Throughout the summer, the local shops of Grove City offer specials during the Food Truck Festival and Shop Hop events to encourage exploration of the Town Center. Save room for a meal; the aromas wafting from food trucks lining Broadway will get your stomach growling.
Select Friday evenings, bring your lawn chair to outdoor concerts at Town Center Park, all part of the Summer Sizzle Concert Series. Genres range everything from rock and roll to jazz to country music.
The GCACC Farmers’ Market returns to the Town Center every Saturday from May 13 to September 9. Shop for locally grown produce, hand crafted goods, and more all summer long.
Once the weather starts cooling off, mark your calendar for the third weekend in September for the 44th Annual Arts in the Alley Festival and Voice of Grove City. A parade kicks off two days of artists showcasing their wares, including photography, jewelry, multimedia artworks, and more.
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