Bicentennial Park, located on Civic Center Drive (or 2nd Street) between E. Rich and W. Main Street, is part of the new Scioto Mile and a beautiful water playground for the kiddies. Columbus is doing a great job making its downtown a place where people want to go, not just work. From Columbus Commons, Pearl Alley Market, awesome theatrical productions a the Ohio Theater and the Palace, the Santa Maria, COSI, to tours for all ages through the State House – downtown has tons of choices for day outings; and, the Scioto Mile definitely should not be missed.
Our day started with gathering our gear and slathering up in sunscreen. Splash parks are generally in the full sun
, and I can’t stress enough how much sun little ones can get in just 45 minutes. So apply and re-apply! I made us a lunch, took a change of dry clothes for each kid, a swim diaper for the boy, water bottles with tons of ice, and a towel. We parked at a meter in front of the park, and smiles lit up our faces when we saw the place. By far, this was the best splash park in the city. There was a long stretch of fountains, three huge metal sculptures that sprayed waters in various ways. There were plenty of places to sit or throw down a blanket/towel – on the lawn or near the fountains on the concrete. The concrete area is in full sun, though – bring a hat!
My kids had so much fun playing in the fountains, and then one of the huge metal sculptures went off. It was similar to a geyser. So cool! After 
the water shot out the fog rolled in. It was pretty thick and all the kids immediately ran into it. The Parks and Rec guy working as “lifeguard” that day said kids have gotten lost in the fog, and they were working on keeping it from getting too thick. We could have spent the whole day there. It was almost like being at the pool…well, without the bobbing or diving.
There are public bathrooms available and I’ve heard rumors that there will be foodie carts making an appearance. Also, on select Wednesdays this summer Sunny 95 is hosting FountainSide, which includes an array of kids activities for free!
Bicentennial Park on the Scioto Mile
233 Civic Center Drive
Columbus, OH 43215
www.sciotomile.com
Park hours are 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
A few tips:
- Most of the meters around the park have a 3 hour time limit. Don’t forget change, or cash if you decide to park in a lot.
- Bring lots of ice water and snacks. Playing in the water made my kids hungry and thirsty.
- Don’t forget general water stuff: towels, sunscreen, etc.
- We went around 10 a.m. and left around noon. It was much more crowded when we left, but still lots of water space for kids to play.
- I am not kidding about full sun. If you have a baby with you, snag a place on the lawn where it is shaded.
- Smoking is a personal choice, and I am not against it, but I am against people smoking where children are playing. It is not considerate or helping to promote healthy choices for our youth.
I would recommend goggles as well!
Thanks for emphasizing the sun – it is hot down there!
I also was a little overwhelmed with the noise, but I guess you have to expect that from fountains.
I think it is only a matter of time before they ban smoking at this park and others. When we went there were people smoking some illegal substances in broad daylight. Other concerns- no police presence, religious zealots with signs walking through the park getting into arguments with people. I also noticed the restaurant has placed flower pots and caution tape everywhere to keep the riff-raff from getting in to eat their 11.00 burgers. Some basic public use regulations would help make it a better experience.
Thanks for the 411! Headed down to see the Turtle Lady today. It’s the last of our bucket list items for the summer!