Grange Insurance Audubon Center

This is a great center located within the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. There are great views of the green space, the river, the signature water tower in the park, and the Columbus city skyline. The center itself is a nice space filled with plenty of natural light, fireplaces on both the interior and exterior, and a lot of great amenities. There's a very nice library space with plenty of materials for adults and kids, including, of course, some great birding resources, and comfy seating. Several turtles are on display, including a snapping turtle and a box turtle, and there are two more on the way shortly - a painted turtle and a spotted turtle, whose aquariums were set up. This room also has some interesting displays about invasive species, craft activities (at the time of our most recent visit, these were penguin bookmarks and suncatcher snowflakes), and other fun touches.A really nice playroom is also offered, with places for kids to climb, crawl, hide out in tunnels, and more. Rotating art exhibits make an appearance in the hallways. A current one at the time of our most recent visit, called Artificial Modernity by Taylor Moon Castagnari, provided some interesting looks at birds and how environmental impacts affect them through digital illustrations. The staff at the front desk are friendly and helpful and can get you set up with information or checking out materials, like binoculars or kids explorer packs. They also offer a lot of programs and events, including story times, bird watching, and more.

Wow! This place is LEED certified, which means it's a green building! Good job, Columbus!Tons of natural light in a lot of the spaces indoors, bathrooms are water efficient, and I'll bet they used certain materials to build this space. Lots of gray colors, some red, and a lot of wood.I came for a forum that hosted a bunch of health/healthcare leaders in Ohio and it was amazing just driving up here.So much green space and you've got a nice view of some of the skyline. Parking lot isn't huge but there's about 150 ish spots.A lady told me it's a great place to do some bird watching. I'm sold.I'll come back and perhaps bike around and take in the scenery next time! It's a calming place super close to downtown.

Trick or Tweet eventA fantastic, fun event for the little ones. The 2 hours went by so fast, it was a blast!There was an activity sheet that needed stamps from various stations and once completed you turned it in for a goodie bag.There was a costume parade where we marched around the nature center.Story time and singing by a man dressed up in a gorilla costume.Snack time with juice, cheese, chips, grapes, cookies.There was a craft station where the kids could ale a hand ghost.This was a wonderful event and we had so much fun.Thanks!!

We stopped in for the trick or tweet event today. Apparently there are quarterly events that go on so we will have to check out some more. The snack table was well stocked with fun snacks for the kids, including items my toddler can eat. The space is really nice. We got to participate in story time while we were there, and it was a fun time. The crafts and games were over my toddler's head, but the staff were very friendly and helpful!

In the heart of C-bus along the bend of the middle scioto river lies an enclave for rare migratory birds.If you didn't know well now you know......because there is an awesome 11,000 square foot green building with exhibits and regularly scheduled outings out into this urban habitat with naturalists that will help you explore the extraordinary ordinary organisms of this southside gem.There is something for everyone, storytime for kids, star gazing and date nights for couples, bird banding and birdwatching for ornithological activists, and even the midwest's largest climbing wall located a few feet from the center.Also check out the changing art exhibitions. Right now you can see dramatic bronze cast sculptures of four extinct birds, from the "Lost" collection of Cornell University.This place is a new Columbus institution and I'm not just saying that because I work here...."scout's honor."

The Audubon Center is a hidden gem in Columbus. I'm surprised to hear how many people don't know about this place. Yet after they go they can't stop talking about it! The Audubon Center is built on land that was reclaimed from heavy industry. In fact, there are many remnants of the old buildings buried less than 20' underground. The Center consists of a gorgeous building with displays, classrooms, meetings spaces, and gathering areas. It is my understanding that it can be rented for private parties as well. The building itself is a case study in "green" architecture. Rainwater is reclaimed, there is geo-thermal heating, green roofs, and extensive use of recycled materials.In addition, there is a nature preserve, home to many different species of native birds. There are plenty of walking & bike paths and even a rock climbing wall. With all this going on, it's hard to believe you are only about a mile from the heart of downtown.There are many programs for kids and adults: bird watching, star gazing, and nature studies to name a few. As a Cub Scout leader, I was excited to learn they have a 90 minute program geared just at Scouts to help them complete several achievements.Do yourself a favor, and check out the Audubon Center, one of Columbus's best destination spots.

Part of the metroparks at columbus. They have a play area indoors, library, some animals and it's an amazing place for birdwatching

This is a great place to take the entire family. There is a great inside play structure for kids, along with interactive education activities. There is also a library with microphones to outside feeders. The staff is always super friendly, and the gift shop has great things in it. The trails around the park are great too. There is a climbing wall, and playground, and ponds off the trails.

What a beautiful place with great views of the sunset. Attended the Taste of Dine Originals event here.

Le ann is the worst! She was so rude and condescending! The way she spoke to us was utterly ridiculous! She ruined the birds and nature for everyone in attendance. Very disappointing! Will not be back until management is changed.