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Topiary Park park in Columbus, OH
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View of Topiary Park in Columbus, OH
Photo: lee Sandoval
View of Topiary Park in Columbus, OH
Photo: Reyna Martinez

Topiary Park

4.6(2,126 reviews)FreePark
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love running around the whimsical green sculptures, while school-age children enjoy the scavenger hunt aspect of finding all the different topiary characters and learning about how art comes to life in nature.

About

Topiary Park offers a truly unique outdoor experience where kids can walk through a living recreation of Georges Seurat's famous painting 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte.' Children will be delighted to explore among 54 life-sized topiary figures including people, dogs, a monkey, and a cat, all meticulously sculpted from yew plants, making art appreciation interactive and fun for the whole family.

Highlights

  • 54 life-sized topiary sculptures recreating a famous impressionist painting
  • Unique photo opportunities with whimsical green people and animal figures
  • Beautiful pond with scenic views perfect for teaching kids about art and nature
  • Wide open spaces for running and playing after exploring the sculptures
  • Free admission to a one-of-a-kind artistic experience

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Bring a printed copy of Seurat's original painting so kids can compare the real artwork to the topiary recreation,it makes a great educational scavenger hunt activity
  2. 2.Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience and best photo opportunities without crowds in the background
  3. 3.Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas after exploring; there's plenty of green space for kids to run around
  4. 4.Don't miss the pond area where you can see the topiaries from the same perspective as the original painting,the bronze frame markers show you exactly where to stand
  5. 5.Bring bubbles or a ball for the open lawn areas, but remind kids to be gentle around the delicate topiary sculptures

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best experience when the topiaries are lush and green. Weekday mornings between 9-11 AM are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying cooler temperatures, especially during summer months.

What to Know

Admission is completely free, making this an excellent budget-friendly family outing. Free parking is available at the nearby lot on Washington Avenue, and while there are no food vendors on-site, the park welcomes picnics.

Seasonal Notes

While open year-round, the park is most impressive spring through fall when the topiaries are fully green and vibrant. Winter visits are possible but the sculptures may look sparse, and paths can be icy. The park is particularly beautiful in spring when surrounding flowers bloom.

Nearby Eats

Head to Milestone 229 (0.5 miles away) for upscale comfort food with a kids' menu in a family-friendly atmosphere, or visit The Old Spaghetti Factory in the nearby Brewery District for budget-friendly Italian favorites that kids love.

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