Locations

Woods, thickets, meadows and prairie, all in one park — and at the centre of it an 1880s farm brought back to life, complete with period farm animals in the barns. There's also a pond, a wooden bridge and a shallow creek.

Best for: Families who want a rustic barn and farmhouse feel, children who do better with something to look at, and longer sessions that need variety without a lot of driving.

• Restrooms: Yes — accessible restrooms at the visitor center, the historical farm, and Cedar Lake.
• Parking: Free, with multiple lots throughout the park (visitor center, Cedar Lake, and other areas).

The most varied location I use, which is why so many Extended sessions start here.

Brick storefronts, string lights over the sidewalk, and low evening sun coming straight down the street. Ohio's oldest neighbourhood, and it photographs like somewhere with a history.

Best for: Grads and couples who want an urban look. Easy to pair with the Art Institute or Carriage Hill in the same evening.

• Restrooms: None on-site, but the Dublin Pub directly across the street has public restrooms.
• Parking: Limited, and often on side streets near the Oregon District.

A half-mile walk that turns into a family adventure — scenic trails, rustic steps, and a large pond at the end. Peaceful, lovely in the fall, and often completely empty.

Best for: Families with kids old enough to enjoy a walk, and anyone who wants trails and open water rather than manicured gardens.

• Walking: About a half mile to the pond, on natural trails with some rustic steps.
• Restrooms: Pit-style restrooms near the playground area — not confirmed how close that is to the pond.
• Parking: Free, like all Ohio state parks.

Fall is the standout here — the color along the trails is genuinely worth timing a session around.

Stone balustrades, wide terraces and the whole city spread out behind you — the river, the bridges, the skyline. Architectural and a little grand, without feeling stiff.

Best for: Grads and couples who want something with structure and scale behind them. Pairs naturally with the Oregon District, a few minutes away.

• Restrooms: None — sessions here are on the building's exterior only (the front curved steps and balustrade).
• Parking: Available in the museum's parking lot.

Flowers everywhere, arbors, and little hidden pockets around every corner — plus a few surprises tucked in just for the little ones.

Best for: Anyone who wants color and structure, and families with young children who do better when there's something to discover.

• Restrooms: Yes — an accessible restroom inside the Children's Discovery Garden during garden hours, plus a portable restroom at the south end of the parking lot.
• Parking: Free, in the main lot.

Late spring through late summer is when this one is at its best.