Upper Arlington on Foot with a Stroller: Routes and Rest Stops
Upper Arlington on Foot with a Stroller: Routes and Rest Stops
A practical guide to pushing a stroller through Upper Arlington's parks, paths and business districts, with honest advice on routes, rest stops and where to stay.
Northam Park to Kingsdale: The Classic Loop
Start at Northam Park on Tremont Road, where the flat, paved loop around the playing fields is ideal for strollers. Parking is free and plentiful on weekdays; weekends fill by 9 a.m. From there, head south on the sidewalk along Tremont to Kingsdale Center, about a 15-minute walk. The sidewalk is wide and well-maintained, but watch for driveways where cars turn into the shopping center. Kingsdale has a Giant Eagle, a library branch and several cafes, making it a natural halfway point for a snack or diaper change.
For a longer outing, continue east on Tremont to Lane Avenue and turn north toward the Ohio State University campus. The sidewalk remains smooth, and you can loop back via Northwest Boulevard, adding about 30 minutes. This route passes Thompson Park, which has a small playground and benches. I would book a hotel near Kingsdale if you plan to do this walk often, as it puts you within a five-minute walk of the start and end points.
The Olentangy Trail: A Shaded River Route
The Olentangy Trail runs along the river and is fully paved, but access from Upper Arlington requires a short drive or a longer walk. The easiest entry is at the Ackerman Road trailhead, where there is a parking lot. From there, the trail heads north toward Worthington or south toward Ohio State's campus. The path is popular with cyclists, so keep to the right and use a stroller with a handbrake for the gentle inclines. The shade makes it a good choice on hot summer days, but after heavy rain, watch for standing water near the underpasses.
If you are staying in a hotel along Lane Avenue, you can reach the trail by walking east on Lane to the river, about 20 minutes. The route crosses several busy intersections, so use the crosswalks. Once on the trail, benches appear every half-mile or so, and there are portable toilets at the Ackerman Road trailhead. I would skip this route in winter, as the trail is not always cleared of snow and ice.
Neighbourhood Sidewalks: Mallway and Fifth Avenue
The Mallway district, centered on Arlington Avenue and Fifth Avenue, has some of the most pleasant residential sidewalks in Upper Arlington. The streets are lined with mature trees and the traffic is light. A loop from Mallway Park to the Upper Arlington Public Library on Tremont Road is about 1.5 miles and takes roughly 30 minutes at a stroller pace. The library has a children's section and clean restrooms, making it a good rest stop. However, some sidewalks are buckled by tree roots, so a stroller with larger wheels is more comfortable.
Fifth Avenue is a main east-west artery, and while it has sidewalks, the traffic is heavier and faster. I would avoid walking along Fifth Avenue during rush hour and instead use the parallel residential streets like Leeds Road or Coventry Road. For a coffee stop, the cafes along Lane Avenue near the Shops on Lane are convenient, but many have narrow doorways that are tricky with a stroller. The Giant Eagle at Kingsdale is more spacious and has a seating area.
Practical Tips and Where to Stay
Upper Arlington is generally stroller-friendly, but the terrain is not entirely flat; expect gentle hills near the river and in the older neighbourhoods. The best months for walking are April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and the foliage is attractive. Summer afternoons can be hot and humid, so plan walks for the morning. Most parks have drinking fountains, but they are turned off in winter. Carry water and snacks, as cafes are concentrated along Lane Avenue and Kingsdale.
For accommodation, the hotels along Lane Avenue and near the OSU campus offer the best access to the routes described. They are typically mid-range to upscale, with rates higher during OSU home football weekends and graduation. If you want to be within walking distance of Northam Park and Kingsdale, look for hotels near the intersection of Lane Avenue and Tremont Road. I would book a hotel there for a family trip, as it minimizes driving and maximizes time on foot. Avoid hotels far west on Bethel Road unless you have a car, as the walk to the main parks is long and not particularly scenic.
Before you book
What people ask before booking Upper Arlington.
Most sidewalks are in good condition, but some residential areas have uneven pavement due to tree roots. A stroller with larger wheels handles these better. The paths in Northam Park and along the Olentangy Trail are smoother.
Northam Park and Thompson Park have restrooms that are typically open from spring through fall. The Upper Arlington Public Library on Tremont Road also has clean, accessible restrooms and is a good indoor stop.
Fifth Avenue has sidewalks but traffic can be fast, especially at rush hour. It is safer to use parallel residential streets like Leeds Road or Coventry Road for a more relaxed walk with children.
