Caverns, animals, and adventure at Olentangy Caverns

Get out of the house and spend a couple of hours at Olentangy Caverns just north of Columbus. If it’s your first time there, you’ll wonder why you’ve never gone before! They open for the season on March 23, 2024!

There’s so much to do…from caverns, petting zoo, playground, putt-putt, gem mining, and more. If you’re going to explore the caverns, it’s always cool down there, so bring a jacket!

We love this place because you only pay for the activities you want to do! Just have an hour or so to visit? Go see the animals and play on the playground.

Have a full day to spend there? Get the all-access pass to do it all! 

Opening day at Olentangy Caverns

Celebrate the start of the 2024 season on March 23 from 9:30 am – 5 pm. 

• 9:30am – 12pm: Der Dutchman Donut truck
• McGinnis’ Grill Food Truck: 11am – 2pm
• Erica Carlson, Sedgie the Hedgehog, & Balloon Animals: 1-2pm
• Free Face Painting: 1 – 3pm

Solar Eclipse Viewing at the Caverns

Monday, April 8, 2024 from 11:00 AM  4:00 PM

Great kid-friendly spot to get outside and view the solar eclipse! Parking is free (no RV’s, trailers, or oversized vehicles). Hang out on the playground, go gem mining, enjoy the petting zoo — there’s a lot to keep the kids entertained while we await totality.

ISO-certified eclipse glasses will be available for purchase, but quantities are limited (250) and may sell out. Bring your own solar eclipse glasses if you can!

Food trucks onsite: 
IRON GRILL FOOD TRUCK
WEATHERVANE KETTLE CORN from Heath, Ohio
BESTEAS DRINK DEN (Bubble Tea & Smoothies)

Eclipse Begins: 1:55 pm
Maximum Eclipse: 3:12pm
Eclipse Ends: 4:27 pm

Visiting Olentangy Indian Caverns

The main feature of the attraction are the Caverns that were formed millions of years ago by an underground river.

The caverns consist of winding passages and spacious underground rooms that have been determined to have been used by the Wyandotte Indians as a haven from the weather and from their enemies, the Delaware Indians. 

The levels are 55 ft, 75 ft, and 105 ft deep and stay at 54 degrees year round. Artifacts and arrowheads found in the caverns are on display in the museum. Tours are $8.95 – $11.95; children 2 and under are free.

All tours are self-guided and take about 35 minutes to complete. You need to be able to climb 54 stairs to get into and out of the caverns.

Additional activities

Even if you don’t explore the caverns, there’s plenty to do, including outdoor play structures and lawn games, brand new gem mining sluice ($7.49-$31.99), mini golf ($6), treasure hunt maze ($6).

The highlight for my kids is the huge Animal Encounters Petting Zoo (just $4.50 per person). They love feeding the friendly animals and frolicking with them inside the enclosure. 

The all access pass includes the cave tour, gem mining, mini golf, maze, and petting zoo.
Adults (ages 13+) $29.99
Children (ages 3-12) $24.99

You can also explore the nature trails, check out the gift shop, and bring a picnic to eat in the shelter house.

The walking trail is just under 1 mile and is dirt terrain with some grassy areas. Listen for birds, identify trees, or just spend some extra time in nature.

They expanded the playground to add swings, and have even added a porch swing for adults to enjoy! The fire truck slide is a playground favorite. Explore a retired fire engine and cruise down the custom-made exit slide. It’s free to play at the playground!

Cave Yoga at Olentangy Caverns

Head to the caverns for Ohio’s only Cave Yoga!

Connect to nature inside the cave with an inviting and inspiring class welcome to all levels. This multi-sensory experience will take your yoga practice to a place it has never been, 75 feet underground. 

Saturday, June 22: 6pm & 7pm
Saturday, July 20: 6pm & 7pm
Saturday, October 5: 6pm & 7pm

You’ll need to walk down 54 stairs to the cavern, so plan to wear tennis shoes or other sturdy shoes. You can practice barefoot or yoga shoes on your mat. The caverns stay around 55 degrees year round, so for that temperature. Find more details and register on the website. 

Like the Facebook page to stay up-to-date on the fun for the year.

Open 7 days a week from March 23 – October 31, 2024, from 9:30am – 5pm, including holidays!

Olentangy Caverns
1779 Home Rd
Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 548-7917
Website

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