Fun things to do with kids in Columbus, Ohio
2025 season: March 21 - October 31
open daily 9:30am - 6pm
Rain or shine, we’re open every day during the season. (Yes, even holidays!) On wet days, bring a rain jacket and wear shoes that can get damp. The cave is protected from rain — all other activities are outdoors.
Sunday, August 10 - Summer Events
Free Face Painting 1:00-3:00pm
Kids Craft Market
Shop arts & crafts made by local entrepreneurs ages 5 - 17.
1:00 - 3:30pm
Kids’ Necklace Workshop
Go gem mining & turn your favorite rock into a necklace.
1:00 - 3:30pm
$19.95 / necklace
(includes 1 small bag of gem mining)
Do you have a little entrepreneur, budding baker, junior gardener, aspiring artist, jewelry maker, crafty kiddo, or expert lemonade stand manager?
Join us for the first Made by Me Market at Olentangy Caverns. We're trying something new — and inviting your entrepreneurs to set up at our location and sell their wares.
*2nd Sundays* 1pm - 3:30pm
June 8 (puppet show on outdoor stage @2pm)
July 13 (Erica Carlson & Sedgie the Hedgie @ 3pm)
August 10 (Free Face Painting 1-3pm)
Sept 14 (puppet show on outdoor stage @2pm)
October 12 (magic show with Magic Nate @3pm)
Tie Dye Tuesdays
summer Workshop for kids
We’re taking arts & crafts to the next level this summer. Join us to make your own Olentangy Caverns tie-dye t-shirt.
youth shirt sizes XS - XL, ages 5+, $19.99/shirt
Tuesdays 1:30 - 3:30pm
June 10, 17, 24 / July 8 & 22 / Aug 5
(This is a 30-minute workshop. You’ll choose a 1/2 hour block of time during registration.)
Please register online a least 24hrs before class time. Shirts must be soaked in a special solution for the dye to hold, so we want to be prepped before you arrive!
Bird Walk Wednesdays
For kids & their grownups
Join resident bird nerd (Katie) for 15 minutes of Backyard Birding 101 in the indoor party room — then we’ll venture to the walking trail and see how many birds we can identify together. All are welcome, but this is geared towards ages 5 - 12.
Wednesdays 10am
June 11, 18, 25 / July 9 & 23 / Aug 6
This activity is free and limited to 12 spots per session.
Birthdays & Company Gatherings
Packages Start at $249
New! Guided Nature Tour
Explore the natural beauty of Olentangy Caverns from both above and below ground on our guided Nature & Cavern Tour. (AGES 12+)
Starts July 17, 2025: Thursdays & Fridays, 5-6 pm
$24/person
The experience begins with a relaxed walk through the trails and wooded areas surrounding the caverns, where your guide will highlight native plants. You’ll also learn about the local wildlife that calls the area home, such as deer and wild turkeys. It’s a great way to connect with the landscape and understand how the environment has changed over time.
After the outdoor portion, the tour continues underground into the Olentangy Caverns. These limestone caves were formed by water over thousands of years and offer a look at the area’s unique geology. Your guide will walk you through the main passages and open spaces, sharing how the caves were used historically and pointing out interesting features along the way.
Online ticket purchase is required.
