Preschool Story Time @ 10am

Location: Indoor Party Room at Olentangy Caverns

Staff member Shannon (a former preschool teacher) will share her love of books and learning.

Thursday, April 24: Earth Day Theme

Tuesday, May 6: Animal Theme

This activity is free to join.

But PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE to help us with planning. Thanks!

Easter egg hunt is SOLD OUT!

Easter Egg Hunt in Columbus, Ohio

Join us for our first Rock & Gem Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 20 @ 3pm

Each registered easter egg hunter gets:

• 20 eggs filled with tumbled rocks and gems.

• 1 kraft shopping bag to collect your eggs.

• 1 cloth keepsake bag to hold your new rock collection.

• 1 golden egg with a special coupon or prize.

$5 / child online registration is required

Food Truck: Pizza & Pasta

11am - 2pm on Friday, April 18, 2025

Little Italy Ristorante from Groveport, OH. Family-owned since 1979

Food Vendor: Cotton Sugar Co.

11am - 2pm on Friday, April 18, 2025

Cotton Candy from Columbus, OH. Locally owned & operated.

Easter Egg Hunt in Columbus, Ohio

Join us for our first Rock & Gem Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 13 @ 2pm

Each registered easter egg hunter gets:

• 20 eggs filled with tumbled rocks and gems.

• 1 kraft shopping bag to collect your eggs.

• 1 cloth keepsake bag to hold your new rock collection.

• 1 golden egg with a special coupon or prize.

$5 / child online registration is required

Celebrating 90 years in 2025

Join us for 2025 opening day Friday, March 21 and kid-friendly special activities to celebrate on Saturday, March 22.

Der Dutchman Donut Truck 10am - 1pm on 3/22

Schmidt’s Sausage Food Truck 10am - 4pm on 3/22

Free indoor Arts & Crafts for Kids 11am - 1pm on 3/22

Free Balloon Twisting with Erica Carlson 1pm - 3pm on 3/22

Enjoy live music performances from the talented kids at Bach to Rock Powell

Sedgie the hedgehog & Magic Show featuring erica carlson

Sunday, October 13

2pm - 3pm

Meet Sedgie (a real hedgehog) and enjoy a kid-friendly magic show based on author Erica Carlson’s new children’s book, followed by a book signing.

Kid-friendly Magic Show with nate the magician

Sunday, october 6

2pm - 2:45pm

A blend of magic, comedy, music, and mime, enjoy an interactive show from Delaware County-based entertainer Nate the Magician. Appropriate for all ages.

2024 Dates:

Saturday, June 22 & July 20 [Sold out!]

Saturday, Oct 5

6pm & 7pm

Relax body and mind as we 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 (including an impromptu yoga studio 75-feet underground).

CLASS difficulty: All Levels - Beginners Welcome (ages 12+)

Price: $29.50 / person

THINGS TO NOTE:

- We will walk down 58 stairs to enter the cave, so tennis shoes are suggested. However, you may choose to be barefoot or in socks once on your mat.

- The cave is naturally 55 degrees year round (nope, this is not hot yoga!), so please dress for your temperature comfort level.

- We will gather in the parking lot / museum area, then enter the cave as a group.

What to bring:

- Yoga mat (required)

- Old beach towel (strongly suggested: the cave floor can be damp and somewhat muddy, so this will protect your mat)

— Cancelled due to rain —

Live music with local musician Mark Reinhart

Sunday, September 29

1pm - 3pm

Enjoy a mix of classic rock and modern tunes from the ‘70s, ‘80s and today. Easy listenin’ acoustic guitar and vocals — located on the new stage in the open-air shelter house.

Enjoy free face painting from Angie Paints!

Watch Gus the Squash Carver craft beautiful artwork on a 500 pound pumpkin!

You’ll find the carving happening all afternoon on our front lawn.

PLUS, free kids FACE PAINTING from 1-3pm with Angie Paints.

Special Event Dates: JULY 14 & AUGUST 18

Create your own handmade, wire-wrapped necklace featuring a gemstone that you find while gem mining!

WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

- 1 bag of gem mining paydirt (go gem mining, choose your favorite gemstone, then turn it into a wire-wrapped necklace!)

- All jewelry-wrapping materials (wire and cord)

- Assistance creating your jewelry from Kristin at Out On The Prairie

INSTRUCTOR: Kristin from Out on the Prairie Macrame Crafts

Recommended for ages 4+ (young ones will need extra help from their grownups). While this is primarily a kids workshop, adults are also welcome.

WHERE TO FIND US:

There will be a tented space in the gem mining area to create your necklace. Choose your preferred event date and pick a 30-minute slot to help us space out the crafting fun!

Get artsy and craftsy at Olentangy Caverns this summer with our special paint-your-own pottery series!

LOCATION:
Enclosed shelter house at Olentangy Caverns

COST:
Illustrated art tiles: $16.50 / painted item

Piggy banks / Shaped banks: $26.50 / painted item

Mugs: $28.50 / painted item

Includes: unpainted item, 1 hour of painting time, and kiln firing.

AGES:
Available for all ages. Small children may need extra assistance painting.

EVENT DATES:
Thurs, June 6
Thurs, July 11
Thurs, August 8

*Items will be ready for pick-up 7-10 days after the event. These will be fired in a kiln, which makes them food safe.*

Please register online so we can be prepared with supplies!

Join us for arts & crafts!

We're so excited to create with you.  

Age: Most crafts are ideal for ages 5 - 12. Younger hands will require grown-up helpers.

Location: Depending on weather and activity, we'll host workshops in the open-air shelter house or the enclosed shelter house room.

Price: $15 / child. Purchase single workshops — or join us for every date in the session. 

Time: Choose 3:30pm or 4:30pm start time. Projects take approximately 25 - 45 minutes.

Session 2

July 18: Tumbled Rock Art on Canvas

Using an assortment of colorful tumbled rocks and 8x10 wrapped canvas, we'll use gemstones and crafting supplies to create a bouquet of flowers or a nature-inspired scene. Use your imagination and make your own beautiful creation!

JUly 25: Creating with Clay

Make pinch pots or whatever your heart desires! Each crafter gets 1/3 - 1/2 pound of white air-dry clay to transform into pots, shapes, or nature creations. This clay will fully dry over 5 - 7 days (in your home) and can be kept natural or painted.

August 1: Botanical Bookmarks & Sun Catchers

This was so popular that we ran out of supplies in June — so we’re doing it again!

Create a beautiful bookmark or sun catcher using real, pressed botanicals. With clear plastic shapes and special glue, we'll incorporate items from nature to create our keepsakes.

Join us for arts & crafts!

We're so excited to create with you.  

Age: Most crafts are ideal for ages 5 - 12. Younger hands will require grown-up helpers.

Location: Depending on weather and activity, we'll host workshops in the open-air shelter house or the enclosed shelter house room.

Price: $15 / child. Purchase single workshops — or join us for every date in the session. 

Time: Choose 3:30pm or 4:30pm start time. Projects take approximately 25 - 45 minutes.

Session 2

July 18: Tumbled Rock Art on Canvas

Using an assortment of colorful tumbled rocks and 8x10 wrapped canvas, we'll use gemstones and crafting supplies to create a bouquet of flowers or a nature-inspired scene. Use your imagination and make your own beautiful creation!

JUly 25: Creating with Clay

Make pinch pots or whatever your heart desires! Each crafter gets 1/3 - 1/2 pound of white air-dry clay to transform into pots, shapes, or nature creations. This clay will fully dry over 5 - 7 days (in your home) and can be kept natural or painted.

August 1: Botanical Bookmarks & Sun Catchers

This was so popular that we ran out of supplies in June — so we’re doing it again!

Create a beautiful bookmark or sun catcher using real, pressed botanicals. With clear plastic shapes and special glue, we'll incorporate items from nature to create our keepsakes.

2024 Dates:

Saturday, June 22

Saturday, July 20

6pm & 7pm

August & Sept dates to be announced

Relax body and mind as we 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 (including an impromptu yoga studio 75-feet underground).

CLASS difficulty: All Levels - Beginners Welcome (ages 12+)

Price: $29.50 / person

THINGS TO NOTE:

- We will walk down 58 stairs to enter the cave, so tennis shoes are suggested. However, you may choose to be barefoot or in socks once on your mat.

- The cave is naturally 55 degrees year round (nope, this is not hot yoga!), so please dress for your temperature comfort level.

- We will gather in the parking lot / museum area, then enter the cave as a group.

What to bring:

- Yoga mat (required)

- Old beach towel (strongly suggested: the cave floor can be damp and somewhat muddy, so this will protect your mat)

Special Event Dates: JULY 14 & AUGUST 18

Create your own handmade, wire-wrapped necklace featuring a gemstone that you find while gem mining!

WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

- 1 bag of gem mining paydirt (go gem mining, choose your favorite gemstone, then turn it into a wire-wrapped necklace!)

- All jewelry-wrapping materials (wire and cord)

- Assistance creating your jewelry from Kristin at Out On The Prairie

INSTRUCTOR: Kristin from Out on the Prairie Macrame Crafts

Recommended for ages 4+ (young ones will need extra help from their grownups). While this is primarily a kids workshop, adults are also welcome.

WHERE TO FIND US:

There will be a tented space in the gem mining area to create your necklace. Choose your preferred event date and pick a 30-minute slot to help us space out the crafting fun!

The same foraging class you love, with a paired back menu of a snack, a foraged drink and a little surprise!

What to expect:

• Hour long guided plant and mushroom hike in the woods.

• A light snack and N/A beverage, featuring foraged ingredients we saw on our walk.

• A follow up email of notes from class and resources to further your education.

• Class will last about 2 hours and be no more than a mile of walking.

Get artsy and craftsy at Olentangy Caverns this summer with our special paint-your-own pottery series!

LOCATION:
Enclosed shelter house at Olentangy Caverns

COST:
Illustrated art tiles: $16.50 / painted item

Piggy banks / Shaped banks: $26.50 / painted item

Mugs: $28.50 / painted item

Includes: unpainted item, 1 hour of painting time, and kiln firing.

AGES:
Available for all ages. Small children may need extra assistance painting.

EVENT DATES:
Thurs, June 6
Thurs, July 11
Thurs, August 8

*Items will be ready for pick-up 7-10 days after the event. These will be fired in a kiln, which makes them food safe.*

Please register online so we can be prepared with supplies!

Cool off in the 54 degree cave ... then grab an ice cream cone from Graeter's ice cream truck!

The truck will be in our parking lot with ice cream for purchase. 

*PARKING IS FREE*

ADMISSION IS NOT REQUIRED - ALL ARE WELCOME TO STOP OVER FOR AN ICE CREAM CONE.

Join us for arts & crafts!

We're so excited to create with you.  

Age: Most crafts are ideal for ages 4 - 12. Younger hands will require grown-up helpers.

Location: Depending on weather and activity, we'll host workshops in the open-air shelter house or the enclosed shelter house room.

Price: $15 / child. Purchase single workshops — or join us for every date in the session. 

Time: Workshops are open-house style. Please arrive anytime between 3:30 - 4:30pm, to ensure you're able to complete your craft by 5:30pm. Projects take approximately 45 minutes.

Session 1

JUNE 13: Botanical Bookmarks & Sun Catchers

Create a beautiful bookmark and sun catcher using real, pressed botanicals. With clear plastic shapes and special glue, we'll incorporate items from nature to create our keepsakes.

JUNE 20: Paint Your Own Canvas (first day of summer!)

Create shapes on your own wrapped 8x10 cotton canvas using materials like tape and stickers to create white space. Then paint over top with acrylic paint, let it dry a little, and remove the shapes to reveal cool shapes & patterns.

JUNE 27: Sun Prints & Painted Frames

Gather objects with interesting shapes, set your special sun print paper in the sun for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with water to discover an amazing cyanotype art piece! Next, we'll paint a wooden frame to display your latest creation.

Session 2

JULY 18: Hand Sew a Felt Animal Friend

JULY 25: Craft TBD

AUG 1: Craft TBD

Join us for a special collaboration class with Cultivate Curiosity where we will explore the parts of the plant through an interactive and playful activity.

During this class, kids will learn the parts of the plant (from root to fruit). They will explore plant parts through sensory play - smell, touch, and even taste! Kids will use parts of the plant to complete a puzzle, creating a unique plant of their own!

Ages: 2+

Price: $15 / child

About Cultivate Curiosity
Cultivate Curiosity is a collection of food education programs for children created by Laura Lemon, a Grove City-based mom with degrees in Nutrition Science and Public Health and a passion for food system education, gardening, and connecting others with nature.

Classes are designed around a play-based model so lessons are interactive, layered, and process-based.

2024 Dates:

Saturday, June 22

Saturday, July 20

6pm & 7pm

August & Sept dates to be announced

Relax body and mind as we 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 (including an impromptu yoga studio 75-feet underground).

CLASS difficulty: All Levels - Beginners Welcome (ages 12+)

Price: $29.50 / person

THINGS TO NOTE:

- We will walk down 58 stairs to enter the cave, so tennis shoes are suggested. However, you may choose to be barefoot or in socks once on your mat.

- The cave is naturally 55 degrees year round (nope, this is not hot yoga!), so please dress for your temperature comfort level.

- We will gather in the parking lot / museum area, then enter the cave as a group.

What to bring:

- Yoga mat (required)

- Old beach towel (strongly suggested: the cave floor can be damp and somewhat muddy, so this will protect your mat)

Join us for arts & crafts!

We're so excited to create with you.  

Age: Most crafts are ideal for ages 4 - 12. Younger hands will require grown-up helpers.

Location: Depending on weather and activity, we'll host workshops in the open-air shelter house or the enclosed shelter house room.

Price: $15 / child. Purchase single workshops — or join us for every date in the session. 

Time: Workshops are open-house style. Please arrive anytime between 3:30 - 4:30pm, to ensure you're able to complete your craft by 5:30pm. Projects take approximately 45 minutes.

Session 1

JUNE 13: Botanical Bookmarks & Sun Catchers

Create a beautiful bookmark and sun catcher using real, pressed botanicals. With clear plastic shapes and special glue, we'll incorporate items from nature to create our keepsakes.

JUNE 20: Paint Your Own Canvas (first day of summer!)

Create shapes on your own wrapped 8x10 cotton canvas using materials like tape and stickers to create white space. Then paint over top with acrylic paint, let it dry a little, and remove the shapes to reveal cool shapes & patterns.

JUNE 27: Sun Prints & Painted Frames

Gather objects with interesting shapes, set your special sun print paper in the sun for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with water to discover an amazing cyanotype art piece! Next, we'll paint a wooden frame to display your latest creation.

Session 2

JULY 18: Hand Sew a Felt Animal Friend

JULY 25: Craft TBD

AUG 1: Craft TBD

Join us for arts & crafts!

We're so excited to create with you.  

Age: Most crafts are ideal for ages 4 - 12. Younger hands will require grown-up helpers.

Location: Depending on weather and activity, we'll host workshops in the open-air shelter house or the enclosed shelter house room.

Price: $15 / child. Purchase single workshops — or join us for every date in the session. 

Time: Workshops are open-house style. Please arrive anytime between 3:30 - 4:30pm, to ensure you're able to complete your craft by 5:30pm. Projects take approximately 45 minutes.

Session 1

JUNE 13: Botanical Bookmarks & Sun Catchers

Create a beautiful bookmark and sun catcher using real, pressed botanicals. With clear plastic shapes and special glue, we'll incorporate items from nature to create our keepsakes.

JUNE 20: Paint Your Own Canvas (first day of summer!)

Create shapes on your own wrapped 8x10 cotton canvas using materials like tape and stickers to create white space. Then paint over top with acrylic paint, let it dry a little, and remove the shapes to reveal cool shapes & patterns.

JUNE 27: Sun Prints & Painted Frames

Gather objects with interesting shapes, set your special sun print paper in the sun for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with water to discover an amazing cyanotype art piece! Next, we'll paint a wooden frame to display your latest creation.

Session 2

JULY 18: Hand Sew a Felt Animal Friend

JULY 25: Craft TBD

AUG 1: Craft TBD

Get artsy and craftsy at Olentangy Caverns this summer with our special paint-your-own pottery series!

LOCATION:
Enclosed shelter house at Olentangy Caverns

COST:
Illustrated art tiles: $16.50 / painted item

Piggy banks / Shaped banks: $26.50 / painted item

Mugs: $28.50 / painted item

Includes: unpainted item, 1 hour of painting time, and kiln firing.

AGES:
Available for all ages. Small children may need extra assistance painting.

EVENT DATES:
Thurs, June 6
Thurs, July 11
Thurs, August 8

*Items will be ready for pick-up 7-10 days after the event. These will be fired in a kiln, which makes them food safe.*

Please register online so we can be prepared with supplies!

Join local chef Lorenzo Tavani for an amazing (and edible) journey through the woods of Olentangy Caverns.

In this class we will meet Paw Paw farmer Valerie Libbey from Libbey Farm. We’ll explore this native plant and learn how to propagate and grow them for future bounty.

what to expect:

1. Class will begin with a guided hike, exploring in-season plants and mushrooms.

2. We will finish class with a wild food, family-style meal where we get to eat what we meet!

3. General dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

4. Class will last roughly 3 hours.

Cost: $99/person

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED - FORAGE EVENTS TEND TO SELL OUT

Get crafty with mom on Mother's Day at our FIRST ever paint-your-own pottery pop-up!

Choose which items you plan to paint. (Mugs will be dishwasher safe after going through the kiln.)

We'll have 15 paint colors and lots of brushes.

*Items will be ready for pick-up 7-10 days after the event. These will be fired in a kiln, which makes them dishwasher safe.*

CHOOSE FROM:

— Mom-themed mug (16 oz) $26.50

— Flower mug (16 oz) $26.50

— “I love you mom” art tile (6"x 6") $19.50

— Mom ornament (2" x 5") $16.50

— Flower vase (approx 3" x 7") $32.50

— Frame (8” x 6”) $38.50

Price includes: unpainted item, 1 hour of painting time, and kiln firing.

Registration is required to ensure we have enough supplies.