Diaper Bag Diaries

View Original

Olentangy Indian Caverns

I am beyond impressed with our experience at the Olentangy Indian Caverns in Delaware. We've actually been twice this summer and still were not going to turn down an invite to participate in a special tour courtesy of Columbus Moms Blog and the Olentangy Indian Caverns!

If you have been nervous about whether this is an appropriate outing for your toddler or young child, fear no more! It's the PERFECT outing for a wide range of ages. My toddlers were just as interested as us parents during the cave tour. While us "boring" adults were listening to the history of the cavern, and the Wyandotte tribe that most likely utilized it, the kids were enamored by the walls of the cave and the different "rooms" they could peek into. They even got to rub some mud on their hands from the cave walls, leaving their skin super soft! (Someone needs to bottle that up and sell it)

After our adventure down under, we headed back up to the surface for some gem mining! The kids really enjoyed that experience and it was so easy, they were able to do it themselves! From there we headed over to the petting zoo and got to feed some goats and deer! It was impossibly adorable and it would have been well worth the trip to just come for the animals.  

If that's not enough there is also a playground and small climbing wall for the kids, miniature golf, shelters with picnic tables to enjoy a packed lunch, and a great gift shop!  

I have heard murmurings of worry from parents concerned about age appropriateness and I can tell you the whole family managed just fine. One trip included Dad and once all by myself!  I did wear the youngest (24 months) on my back but the 3 and 5 year old had no problem descending the stairs into the cavern and walking through the caves. The tour guides are very conscientious of warning you when there might be something to watch out for or step over. And even if you don't want to give the caves a try, this is an amazing spot for a family get together or birthday party. 

Sidenote: Their weekly summer camps sound amazing and so much fun for kids! I'll definitely be signing our kids up once they are school age! Feel free to sign up for multiple weeks since they switch up the themes. 

Cave Tour 

Gem Mining 

Petting Zoo 

 

If you are feeling like a super mom after this adventure, the awesome Veterans Park Spray and Play is only 12 minutes away! When in Delaware......