One of my family's favorite things to do on vacation is to explore caves. Think you can't go spelunking with kids in tow? The fact is that US caves are becoming increasingly family-friendly. Here are three of the best family-friendly caves in the US.
Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown, Texas
On a recent trip to Texas, our family was introduced to the magnificent Inner Space Caverns. This cave boasts giant limestone columns, stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, ancient flowstones and even cave paintings. The one hour and fifteen minute Adventure Tour is perfect for families with children of any age. My kids were three and four when we toured Inner Space. They had a great time and stayed interested throughout the tour.
Your day at the Inner Space begins with a short tram ride down into the heart of the cave. The tour guides are well trained and knowledgeable, covering a history of the caves and the geological formations. Our tour guide made a special effort to include and interest the kids, which was much appreciated. Inner Space Caverns is the perfect cave to visit on a hot Texas afternoon or a chilly winter day, as a temperature of 72 degrees is maintained year round. If you have kids thirteen or older, consider taking the Wild Cave Tour which gives the entire family an authentic spelunking experience in addition to the informative tour.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Eddy County, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns consistently makes the list of America's top caves. Located in the Guadalupe Mountains, this cave system is known for its series of 117 caves formed over 500,000 years ago. Stretching for miles, visitors can explore the cave with a self-guided tour or follow a guide to learn more about the geology and history of the cave. Kids twelve and older can sign up for the Spider Cave Tour which allows them to get on their belly and answer the question "where does that hole go" for themselves. The self guided tour features a special audio just for kids.
When you are finished exploring the cave, you can hike on one of the three nearby hiking trails, picnic or barbeque in the Rattlesnake Springs Picnic Area or enjoy the abundance of birds and desert scenery. Finding a place to stay is easy, as there are plenty of nearby accommodations in every price range. But the real highlight of Carlsbad is the evening bat flight program during which the hundreds of thousands of bats that populate the cave leave looking for a bite to eat. Although the best viewing for bats is in July and August, a trip to Carlsbad with the family is perfect any time of year as the cave stays about 60 degrees year round.
Meramec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri
Located 60 miles west of St. Louis off Interstate 44 on exit 230, Meramec Caverns features seven levels of underground caves to explore. Another plus with my nephew; it features the famous Jesse James hideout. Meramec is consistently rated as one of the best cave systems in the US. The basic tour covers a mile of the cave and lasts one hour and twenty minutes. The family-friendly activities at Meramec are not restricted to underground. There are also canoe rides up the river, a reasonably priced family restaurant and the kids can even pan for gold.
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