Fun for the Kids
There is something about caves and caverns that can grab a child’s imagination and never let go. Once a child has seen his or her first cave, the mind is suddenly full of aspirations to be a spelunker or an explorer. The mystery behind a deep, dark hole in the ground is apparently just too much. At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the staff has been in exactly that same position before, so they are ready to present programs and tours that are designed specifically for the little caver.
No matter where you are in the caverns, any child under twelve years of age should be accompanied by an adult. There are plenty of caverns that offer safe and exciting exploration for the younger children, such as the Kings Palace. Children must be at least four years old to join the tours of the Kings Palace, because there are a few dangerous places along the one-mile tour. You and your children will see some amazing cave formations, such as helictites, draperies, soda straws, and columns. At some point in the tour, the staff will turn out all of the lights, which leaves the whole crowd in the blackest darkness you will ever experience!
Younger children are also welcome to join the lantern-lit tour of the Left Hand Tunnel. This cavern tour is chock full of history, as the guides will point out Permian-age fossils and tells stories about the formations of the cavern. Even though the caves are considered safe enough for children, it is important that you remember to keep a close eye on them. You should also watch your own footing, as well, because there can be some slippery spots, and you don’t want to fall into a cavern pool or break any of the fragile formations.
There are a few self-guided tours that you can do at Carlsbad Caverns, but the ones mentioned here are Ranger-guided tours. You should check the schedule for each tour so that you can plan your day around the tour times. It is very important that you pay strict attention to your Ranger guides. There is a good reason that the tours are guided, because the caves can be dark, dangerous, and unpredictable. Respect all of the rules of the tour, as well as the people that are on the tour with you, and everyone will enjoy a safe and happy day at Carlsbad Caverns.