Caves and caverns are fascinating to all ages, but especially to kids, for whom the dark and spooky underground world is filled with mystery. Families traveling in Kentucky or Virginia can visit several caves, including the world’s longest-known cave system. Here are three of the most popular caves for families:
Shenandoah Caverns, Virginia
Shenandoah Caverns are among several in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, but it’s the only one with an elevator, and its passages are wide with high ceilings, making it one of the most accessible caves to visit. Unlike most caves, which are formed by either seismic activity or underground rivers, Shenandoah Caverns were formed by a combination of both.
Along with the usual stalagmites and stalactites, look for this cave’s unique “bacon” rocks. (If your kids can’t remember the difference between the two most common cave formations, tell them to look for the letter in the middle of each word: StalaGmites rise from the Ground; StalaCtites hang from the Ceiling.)
Lost River Cave, Kentucky
Kentucky is home to more than 5,000 documented caves, but only Lost River Cave, in Bowling Green, features an underground boat tour. Your family can board a boat for a 25-minute ride through a subterranean world. The boat is equipped for all types of mobility, so it’s accessible for families with children too young to walk.
The cave’s natural highlight is the Blue Hole, a large deep pool where the limestone makes the water appear a luminous blue. After exploring the cave by boat, families can hike the trails and visit the butterfly habitat.
Mammoth Caves, Kentucky
Only about 400 miles of underground passages have been explored in Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave, making it the world’s longest cave system. Guided tours vary according to visitors’ interest and stamina levels, from wheelchair-accessible routes to those that require crawling through passages and exploring chambers lit only by lanterns.
The caves are part of Mammoth Cave National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is filled with other family-friendly activities, from kayaking and hiking to horseback riding and stargazing.
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