Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a unique and captivating destination that offers families a range of outdoor adventures and educational experiences. From breathtaking cave formations to miles of scenic hiking trails, this national park is the perfect place for families to explore and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Visitor Center
Carlsbad Caverns National Park only has one visitor center, but it is spectacular! It includes a restaurant, a gift shop, a ranger station, flush bathrooms, an extensive museum, and a park film.
This national park has worked hard to ensure that its exhibits are engaging and meaningful for all visitors, especially the kid-crowd.
While at the visitor center, be sure to collect your Junior Ranger programs. There is also a station for junior-rangers-in-training to sit down and work on their booklets. Be sure to check out the tracks exhibit and get your photo with the caving gear!
Explore The Caves
The most popular family activity at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is cave exploration! The park boasts more than 100 known caves including the famous Carlsbad Cavern. There are two ways to access the cave: through the visitor center or through the natural entrance.
Visitor Center Entrance
The visitor center entrance allows guests to enter the building, check in, await the elevator, and be whisked down about 750 feet into the cave. Upon exit, you find yourself in the “Big Room,” an experience unlike any other cave in the park system.
Natural Entrance
The “Natural Entrance” also offers a unique experience. Guests walk a paved path from the visitor center and hope they are heading in the right direction… A ranger eventually stops you and offers a safety briefing.
As you continue what you hope you will recognize as a Natural Entrance, you do pass some lovely cacti and other scenic views include the park’s amphitheater.
Fortunately for the map-averse, such as myself, the mouth of the cave is massive and can’t be missed. Although you may feel swept up in the inertia of people moving in the same direction, I recommend this moment as a pausing point.
Consider coming accross this entrance pre-signage, pre-park. What an exciting discovery!
You will begin the many sloped switchbacks descending the 1.25 miles into the cave and towards the Big Room.
Although there are many signs and formations to consider on your journey down, to me, the first sight of the cave’s mouth was the most spectacular moment of this journey.
Consider your family’s ability to walk at a steep, downward grade. If you are able, however, we strongly recommend that you choose to take the natural entrance to the cavern.
It took our family a couple of visits before we realized we had missed out on this special experience, but we recently returned and enjoyed every moment of our 8:30am hike! (That says a LOT about it because we are not morning people around here!)
Touring the Cave
Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the Big Room to enjoy this chamber filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites and other unique geological formations.
Or, for those who prefer a more guided experience, park rangers lead several different tours including the King’s Palace, the Left Hand Tunnel and the Hall of the White Giant.
In order to enter the cave, you need a reservation. Schedule your reservation as far in advance as possible to ensure availability of your preferred entry time.
Hiking in Carlsbad National Park
Another popular family activity is hiking. With miles of scenic trails to explore, families can discover the diverse and breathtaking beauty of the park. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, there’s a trail for everyone.
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail is a level, family-friendly, one mile trail with signage teaching guests about the area’s flora. This is our top hiking recommendation if you have young children or inexperienced hiking legs.
Similarly, if you visit in the heat of the summer you may consider suppressing your hiking ambitions in this desert, and enjoy the “easy” trails!
Bat Flight Program
The animal that Carlsbad Caverns is most known for is the bat. For a very special bat experience, join a park ranger any evening between Memorial Day and October for a free presentation at the park amphitheater.
These programs will be timed so that the bat flight out of the natural entrance will occur during the talk. This Bat Flight Program is a spectacular experience that is sure to get your kids excited about all things bats and all things caves!
In addition to cave exploration and hiking Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a range of other family-friendly activities including birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. The park is home to a diverse range of birds including Mexican freetails, cactus wrens, and various species of owls.
Visitors can also observe the park’s wildlife including black-tailed jackrabbits, rattlesnakes, and pronghorns.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a magical destination that offers families a wealth of outdoor adventures and educational experiences. From cave exploration and hiking to wildlife viewing and educational programs, there’s something for everyone at this national park.
So gather your family, pack your bags and get ready to explore the magic of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
