How to Enjoy Carlsbad Caverns National Park With the Kids

Deep dark caves, thousands of bats, really cool formations - there's lots of stuff at Carlsbad Caverns for kids to love. The surrounding area also offers plenty of diversions, from swimming and boating to video games and drive-ins.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Kickboards
• Travel Clothes
• Sunscreen
• Flashlights
• Bathing Suits
• Hiking Boots

1. See "How to Enjoy Carlsbad Caverns National Park," under Related eHows, for general information on the park and the activities offered there. Many of these are appropriate for kids as well as adults.

2. Get the kids interested in bats. Be sure to attend the evening Bat Flight (Memorial Day weekend through September), and try to take in the annual Bat Breakfast (mid-August), which features lots of activities and programs about bats.

3. Get some resources at the visitor center and teach kids the language of caves. They'll be able to impress their friends with their grasp of soda straws, popcorn, totem poles and draperies - all of which have special meanings when you're talking about caves.

4. Adopt a bat. No, you can't take one home with you, but for a small fee you can get a certificate of adoption, a brochure about bats and an Adopt-a-Bat bumper sticker, plus you'll be helping to maintain the park's bat population.

5. Walk the nature trail that begins at the visitor center. It's paved and only a mile long, so most kids can easily walk it. Desert plants are highlighted along the way.

6. Join in the ranger-led programs. These may include slide presentations, demonstrations, nature walks, or special programs for kids such as storytelling or presentations in the Theater Cave. Check the schedule at the visitor center.

7. Go to nearby Lake Carlsbad, where kids can swim, rent paddleboats or cruise up the Pecos River on a paddleboard. Especially in summer, when it's hot at Carlsbad Caverns, kids will love this diversion.

8. Take in the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park (see www.emnrd.state.nm.us/EMNRD/Parks/LivingDesert.htm) to see local wildlife in a natural setting. Kids can see eagles, mountain lions, kit foxes, wolves and more, while parents will be impressed with a wonderful exhibit of succulent plants.

Tips & Warnings

• You cannot take a stroller into the caverns, so make sure you have a baby backpack if you are toting little ones.
• No matter what the surface temperature (which can be sizzling in summer), the caves stay at a constant 56 degrees F., so make sure kids have a sweater or jacket to wear underground.
• Remind kids that they should never touch any formations within the cave. These are very delicate and can be easily damaged.
• If your kids are afraid of the dark, find out before taking a guided tour whether or not the ranger will turn the lights out so you can experience the complete darkness inside a cave. If so, prepare kids beforehand or make sure they're within hugging distance.
• Never allow kids to explore the park or any caves unsupervised.