Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico) with Kids

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Can you visit Carlsbad Caverns with kids? Yes, absolutely! This family-friendly National Park offers options that cater to both adventurous folks and those traveling with little ones. Read on for tips for what to pack/bring and what to do to make your visit memorable.

Where is Carlsbad Caverns located?

Carlsbad Caverns is located in southeast New Mexico near a town called Carlsbad. The address for the visitor’s center is 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220.

Do I need tickets?

Yes, reservations are required to enter Carlsbad Caverns. The timed entry ticket ($1 per person) is in addition to the park entrance (purchased onsite). Admission is $15 per person ages 16 and older and free for anyone 15 years old and younger. If you have an interagency National Park Pass, that will admit up to 4 adults.

How do I get into Carlsbad Caverns?

There are two entrances to the caverns: the elevator and the natural entrance.

The elevator is a great choice for families or anyone with mobility issues. After a brief Ranger orientation, you will take a short elevator ride down 750 feet. The walk around the caverns is about an hour and a half on mostly flat, paved pathways with railings.

The natural entrance is a bit more strenuous and adds about an hour onto to your journey. Even if you do not take this path, be sure to check it out before you leave.

Will kids enjoy Carlsbad Caverns?

My three kids enjoyed the outing. My oldest child liked reading the signage and the younger two just liked to see the cool formations in the cave. There is also a small museum when you come back up to learn more about the caverns.

Looking for more New Mexico National Parks content? Check out my post on White Sands National Park.

Can you see any bats?

The Brazilian free-tailed bats that can be found at Carlsbad Caverns are there between May-October annually. During daytime tours, you will likely not see any bats. The real show is the sunrise and sunset bat flights when visitors can see thousands of bats flying in and out of the cave. The Bat Flight Program allows visitors to sit in the Bat Flight Amphitheater and watch the bats as they exit the caverns. No photography or videography is allowed but it supposed to be incredible to watch.

What should I wear and bring?

For a visit to Carlsbad Caverns with kids, I would recommend:

• Your entire group should wear sturdy, closed toe shoes and a jacket (it is quite chilly in the caverns)
• Food is not allowed in the caverns so give kids a snack before. If they want to bring water in (permitted), consider a Camelbak hydration pack so they can keep their hands free.
• With little ones: since no strollers are allowed, use a backpack carrier or a soft carrier.
• Camera – although photography in low light can be challenging, there are still some great photo ops.
• Masks – masks are required the entire time you’re on the tour and in the Carlsbad Caverns buildings.

What else can I do at Carlsbad Caverns with kids?

In addition to the self-guided tour, you can also:

• Check out the Visitor’s Center which includes exhibits, a film about the park, gift shops and a cafeteria.
• There are several opportunities to hike on the surface of the cave. For a list of trails, visit this site. Prep for hikes with adequate water and sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen).
• Bat Flight programs
• Night Sky programs
• Did you also know there is another national park just south of Carlsbad Caverns? Take a drive into Texas and check out Guadalupe Mountains National Park, too.

Carlsbad Caverns is a must-see on a trip to New Mexico. Have a question? Post it in the comments and be sure to pin this post to reference later!