On with the discovery of national parks, I want to share one of my favorites – Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Known as one of the country’s greatest treasures, this is truly the ideal family vacation destination. In fact, this location is so kid-friendly that it will become their favorite vacation spot too.
For starters, you can take a self-guided cave tour if you like or go on one with a professional park ranger. You will have the chance to go through different areas of the caverns, climbing up ladders and squeezing into tight places. One of the most, unique aspects of the guided tours is the “lights out” experience, which is something you do not want to miss. Although reservations are not required, I do recommend them. In fact, you can call the toll-free number (800-967-2283) as far out as six months.
Just remember that the caves are cool all year round, usually around 56 degrees so dress accordingly. Additionally, you want to wear rubber sole shoes such as tennis shoes since some of the areas can be a little slippery. Then, if you want to learn all you can about the cave tour, you can even rent an audio guide. Finally, the cave does not accommodate strollers so if you have a smaller child, you want to use a child backpack instead.
Another wonderful experience at Carlsbad Caverns is the Bat Flight. Every night from May to September, bats fly into the cave. However, the park rangers say the best months for watching the Bat Flight is in August and September. Keep in mind that the bats migrate from Mexico in October and November for the cold months. Then, the bats return around April. In fact, baby bats are born each year during the early summer months.
With this program, you can watch the bats leave the cave around dusk, as they head out to search for food. Then in the early morning hours, the bats return. The best part is enjoying a delicious breakfast every second Tuesday in August between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m., as you watch the flight of the bats.
Now, for the children, get ready for some serious fun. Because Carlsbad Caverns are such as great place for kids of all ages, the rangers have put together a number of outstanding programs. For instance, there are slide programs, walks, and great demonstrations. Some of these include slides on the mammals of the caverns, learning about where bats live, early cave history, and much more.
For the demonstrations, you and the kids will have the chance to watch a professional build a bat house, give a lesson on climbing ropes, using ropes for vertical caving, Guano mining, and so on. As you can imagine, your family will leave New Mexico with a new appreciate for this remarkable state and its bats.
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