Review: Skyline Caverns
We recently visited Skyline Caverns with our 15-month-old son, after reading several Google reviews that it could be a good outing for families with kids and strollers. Here’s how our experience stacked up.
What we liked
Guided tour format**: The tour guide-led approach adds structure and storytelling to the cavern exploration, which is nice for older kids and curious adults.
Cavern scenery**: The caverns themselves are impressive to see and offer a fun environment to explore and imagine.
What to expect (and caveats)
Cost and value**: The experience was over $50 for two adults, with our son admitted for free. Depending on your family size, this can add up, so factor in the overall value for younger children.
Accessibility for little ones**: The tour involves 61 total steps and an uneven path, which can be challenging for toddlers or infants. We used a wrap to carry our son to prevent falls, but it required extra effort and attention.
Timing**: While some reviews mention around an hour, our tour lasted closer to 1 hour and 30 minutes. It felt longer than anticipated for a small child, especially in a dim environment.
Other families**: We observed that many of the younger kids in our group (ages roughly 6 and under) had a harder time with the length and lighting. A number of children appeared older than our son and seemed more comfortable with the pace and environment.
Recommendations
If you have very young children (like a 15-month-old), consider whether you’re prepared for a longer, dimly lit walk with uneven terrain and several stairs. A stroller may be impractical due to the stairs and narrow passages, so a carrier or wrap is often necessary.
Plan for extra time and a slower pace if you’re traveling with toddlers. The guided nature is helpful, but it can be tiring for little ones.
If possible, verify current pricing and tour duration before you go, as policies and experiences can vary by day.
For families with older kids (roughly 4–12+), Skyline Caverns seems better aligned with their curiosity and stamina, given the length and stairs.
Bottom line
Skyline Caverns is a worthwhile cavern experience with beautiful formations and a solid guided tour. However, for families with very young children, it can be a long, uneven, and dimly lit outing that isn’t ideal for the youngest in your party. If your kids are older and mobile, you’ll likely enjoy the adventure more. For families with toddlers, weigh the costs and physical demands carefully, or consider alternative activities that are more stroller-friendly.