What to do in Mammoth Cave National Park with Kids
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The kids checking out River Styx; where the water enters the cave sysytem
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If you’re looking for what to do in Mammoth Cave National Park with kids, you’re in the right place. Whether you are traveling to Mammoth Cave with kids or without, you’ll find something to love here. Mammoth Cave is visited by approximately 2 million people annually and is about is 52,830 acres with over 400 miles of the underground cave system.
Every visitor to Mammoth Cave National Park should make a stop at the park’s visitor center to get a park map, find up-to-date weather forecasts or share info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots. One ranger recommended the River Styx hike to us and it was awesome! As the only visitor center in the park, it is open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM from October 27, 2019 - March 27, 2020 and from 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM between March 28, 2020 - September 7, 2020. Be sure to check out the awesome park video and grab a souvenir!
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Don’t forget to grab a photo with the national Park sign!
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When to Visit Mammoth Cave National Park
The caves in Mammoth Cave National Park stay a consistent 54* - but the park still sees a large ebb and flow of visitors dependent on the season.
Mammoth Cave Peak Season is late spring to early fall. In June, July, and August the cave tours are the busiest. During this time of year, it is highly recommended to book cave tours in advance online.,if possible, 3-4 weeks in advance. Weekday (Monday & Tuesday) visits are going to be less crowded than Friday through Sunday.
Shoulder Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) are also busy. Weekends are obviously the most crowded and tours need to be booked at least 1-2 weeks in advance. If visiting on a long weekend, expect crowds and sold-out tours.
Low Season: December through February are the slowest months at Mammoth Cave National Park with January and February being the slowest. It will be easier to find tour availability and cheaper hotel rooms during this time. I believe the low season to be the best time to visit if you are soleyl wanting to do the Mammoth Cave tours with kids. If you are wanting to experience the Caves, but also hike — try Mammoth Cave in summer.
For any time of year, the busiest cave tours are between 10AM and 2PM, so try to sneak onto a morning tour for less crowds, especially if you are visiting Mammoth Cave with kids.
Graph Courtesy of: https://www.weather-us.com/en/kentucky-usa/mammoth-cave-national-park-climate
How to get to Mammoth Cave National Park
DO NOT rely on your mobile GPS, Google Maps™ or similar automated navigation system to get you to the park Visitor Center in time for your Cave Tour.
From the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
From the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
Mammoth Cave National Park is amazing and it’s fairly convenient to get to. To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to the park, here are a few examples.
The visitor center is very clean with indoor and outdoor restrooms
Nashville to Mammoth Cave National Park is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Louisville to Mammoth Cave National Park is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
St Louis to Mammoth Cave National Park is 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Knoxville to Mammoth Cave National Park is 3 hours, 25 minutes
Indianapolis to Mammoth Cave National Park is 3 hours, 8 minutes.
Cincinnati to Mammoth Cave National Park is 3 hours, 10 minutes.
Mammoth Cave is closest to Nashville. It is a very easy drive and doable as a day trip.
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Where to Stay in Mammoth Cave National Park
Why is it important to stay overnight close to Mammoth Cave National Park? Cave tours fill up fast and the best tours to get on are the ones early in the morning. The closer you stay to the park, the easier it will be to make the earlier times. Also, parking is limited, so finding a parking spot will also be easier in the morning.
The Lodge at Mammoth Cave:
There is a lodge conveniently located inside of Mammoth Cave National Park. To book a room or cabin, check out their website HERE. The lodge offers standard hotel rooms, cottages and even day-time kennels for dogs.
Mammoth Cave National Park Camping:
For campground hours, call the Mammoth Cave Campground at 270-758-2424.
Back Country Camping: Thirteen backcountry campsites are available in Mammoth Cave National Park'. A free backcountry use permit is required for all camping at backcountry campsites and along the river floodplain.
In order to obtain a permit, be sure to have the following information with you:
Driver's License or Photo ID
Make/model of your vehicle
License Plate Number
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One of the natural entrances to the cave system in mammoth Cave national park
Where to Stay Outside of Mammtoh Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave’s nearest town is Cave City. Next closest is Bowling Green (45 minutes away). We stayed in Cave City and had the best experience!
We stayed in a blue grass cabin at Jellystone near mammoth cave
Cave City, Kentucky
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave
Jellystone: We stayed here at Jellystone for 2 nights and were extremely impressed. It is conveniently located only 4 miles from the entrance to Mammoth Cave. Jellystone has everything families need for an amazing experience at Mammoth Cave. Jellystone offers pedal cart rentals, golf cart rentals, a giant swimming area, 5 playgrounds, mini-golf, a pool, a dog kennel, a brand new Ranger Station with a Nathan’s Hot Dog and a Hunt Brother’s pizza. The Ranger Station has everything campers could need from hot coffee to smore’s supplies to t-shirts and caving gear! We will only ever stay at Jellystone when visiting Mammoth Cave because it has so much to offer families! We stayed in one of the amazing Bluegrass Cabins and enjoyed a full kitchen, loft with 2 double beds, a private room with a queen bed and a nice sized dining/living area as well as a private parking spot and giant back porch.
Airbnbs in Cave City
The best family-friendly Airbnbs in Cave City, Kentucky near Mammoth Cave National Park.
What to do in Mammoth Cave National Park with Kids
1) Cave Tour:
It goes without saying that Cave Tours are the most popular attraction at Mammoth Cave National Park. The park is the largest cave network in the world and home to over 400 miles of cave network with new caves and tunnels being discovered every single year. There are several cave tour options to meet anyone’s cave experience and physical capability.
Families who are traveling to Mammoth Cave with Toddlers or visiting Mammoth cave with a baby, don’t worry! You can carry your child into the caves! Please note that backpacks and strollers are not permitted, so you will have to hand carry them.
To book a cave tour and see the most current tour schedule, click here. All of the descriptions below are taken directly from the NPS website — click the title for more information and to book tickets for that tour.
A view of Crystal Lake on our Frozen Niagara Tour
We chose to do the 11:15 Frozen niagara tour in early march and the tour was completely sold out. Be sure to book your tour in advance!
Frozen Niagara Tour (EASY & the best Mammoth Cave tour for families): “The naturally decorated Frozen Niagara section remains one of the most famous at Mammoth Cave, and serves as the last stop for a variety of cave tours. While many tours require long hikes and numerous stairs to reach this point, this short tour offers a chance to visit this area with only 12 stairs. This tour is ideal for anyone with difficulty walking long distances or negotiating stairs. This tour includes a 10-minute bus ride to and from the Frozen Niagara Entrance.” We loved this tour and it is perfect for anyone visiting Mammoth Cave with kids!
Mammoth Passage Tour (MODERATE): “An introductory tour into the Historic Entrance, this section of cave houses many great artifacts left behind by historic and prehistoric people. Staying along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms in Mammoth Cave, this tour is ideal for those who do not like tight spaces, have small children, or anyone looking for a tour with limited steps. This tour is the guided version of the self-guided Discovery Tour.”
Historic Tour (MODERATE): “This classic Mammoth Cave Tour visits many of the historic areas that originally made Mammoth Cave famous. Going through tunnels that humans have used for thousands of years, this tour not only explores huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but also descends too much tighter places deep inside the cave. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in history and a sense of adventure.”
Domes and Dripstones Tour (MODERATE): “This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years. This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara. Please note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and several steep inclines, which can be difficult for many visitors, as there are no alternative routes. Focusing on the natural formation of the cave, this tour is ideal for people interested in science and wanting to see stalactites and stalagmites.”
Gothic Avenue Tour (MODERATE): “Gothic Avenue was named because of its unusual rock formations resembling Gothic architecture, and was the site of some of the earliest 19th-century tourism. Early visitors left behind signatures, artifacts, and monuments in this area of the cave, which also features stalactites and stalagmites. This tour focuses on the 1800s tourism and uses of Mammoth Cave and is ideal for people with a high interest in history.”
River Styx Cave Tour (MODERATE & not recommended for young children): “Following along the Historic Tour Route, this tour focuses on the unique geologic and natural history of Mammoth Cave. Including a brief side trip to the underground water level, this tour takes an in-depth look at the millions of years of the formation of Mammoth Cave. This tour is ideal for visitors with a high interest in geology.”
Violet City Lantern Tour (STRENUOUS): “A truly historic way to experience Mammoth Cave, this tour travels exclusively by lantern light. At three hours long, this tour winds through the history and prehistory of Mammoth Cave as you wander through huge, broad tunnels. This tour climbs and descends many incredibly steep hills on historic dirt trails as you experience the cave in the light of the earliest explorers. This tour is ideal for visitors who like to hike and are wanting a unique way to experience the cave. Please note that this tour, at 3 hours long, has no restroom facilities available.”
Great Onyx Lantern Tour (MODERATE): “A beautiful cave in its own right, Great Onyx Cave houses a lot of beautiful geologic formations that sparkle in the lantern light of this tour. Visitors on this tour can see many stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum crystals, and helictites. This cave was also the site of very important cultural history in the early days of Kentucky cave tourism. This tour is ideal for people with an interest in cave tourism history and unusual rock formations. Please note: this tour is in Great Onyx Cave, which is separate from Mammoth Cave.”
Star Chamber (MODERATE): “Take an evening journey into Mammoth Cave and experience the cave by lantern light. Learn of the early travels of both guides and visitors in the 1800s. Hear the stories of tuberculosis patients who sought for a cure inside the cave. View numerous rock monuments and signatures left by visitors who sought memorable experiences in Mammoth Cave over a hundred years ago. A great tour for summer campers!”
Focus on Frozen Niagara Tour (EASY): “Want more time in the most photographed area of Mammoth Cave to get that perfect picture? If so, this is the tour for you. This tour is specifically designed to allow picture takers more amounts of time to capture images of this beautifully decorated area than they normally would during the other tours that traverse through this area. This tour occurs after the visitor center closes and no other tours will be utilizing this section of Mammoth Cave during this activity. Tripods are allowed on this activity!”
Discovery Tour (EASY & Self-Guided): “Many people visiting Mammoth Cave ask, “May we visit the cave without a guided tour?” The answer is yes! This self-guided tour requires a ticket and proceeds into the Historic Entrance. Focusing on early history and prehistory of the cave, this section of cave houses many great artifacts. This tour is ideal for people wanting to move at their own pace or are looking for a cave experience without much time commitment. This tour is the self-guided version of the guided Mammoth Passage Tour. Please note: this tour is offered as visitation warrants, and is not always available.”
If you need an accessible tour, they offer this one. Be sure to check THIS WEBSITE for a full list of tours and what is currently available.
Please note: Strollers, backpacks and food are not permitted on these tours, so plan accordingly.
2) Hike:
The second most popular thing and one of the best free things to do near Mammoth Cave National Park is hiking. There are over 70 miles of surface trails to explore with most of them being easy and family-friendly.
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Mammoth Cave National Park
River STYX trail starts at the visitor center and leads down to river styx; the place where the water enters the cave system
Heritage Trail: An easy .5 mile loop starting at the Visitor Center. It takes you out to a scenic overlook and back. The entire path is paved. This is an excellent hike for toddlers.
We personally took the Heritage Trail down to the Sunset Point Trail and then looped back to the Visitor Center via the River Styx trail. It was a perfect length (a little over 1 mile total) and both of our kids were able to walk the entire distance. (Age 3 & 4).
Dixon Cave Trail Loop: This is an easy 1.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that features a river. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Sand Cave Trail: This is an easy 0.2 mile trail that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Engine No. 4 Trail: Toddlers and young kids will love this easy trail. It leads from the Visitor Center to an old train. The kids can get a look at the train and it makes for a fun photo spot.
You can view a trail map HERE.
Best Hikes for Kids in Mammoth Cave National Park:
Echo River Spring Trail: This is an easy 2.2 mile out and back trail that features a river. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Sinkhole Trail: This is a 2.4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail that features a cave. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
First Creek Lake Trail: This 3.6 mile loop trail features a lake and is rated as moderate. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Mammoth Cave National Park:
The Kids (Age 3 & 4) Were able to walk the entire heritage Trail down to to the Sunset Point Trail and then looped back to the Visitor Center via the River Styx trail
Wet Prong Trail: This 7.3 mile out and back trail offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is best used from January until February.
Buffalo Trail: This 5.5 mile out and back trail features a cave and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and horses and is accessible year-round.
Blair Spring Trail: This 5.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Mammoth Cave, Kentucky that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round.
Collie Ridge Loop: This 10 mile is a lightly trafficked loop trail that features a great forest setting and is good for all skill levels.
Mammoth Cave Park Long Loop Trail: This long 16.1 mile loop trail is rated as moderate.
This is an overlook on hertiage trail in mammoth cave national park
3) Birding:
Birding in Mammoth Cave National Park is a fun activitiy for the entire family. Sign up by calling, (270) 758-2180, to join a local naturalist and learn more about the different bird species commonly seen inside the park. On these nature walks, the guides will explain what the National Park is doing to protect the creatures flying above.
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: varies
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trip Time: 8:15 a.m. on Tuesdays & Thursdays from March 24, 2020 - April 30, 2020
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Some of the cave “curtains” on the Frozen Niagara tour!
4) Take An UNDERGROUND Boat Tour:
While this cave tour isn’t INSIDE Mammoth Cave National Park, it is in the nearby town of Bowling Green. This unique tour does explore part of the local cave system and is the only still functioning cave boat tour around. Board Kentucky’s only underground boat tour at the Lost River Cave. Begin with a 45-minute eco-friendly tour which will take you through the grounds of the nature park, down into and through the cave for the start of your underground boat ride. Duck your head for a moment as you glide under the famous wishing rocks to enter the cave but don't forget to touch the cool dolomite ceiling before the passage opens into a cathedral-like cavern. The guide will talk you through the history of these Kentucky caves and help visitors better understand the natural phenomena of Kentucky’s limestone caves.
5) Ride Horseback Through the Park:
Saddle up a horse and ride through the surface trails at Mammoth Cave! You can bring your own horse into the park or you can hire a guide to take you on a horseback riding adventure through Double J. Stables.
Learn more about Mammoth Cave National Park’s horseback riding rules and which campsites have horse accommodations HERE.
A few of the different cave tours require a ride on a bus! THe kids were excited!
Another look inside mammoth cave!!
7) Kayak or Canoe:
Inside Mammoth Cave National Park there are 25 miles of the Green River and six miles of the Nolin River. These waters carry boaters past dramatic bluffs, majestic trees, and wildlife. The Green River, is dotted with sandbars, islands, and subsurface springs! Younger kids will enjoy the sandbars, trying to spot fish and birds, and going for a dip in the cool waters.
Boaters are expected to bring their own boats (or rent one from one of THESE authorized concessioners) and follow all National Park Service regulations including the wearing of personal flotation devices. All rules can be found HERE.
8) Fishing
There are no fishing licenses required inside of Mammoth Cave National Park, so it’s easy to bring your pole and drop it in the water. Come relax on the shores of the rivers while angling for the Bass, crappie, bluegill, muskellunge and catfish, along with almost 100 other species.
Fishing in Mammoth Cave National Park is arguably one of the most relaxing things to do inside the park. Find more information about rules and regulations surrounding fishing in the park HERE.
Fishing is a fun thing to do in mammoth Cave national park — photo courtesty of the national park service
Turn your memories into wall art with these custom National Park Posters from Just Go Travel Studios
Mammoth Cave Park is the perfect destination for families. There are so many cave tour options, a fantastic visitor center and many perfect family friendly hikes. No matter whether you camp out, stay nearby in Cave City, Mammoth Cave is an easy trip for an unforgettable adventure.
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