Do your kids like to explore the great outdoors? Want to add an exciting extra element to your next hiking, camping or vacation adventure? Go spelunking (also known as cave exploring) with your kids and introduce them to parts of the world they’ve probably never seen before. Cave exploring is becoming increasingly popular in all areas of the world. People visit caves for science and for pleasure, just for fun and a unique experience.
Why go spelunking? There’s a reason that caves are a common setting in literature, TV, movies, mythology and even non-fiction stories. Caves are cool, dark and mysterious. These incredible hidden places, formed by nature, just beg to be explored by people of all ages. You and your family will see and experience wonderful things that stimulate’ imagination and curiosity about the natural world. You can learn about cave formations, the elements and more. When you explore a cave as a family, you’ll have both an exciting outdoor adventure and a fun learning experience that will create lasting memories. Many caves are available for touring year round, and there are even advantages to visiting caves during cooler weather. To get the most out of spelunking, spend time learning more about caves and finding the right one to explore, and find out if those caves offer guided or unguided tours. There are advantages to both.
There are simple smaller caves all over the USA, perfect for beginning cavers and those with young children too. More complex caves for experienced cavers have water features, maze like tunnels, bouldering and maneuvering through tight crevices. Each cave is unique. With some practical knowledge and a little planning, you can have a fun and safe caving adventure with your entire family.
According to the National Speleological Society, here are some basic spelunking tips. This organization exists for cave preservation and cave conservation.They believe in responsible caving. When a family visits a cave and goes exploring, they are responsible for themselves, their kids and other family members and for keeping the cave in its same pristine state it was before they started exploring it. Leave the cave and the surface cleaner than you found it. Cause no damage to the landscape or property. Leave plant and animal wildlife alone while enjoying them from a safe distance. Most states have laws against damaging a cave or its contents, and on federal land, such damage violates the Federal Cave Protection Act. Don’t be a vandal marking up caves. Good relationships between cavers and landowners are an essential part of visiting caves, and maintaining these relationships is a key element of responsible caving. Be sure you are properly equipped and have the proper attitude and training, so caving can be safe. Generally, caving accidents result from lack of experience or poor judgment. Beware of unpredictable situations, such as loose rocks and crumbling ledges, which have been known to cause injuries and fatalities in caves. It is also a good idea to carry at least three independent sources of light per person. Be sure to wear a lighted helmet too. Gloves will keep your hands warm and minimize cuts and scrapes as well. Dress for the expected environment in the cave. Wear sturdy boots with lug soles to protect your feet and grip securely on rocks and mud. Most importantly, do your research about the cave before your visit to know what clothes to wear and what equipment to have on hand too and be safe and take your time too, and your family will have an enjoyable and memorable experience together.
