Luray Caverns - Washington,DC

There is a closer cavern called Skyline Caverns that I think is MUCH better for young kids. For one it's cheaper :) Also the tours are given by an actual tour guide not by headphones. The caverns are smaller and feel more like "exploring." Then there is a really fun mirror maze and a mini train ride. And the kids can touch one of the fallen stalagcites (sp?) I have done both and highly recommend Skyline. When they are older Luray would be a nice trip. Here is the link with coupons. If I remember correctly kids under 5 are free for the caverns.

http://www.skylinecaverns.com/discountcoupon.htm

Enjoy!

I think Luray Caverns are awesome, we have seen a ton of caves with our kids and this one remains our all time favorite! That said, you need to take some things into consideration. Sometimes it takes well over an hour depending on crowds, your tour guide and how fit the people in your group are. We once ended up spending nearly 2 hours on what was supposed to be a 45 minute tour (different cave) because a member in our group was so out of shape he had to rest every few steps going uphill. At the time our youngest was 18 months old and anxious to get out and it was a very unpleasant situation. Take the temperament of your kids into consideration, if your newborn cries a lot and needs a great deal of attention you may want to hold off out of respect for all the other people who are paying money to see the cave and want to enjoy the atmosphere and hear the tour guide. If your kids are fine in dim enclosed spaces for a period of time and you feel they will be ok moving slowly through the cave and staying "in line" for portions of the tour then I think you will have fun. No strollers allowed. I would recommend a front carrying sling that you can carry/nurse the baby in (and which would also free your hands to help your hubby with the other two children) You and your hubby may need to carry the other two for parts as well. I went with a 5 yo, 2.5 yo and a 3 month old the first time and it was a bit stressful. The second time we went they were 9, 6, and 4 years old and it was much more enjoyable for them and for us. Last bit of advice... change diapers right before going in and put a bit of butt paste/destin or whatever on... my friends just went with their 2 yo last month and he pooped just as they were going down the elevator so his poor bottom was very sore when they finally got out and were able to change him. Probably won't happen to you but nice to be prepared in case ;) Have a marvelous time if you go.. it truly is magnificent in there!

I went there once before having kids and it was a lot of fun! there is a lot of walking, and I remember it was really cold. You will need a jacket and bundle up your kids for sure! Have fun!!

I got married at the Mimslyn Inn which is 2 minutes from Luray Caverns! You could stay there if you want something a little nicer (not super fancy though). I believe they have added a mini spa now. There is also a little motel across the street which is cheap. The caverns are fun - remember to take sweaters/jackets for everyone - but there isn't a whole lot to them. The tour takes an hour or so. There are some other fun things to do in Luray. There is a Jellystone Park in Luray w/cabins, etc. you can rent or you can camp there. They have mini golf, a pool, waterslide, arcade, etc. for the kids. Our kids always loved it! There's also a reptile farm thingy w/snakes and such. And, of course, great walking trails and you can walk/drive on Skyline Drive. Oh and the Luray Caverns are the most popular but there are actually quite a few caverns around there (if you should want to visit more than one).

It's a great place to visit! We took our son when he was 2 1/2-3 years old but had to carry him from time to time because it's a long walk... once you get inside there is no turning back you have to keep going in the same direction... there is no quick exit! I don't believe you can take a stroller inside as it's fairly tight at time. It's also fairly hot inside so be aware. You'll find a gift shop, taffy shop and a old car museum right oustide the cavern. We did not stay overnight so not sure what's out there.
Definitely a great place to see for adult and older kids... Hope this help!

We just went last month. My kids are 8, 6, and 4, and I was glad that my brother and his gf came along. It is a lot of walking, so wear sneakers, and not slippery shoes. Bring a camera!! All 3 of my kids LOVED it! There were really young kids in there too that loved it. If your kids are that young, I'd just try to have 3 adults...because my kids were nervous with it being slippery. SUCH a fun place though - and not the typical summer trip! I second everything Rachel D said - I got some great tips from her before we went! We did not stay overnight, so it was a long day of driving, but totally worth it. Gorgeous views all around!

Hi! We drove there for the afternoon, since we live in Arlington, VA. I saw lots of little kids and strollers (the path is a bit bumpy though, so bring a stroller with sturdy wheels). There is a TON of walking, the caverns are huge- so maybe a double stroller for the older kids and a baby carrier for the baby? That would probably work best because it's freezing cold in there- like in the 40s or maybe 50s? There's also a neat car museum there (above ground) that the kids will like. I don't remember many good food options (except for a candy counter in the gift shop) :) so I would definitely pack some food. Pictures turn out really well using flash, if you don't use flash they'll all look black. It's really cool and well worth visiting!
Have fun!
L.

We took our kids there years ago, and our grandson 2 years ago. He was 7 at the time and still talks about it, and says he wants to go again. I would be sure everyone had a sweater as it's 54 degrees in the cave, and I would have either a stroller or sling for the infant. See http://www.luraycaverns.com/?utm_source=google&utm_me...

We combined the trip with Natural Bridge. They have an evening program and a zoo there. See http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/

Stay at the Natural Bridge Hotel.

Did the caverns (there are several in that area) when I was a kid. The only things I can recommend...wear non slip comfortable shoes. It is wet throughout a good portion of it and you are walking on rocks during some of it (wet rocks are slick! Learned from experience). Take a lightweight jacket it gets chilly down there. It's chilly and damp so dress accordingly.

It was absolutely gorgeous. I really liked the ones that looked liked fried eggs. I don't remember if it was Luray or one of the others, but they have an organ type system set up that taps on the different stalactites/stalagmites that make music. Super cool.

My kids love Luray Caverns, but they're older (10 and 13). We actually went twice, but they don't recall the first time since they were much younger. Ours was with a tour guide, unlike someone who mentioned earlier that theirs was just a headset ... I recommend definitely going with a tour guide. Like others mentioned, it's pretty dim and lots of walking. You actually have to watch where you walk, so as to not slip or hit your head. I don't mean to make it sound dangerous because it's really not, it's 'adventurous' and fun! But at the same time, not a place to run around freely. If you decide to go, I'd suggest strollers for the toddlers, carrier for the infant, and a good camera :-)
I don't have any suggestons for where to stay, since we made it a day trip. There's also an indoor water park at Massanutten Resort, which is nearby.

IT'S AWESOME!! My kids were 6, 5 and 6 months when we went. The girls (5 and 6) REALLY got into it! I totally recommend it to everyone (The other R. D on here recently took her kiddos!)... Yes there's lots of walking, and getting in and out of the cavern there are stairs (with a railing, but it's a little dark, so hang onto the 3 and 2 year olds). Strollers are allowed, but a pain on those steps... the rest of the time is a cake walk!! Bring your camera and a light jacket or hoodie for everyone, it gets pretty cool down there even if it's 100 degrees outside. There's also the antique car museum, another museum, and the corn maze (which we haven't done but I've wanted to since *I* was a kid!), and don't forget to taste the fudge!!... You're also pretty close to Natural Bridge, so if you do spend the night, maybe do that the next day. That's more of an outdoor hike, bring bug spray and sunscreen.

HAVE FUN!!! :) Send me a PM if you have any other questions :)