Kiddieup Travel - Vacations for the Whole Family

Huge Adventures at Mammoth Cave

04.07.08

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

WWW.MAMMOTHCAVE.COM

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SITE FOR MAMMOTH CAVE

FORGET SUN, SURF AND SAND. HOW ABOUT DARK, MOIST AND BATS?

Okay, it’s not the world’s biggest ball of twine, but it certainly does have it’s off-beat cred as a vacation spot. And located in central Kentucky, it’s heavy on kitch factor as well (disclaimer: as someone born in Kentucky, I’m allowed to point out the state’s more colorful side). All kidding aside, Mammoth Cave is an amazing natural attraction that will wow kids and adults alike.

for teachers

The big story here is the enormous cave system, one of the country’s oldest natural attractions with over 350 miles of explored underground territory to enjoy. They’ve been giving tours of Mammoth Cave forever so they’ve got it down. And in the meantime, all other sorts of all-American entertainment has sprung up around it (dinosaur-themed parks, water slides, petting zoos and for the more highbrow visitors a Reperatory Theater). he boys can goon out on the ick factor, the girls can get into the nature side. It’s a great, and inexpensive, vacation; a natural wonder to behold set in a beautiful state. And as a bonus, you can stay in a wigwam on your visit as well!

LOCATION

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in central Kentucky, off of highway I-65

PLAYING

• Mammoth Cave offers regular and kid-based tours (like the Trog Tour: a kids-eye view to the caves (no parents allowed!) and Introduction to Caving for the whole family.

• There are seriously more themed parks than you can shake a stick at in the area, so there’s no shortage of cheesy and not so cheesy activities to keep the family occupied.

• Or you can more quietly just kick in at any of the lakes and parks in the area.

• A handy web address for local activities:

WWW.NPS.GOV/MACA/FORKIDS/INDEX.HTM

EATING

• There’s in-room coffee at Wigwam Village, a picnic area with like, 5 vending machines. (see below).

• This area isn’t renowned for ‘fine’ dining, but you will find some kick-ass barbeque and delicious southern cooking, for sure. Just look for old signage and lots of pickup trucks outside and you’re set!

SLEEPING

• Sleep in a teepee at Wigwam Village!!

WWW.WIGWAMVILLAGE.COM

• Okay, okay, I’m a total sucker for this kind of stuff, but aren’t most kids, too? The accomodations are basic, but just think of it as camping-plus.

• Wigwam Village in Cave City is one of only three remaining Wig Wam villages in the US, and this one was created by Frank Redford, the man who patented the design in 1936. You can read all about it on the website.

wigwam aerial