Spelunking for Kids

Who Is a Spelunker?

• A spelunker is a person interested in the sport of exploring caves. Most spelunkers who actually take up this interest refer to themselves as cavers. Many caving enthusiasts practice the sport because they enjoy the thrill of discovery and are excited by the possibility of going where few people have been. Cavers often encounter unusual forms of wildlife, such as blind fish, or may see spectacular cave formations in the forms of stalactites -- mineral formations that hang from the ceilings of caves -- and stalagmites, which sprout from cave floors.

Is Spelunking a Safe Activity for Children?

• The general consensus among experienced cavers is that caving is as safe as you make it. There are no set guidelines that state how old a child must be to go caving without a parent, but most commercial cave tour companies will not accept an unaccompanied explorer younger than 10. While it is not a recommended sport for very young children, older children can easily enjoy and benefit from the thrill of cave exploration. Better cavers have certain traits in common: They exhibit good common sense, are environmentally conscious, are not prone to panic and follow rules well. Experienced cavers always explore in groups of at least three, but preferably four to six, and they always alert people outside the cave of their whereabouts, should something untoward occur. By following the safety guidelines established by the National Speleological Society (caves.org), cavers of most ages are capable of enjoying safe and exciting explorations.

Is Spelunking Right for My Child?

• Just as good cavers exhibit certain characteristics, there are also harbingers to alert you that caving might not be the best sport for your child. If he is claustrophobic, is afraid of bats or the dark or has difficulty following rules and authority, you might want to encourage him to pursue a different pastime. Although cave exploration is an interesting and high-adventure activity, it may not be the right one for your child.

How to Get Started

• If your child has expressed an interest in spelunking, locate a local grotto club -- cavers who come together to plan expeditions -- and talk to the members. Attend a meeting or follow along on a guided expedition. You might visit a local cavern attraction, such as Skyline Caverns in Front Royal, Virginia (skylinecaverns.com); or Howe Caverns Adventure Park, in Howe's Cave, New York (Howecaverns.com), to get a feel for underground exploration. Budget is another factor to keep in mind when deciding whether or not spelunking is right for your family. Cavers need quality equipment, and lots of it, to stay safe during expeditions. Do your research, go on a practice run and factor in the cost of spelunking to ascertain if caving is a good fit for your family.