Howe Caverns with Teens and Tweens
If you’re looking for something to do with teens or tweens in the Catskills, Howe Caverns is hard to beat. We brought our kids for the first time when they were 3 and 6 years old, and it was a lot easier and more enjoyable when they were 10 and 13. Even if you’ve been before, I recommend revisiting these magical underground wonders.
The cave trails make the perfect back-up plan if it’s too nasty outside to take an above-ground hike, and Howe Caverns appeals to both outdoorsy kids and indoor cats (like mine). No matter what the weather is like, the caverns remain around 52 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer months, you’ll want to bring sweatshirts. (And if you don’t have one on hand, they have a good selection in the gift shop—Ramona insisted on buying an extra layer.)
The 90-minute cave tour is fully scripted and led by an enthusiastic young guide, and Howe Caverns feels a bit more organized than nearby Secret Caverns. (If you’re debating whether to visit Howe Caverns vs. Secret Caverns, you should definitely check out this post comparing the two.) At Howe, the time goes by quickly, with spotlights illuminating incredible limestone formations and reflecting pools.
As you can see above, the walking paths are bricked and safe, and you get to sit for a bit in a short boat ride through the River Styx. If your kids are 14 and up, you can also reserve ahead for the summertime Howe Caverns Adventure Tour, a 2 1/2-hour cave hike that involves, boots, helmets, and the less-traveled cavern trails—and I’d love to hear about it if you do!
Personally, I’ve found serenity in the caverns since I took my first tour, when I was just a kid myself. If you have a budding photographer in your family, it’s a great opportunity to take some otherworldly pictures.
Ramona was excited to come upon the glowing calcite heart at the caverns’ Bridal Altar, where more than 650 couples have gotten married. Can you imagine your wedding vows 156 feet under the surface of the earth? Feels a little goth, in a fun way.
Lest your tweens and teens grow bored of the neutral tones throughout the caverns, the keepers of the caves have done a bang-up job with some deeply colorful lights. At times, it feels like you’re walking through darkness and brightness at once—a dank rainbow lair.
Howe Caverns is located at 255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave, NY. Check out their website for hours and info and follow them on Facebook for updated information.
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