The secret’s out. Boerne is a hot spot on the map for cave enthusiasts and wannabe spelunkers. With not one, but TWO nationally recognized show caves you’re sure to have your geological fantasies met while you are here.
While the caves themselves are the obvious “rock stars” at these attractions, you’re not going to want to miss out on the aboveground fun that is available at both Cave Without a Name and Cascade Caverns. So, pack your lunch for a picnic with family and friends, then head over to the welcome center and rock shop (which is worth a look too while you are there) at each location to ask about these add-on activities to make your visit a little "extra."
If you missed out on the post from a while back where Tori Bellos from the Boerne Visitors Center (IE: Me!) took her girls, then 4 and 8 years old, on their first cave tour, feel free to check it out.
Cave Without a Name’s Bonus Fun
Sluicing- You may not be familiar with the word, but you’re sure to know what it is. Think panning for gold during the gold rush. It’s a very similar action, and the kiddos will be excited to find all kinds of treasures to sort through after a quick splash in the water. “Sluicers” can pick between fossils and gemstones in their discovery bag, which can be purchased in the rock shop at Cave Without a Name.
Bag Pricing: Jumbo $30, Large $12, Small $8
Geode Cutting- The inside of a geode is a thing of true beauty. Pick your prize from a bucket of what looks like a collection of simple rocks. Once it’s sliced open with a large circular saw blade (by a staff member), behold, it glitters with crystals like fine jewelry and is sure to be something that your crew will want to show off once you get home.
Geode Pricing: Small $5, Medium $10, Large $15, XL $25
Walk a Labyrinth- Need a moment to zen out? Cave Without a Name also has a labyrinth on its grounds, and it’s become a popular activity for kids and adults.
Above and Beyond at Cascade Caverns
Snap a Pic with Rex The Dinosaur- He’s BIG, he’s green, and he’s very Instagrammable! Make sure to tag @cascadecavernstexas and @visitboerne when posting your pics on Instagram.
Dig in the Rock and Gem Quarry—channel your inner geologist or paleontologist! Get ready to get a little dirty while you mine for unique minerals, rocks, gems, and fossils in the Cascade Caverns Quarry. Each miner will be given the tools of the trade, including a digging scoop, a sifter, a rock ID card, and a jar to take home all of their precious treasures. This is a great activity for kids of all ages and kids at heart. Call ahead for additional details to secure this special activity. Please note that this particular activity is currently unavailable, but they plan to bring it back in the spring/summer season. Pricing: $6
Look for Geocaches- Ever gone geocaching? It’s a fun activity to do while out and about in nature, no matter where you are. We just found out that Cascade Caverns has 3 on their property!
Rock’n Good Activities Available at BOTH Locations
Trek the Nature Trails- Both properties offer above-ground hiking and encourage you to take a quick jaunt before or after your subterranean adventure. Cascade Caverns boasts 2 different trails that are about ¾ of a mile each. The Cave Without a Name’s trails meander through the property through the trees, revealing additional natural features like a sinkhole. The learning never stops!
Picnicking: Both caves offer picnic tables and pavilions. Make plans to spend the day, and feel free to linger.
Written by Tori Bellos, Marketing, Boerne Convention and Visitors Bureau
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