Natural Bridge Caverns050

One of Texas' most famous natural attractions, the Natural Bridge Caverns offer kids and families the opportunity to pan for precious stones, take a caving adventure tour, and practice climbing and zip-line skills at the Watchtower Challenge, 50 feet up.

The Discovery Tour winds through a half-mile of the largest and most spectacular show cavern in Texas, 180 feet below the ground, in the company of a knowledgeable tour guide. It departs every 30 minutes and it's appropriate for kids ages three and up.

The Adventure Tours and the Illuminations Tours are more rigorous - and a little scary for some - so kids younger than eight are not permitted (in some cases, the age limit starts at 13). Advance registration is required for Adventure Tours.

The Mining Company claims to own Texas' largest sluice ? a series of troughs leading from a water-filled wooden tower. As the water runs through the troughs, bags of mining "rough" are emptied and sifted through screen trays ? the water washes away the dirt, revealing sparkling gems and minerals or even fossils and arrowheads. After kids discover some gems and minerals, they can use the identification charts to accurately identify exactly what they've found.

Birthday party packages can include a rock wall climb on the Watchtower Challenge, panning for gems (to keep) at the Mining Sluice, and/or a private tour of the Discovery Tour or Jaremy Room. Call to reserve a date.

Prices: Discovery Tour: Adults $17.95; Children (ages 3-11) $9.95. Illuminations Tour: Adults $17.95; Children (3-11) $9.95. The Watchtower Climb: $6.95; Zipline $8.95. Please note that the Watchtower Challenge is open seasonally; call for current hours and rates.