Longhorn Cavern State Park
Kid-friendly guided cave tour near Burnet TX - walk a mile through cathedral-sized underground rooms formed by an ancient river, great for ages 4+
Longhorn Cavern State Park is one of the most unique underground experiences you can share with kids in Texas. The guided walking tour covers about a mile through a massive cave system carved by an ancient underground river, and unlike most cave tours, the path is mostly flat, dry, and well-lit - making it manageable for kids as young as 4.
The cave stays a constant 68 degrees year-round, which makes it a perfect escape from Texas summer heat or a cozy winter outing. Cathedral-sized rooms open up along the route, and your guide will point out fascinating geological formations along with stories about the cave’s wild history - it served as a Confederate gunpowder factory, a Prohibition-era speakeasy, and a hideout for Sam Bass’s gang.
What kids love most: The sheer scale of the rooms is what gets kids excited. They’ll crane their necks at formations that took millions of years to develop, and the echo chambers are always a hit. Older kids who love geology or history will be completely absorbed by the guide’s stories.
Tour details and tickets: The standard guided tour takes about 90 minutes and costs $18.50 for adults, $11 for kids ages 4-11, and is free for children under 4. Tours run on a set schedule - check the website for current times and consider booking ahead on weekends and holidays when tours fill up. A wild cave tour is available for adventurous older kids (age 10+) who want to crawl through undeveloped passages with headlamps.
Above ground: Don’t skip the hilltop area. The CCC-built stone structures from the 1930s are impressive in their own right, and the panoramic Hill Country views from the observation deck are worth the drive alone. There’s a small picnic area near the parking lot that’s great for a post-tour lunch.
Nearby adventures: Longhorn Cavern is just 15 minutes from Inks Lake State Park, making it easy to combine a morning cave tour with an afternoon of swimming at Devil’s Waterhole. The town of Burnet has family-friendly restaurants for refueling between stops.
Pricing
Adults $18.50, Kids 4-11 $11, Under 4 free (verify)
Common Questions
- How much does Longhorn Cavern State Park cost?
- Admission to Longhorn Cavern State Park is paid. Adults $18.50, Kids 4-11 $11, Under 4 free (verify)
- What ages is Longhorn Cavern State Park good for?
- Longhorn Cavern State Park is best for kids ages 4 to 18+.
- Is Longhorn Cavern State Park stroller friendly?
- No, Longhorn Cavern State Park is not considered stroller friendly.
- Can I bring my dog to Longhorn Cavern State Park?
- No, dogs are not allowed at Longhorn Cavern State Park.
- How hard is Longhorn Cavern State Park?
- The difficulty level is easy. Plan for about 2 hours.
- Is Longhorn Cavern State Park free?
- No, Longhorn Cavern State Park costs paid.
- What should I bring to Longhorn Cavern State Park?
- Closed-toe shoes with good grip (required for the tour), a light jacket (68°F inside even in summer), water for before and after the tour. No food, drinks, or strollers allowed inside the cave.
- How long does Longhorn Cavern State Park take?
- Most families spend about 2 hours at Longhorn Cavern State Park.
- When is the best time to visit Longhorn Cavern State Park?
- Year-round - the cave stays 68°F regardless of weather. Spring and fall weekends are busiest; weekday mornings offer the smallest tour groups.
- Is there parking at Longhorn Cavern State Park?
- Free paved parking lot at the visitor center. Fills up on holiday weekends - arrive 20-30 minutes before your tour time. Overflow parking available along the entrance road.
Plan Your Visit
6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611