Underground attractions have an almost magical quality about them. Buried beneath the Earth’s surface are hidden gems that tell stories of history, mystery, and even art. Ancient caves and contemporary underground cities both offer a journey into entirely different realms. Visiting them is an adventure and an opportunity to learn about different cultures, geology, and engineering marvels. Planning a family trip or searching for your next curious adventure? These unique underground attractions are worth exploring. Here’s a look at fascinating underground spots you might not have heard of, along with tips on visiting and details about whether or not they’re family-friendly.

1. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

Imagine walking into a dark cave only to look up and see thousands of tiny glowing lights. That’s what you’ll experience at Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand. The glow comes from bioluminescent worms called Arachnocampa luminosa. Visitors typically explore the cave through guided boat tours that glide along the underground river, showcasing the natural light show.

  • Kid-Friendly? Yes! Families will love the magical experience, but children need to be comfortable with dark, enclosed spaces.
  • Budget: Tour prices range from $35 to $50 per person, with discounts for kids.

2. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia

This stunning Roman Catholic church is located near Bogota, approximately 600 feet underground, inside a salt mine. It is a marvel of architecture and spirituality, featuring intricately carved crosses, sculptures, and illuminated tunnels. The cathedral is a place of worship and a cultural landmark.

  • Kid-Friendly? Yes! Children fascinated by big, dramatic spaces will enjoy exploring the lit salt-carved church.
  • Budget: Entrance fees range from $10 to $20, depending on age and tour options.

3. Postojna Cave, Slovenia

Spanning over 15 miles of extraordinary passages and chambers, Postojna Cave is one of Europe’s largest tourist-accessible caves. Inside, you’ll see unique rock formations and even a rare aquatic species called the olm, often referred to as the "human fish." To make navigating easier, part of the tour features a train ride through the cave.

  • Kid-Friendly? Absolutely! Kids will love the mysterious atmosphere and the train ride through the cave.
  • Budget: Tickets cost approximately $30 for adults and $17 for kids. Family packages are also available.

4. Derinkuyu Underground City, Turkey

This ancient underground city in Cappadocia is an engineering marvel. Carved into volcanic rock, it goes as deep as 200 feet and contains tunnels, stables, storage rooms, and even ventilation systems. Derinkuyu was once a hiding place for ancient civilizations during invasions. Walking through its maze-like passages feels like stepping into a completely different time.

  • Kid-Friendly? Mixed. Older kids who love history will enjoy exploring, but the narrow and claustrophobic tunnels might not suit young children.
  • Budget: Admission is around $10. Guided tours may cost extra.

5. Coober Pedy, Australia

Known as the “opal capital of the world,” Coober Pedy is a mining town in South Australia where people live underground to escape the extreme desert heat. Visitors can tour underground homes, churches, and even a hotel! While there, you can also try your hand at opal mining.

  • Kid-Friendly? Yes! Kids can safely explore the underground spaces. Just be cautious around mining areas.
  • Budget: Guided tours cost about $10–$20 per person, and hotel stays can range from $50 to $150 per night.

6. Ruby Falls, USA

Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ruby Falls is a breathtaking underground waterfall. The 145-foot-tall waterfall is accessed via a guided cave tour that winds through fascinating rock formations and narrow tunnels. The lighting and storytelling make this geological wonder truly unique.

  • Kid-Friendly? Yes! Families often rate Ruby Falls as a kid-friendly destination due to its awe-inspiring visuals and fun facts shared by guides.
  • Budget: Tour prices are around $25 for adults and $15 for kids, with discounts for larger families.

7. RÉSO (Montreal’s Underground City), Canada

Unlike the caves and mines on this list, RÉSO is a modern underground city in Montreal, Canada. It features 20 miles of tunnels connecting shopping malls, offices, subway stations, and even apartment buildings. Designed to shield residents from harsh winters, it’s a unique architectural attraction to explore.

  • Kid-Friendly? Yes! Kids will enjoy the novelty of navigating this vast underground maze, especially during cold weather.
  • Budget: Exploring RÉSO is free, but you’ll likely spend on shopping, food, or subway rides.

8. Škocjan Caves, Slovenia

Another Slovenian gem, Škocjan Caves, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring awe-inspiring underground canyons, waterfalls, and vast chambers. The size of the spaces makes it feel like wandering into a giant natural cathedral.

  • Kid-Friendly? Generally yes, but steep paths and bridges might be challenging for younger kids.
  • Budget: Adult tickets are about $20, while kid tickets cost $10. Family discounts are available.

9. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland

Located near Kraków, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest salt mines in the world and is home to underground chapels, sculptures, and even chandeliers made entirely of salt. You can take guided tours to learn about its fascinating history and the miners who once worked there.

  • Kid-Friendly? Yes! Children as young as 4 can join the tour. The mine also offers special tailored programs for kids.
  • Budget: Tickets cost around $25–$35 for adults and $20 for kids.

10. Moaning Caverns, USA

Located in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills, Moaning Caverns is an underground adventure offering something for everyone. You can take simple walking tours, or, for those who are more daring, try rappelling 165 feet into the cavern. This is also the home of the largest cavern chamber in California.

  • Kid-Friendly? Yes! Walking tours are suitable for kids, but rappelling is limited to ages 12 and up.
  • Budget: Walking tours cost around $15–$20, while the rappelling adventure is roughly $80.

11. Batu Caves, Malaysia

While technically not entirely underground, the Batu Caves are nestled inside a limestone hill and feature stunning natural chambers and Hindu temples. Located near Kuala Lumpur, these caves are steeped in culture and history. Visiting during the Thaipusam festival is especially remarkable, as the caves become the center of a major Hindu celebration.

  • Kid-Friendly? Yes, though younger kids might need assistance climbing the 272 stairs leading to the main cave.
  • Budget: Admission is free, but donations are welcome.