Bats, Caverns & Caves
Explore the Hill Country’s Hidden Side
Bats, Caverns & Caves
Looking for bats and caverns in the Texas Hill Country? The region is home to some of the state’s most fascinating natural wonders. Wander through breathtaking underground caverns filled with towering formations, explore historic caves, or gather at sunset to watch thousands of bats fill the evening sky. Whether you’re looking for a cool escape on a hot day or an unforgettable wildlife experience, these destinations offer adventures the whole family will remember.
Bracken Cave Preserve
Just north of San Antonio, Bracken Cave is home to more than 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats-the largest bat colony in the world. Each summer evening, guests can watch the bats spiral out of the cave at dusk in an unforgettable “tornado” as they head out to hunt.
A few things to know before you go: Visits require advance reservations and can last up to 4 hours in the Texas heat, so organizers don’t recommend bringing kids under the age of 6. Every visitor needs a ticket regardless of age, and because it’s an unimproved natural area with no fencing, kids need to be supervised closely rather than allowed to roam. It’s a bucket-list nature experience for families with older kiddos who can handle the heat, the wait, and a bit of quiet patience. As tickets sell out quickly early in the year, we recommend subscribing to their newsletter and/or becoming a member to be notified when tickets are released. You are also able to add yourself to a waitlist in the event your desired day is sold out.
7515 Bracken Cave Rd
San Antonio, TX 78266
(512) 327-9721
https://www.batcon.org/experience-bats/bat-happenings/visit-bracken-cave-preserve/
Natural Bridge Caverns
Texas’ largest commercial cave system offers breathtaking underground formations, guided cave tours, ropes courses, gem mining, climbing experiences, and seasonal family events.
Howdy Kiddo Tip: The cave stays about 70 degrees year-round, making it a great escape from the summer heat.
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78266
(210) 651-6101
https://naturalbridgecaverns.com
Cave Without A Name
Despite its unusual name, this is one of the most beautiful caves in Texas. Guided tours take you deep underground to admire spectacular formations and enormous caverns that have been growing for thousands of years. Many visitors say it’s even more impressive than they expected. For an extra layer of fun, check out their concert series!
325 Kreutzberg Rd
Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 537-4212
https://cavewithoutaname.com
Old Tunnel State Park
Old Tunnel is home to up to 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats and 3,000 cave myotis bats from May through October. There’s a small trail you can hike and lots of wildlife to see. They open the park after 5 p.m. for bat viewing and programs (depending on staff availability) while the bats are there. Bat viewing tickets are required after 5 p.m. Space is limited in their 2 bat viewing areas, so get your tickets in advance. The lower viewing area is only open Thursdays through Sundays, and often sells out two weeks in advance.
Check Facebook or call the toll-free line at (866) 978-2287 (recorded message only) for bat emergence information. Plan to arrive an hour earlier than recent emergence times. (You do not have to arrive at 5 p.m.)
Note: They do not allow children under 4 years old in the lower viewing area. Get your tickets to see the bats here.
10619 Old San Antonio Rd
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
(866) 978-2287
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/old-tunnel
Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bat Bridge (Austin)
See one of Austin’s most iconic sights as up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge around sunset. Watch from the bridge, find a spot along the lakeshore, or book a boat or kayak tour for a view from the water. Home to the world’s largest urban bat colony, it is a uniquely Austin experience that feels pretty magical when the sky begins filling with bats.
Pro Tip: Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to grab a good viewing spot along the lawn below the bridge. Bat emergence times change throughout the season, and warmer evenings with fewer clouds often make for the best show.
South Congress Avenue Bridge
Austin, TX 78704
https://austinbatrefuge.org/congress-avenue-bridge/
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Just south of Burnet, this Hill Country gem is built around Longhorn Cavern, an 11-mile-long cave carved by water through ancient limestone. Guided walking tours take you down well-lit stone steps into passageways that stay a cool 65 degrees year-round — a welcome break on hot Texas days. Explore hiking trails along the historic grounds and learn about the Civilian Conservation Corp which cleared the cavern of debris and built the park facilities in the 1930s. ntry to the park grounds is free; entry to the cavern is by paid guided tours. Check out Visiting Longhorn Cavern for cavern tour information and tickets.
6211 Park Road 4 S
Burnet, TX 78611
(512) 715-9000
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/longhorn-cavern
Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park
Wonder World in San Marcos is home to the only commercially operated dry formed cave in the United States created by an earthquake, giving kids a chance to actually see exposed layers of the Balcones Fault underground. After the guided cave tour, ride the train through the wildlife park to feed and see animals up close, climb the observation tower for Hill Country views, and test your sense of balance inside the quirky Anti Gravity House. It is part cave adventure, part wildlife encounter, and part wonderfully weird roadside Texas attraction.
Pro Tips: They offer an all-in-ticket that includes a fully guided tour for the best value. Also be advised: wear sturdy shoes to navigate steep stairs both at entry adn inside the cave.
1000 Prospect Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 392-6711
https://wonderworldpark.com
Cascade Caverns
Take an underground adventure through one of Texas’ oldest show caves. Guided tours lead families past impressive rock formations, underground pools, and fascinating geology while sharing stories about the cave’s history. It’s cool underground year-round, making it a perfect escape from the summer heat.
226 Cascade Caverns Rd
Boerne, TX 78015
(830) 755-8080
https://cascadecaverns.com
