Compete for detritus, bugs, guano, and other vital sources of nutrients as one of five unique creatures found in Lost River Cave! This 45-minute program takes aboveground, but will give kids 8-12 an inside look at the complexities of cave food webs. Pairs excellently with the boat tour.
Homeschool Day 2026
September 16

Homeschool Day 2026
Schedule of Activities
| Cave | River Birch Room | Pavilion | Playscape | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30 | Cave Boat Tour (all ages) | Activities TBD! | ||
| 10:30 | Cave Boat Tour (all ages) | Geology Rocks! (ages 6-12) | Birds of the Wetland (ages 5-7) | |
| 11:30 | Cave Boat Tour (all ages) | Geology Rocks! (ages 6-12) | ||
| 12:30 | Cave Boat Tour (all ages) | Geology Rocks! (ages 6-12) | Critters of the Cave (ages 8-12) |
Program Descriptions
Cave Boat Tour - All Ages

The Cave Boat Tour begins with a leisurely stroll in the valley as your guide shares stories and geographical facts. Then board a boat and duck your head under the Wishing Rock to enter the cave, where your knowledgeable guide will share more about the history, geology, and biology of Lost River Cave.
The boat tour is appropriate for all ages. Please note that all children must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.
Geology Rocks - ages 6-12

Best for ages 6-12, this program introduces kids to rock and mineral properties through a hands-on lesson and then a scientific experiment. Kids will finish up gem mining at our sluice trough outdoors.
Mining rough is included in the cost of all student and younger sibling tickets, but more can be purchased separately in the gift shop day-of!
Critters of the Cave - ages 8-12
Birds of the Wetland - ages 5-7

This program gives young children a dynamic, hands-on look at the habitat needs of birds. Kids will learn about how birds, like us, need food, water, shelter and space. The activity includes touchable samples and ends with a hands-on outdoor game.
Trail Scavenger Hunt - all ages
Stop by our registration table any time for a scavenger hunt your family can complete while hiking at the park!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! Admission to our park is free and open to the public. Activities and tours can be booked individually.
Nope! Sign up for as many or as few activities as you’d like.
Parent tickets are required for the boat tour and the Geology Rocks program. Parents are welcome to sit in on all other programs for free with their participating child.
Check back soon for information about what Homeschool Day can offer parents of littles!
- Children 6 and under should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- All children on the boat tour should be accompanied by an adult.
- Children 7 and up can attend activities (besides the boat tour) on their own after their parent or guardian signs a release form.
Sure! Please just make sure the group doesn’t exceed 12 kids for every 1 responsible adult present.
If a program does not show a registration option for a younger child, they’re welcome to tag along with their parent and watch the activity.
Yes! Lost River Cave’s Trailside Treats will be serving hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, and crushed “Cave Ice”. You’re also welcome to enjoy a sack lunch at our picnic tables.
You’re welcome to purchase tickets for other members of your group if that’s easier for you. However, we won’t be offering large group booking discounts for this event.
- If you have a very large group (>25 students), you may wish to book a standard field trip—see details about pricing and availability at lostrivercave.org/education.
- You’re also always welcome to join a public tour with your family any day of the year.
Please call (270) 393-0077 ext 109 or email education@lostrivercave.org at least 24 hours before the start of your activity to guarantee a full refund.
Registration will close on Tuesday, September 15th — however, we anticipate activities filling up, so we recommend registering as soon as possible!