Budget at least 2 hours for Cave of the Winds with a 5-year-old.

Probably more like 2.5. The official tour time is usually around 75 minutes, but that doesn’t account for anything a small child does: walking slower, stopping to stare at every weird rock, needing a bathroom break, getting scared of the dark, wanting to hold your hand for three minutes then run ahead. Plus you’ll need time to get from the parking lot to the cave entrance, put on the jacket they make you wear (or bring your own), and maybe buy a ticket or use the restroom before you go in.

The Discovery Tour is the easiest family option, but even then, your kid’s attention span will set the pace. If they’re into it, you might get through faster. If they’re not, you’re stuck underground with a whining five-year-old. Better to block off the full two hours so you’re not rushing or skipping things.

Short version: expect the full 2 hours from parking lot to back in the car. If you finish in 90 minutes, treat yourself to ice cream.