13:13 here. I forgot to say that the crowds are mostly relevant to the line to take the tour, which is why I suggest arriving early. The tour itself is limited to a defined group size. It's a great tour, and only about an hour long.

Get there 15 minutes before it opens and get in line. My kids, then ages 5 and 7, liked it last year. We spent a few hours there (tour, car museum, maze, lunch). We probably would have stayed and done the ropes course, but it started raining. If you stay the night, I recommend this nearby hike with kids that age: https://virginiatrailguide.com/2009/05/16/rose-river-loop/

NP, now wondering about taking my 6yo for the first time this weekend. Will it be really crowded, do you think?

I'm not sure how far it is from the caverns, but my kids ask me every single weekend if they can go to the Shenandoah Discovery Museum. It's just off 81 in Winchester, VA

http://discoverymuseum.net

Route 11 Potato Chips is close by. The Strasburg Railroad plus ropes courses.

Yes, would recommend the trip. It was also a day trip for us.

Yes! There is an antique car and children's toy museum on site that should be part of the admission ticket. My 8 yr old loved the caverns. It's a pleasant temperature. Scenic trip too (once you're off of I81). Can't speak for your 6 yr old, you know your kid best.

No need to stay in a hotel. It's a quick 90 min drive. Easy to do in a day.

Would you recommend visiting Luray Caverns for a little road trip this weekend? Anything to do nearby, and hotels to stay in with a 6 and 8 year old? Thank you!