Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı with kids — can we leave early if someone freaks out?

erdinç yazman

22d ago

🛡️ Traveler · 1,875 points

You can cut the visit short, but “we’ll just turn around” isn’t a reliable plan once you’re in a narrow tunnel with people behind you. You still need to reach the exit along the visitor route. Before going down, ask the entrance staff where you can leave after seeing just the first rooms. Don’t buy the “Kaymaklı is shallow, so it’s easy” line. Fewer levels doesn’t mean less crouching; it has low, tight passages too. For your family, I’d lean towards a short visit at Derinkuyu, without committing to the deeper sections—but only after staff explain the way out. Neither is a good choice if someone needs an immediate escape to feel comfortable. One adult staying **outside** with the toddler while the other takes the older child is probably your easiest setup. Waiting in an entrance passage just puts you in everyone’s way. Leave the stroller above ground. I’d go independently near opening rather than join a big coach group. A guide can help you find the exit, but following a crowd through a tight passage is exactly what you’re trying to avoid. If you hire a guide, say upfront that you want a short visit and may stop early. And if the first narrow bit already feels wrong, leave before going further. No need to get your money’s worth by getting more uncomfortable 😅