13 Things to Do in Asheville with Kids
We’re planning our weekend trip to Asheville, NC in September. I have heard about Asheville before because it’s home to the Biltmore Estate – one of the largest home in the US. What I didn’t know was there are so many things to do in or around Asheville with kids. Who would have thought this little gem in the Blue Ridge Mountain can be a fun destination for a whole family. Check out my list of family-friendly things you can do with your kids in Asheville.
1. Western North Carolina Nature Center - Is it a Zoo? Is it a garden? It’s a living museum for plants and animals natives to the Appalachian region. This nature center has a lot of events planned throughout the year. Kids will get to learn and understand more about the nature environments through hand-on and sensory programs. The price is very affordable for the whole family (Adult -$8 , Kid (3-15) -$4 and discount for Asheville resident and senior).
2. The Health Adventure – A unique health and science museum for children. This museum explores the wonder of our human body and encourage curiosity in kids to learn and raise awareness about our health and science. There are different programs and also traveling program throughout the year. And the benefit of small town museum, the price is relatively affordable (Adult -$8.50 , Student (12&up) -$7.50 , Kid (2-11) -$6).
3. Chimney Rock Park – Enjoy NC’s newest State park at Chimney Rock Park. Go up to the top of the rock to enjoy the amazing, panoramic view. Family with small children don’t be afraid there is an elevator to take you up to the top within 30 seconds. For family with bigger kids and love the adventure, the Outcropping trail will take you there in about 20 minutes. There are several hiking trails for different preference. Great Woodland Adventure Trail and Hickory Nut Falls Trail are highly recommended for family hiking. A tip for family with small children, bring backpack carrier or rent it at the park for $8 as the trails are not suitable for stroller use.
4. Biltmore Estate – One of the most popular attraction in Asheville, at 175,000 square feet and 250 rooms, it’s the largest house in America. The Biltmore Estate consists of the Biltmore House, the winery and the manicure garden. It will be a great day trip for a family. Kids will enjoy roaming around the property with over 8,000 acres. There are plenty of activities provided throughout the year. The price tag might be steep but I think it’s well worth the visit. Check out their website for events and special discount.
5. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad – Having a train lover son, we always look out for fun activity wtih train. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is a perfect excursion for a visit to Asheville. Kids will enjoy scenic train journey through the Great Smoky Mountain. There are special train event throughout the year being the Thomas Train Ride, the Snoopy Easter ride or the Polar Express on Christmas. Check out their website for more details.
6. Asheville’s Fun Depot – A place for the arcade lover family. This family entertainment center has various indoor and outdoor fun attractions ranging from indoor/outdoor go-carts, laser tag, bounce house or bumper car. It might not be for everyone but if you are looking for something indoor and out of the heat, this might be a place. The pricing has different options based on your preference. Check out the website for more details.
7. Apple Picking – Apple picking is a fun and affordable activity to do with kids. Kids love to do thing by themselves and what a better way than picking your own apples. There are several apple orchards in the area. J.H. Stepp Farm Hillcrest Orchard has been in business for quite sometimes. From their website, it looks like a fun place to take the kids to enjoy a day out in the Fall.
8. Grove Arcade – Shopping and people watching at the historically renovated Grove Arcade. Enjoy boutique shopping, exceptional dinning and regional art and crafts. Then sit back and relax and let the kids run wild.
9. Asheville Outdoor Center – Enjoy a calm water float along the scenic French Board River through the Biltmore Estate property. This is a perfect outdoor activity for family with small children who can’t participate in the popular whitewater rafting yet. There are various types of activities offering from kayaking, rafting, tubing, or canoeing. The best part is AOC is located in Asheville so you don’t have to drive too far.
10. Biltmore Village – Visit the original Biltmore village originally built for housing the Vanderbilt’s employees. Stroll along the brick sidewalks with tree-lined street, check out unique shops and have lunch or dinner at one of many locally owned restaurant. This charming village will give you the victorian-era ambiance that you might think you have been transported back in time.
11. Blue Ridge Parkway - Drive along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway and stop along the lookout to witness the marvelous beauty of mother nature at best. You can start from Asheville and drive all the way to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain Park.
12. Botanial Garden of Asheville – Kids love to roam and where is a better place than in the botanical garden with all the beautiful flowers and plants. Best of all, there is no admission fee.
13. Pisgah National Forest – This national forest is home to Sliding Rock, the Natural Water Slide. It couldn’t have been better than sliding down the naturally worn slab of rock to the pool
As for the accommodation, here are a list of 5 family friendly hotels in Asheville downtown area.
- Holiday Inn & Suites Asheville Downtown
- Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Asheville I-240
- Renaissance Asheville Hotel
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Asheville
- Residence Inn Asheville Biltmore
Categories: Asheville NC, Day/Weekend Trips
All of this is Asheville? Who would have think?
by jen laceda on Jul 14, 2009 at 11:10 am
@Jen: Yup.. I didn’t think I will find so many things to do either. It’s so closed to my town so we might have to do a couple trips. :)
by Amy @ The Q Family on Jul 14, 2009 at 2:30 pm
What a beautiful view!
Apple picking sounds lovely. I had no idea they had apple trees in NC.
by Momisodes on Jul 14, 2009 at 3:30 pm
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by Carnival of Cities for 15 July 2009 | Perceptive Travel Blog on Jul 15, 2009 at 9:18 pm
I LOVED visiting the Biltmore Estate. I remember this sparkling grape juice that was made on site… Yum!
by OCMomActivities- Katie on Aug 3, 2009 at 1:55 pm
if you are coming to Asheville with kids, make sure to stop by “splasheville,” which is the new splashing fountain in front of the downtown courthouse. it’s specifically for kids and there is a large lawn for picnicking.
by mp on Jul 11, 2010 at 10:10 am
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by Dreaming Of: Recharge, Renew and Reaffirm | The Q Family Adventures Travel Blog on Sep 27, 2010 at 11:58 am
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by Weekend Escape from Atlanta: Asheville, NC | Atlanta With Kid Travel Blog on Sep 30, 2010 at 1:03 pm
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by Why Asheville is Our Family’s Favorite Small Town | the talking trekaroo on Jan 26, 2011 at 5:45 pm
Very helpful information! We are looking forward to our trip to Asheville NC next month. Thank you very much for sharing!
by Sheila on Jun 21, 2011 at 12:57 pm
This is great information – thank you very much!! We live right near Asheville and have done many of these but haven’t done some listed so we will indeed try them out! Thank you again.
by JDoerner on Jul 24, 2011 at 9:11 am