Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers an array of exciting activities for families with children. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or seeking indoor adventures, Asheville has something for everyone. From scenic hikes to interactive museums, this vibrant city promises a memorable experience for the whole family. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of your family vacation in Asheville.
Top Family-Friendly Activities in Asheville
- Biltmore Estate: Explore America’s largest privately-owned home, featuring beautiful gardens, a winery, and fascinating historical exhibits. Kids will love the farmyard with its friendly animals.
- Asheville’s Fun Depot: An indoor playground paradise offering laser tag, mini-golf, arcade games, and go-karts, perfect for a day of family fun.
- Western North Carolina Nature Center: Encounter native wildlife up close, including black bears, river otters, and red wolves, while learning about conservation efforts in the region.
- Asheville Pinball Museum: Step back in time with vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games, providing hours of entertainment for both kids and adults.
- Asheville Treetops Adventure Park: Embark on an exhilarating aerial adventure with ziplines, rope courses, and obstacles set amidst the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Outdoor Adventures for Families
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Take a scenic drive along one of America’s most picturesque roads, offering breathtaking views and numerous hiking trails suitable for all ages.
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: Discover waterfalls, serene lakes, and miles of hiking and biking trails, ideal for families seeking outdoor exploration and picnics.
- French Broad River Park: Enjoy riverside picnics, kayaking, and tubing adventures, providing endless opportunities for water-based family fun in Asheville.
- North Carolina Arboretum: Wander through gardens, forests, and educational exhibits, offering families a chance to learn about native plants and ecosystems while enjoying outdoor activities.
- Pisgah National Forest: Embark on family-friendly hikes to scenic spots like Looking Glass Rock or Sliding Rock, where kids can slide down natural waterfalls into cool mountain pools.
Rainy Days Indoor Attractions for Kids
- Asheville Museum of Science: Engage in interactive exhibits and hands-on activities exploring topics such as space, health, and the environment, perfect for curious young minds.
- WNC Nature Center: While it’s great for outdoor exploration, the Nature Center also offers indoor exhibits showcasing Appalachian wildlife and habitats, making it an ideal rainy-day destination.
- Asheville Art Museum: Spark creativity in your children with rotating art exhibits and interactive workshops, fostering a love for the arts in a family-friendly environment.
- Indoor Trampoline Parks: Several indoor trampoline parks in Asheville provide energetic fun for kids, featuring trampolines, foam pits, and obstacle courses for hours of jumping excitement.
- Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company: Enjoy a family movie night with a twist at this unique theater where you can dine on delicious pizza while watching a movie on the big screen.
Day Trips from Asheville for Memorable Family Adventures
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Just a short drive from Asheville, this iconic national park offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives amidst stunning mountain landscapes.
- Chimney Rock State Park: Ascend to the top of Chimney Rock for panoramic views of the surrounding area, or explore the park’s network of hiking trails and waterfalls.
- Sliding Rock: Beat the summer heat with a trip to Sliding Rock, a natural water slide in Pisgah National Forest where kids can slide down a smooth rock face into a refreshing pool below.
- Linville Caverns: Discover the fascinating underground world of Linville Caverns with guided tours showcasing stunning rock formations and underground streams.
- Grandfather Mountain: Experience adventure and education at this iconic landmark, featuring a mile-high swinging bridge, wildlife habitats, and hiking trails suitable for families.
Best Eats for Kids in Asheville
- Tupelo Honey: Offering Southern comfort food with a modern twist, including kid-friendly options like macaroni and cheese and honey-drizzled fried chicken.
- The Hop Ice Cream Café: Treat your little ones to handcrafted ice cream made from locally-sourced ingredients, with a variety of flavors to satisfy every taste bud.
- White Duck Taco Shop: Enjoy tasty tacos with inventive fillings like Korean beef or black bean and sweet potato, providing a delicious and fun dining experience for the whole family.
- Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company: In addition to movies, this popular spot serves up tasty pizzas with a variety of toppings, along with arcade games to keep kids entertained.
- Sunny Point Café: Known for its farm-to-table fare, this cozy café offers a dedicated kids’ menu featuring dishes like pancakes and grilled cheese made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Best Hotels for Families in Asheville
- The Omni Grove Park Inn: With its luxurious accommodations and family-friendly amenities like a kids’ club and outdoor pool, this historic resort promises a memorable stay for the whole family.
- The Village Hotel at Biltmore Estate: Located on the Biltmore Estate grounds, this hotel offers convenient access to estate attractions and spacious rooms suitable for families.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road: Situated near downtown Asheville, this hotel provides comfortable accommodations and family-friendly amenities like an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast.
- Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Asheville Downtown: Enjoy a convenient location near downtown attractions and spacious suites ideal for families, along with amenities like an indoor pool and on-site restaurant.
- Residence Inn Asheville Biltmore: Perfect for longer stays, this hotel offers spacious suites with fully-equipped kitchens and family-friendly amenities like a complimentary breakfast buffet and outdoor barbecue area.
