18 Fun & Unique Things To Do In Asheville With Kids

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Since we moved to Raleigh in NC, we’ve taken many trips over to Asheville – it’s one of our favorite places to go with our two daughters. Why? Because there are so many things to do in Asheville with kids!

It’s not just a destination for hikers and mountain enthusiasts, it has some quirky attractions, inspiring museums, workshops, and breweries (yes you can take your kids to a brewery), and so much more.

If you’re not sure what to do in Asheville with kids, then below are some of our favorite and unique attractions for kids in Asheville that we loved during our visits!

Things to Do in Asheville With Kids

We have been to the Asheville area plenty of times before and love it so much, that we come back with our kids often.

Below are some of our favorite attractions in Asheville for kids that will keep them entertained and also get to experience what is so great about this mountain town.

1. Learn at Asheville Museum of Science

Small enough to not bore the parents, big enough it entertain the kids, the Asheville Science Museum is a good place to spend an hour or so.

It’s more suited to the younger children. There isn’t a lot to do here but it’s play. I loved the crystal section.

The dads minded the kids for a bit while the mums snuck away to check out the Herbiary down the street and grab some tea.

2. Hike to Catawba Falls Trail

The highlight of our trip to Asheville was the family-friendly Catawba Falls hiking trail located 30-minutes east of Asheville near Black Mountain.

It’s a 2.8 mile round trip that takes you through the forest, past the creek and small waterfalls up to the thundering 100 ft high Catawba Falls.

It was a gorgeous walk through the Pisgah National Forest and the kids had a blast scrambling over rocks and falling into the icy water.

It was an easy trail and all the kids (ages 5-11) walked all the way without complaining. That is what we all call a hiking trail with kids well done (read our tips for hiking with kids post).

I loved watching the kids bonding together and reaching out hands to ensure everyone jumped creeks and climbed rocks safely. This is the reason why we travel and it warms my heart so much!

You can see more in our video. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

3. See The Gingerbread Houses at The Omni Grove Park Inn

We visited the Omni Grove Park Inn after locals recommended it, saying we couldn’t miss their Gingerbread Houses.

Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition started with a few community members wanting to celebrate the Holiday season and somehow, their passion turned into one of the nation’s most celebrated and competitive holiday events that has high-caliber food and media judges.

The winning creations are on display over the Christmas period and non-guests of the hotel are invited to come and view them.

Everyone really enjoyed it, especially the kids. I think I got more joy of seeing them race from one to the other sharing their opinions with each other about what was great and their favorites.

They were all really smitten. The quality of work was outstanding especially from the junior entries. I can’t believe young children can be so creative and precise.

While this is a Holiday activity, there are always fun things happening at the Omni, so check the schedule. You may also want to come here just to have a drink and enjoy the views, especially at sunset.

4. Go Rock Climbing at Cultivate Climbing

You may already know the girls love rock climbing. It’s an activity we seek out in our travels all the time and they even do summer camps for it when we’re based in Raleigh.

Cultivate Climbing is down by the river in Asheville and has 6 auto belay climbs.

If you want to belay your child, you have to pass at test first, which I failed!! More practice is needed for me. Damn those figure 8 knots are hard.

There was a cool outdoor climbing wall the kids enjoyed scaling up and swinging back down. We spent several hours here and all kids had a blast.

5. Visit at Ginger’s Revenge Brewery

While you might not think a brewery is kid-friendly, Ginger’s Revenge has a family-friendly atmosphere with an open sitting area, funky artwork, and plenty of board games for the kids.

This is a brewery for the ginger beer lovers and gluten-free drinkers. There are some local beers available in cans, otherwise everything on draft is gluten-free and ginger beer related.

We grabbed a flight of ginger beer to taste the wide variety of flavors. The Lime Agave was my favorite.

There are many kid-friendly breweries in Asheville with outside beer gardens.

6. Have An Ice Cream at Sunshine Sammies

“Sammies! Sammies! Sammies!” the kids chanted until we relented and took them Sunshine Sammies, which is known to be the place where you can get ice cream sandwiches as BIG as their heads.

They loved them despite the chill outside. I can imagine they’d be a hit in the summertime heat.

7. Check Out Biltmore Estate

Don’t miss Biltmore Estate when you visit Asheville with kids, it’s one of our favorite things to do.

We’ve been three times and possibly would have went again to see the Christmas winter lights in December if we stayed longer.

Kids love exploring the grandeur of Biltmore Estate. The sprawling gardens and enchanting architecture captivate young imaginations and make them feel like they are walking in a fairytale.

7. Play Arcade Games at Retrocade

Tucked away in Asheville, is Retrocade, a paradise for the whole family to enjoy.

As you step inside, the nostalgic ambiance takes you back to a time when video games were played on gigantic electronics and made your eyes blur with their poor graphics.

Inside Retrocade, the classic arcade games line the walls, from Pac-Man to Donkey Kong, and other vintage video games, it’s a paradise for gamers.

The sound of beeping and blooping fills the air as you dive into a world of pixelated fun.

Parents can relive their childhood and introduce a time begone to their kids, as well as create new memories with their little ones.

It’s one of the best things to do in Asheville with kids on a rainy day.

8. Visit the Asheville Pinball Museum

Another fun place in Asheville to go with kids is the Pinball Museum, which is another blast from the past.

Upon entering, you’ll discover rows of over 70 vintage pinball machines, each one a colorful work of art.

The museum is kind of like a children’s museum, with an interactive and hands-on approach, allowing you to actually play the machines, which makes it a hit with both kids and adults.

9. Catch a Minor League Baseball Game at McCormick Field

One of the most unique things to do on family vacation is to catch a sporting event.

Head over to McCormick Field for a minor league baseball game in Asheville for a home run of family fun!

The electric atmosphere of a hometown game is nothing short of inspiring.

With the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop, the whole experience is a grand slam!

10. Explore Western North Carolina Nature Center

Nestled in the heart of Asheville is the WNC Nature Center, a wild adventure for kids and adults alike.

This 42-acre gem is home to over 60 species of wildlife, from playful river otters to majestic red wolves, bears, hawks and more.

The center began in the 1920s and has grown to become a haven for wildlife conservation and education.

Don’t miss out on the experience of feeding the goats at the petting zoo and learning about native Appalachian wildlife in a ranger talk!

11. Go To Indoor Play at Mountain Play Lodge

For adventures for the little ones, take them to an indoor playground at Mountain Play Lodge.

At Mountain Play Lodge, kids rule the roost! It’s packed with activities to keep the little ones entertained for hours.

From climbing walls to ball pits, the options for fun are endless.

The imaginative play areas spark creativity, while the toddler zone ensures even the tiniest visitors have a blast.

12. Visit the Adventure Center of Asheville

Asheville tourists who are stuck for what to do will find every member of your family will enjoy Adventure Center of Asheville.

Kids can unleash their inner daredevils on the ziplines, navigating treetop obstacles and soaring through the lush forest.

The Kid Zip is perfect for the little adventurers, offering a taste of the high-flying action in a safe and supervised setting.

For those craving ground-level excitement, the Adventure Center also boasts an expansive ropes course and mountain biking trails.

It’s a great place to combine the thrill of ziplining with the undeniable natural beauty of Asheville.

13. Visit North Carolina Arboretum

NC Arboretum is a nature lover’s dream with plenty of family-friendly fun.

Explore the network of hiking trails and discover the whimsical bonsai garden.

The eco-friendly Green Garden Railroad, with its miniature railway and enchanting landscapes, is a hit with young kids and adults alike.

The gardens are beautiful in the Fall and very popular for its spectacular NC Christmas event, the The NC Arboretum Winter Lights.

14. Learn About Bean to Bar Chocolate at French Broad Chocolate Lounge

Another unique family-friendly activity in Asheville is the chocolate tour at French Broad Chocolate Lounge.

You can learn all about how chocolate bars are made in an informative and hands-on 45-minute tour.

If you’re planning a vacation without the kids for another time, come back to an evening tour of chocolate and wine tasting, or chocolate and cider tasting.

15. Shop Downtown Asheville

Older kids will love shopping in Downtown Asheville with its delightful blend of trendy boutiques, quirky shops, and unique finds that cater to all tastes. There are several main streets in Asheville with an interesting store every couple of steps. There are actually 200+ locally owned stores and boutiques, which is one reason we love Asheville so much!

Some of the Asheville stores our tweens loved were Element Tree Essentials for their lotion candles and spell hars; Asheville Bee Charmer, for it’s honey tasting bar; and the Asheville Emporium for cool local gifts.

A favorite was the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar, a cozy retreat where families can peruse shelves filled with new and used books while enjoying a refreshing beverage and live music.

16. Explore the River Arts District

Again for things to do with older kids in Asheville – especially those that love modern art – take time to explore the River Arts District. It is spread out over a few blocks, and while walkable, may be more enjoyable to do on a bike (See ebike tours here)

Wander through the eclectic streets lined with converted warehouses and studios, where you can observe skilled artisans at work, or even test out their creative flair at various mediums through interactive workshops. They’ll marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors adorning the walls in the form of murals and graffiti, each telling a story of the district’s cultural vibrancy. It’s a fun area for mural photos! We have so many photos of Savannah with the vibrant artwork.

The district also boasts an array of eclectic shops and eateries, providing ample opportunities for culinary exploration and unique souvenirs. Don’t miss 12 Bones Smokehouse for ribs that got the approval of the OBAMAS!!

Whether it’s admiring local craftsmanship, participating in artistic endeavors, or simply soaking in the bohemian atmosphere, a visit to Asheville’s River Arts District promises to ignite the imagination and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts in older kids and adults alike.

Read our full guide to the River Arts District here.

17. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

A road trip along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway drive from Asheville is one of the top family adventures to have from Asheville.

The scenic drive is a feast for the eyes, with breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and viewpoints overlooking the craggy mountain line from every turn.

Stop off at some of the picnic spots or go hiking to some of the waterfalls in the region. Our favorite is the Looking Glass Falls hike!

You and your kids will be mesmerized by the ever-changing landscape of the Southern Appalachian Mountains which can be seen from the seat of your car.

18. Visit Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park is just a short drive out of Asheville and is a surefire way to ignite your family’s sense of adventure.

The iconic rock formation and stunning views are just the beginning!

Kids can channel their inner explorers as they conquer the hiking trails, leading to the top of Chimney Rock with panoramic vistas that’ll leave everyone in awe.

If you don’t feel like hiking, the elevator ride to the top is a hit with the little ones with little legs.

Where To Stay in Asheville: Family-Friendly Accommodation

We highly recommend you visit Asheville on a road trip, so you can use your car to get around all the amazing sites in the area. If you have a car, then stay at an RV park or campground to get a great deal.

We stayed at the Bear Creek RV Park and Campground. It’s hard to get a real feel for a campsite when it’s the middle of winter and everything looks drab and barren, but the sites were of decent size and the park okay.

It was pretty small, yet in a good location close to the I-40, Biltmore Estate, and downtown Asheville, so you can’t argue with it’s location.

There are beautiful views over the mountains especially at sunrise.

Asheville also some great farm stays and unique vacation rentals in the area which families will probably love. See VRBO for rates and availability.

Hotel Indigo Downtown Asheville

We have also stayed at the Hotel Indigo Downtown Asheville on our thanksgiving break in Asheville. It’s the perfect hotel for Asheville as the decor matches the quirky artistic vibe of the city with pieces from local artists. You also get great views of the surrounding mountains AND it’s within easy walking distance to downtown.

You can read our review of the Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown here.

See rates and availability here.

Final Thoughts

More North Carolina Mountains Tips

Planning to visit other parts of the North Carolina mountains? Here are some other helpful guides!

• 8 Things to do in Lake Lure – the place for serenity
• A Cades Cove bike ride in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – we saw bears!
• Climb the 499 steps to the top of Chimney Rock
• Top places to go in the North Carolina Mountains
• A Visit to the Biltmore Estate – America’s largest home
• 12 Fun Things to do in Knoxville, TN
• Lake Junaluska, NC – a mountain retreat for the spiritually minded
• Things to Do in Downtown Asheville, NC (2 night stay)
• A Guide to the River Arts District, Asheville NC (Why, What, and How)

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