Family-Friendly Things to Do in Asheville with Kids

Despite its reputation as one of the nation’s best cities for beer lovers, there are lots of things to do in Asheville, North Carolina for those under the legal drinking age. Downtown Asheville is vibrant and exciting and the surrounding area is full of activities for kids of all ages. Asheville is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which means there are plenty of outdoor adventures for little ones to enjoy; however, even on cold or rainy days, the city has indoor attractions that will keep the kids entertained. If you’re planning a family vacation to Asheville, take a look at our list below to learn about the best family-friendly things to do in Asheville with kids.

What to do in Asheville with kids? Top Suggested Family Attractions

Downtown Asheville is a great place to stroll, even with little ones in tow. You’ll see bright, colorful murals on the sides of buildings, and when you reach Pack Square Park, there’s plenty of room for kids to run around and burn off some energy. Make sure to stop by kid-friendly stores like Curio (a longstanding local toy store), Rocket Fizz (an old-fashioned candy and soda store), Malaprop’s Bookstore and Cafe (which has a great children’s book and toy section), and Mast General Store (a classic general store with throwback toys, barrels of candy and rocking chairs to sit in). 

If you need an activity that’s more involved, check out these family-friendly activities in downtown Asheville:

• The Asheville Museum of Science is located on Patton Avenue, near downtown’s Pritchard Park. This small museum is focused on experiential learning and is suited for kids 3 through 12. It features interactive exhibits (including digging for fossils, a water table that simulates the path of the French Broad River, and a hands-on topography activity), a dinosaur skeleton, the Colburn Hall of Minerals, kids’ events, and more.
• The Asheville Pinball Museum is suited for kids 3 and up and is located on Battle Square, across from the Grove Arcade. While it’s called a museum, it’s really more of an arcade, with over 75 pinball machines, retro video games, and even some early consoles that are fully hands-on and ready to play. It’s a whole lot of fun for kids and nostalgic adults alike. 

The Asheville Pinball Museum is anything but stuffy, with over 75 vintage pinball machines as well as old-school video games like Donkey Kong and Frogger. Source: Asheville Pinball Museum Facebook

Not spending the day downtown? Here are other things to do near Asheville.

• The Biltmore House is Asheville’s most famous attraction. While the historic home is, well, a historic home (in other words, full of antiques and art), there are many kid-friendly experiences perfect for kids 5 and up at Biltmore. Older kids can enjoy the house tour while listening to a fun narration by the Vanderbilts’ dog, Cedric, and they’ll enjoy seeing quirkier parts of the mansion (such as the basement bowling alley). Smaller kids can run free in the home’s surrounding gardens. You can also go bike riding and horseback riding on the grounds, and there’s a playground at Antler Hill Village (on the Biltmore property). Click here for more kid-friendly recommendations from Biltmore. 
• Located in East Asheville, the WNC Nature Center is home to a wide variety of wildlife, both those native to North Carolina (such as black bears, salamanders, otters, owls, hawks and deer) as well as other animals from all over the world (such as red pandas, Nigerian dwarf goats and wolves). The Center is suited for kids and adults of all ages. Tours are self-guided, but you can also attend kid-friendly events led by Nature Center staff.

The adorable red pandas at the WNC Nature Center are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Source: The City of Asheville

What to do with kids in the Summer in Asheville?

When the days are long and the weather is warm, there are lots of outdoor activities for kids to enjoy in Asheville and the surrounding area. Here are some of our favorites.

• The Adventure Center of Asheville is just a five-minute drive from downtown, but you’ll feel totally surrounded by nature once you’re there. They offer ziplining (with expansive views of the Asheville skyline), mountain biking at their on-site trail system, an elevated obstacle course, and more. Activities are suited for kids ages 4 and up, including America’s first zipline experience specifically for kids ages 4 through 10. 
• Splasheville is a free, interactive splash pad in downtown’s Pack Square Park. Kids can cool down in the water and enjoy the lights and programmed fountains that squirt water into the air. In the summer, Splasheville opens every day at 10 a.m. (unless the park is booked for another event).
• Ready to mine for gems? Head to Asheville Gem Mine in downtown Asheville or Elijah Mountain Gem Mine in Hendersonville (about 30 minutes from Asheville). Both have rock shops and gem mining activities for kids of all ages, and Elijah Mountain also has a goat farm, peacock habitat, family obstacle course, and picnic area.
• Go tubing or whitewater rafting on the French Broad River, the Nantahala River or the Pigeon River, all within driving distance of Asheville. Read our full guide on these activities here.
• Get outside in the Pisgah National Forest! These 500,000 acres are home to mountain peaks, waterfalls, and dense forests. The forest wraps around the city and there are many entrances, including one just ten minutes from downtown Asheville. If you have younger kids, hike the Moore Cove Falls Trail or visit the often-photographed Looking Glass Falls. Slightly older kids will love the Sliding Rock Natural Waterslide, a smooth, slanted rock face that visitors can slide down into the cool waters below, and Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Mississippi. There are also places to go whitewater rafting, tubing, biking, and camping in Pisgah National Forest.

Taking a thrilling trip down Sliding Rock is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. Source: Explore Asheville

What to do in Asheville with toddlers?

Many of the locations listed above are appropriate for toddlers, including the WNC Nature Center, Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, the Asheville Museum of Science, and some activities in Pisgah National Forest and Splasheville. If you visit the charming small town of Black Mountain, NC (about 20 minutes east of Asheville), take your toddlers to Lake Tomahawk, a picturesque lake with a flat walking trail, playground, waterfowl to watch, bathrooms, and picnic areas. On rainy days, head over to South Asheville and you’ll find the Mountain Play Lodge. This locally-owned indoor playground is safe, clean, and fun for preschoolers through second-and third-graders. Kids will have a ball exploring the jungle gym and playhouses, and adults can relax in comfy chairs while sipping a beverage. It’s a win-win. 

On clear days, you can see the Seven Sisters, a series of mountain peaks, from one side of Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain, NC. Source: City of Black Mountain

Kids can run and play while parents sit a spell at the Mountain Play Lodge. Source: Mountain Play Lodge on Facebook

Where to eat in Asheville with kids?

Asheville has an exploding restaurant scene that has given the city a reputation as a “foodie” town – but don’t worry, there’s plenty of food your kids will like! For breakfast, check out Early Girl Eatery in downtown Asheville, Biscuithead (which has multiple locations throughout the city) or Sunny Point Cafe in West Asheville. All three restaurants have kid-friendly options available. For lunch or dinner options that will please even the pickiest eaters, visit Farm Burger in downtown Asheville (for build-your-own-burgers), Asheville Pizza and Brewing in North Asheville (a dine-in movie theater serving pizza), or The Stable Cafe on the Biltmore Estate. And for dessert and snacks, check out The Hop (serving local ice cream at locations throughout Asheville), the Woolworth Walk (a classic Woolworth store turned art gallery and soda fountain, serving hot dogs, ice cream, and more), or Double D’s Coffee & Desserts (a double-decker bus that was converted into a small cafe, serving smoothies, milkshakes, baked treats, and coffee).

This double-decker-bus-turned-cafe isn’t just a novelty – they serve delicious beverages and baked goods, too. Source: Explore Asheville

Where to stay in Asheville with family?

There are many family-friendly accommodations in and around Asheville, from Airbnbs to hotels to remote cabins to luxury hotels (and plenty of great places to camp). If you’d like to stay on the Biltmore Estate, we recommend the Village Hotel. It’s located near Antler Hill Village, an area of the Estate that includes shops, restaurants, a winery, a farm where kids can interact with animals, a playground, hiking and biking trails, and more. If you’d prefer a historic hotel close to downtown, the Omni Grove Park Inn is the perfect spot. Opened in 1913, this gorgeous hotel has panoramic views of the mountains, a golf course, spa experiences, and gourmet dining. However, they don’t forget about the kiddos, offering children welcome bags upon arrival that contain snacks and activities. The inn also provides outdoor activities for kids that keep them entertained so parents can relax and enjoy the hotel’s many premium amenities. And we can’t forget to mention Asheville Crowne Plaza, a hotel and resort within walking distance from the Asheville Adventure Park. 

What to see with kids in Asheville?

While there’s plenty to do in Asheville with the kiddos if you don’t have much time in the city, here are a few can’t-miss things to see while you’re there.

• Take a walk in downtown Asheville. You’ll get a real glimpse of the city’s personality and charm while you’re there. 
• Visit Pack Square Park in downtown and check out the Urban Trail Monument in Pack Square that features brass animal statues.
• Walk by Chicken Alley (off of Woodfin Street in downtown). You’ll see large, colorful murals of chickens and tiny wooden door frames near the sidewalk (about the right size for fairies).
• Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This historic road runs through Asheville and contains some of the area’s most stunning mountain views. We recommend stopping at overlooks to look out over the valleys below and breathe in the clear mountain air. 
• Spend some time at any of the great parks and playgrounds in and around Asheville.

Moving to Asheville, NC

Once you and your family visit Asheville, you might find yourself falling in love with the area. We don’t blame you – we love it, too! If you’re considering a move to the Asheville area, take a look at our many resources for researching neighborhoods and school districts, learning about Asheville culture, and preparing to buy a home in Western North Carolina. We’d love to help you find your dream home, so contact us and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.