Asheville could be renamed Kidsville because there are so many wonderful activities and attractions for children. Kids of all ages have a myriad of options when it comes to fun. While the list of family fun activities is endless, we have compiled ten of our favorites.
1. Rafting Down the River
Take the kids to enjoy a trip down the river with French Broad Rafting. Whether your children are thrill seekers or not, there is a rafting trip to suit everyone ages 4 and over. French Broad Rafting offers calm water trips that float down the river and thrilling white water rafting.
2. Tour for a Sweet Teeth
A local favorite, French Broad Chocolates, offers tours of their factory, located in the South Slope area of downtown. There chocolate lovers can tour the factory and learn the process of making chocolate. An extra sweet treat can be had at their French Broad Chocolate Lounge location as well.
3. Pinball Wizards
With over 35 working pinball machines, The Asheville Pinball Museum is the best place in town to get your game on. Some of the pinball machines date all the way back to 1947 and they all are ready for you (or your little one) to make great memories and the high score.
Speaking of games of skill, Cherish the Cabin, is the ideal spot for challenging the family to game or two. This beautiful 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath has a fun game room that has a pool table, flat screen TV, and an arcade game table with all the classic favorites. After some healthy competition, you can relax and unwind in the hot tub!
4. Making Music Downtown
Music lovers of all ages converge downtown on Friday and Saturday summer nights. On Friday nights, head to Pritchard Park for the weekly Drum Circle. Drum, dance, hula hoop, or just take it all in. On Saturday night, Pack Square Park is where it's at! Shindig on the Green is one of the best places to listen to some great local bluegrass music. Bring your chairs, your family, your instruments, and your dancing shoes but your money can stay in your wallet as both of these weekly events are free.
5. Splashing Around
Another great budget friendly activity downtown for kids is Splasheville. Cool off with water underfoot and up and over head with the fountain that sprays arches at regular intervals. Splasheville is sure to keep young children entertained and cool. Swimsuits welcome!
6. The Great Outdoors
If the great outdoors is your kids' favorite playground, check out our Scenic Wolf cabin community. During the spring and summer months, the 72 acres mountain acres are a natural wonderland for hiking and exploring. Into water? Scenic Wolf has its own fishing pond and if your little guppies like to swim there is a community pool! Additionally, you won't have to travel too far to find great mountain biking, horseback riding, and golfing. After a day out and about nothing is more welcome then a place to rest up. Our Scenic Wolf cabins all have amazing decks with stunning views. These 3 and 4-bedroom cabins are luxurious, well-appointed, and spacious. Many have game rooms and hot tubs, and some are pet-friendly. Flatlanders's Retreat even has a private sauna with a view for the ultimate in relaxation. Scenic Wolf cabins is the perfect place to breath in the beauty and serenity of these Western North Carolina Mountains.
7. Naturally Fantastic Adventures
Future botanists and nature lovers will love the North Carolina Arboretum. The arboretum takes up 434 acres of the Pisgah National Forest and is located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. The grounds are filled with bonsai gardens, a holly garden, an azalea repository, and over 10 miles of hiking trails. Additionally, the arboretum offers weekly adventures for Wee Naturalists ages 3-5.
8. Meet the Locals
The WNC Nature Center invites guests to see animals and plants that are native to the Southern Appalachian Area. On the grounds' 42 acres, there are over 60 different animal species including otters, red wolves, white tailed deer, bobcats and cougars. There is also a petting zoo with goats and sheep. The adjacent barn offers a hands-on play area where kids can shovel hay and learn about life on the farm.
9. Slip, Sliding Away
Don't let your trip to Asheville slip away without visiting Sliding Rock in Brevard. Slide down the 50 foot natural rock slide and fall into the 7 foot deep pool below. Children under 7 are required to slide with an adult and life jackets are the only flotation device allowed. It is an extremely popular activity during the hottest summer days but it's definitely not to be missed.
10. Family Fun at the Biltmore
The Biltmore was built for the Vanderbilt family. In fact, Cornelia Vanderbilt was actually born at the
estate. It remains a great place for all families to enjoy. Kids will love exploring this fairy tale home and the gorgeous gardens. Animal lovers will enjoy the farm at Antler Village and the playground is sure to win everyone over. For added fun and adventure, the summertime Treasure Hunt is a great activity that encompasses many areas of the estate.
Historic Biltmore Village was originally named "Best, NC" by George Vanderbilt and it definitely is one of the best areas in Asheville. It was built in the style of an English county town and served as a company town for the employees of the estate. Biltmore Villa Hideaway is a luxurious, pet-friendly 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo located in the heart of Biltmore Village. It is housed in a beautiful brick building that was Best's hospital. Staying at Biltmore Villa Hideaway is a great way to give your children a real taste of Asheville history.
With so many fun things to do, it might be hard to narrow it all down. Let us help! When planning your family trip to the Asheville area, Carolina Mornings is a great place to start. Call Carolina Mornings today at (877) 902-9441 to reserve your Asheville mountain cabin or vacation rental. A professional Vacation Planner will help line up your vacation rental accommodations, Biltmore Estate tickets, and outdoor adventures such as ziplining and rafting (included with every Carolina Mornings rental!).