Top Attractions in Asheville, NC for Families

1. Biltmore Estate

Of all the fun things to do in Asheville, NC, visiting the majestic Biltmore Estate is a must. Plan to spend an entire day here to take advantage of its extensive grounds and activities. There are hiking trails, horseback riding, a playground, and lots more family-friendly activities. Don’t skip the house tour, which is so over-the-top even kids will appreciate it.

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There are plenty of places to explore at the North Carolina Arboretum. Photo courtesy of the arboretum

2. North Carolina Arboretum

Explore the exquisite cultivated gardens and miles of nature trails at the North Carolina Arboretum to see some of the most beautiful and diverse plants in the region. Check out all of the fun activities for kids, too.

3. Asheville Pinball Museum

This may be one of the quirkiest things to do in Asheville, NC, but the entire family will have a blast. Play as much as you like on this museum's collection of 35 pinball machines and 35 classic arcade games—including some original games from the 1940s—for a flat fee.

4. Asheville Museum of Science

This museum features interactive, hands-on exhibits especially geared for children ages 3-12. Kids can explore the museum's gem and mineral collection, tinker in the STEAM Lab, go on a fossil dig, and more.

5. WNC Nature Center

This nature center is home to 60 species of animals that are native to the area, all of which are rescues. Families can see black bears, river otters, bobcats, coyotes, and many more. There are also nature play areas, daily animal programs, and other family-friendly activities.

6. Blue Ridge Parkway

Asheville is a great place to access the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America's most scenic drives. It offers incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains and is one of the best things to do in Asheville, NC in the fall.

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Mountain Play Lodge is the perfect indoor playground for a rainy day. Photo courtesy of the play space

More Fun Things To Do in Asheville, NC with Kids

7. Mountain Play Lodge

Spend a rainy day at this indoor playground featuring a giant jungle gym with six slides; a mini reproduction of Asheville complete with a police station, a doctor's office, and a Biltmore house; and a toddler soft-play area.

8. Hands On! Children’s Museum

This children's museum just outside of Asheville in Hendersonville includes 13,000 square feet of kid-powered, interactive exhibits that captivate children's imaginations.

9. KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum

KidSenses is another children's museum near Asheville in Rutherfordton. It features 14 learning exhibits, interactive displays, and creative play areas for kids ages 0-10, as well as a children's garden. It's newest space, The Factory, offers a maker space, a robotics lab, and a 3-D print shop for kids and teens ages 11 and up.

10. Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Take an hour-long tour of this working farm in nearby Fairview to learn how it operates and see cows, pigs, and chickens. You can even buy farm-raised meats. Tours are offered monthly on Saturdays.

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Explore the city with a LaZoom Kids' Comedy bus tour. Photo courtesy of LaZoom Tours

11. LaZoom Kids' Comedy Tour

Climb aboard an iconic purple bus to take a wildly funny tour of the city with hilarious guides. The tour, one of the most classic things to do in Asheville, NC with kids, is geared specifically toward children ages 5-12.

12. Adventure Center of Asheville

This outdoor adventure park has a zip line designed just for kids under 10, a treetop adventure course with five levels of difficulty, and a mountain-bike park with four miles of trails.

13. Craggy Mountain Line

Take a real trolley ride along the historic Craggy Mountain Line, where you can take in amazing mountain and river views while having old-fashioned fun.

14. Asheville Tourists baseball game

The Asheville tourists are the high-A minor-league affiliate of the Houston Astros. The games are fun for families with lots of giveaways and promotions, and kids 5 and under get in free!

15. Mast General Store

Kids and adults of all ages will love perusing this historic general store, which carries just about anything you can think of—clothing, home decor, toys, massive amounts of candy, and so much more. If you're on the hunt for souvenirs, this is the place to visit.

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Cool off in the heart of downtown Asheville at Splasheville. Photo courtesy of Asheville City Government

Fun Free Things to Do in Asheville, NC with Kids

16. Splasheville

In summertime, kids of all ages love cooling off at this geyser-spurting fountain and sprayground in Pack Square Park.

17. Downtown Asheville Drum Circle

Bring anything you can bang and join the lively Friday night Drum Circle in downtown Asheville. It starts around 6pm in Pritchard Park during warm months, and everyone is welcome to dance, drum, and celebrate.

18. Shindig on the Green

Grab a chair or blanket and stake out a spot for free outdoor music at Roger McGuire Green in downtown Asheville. Shindig on the Green takes place on Saturday evenings at 7pm in July and August. You can also bring instruments to participate in informal jam sessions around the park.

19. Asheville Urban Trail

Follow Asheville’s Urban Trail to see 30 bronze sculptures and plaques sprinkled around downtown. It's a fun way to learn about the city's history, and one of the best free things to do in Asheville, NC.

20. Montford Park Players

Catch free outdoor performances by North Carolina's longest-running Shakespeare theatre company at the outdoor Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre during the summer months. The lively and humorous shows will even appeal to kids.

21. Botanical Gardens at Asheville

Explore the local flora and fauna for free at these 10-acre botanical gardens with a fun Investigation Passport for the kids.

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We discovered a flock of sheep on an easy hike along the French Broad River. Photo courtesy of the author

Easy Hikes and Nature Trails Around Asheville, NC

22. Waterfall Hikes

If you want to chase waterfalls, Asheville has a ton of trails where you can do just that. Some easy ones to try are Crabtree Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Devils Courthouse, and Skinny Dip Falls.

23. Stroller-Friendly Trails

Hiking is one of the most essential things to do in Asheville, NC, and you don't have to skip it just because you have a baby or toddler. Liberty Trail at Bent Creek and Laurel River Trail are both stroller-friendly and beautiful.

24. Pisgah National Forest

This 500,000-acre hardwood forest features hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Two easy ones are the flat, shady Pink Beds Loop Hike and the Andy Cove TRACK Trail, which have downloadable kids' guides.

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Are you brave enough to launch yourself down Sliding Rock, the popular natural water slide? Photo courtesy of Visit NC

Swimming Holes and Lakes Around Asheville, NC

25. Sliding Rock

Don’t miss this awesome natural water slide in Pisgah National Forest. It's one of the coolest things to do in Asheville, NC. The 60-foot flat, sloping boulder ends in an eight-foot-deep pool of water, so only kids who can swim should slide!

26. Lake Lure

Take a hike at scenic Chimney Rock Park, then cool off at this 720-acre, crystal-clear lake.

27. Lake Powhatan

This swimming lake in Bent Creek has a little beach, and the Homestead Trail around it is kid-friendly. There are also campsites for families that want to spend the night.

28. Lake Julian

Swim, boat, canoe, or fish in this 300-acre lake in Arden. Lake Julian Park also offers a playground, nature trails, disc golf, and a picnic area.

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You haven't had biscuits and gravy until you've had them at Biscuit Head. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Kid-Friendly Asheville Restaurants and Breweries

29. Sierra Nevada Asheville

Asheville is known for its breweries, and many of them are family-friendly, including the famous Sierra Nevada Asheville. Enjoy a cold one while kids romp in the beer garden. There's also live music on Saturdays and Sundays.

30. Highland Brewing

Visit Highland Brewing on Sundays during the summer for Meadow Market, where local bakers, makers, and artisans sell their wares. Kids are also welcome at the brewery at any time, where they can frolic in the meadow while the grown-ups enjoy some beer.

31. Double D’s Coffee and Desserts

Stop at Double D's for a coffee, milkshake, or ice cream just so you can eat in a real London double-decker bus.

32. Biscuit Head

My family could not get enough of this breakfast spot that serves giant Southern-style biscuits with a variety of gravies and sides.

33. Moe’s Original Bar B Que

Kids can play unlimited free arcade games while parents nosh on Carolina BBQ at Moe's. There's also a kids' menu and a large outdoor patio.

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Go on a bean-to-bar journey of how chocolate is made during a French Broad Chocolate Factory tour. Photo courtesy of company

34. French Broad Chocolate Lounge

Indulge in chocolatey desserts and drinks at this famous chocolate lounge, or take a tour of the nearby Chocolate Factory.

35. The Hop

Stop by for vegan, gluten-free, goat’s milk, or regular ol’ ice cream in eccentric flavors at The Hop, which has several locations in Asheville.

36. Universal Joint

Sidewalk chalk, outdoor seating, and a relaxed atmosphere mean kids can roam while parents sample local brews and burgers at this popular restaurant.

37. Creekside Taphouse

If you like the idea of eating while your kids play on the banks of a creek, check out this neighborhood staple, which also has a playground. Bring water shoes!

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The Omni Grove Park Inn is nestled in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. Photo courtesy of the inn

Great Asheville Hotels for Families

38. Omni Grove Park Inn

This luxurious hotel in the Blue Ridge Mountains has been wowing guests for over 100 years. There are pools, a subterranean spa, a golf course, tennis courts, restaurants and tons of activities for families and kids. Bonus: Each December, the Grove Park Inn is home to the famous National Gingerbread House Competition.

39. Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate

Stay right on the Biltmore Estate and enjoy hiking and biking trails, a heated outdoor pool that's open year-round, a playground, a farmyard, and more fun activities for kids. The hotel is also walking distance from a variety of shops and restaurants.

40. Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds

Surround your family with nature in one of these uniquely decorated mountain cabins adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stroll through gardens, go fishing or hiking, or simply lounge in a hammock. There are also playgrounds, outdoor games, and more activities kids will love.