In need of a perfect plan, packed with fun things to do in Asheville, NC, for your next family-friendly trip? We have you covered! Situated between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville makes a beautiful day trip destination. But if you’re looking for something a little longer, there’s enough to do in Asheville to fill up a long weekend. This Guide to Asheville, NC will help you plan your trip!
What Would You Like to Explore in Asheville, NC?
Good to Know: Visiting Asheville with Kids
- Where: Asheville, in Western North Carolina, tucked between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Best for: Family day trips and long weekends.
- When to go: Year-round — splash pads and river tubing in summer, corn mazes in fall, and holiday lights in winter.
- Good to know: Asheville is open and welcoming families. A few riverside spots are still recovering from Hurricane Helene (September 2024), so it’s smart to confirm hours and locations before you head out.
- While the riverbanks are recovering, many vibrant studios, the historic Marquee Asheville design market, and family-friendly eateries (like Wedge Brewing) are fully open on the upper ridges of the district. Walking through to see the colorful outdoor murals is a great, free family activity!
Day Trips and Date Nights: Things to Do in Asheville, NC
Asheville has a lot to offer families. These places make great day trip destinations in Asheville, NC. String a few together and you’ve got a mini-vacation!
If you’re looking for more day trip ideas in the Asheville area, visit our Guide to Western North Carolina where you’ll find many more ideas!
Western North Carolina Nature Center
WNC Nature Center is a great place to spend the day with the family and learn about animals native to Western North Carolina! The nature center is home to foxes, black bears, cougars, a hellbender salamander, and more!
WNC Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC
WNC Nature Center is so fun. We also LOVE eating at Farm Burger.
ErinBiltmore Estate
If you’d like to visit the Biltmore Estate, check out 10 Things You Must Do at Biltmore and if you’re visiting Biltmore with young children don’t miss Our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Biltmore Estates with Children. They have a fantastic historical walking tour.
Biltmore Estates
One Lodge Street, Asheville, NC
Mountain Play Lodge
Mountain Play Lodge is an amazing indoor play space for kids and makes a perfect stop for your day trip to WNC.
3389 Sweeten Creek Road Arden, NC
828.676.2120
We’ll make a trip to visit Mountain Play Lodge and eat at Farm Burger
CraigAsheville Adventure Park at Adventure Center of Asheville
Ride KidZip, the first Zipline in the country built for kids ages 4 to 10. But don’t think this place is just for younger kids, there’s an adult zipline course, a climbing wall, and their Treetops Adventure Park, and more!
85 Expo Drive
Asheville, NC 28806
828.225.2921
Asheville Pinball Museum
This unique museum houses all things Pinball, and you can get to play the machines!
1 Battle Square #1b, Asheville
828.776.5671
Asheville Pinball Museum! You pay to get in and play unlimited pinball (and some arcade) games. They have 80 machines
StephanieAsheville Retrocade
Old school, retro games and you can play all day for one price.
Check out our Kidding Around Review of Asheville Retrocade.
800 Haywood Road, West Asheville, NC
828.575.9488
Splasheville at Pack Square Park
Asheville’s only public splash pad is a very popular place to be in the heat of summer! It is the perfect place to cool off while visiting downtown.
Pack Square, Downtown Asheville
There’s a splash pad at pack square that was nice after walking around downtown.
AllysonNorth Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is a beautiful place to spend a few hours. Enjoy the gorgeous flowers, plants, and fountains. Stroll through the Bonsai Garden, or watch the outdoor model train run through a garden village. The NC Arboretum is located just before the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, so you can explore there once you leave.
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville
828.665.2492
NC Arboretum is a nice stop for sights/hikes.
GlennZen Tubing
Have a lazy day floating down the French Broad River with your family and enjoy cooling off with Zen Tubing in Asheville.
For the 2026 season, Zen Tubing is floating from its South Asheville location (1648 Brevard Road, Arden) for ages 6 and up. Its River Arts District put-in is paused while that stretch of the river recovers from Hurricane Helene, so plan on the South Asheville float and reserve ahead.
French Broad Chocolate Factory Tour
Find out how their chocolate is made, and even have a taste test, at the French Broad Chocolate Factory. Be sure to book your tour ahead of time.
French Broad Chocolate Factory and Cafe
821 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC
River Arts District and Asheville Art Museum
It wouldn’t be a visit to Asheville if you didn’t embrace the art culture there. There are art galleries galore to explore, with tons of local and award-winning artist’s works on display. Walking through to see the colorful outdoor murals is a great, free family activity!
Catawba Falls (Old Fort, NC)
Located just 35 minutes east of downtown Asheville, Catawba Falls underwent a massive safety and trail improvement renovation that features boardwalks, clear paths, and a stunning 60-foot observation tower.
- Why it’s great: The 1.1-mile River Trail to the lower falls is rated as easy and flat—perfect for strollers or tiny legs. Older kids can climb the 500+ stairs to the Upper Falls for an adventure.
- Location: I-40 East, Exit 73 (Old Fort).
- Here’s our story on Catawba Falls
Christmas in Asheville
Are you planning a visit to Asheville during the Holiday Season? There are some great things to do during this magical season in Asheville.
Here’s our Guide to Christmas in Asheville!
Don’t miss the Gingerbread Houses at Asheville’s Grove Park Inn
Visit the Biltmore Mansion at Christmas time for Christmas at the Biltmore.
View half a million LED lights in this Asheville Christmas Light Exhibit at the NC Arboretum.
Ride this amazing Jingle Bell Trolley along the Craggy Mountain Line
Winter Things to Do Near Asheville
Winter activities in Asheville include skiing and snow tubing. Here are a couple of places where you can enjoy these winter sports and activities in Asheville.
Fall Season in Asheville
We love corn mazes! Asheville is home to the Eliada Corn Maze where you can get lost in a corn maze, but also enjoy hay rides, cow train rides, a small hay bale maze, spider web play area, giant slides, corn cob guns, giant checkers game and more!
Head to Asheville for a Fun Day at Eliada Corn Maze
Places to Eat: Things to Do in Asheville, NC
Sierra Nevada Brewery
Grab a great meal and a beverage at Sierra Nevada Brewery. It is kid friendly!
100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC
828.681.5300
Sierra Nevada has a great family area outdoors to play games and just hang out and their desserts are amazing
JordainCreekside Tap House
Choose a table outside and watch the kids play on the playground and explore the neighboring creek while you enjoy a great burger and a beverage.
8 Beverly Road, Asheville
828.575.2880
Creekside Tap house is the best with kids (back deck, play area, creek to wade in)
BriannaOld Europe
Perfect pastries and delicious coffee are what you’ll find at Asheville’s Old Europe.
18 Broadway Street, Asheville
828.255.5999
Old Europe is another great place. Desserts and coffee (plenty of gluten free and vegan options for allergies)
GlennFarm Burger
Get tasty grass-fed beef burgers at Farm Burger, along with amazing fries and milkshakes.
10 Patton Avenue, Asheville
828.348.8540
1831 Hendersonville Road, Asheville
828.575.2393
Sunshine Sammies
While Old Europe is fantastic for pastries, kids will lose their minds for Sunshine Sammies. They specialize in gourmet, house-made ice cream sandwiches, fresh-baked cookies, and vintage-style soda floats.
- Why it’s great: They offer unique seasonal flavors, fun combinations, and plenty of dairy-free options.
- Location: 322 Southside Ave, Asheville (South Slope area).
What are your favorite things in Asheville?
Looking for more places to spend the day with your family? Here’s our list of Day Trip Towns that are just a short drive from the Upstate.
Asheville with Kids: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the WNC Nature Center open after Hurricane Helene?
Yes. The Western North Carolina Nature Center reopened on March 17, 2025, and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m. The ticket office is now cashless. Because Helene damaged the main bridge, there’s a marked detour to reach the entrance, so allow a little extra time.
Can you still go tubing on the French Broad River?
Yes. Zen Tubing is running its South Asheville float (1648 Brevard Road, Arden) for the 2026 season, for ages 6 and up. Its River Arts District put-in remains paused while that stretch of river recovers from Helene, so book the South Asheville trip and reserve ahead.
Is Splasheville open for the summer?
Yes. Splasheville, Asheville’s free public splash pad in downtown’s Pack Square Park, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. It may close for special events or during bad weather.
Is the Biltmore Estate open?
Yes. The Biltmore Estate sits on higher ground and was largely spared by Helene, and it’s open to visitors. Lower-lying Biltmore Village, which flooded, has been rebuilding.
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