The Best Kid-Friendly Spots in Asheville

kid-friendly spots in asheville

Asheville is one of our go-to destinations. After living there for a few years and visiting 2-3 times per year we have a lengthy list of go-to spots. But the city is always changing so there are always NEW spots we want to try too! Here are some of our favs kid-friendly spots in Asheville.

The big ACTIVITIES & attractions

HOP ON, HOP OFF TROLLEY TOUR | These things are truly and excellent way to see a new city and if you’re wanting ease and convenience then it’s worth it. It’ll take you to the biggest hot spots – Grove Park Inn, multiple stops in downtown, River Arts District, Biltmore Village, Montford, etc. and you never have to worry about parking garages or getting kids in and out of car seats multiple times.

It’s worth it if you have limited time and want to see the highlights.

BILTMORE PROPERTY | Obviously this must be mentioned. We love the Biltmore but we don’t usually go on our quick trips. It’s very expensive for a single visit but 1000% worth it as an annual pass if you live there. Tickets are more affordable Jan–March. It is absolutely worth seeing, just depends on the age of your kids and the budget you have for your trip.

WNC Nature Center | We love this zoo/nature area. It has several animals that you can get a pretty good look at plus some nature-based play areas. Well worth the visit.

The NC Arboretum | This is one of our most favorite destinations. We have seen it in all seasons and it never disappoints. Admission is by car so a personal vehicle is $20, no other admission fee is charged.

Hands On Children’s Museum | It’s in Hendersonville but not too far. It’s fairly small but good if you need an indoor activity or something for younger kids.

Asheville Museum of Science | We haven’t been but it’s another good indoor option.

exploring around town

DOWNTOWN | There is so much to do in just walking around to enjoy the AVL vibes. Just park somewhere and stroll around. These are some highlights.

Packs Square • Pritchard Park • Malaprops Bookstore • Mast General Store • French Broad Chocolate Lounge • Locals Only • Tops for Shoes • Asheville Bee Charmer • Duncan & York

MURALS | No shortage of them! While downtown check out Chicken Alley and the adorable tiny houses along the side of the buildings. It’s all these tiny little things you’ll notice out walking the streets that make Asheville so unique. River Arts has a ton and here is a good guide for where to find some of the best known ones.

PLAYGROUNDS | We usually just up whatever is nearby using this as our guide. Carrier Park is a favorite.

HIKING | We love hiking but we’re just starting to get into longer hikes now that the kids are able to manage it. We love this SITE FOR RECS on kid-friendly hikes. Here are a few we did recently that we enjoyed:

Bearwallow Mountain | Excellent to pair with a trip to trip to Whistle Hop Brewery, which is one of the coolest breweries we’ve ever been to.

CRAGGY GARDENS + MT MITCHELL | This is about an hour from downtown Asheville but worth visiting because Mt Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi. The Craggy Gardens Trail is .3 miles and the Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a .6 mile out-and-back with excellent views. Drive 20 minutes farther and you’ll be at Mt Mitchell State Park. Here we walked up to the summit for views and photo opps then on the way back down did the .7 mile Balsam Nature Loop which takes you back to the parking lot. The climate and elevations at Mt Mitchell give it’s landscape a completely different look and feel from any other mountains we’ve hiked in the state — it feels like something from the Pacific Northwest!

BLACK MOUNTAIN | Such a cute town with the same Asheville vibes. Cute shops, great restaurants, trails, and views — it’s a great place to spend an afternoon or even make it your home base for a visit to WNC. We ate at Louise’s and loved the charm of it. We hiked Lookout Mountain on Montreat College’s campus, which is pretty step with rock scrambles at the end. Not an A+ for kid-friendliness but can be managed if you’re up for it.