If you’re looking for a great family trip destination that has something for everyone, then look no further than Asheville!
Just a short drive from Charlotte, Asheville is home to a variety of attractions that will keep your kids entertained while also giving you the chance to explore the beautiful mountainside scenery.
There are plenty of options and plenty of things to do with kids in Asheville.
Here are just a few of the many things you and your family can enjoy on this trip:
The Biltmore Estate
Take a step back in time as you explore the massive Biltmore Estate, which was once the home of George Vanderbilt. Today, the estate is open to the public and features a variety of activities and attractions, including tours of the mansion, gardens, and winery.
There’s something for kids here, too. The Antler Hill Village & Winery has a playground, petting zoo, and even a train that kids can ride.
When You Get Hungry at The Biltmore Estate:
- The Biltmore Estate Dining Room is a formal restaurant that serves American cuisine with a Southern twist.
- The Stable Cafe is a more casual eatery located in Antler Hill Village. Here you’ll find sandwiches, burgers, and other American fare.
- If you’re looking for something truly unique, then be sure to check out Cedric’s Tavern. This British-style pub is located in Biltmore Village and offers a variety of traditional pub foods and drinks.
The Asheville Zoo
The Asheville Zoo is a great place to take the kids for a day of animal fun! With over 800 animals on site, the zoo offers plenty of opportunities to see lions, tigers, bears, and more. There is also a petting zoo where kids can get up close and personal with some of the animals.
When You Get Hungry at The Asheville Zoo:
- The Snack Shack is the perfect place to grab a quick bite in between animal viewing. Here you’ll find a variety of fast food options like hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream.
- The Safari Cafe is a sit-down restaurant located inside the zoo. This eatery offers American cuisine with an African twist.
The NC Arboretum
The NC Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden that features a variety of gardens, hiking trails, and educational programs.
Kids will love exploring the Children’s Garden, where they can run and play while learning about plants and animals.
When You Get Hungry at The NC Arboretum:
- The Arboretum Cafe is a great place to grab a quick bite or a cup of coffee. The cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
- The Blue Ridge Dining Room is the Arboretum’s formal restaurant, and it offers stunning views of the gardens along with American cuisine with a Southern twist.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn is one of Asheville’s most iconic landmarks. The historic hotel first opened its doors in 1913 and has since been visited by a number of famous guests, including Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Barack Obama. While
When You Get Hungry at The Omni Grove Park Inn:
- The Blue Ridge Dining Room is the hotel’s formal restaurant, and it offers stunning views of the city along with American cuisine with a Southern twist.
- The Edison Restaurant is a more casual eatery that serves American fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- If you’re looking for something truly unique, then be sure to check out The Spa Cafe. This eatery is located inside the hotel’s spa and offers healthy, organic food options.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
No trip to Asheville is complete without a drive along the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic route takes you through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country, and there are plenty of pull-offs along the way where you can take in the views.
When You Get Hungry at The Blue Ridge Parkway:
- The Pisgah Inn is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. The inn offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and other American fare.
- The Craggy Gardens Visitor Center is another great option for food. Here you’ll find a cafe that serves light meals and snacks.
- For something a little different, check out The Farmer’s Table. This unique eatery is located inside a working farm, and it offers a seasonal menu with ingredients sourced from the farm itself.
The Pisgah National Forest
The Pisgah National Forest is a 500,000-acre forest that features a variety of hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas.
When you get hungry in The Pisgah National Forest:
- The Brown Mountain Creek Cafe is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. The cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
- The Pisgah Inn is another great option for food. The inn offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and other American fare.
Kid-Friendly Festivals in Asheville
Asheville is home to many kid-friendly festivals throughout the year. Here are just a few of the great events your family can enjoy:
- Asheville Mardi Gras Celebration – February
Asheville’s Mardi Gras celebration is a great way to get your kids excited about the festive season. The event features a parade, live music, and plenty of food and drink options.
- Asheville Easter Egg Hunt – April
The Asheville Easter Egg Hunt is a great event for kids of all ages. The event features an egg hunt, live entertainment, and a variety of other activities.
- Asheville Mayfest – May
Asheville Mayfest is a great event for families to enjoy. The event features a variety of activities, including live music, a parade, and a ton of food and drinks.
- Asheville Fourth of July Celebration – July
The Asheville Fourth of July Celebration is a great way to celebrate America’s independence. The event features a parade, live music, food and drink, and a variety of other activities.
- Asheville Oktoberfest – October
Asheville Oktoberfest is a great event for families to enjoy. The event features live music, a variety of food and drink options, and a host of other activities.
Final Word
If you love the outdoors, then Asheville is the perfect place for you. This city has some of the best hiking and biking trails in the state. There are also numerous waterfalls and other natural attractions to explore.
In addition to all of this, Asheville also offers a great selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. When kids let you scoop around, don’t forget to visit some brewpubs. Asheville is also home to a number of art galleries and museums. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to do in Asheville.
