We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Asheville Museum of Science to hidden gems like the KOLO Bike Park, there’s something in Asheville for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 23 kid-friendly activities around the 828.
🧠 Educational activities
Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave. | Family memberships available
This small-but-mighty museum offers kids opportunities to explore astronomy, climate, ecology, and geology. Kids will remember a hands-on paleontology display that lets kids uncover fossils.
Catawba Science Center, 243 3rd Ave. NE, Hickory | Family memberships available
Enjoy hands-on exhibits, fresh and saltwater aquarium galleries, a naturalist center, a digital planetarium theater with laser shows, and a greenhouse. Kids will remember laughing at their experiments in the Gross Labs.
Hands On! Children’s Museum, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville | Family memberships available
Kids can learn emotional and social development skills, as well as practice cognitive, fine, and gross motor skill development through educational and interactive exhibits that feature art, STEM, and beyond. Kids will remember coming here for birthday parties.
KidSenses Children’s InterACTIVE Museum, 172 N. Main St., Rutherfordton | Family memberships available
This 11,000-sqft museum offers 14 interactive exhibits, as well as programs and educational workshops that center on engineering, arts, and science.
🎨 All about the arts
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Sq. | Family memberships available
Let little ones embark on an “I Spy” scavenger hunt of the museum’s colorful offerings. Kids will remember creating their own art at the Youth Studio.
Asheville Drum Circle, 67 Patton Ave.
Every Friday night during the warmer months, people gather in Pritchard Park to play drums and dance. Kids will remember improvising their own song.
Asheville Creative Arts, Various locations
Catch children’s shows with whimsical puppets and colorful costumes. Kids will remember this as the place they fell in love with theater.
Fired Up! Creative Lounge, 26 Wall St.
From paint-your-own-pottery to canvas painting, there are a variety of ways for the little ones to unleash their inner artist. Kids will remember crafting their colorful masterpieces.
La Zoom Tours, 76 Biltmore Ave.
Hop aboard the purple bus for the Li’l Boogers: Kids Comedy Tour where kiddos can laugh along to sketches and learn unique facts about Asheville. Kids will remember the Candy Pirate.
🎢 Thrill-seeking fun
KOLO Bike Park, 85 Expo Dr.
Beginner pump bikers can get their thrills on two tracks with mounds that maximize momentum. Kids will remember riding continuously without pedaling.
Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr.
Zoom down zip lines and conquer the ropes courses. Kids will remember the view from 25 feet in the air.
🌳 Great outdoors
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Various locations
The GSMNP offers junior ranger programs throughout the summer for kids to enjoy — check the NPS site for road closures before going. Kids will remember earning their badge.
The North Carolina Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
Go for garden exhibits — plus kids’ activities like geocaching, discovery backpacks, the Rocky Cove Railroad, the nature discovery room, and the TRACK trail. Kids will remember observing wildlife.
WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Rd.
The center is closed to the public after damage from Helene, but you can still book a private tour or participate in one of the scheduled events. Kids will remember seeing their favorite animal.
🎳 Indoor adventures
Asheville’s Best Gem Mine, 26 Sardis Rd.
Sift through your bucket to reveal glistening, gleaming gems. Kids will remember learning about the rocks they found.
Mountain Play Lodge, 3389 Sweeten Creek Rd.
This large indoor playground is great for those summer storm days or when you want to beat the heat. Kids will remember life-sized playsets.
FOX-N-OTTER Adventure Escapes, 3 S. Tunnel Rd., Ste. K14 + 3749 Sweeten Creek Rd., Unit 2
Enjoy an escape room experience that’s designed for young adventurers. Kids will remember solving the riddle before you do.
Asheville Pinball Museum, 1 Battle Sq.
Play dozens of games — including over 75 pinball machines + arcade-style video games — with no coins or tokens needed after the entrance fee. Kids will remember becoming a pinball wizard.
Asheville Retrocade, 800 Haywood Rd., #100
In addition to 5,000 video games, there’s also pinball, skeeball, and foosball. Kids will remember discovering the games you loved as a kid.
Level 256 Classic Arcade Bar, 79 Coxe Ave.
It’s games galore at this South Slope spot — kids are welcome on Saturdays and Sundays from open to 5 p.m. Kids will remember beating you in Fortnite.
☀️ Playgrounds
Lake Julian Park, 37 Lake Julian Rd., Arden | Free
Here, you’ll find not one but two playgrounds with swings, a climber, slides, and more. The park also offers docks for private fishing boats, disc golf, and paddleboat rentals, which are a great way to beat the heat. Kids will remember taking a picnic.
Murphy-Oakley Park, 715 Fairview Rd. | Free
This park packs a lot in its 7.7 acres, including bouncy animals, a swingset, three slides and more. Kids will remember stopping by the Oakley Library for story time.
Roy Pope Memorial Park, 45 Jonestown Rd., Woodfin | Free
Go for the huge dragon that’s situated between two climbable castles. Kids will remember a large pyramid-shaped rope climbing web.
🧃 Be prepared
Shop some of our favorite kid-friendly essentials to keep the whole family happy, hydrated, and ready to make memories.
- Owala Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler | This tumbler has a spill-resistant straw (yes, that’s a thing) and is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Bentgo Kids 5-Compartment Lunch Box | Pack snacks for kids in a popular Bentgo box that’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
- Nintendo Switch | You just can’t beat a handheld gaming device for keepings kids quiet, happy, and entertained during car rides around town.
- Hap Tim Travel Backpack | Keep everything in a backpack that’s got good padding on the straps, plenty of compartments, a wide mouth opening, and a rain-resistant exterior.
- Kids sketch pad | Kids can sketch, take notes, and feel connected to your adventures with a sketchbook meant to inspire creativity.
- Disposable cameras | Kids will have a ton of fun + stay entertained by taking their own pictures of what they see during your adventures.
- KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids | Be prepared for minor scrapes or bruises that could slow your day down — this kit contains 60 pieces of essential first aid supplies.
Sunscreen stick | Have a portable sunscreen stick handy for outdoor adventures.
