Let kids find a new love of climbing. | Photo by AVLtoday
We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Asheville Museum of Science to hidden gems like KOLO Bike Park, there’s something in Asheville for children of all ages. Here are 30+ kid-friendly activities to keep young explorers entertained.
🎢 Thrill-seeking fun
Big Air Asheville,636 Hendersonville Rd.
Your little ones can quite literally bounce off the walls at this new trampoline park.
Cultivate Climbing, 37 Foundy St.
The new bouldering gym offers climbing routes for all levels. Just note that kiddos under 16 years old require attentive adult supervision.
🎳 Indoor adventures
Well Played Board Game Cafe, 162 Coxe Ave. Ste. 101
From old classics to new and inventive board games, the shelves are stocked for endless play. Pro tip: The cafe hosts a monthly, family-friendly game of Dungeons and Dragons.
Play the day away at Stephens-Lee’s new playground.
Photo via City of Asheville
☀️ Playgrounds
Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave.
The center just got a brand new colorful playground, complete with multiple slides, climbers, and a large shaded topper.
Bonus: The Burton Street Community Center also recently received a new playground and basketball court.
SEN Vietnamese Street Foods is now open downtown in the former Sonora location. Stop by for a warm bowl of pho, fresh spring rolls, noodles, and more Vietnamese comfort foods.
Film
Hallmark is heading back to Asheville to film another holiday flick at the Biltmore. Production starts in mid-January and will film across downtown Asheville, at locations like Packs Tavern and the Fine Arts Theater. The movie will premiere in 2026 as part of Hallmark’s 17th Annual Countdown to Christmas event.
Try This
You can be a part of the movie magic and apply to be an extra in the new Hallmark movie. To apply, email this address with the subject “Hallmark” and include your full name, a recent photo, age, phone number, height, weight, and clothing + shoe sizes.
Development
Plans for a four-story apartment complex between the RAD’s Olde London Road and Pink Dog Creative received a positive recommendation from the city’s Design Review Committee. The 48-unit complex, which will include a ground-floor retail space, has raised concerns over parking, with only 35 spaces planned. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Open
The Rite Buy Grocery is now open in Swannanoa’s Beacon Village, bringing fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and beverages to the area, where the local Ingles hasn’t been open since Helene. The store is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Environment
The USDA approved $37.47 million in Emergency Watershed Protection funding for Buncombe County to repair and stabilize streambanks damaged by Helene. The program will fund 209 repair projects at no cost to landowners, with work expected to take two to five years as contracts are finalized.
Job
Our Job Board has 240,000+ active job listings. Explore openings in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Try This
New Year’s Eve is tomorrow: Asheville Parks & Recreation has New Year’s resolution ideas covered, whether you want to get active, learn a new craft, or meet new people. Discover hundreds of low-cost classes, fitness centers, and hobby clubs + meetups in the 2026 program guide.*
Seasonal
Celebrate the New Year at the Asheville Yards Holiday Ice Rink with “Frozen” on the big screen — starting on Thursday, Jan. 1. Skate, sing along, and start 2026 with some Disney magic. Pro tip: Entry to Asheville Yards is free for all non-skaters.*
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietitian with Nourish. Find a dietitian covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan — a structured, supportive way to map out your 2026 wellness goals now.*
The Buy
Ten minute daily language lessons, on sale for 65% off with Babbel’s New Year’s Sale. Unlock expert-built lessons, podcasts, and speaking practice to make learning a new language feel easy and actually stick — it’s a smart way to kick off the year with a habit you’ll be proud you started.*
Morning, Asheville. It feels good to get back to writing the newsletter after some special time spent with family this holiday season. Looking forward to digging deeper into all things Asheville in the new year.
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