Asheville is an excellent destination for a family vacation. There are lots of fun activities for families to enjoy together, as well as wonderful places to eat and explore. Whether you’re planning a day trip or staying for the week, you’ll have a great family trip in Asheville.
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The Tanbark Ridge Overlook. Photo: Explore Ashville
If you’re planning a family vacation, you can’t go wrong with Asheville. It’s an easy drive from Atlanta at just about 200 miles (depending what part of town you’re starting from), and there are places to stop along the way if you need to.
There are so many things to do in kid-friendly Asheville! The city is relatively small, which makes it easy to explore explore with children in tow. And, Asheville is full of family-friendly activities and attractions.
The Asheville Museum of Science focuses on hands-on exhibits and playful learning experiences. Highlights include the Hall of Minerals, the GeoDome Panorama, the Fossil Dig, the Climbing Experience, and the Southern Appalachian Forest. There are also regular programs for families to enjoy together.
French Broad Chocolate Factory tours are very affordable, and kids can see how how cacao beans are roasted and turned into chocolate.
For children between the ages of 5 and 12, the LaZoom Kids Comedy Tour is a great option.
Teens and older kids may enjoy touring the historic Biltmore Estate, but keep in mind it is pricey. You may want to look online for discount tickets or special admission days.
Photo credit: Explore Asheville
The dining scene in Asheville
Asheville has a thriving culinary culture and you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink. In fact, Yelp listed Asheville as a top destination on its 2022 Small Town, Big Flavor list.
Of course, many kids don’t have the most adventurous palates — if that’s the case with your crew, you’ll find plenty of the old familiar chains with favorite fare for the kiddos.
But there are also local establishments that cater to families.
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. is a great place to grab a pizza (and some beer for the adults!) They also have a movie theater and an ice cream stand.
Homegrown is a rustic spot with a covered patio for outdoor seating. There’s no dedicated kid’s menu, but you’ll find family favorites like chicken fingers, french fries, and tacos.
Creekside Taphouse is pure fun! You can dine on the patio while the kids enjoy a nearby playground and lawn games. The family dog is also welcome in the outdoor areas here.
For a cozy breakfast spot, try Early Girl Eatery. Kids will enjoy pancakes, chicken biscuits, or scrambled eggs — and there’s a full breakfast and lunch menu, too.
River tubing outside of Asheville. Photo credit: Explore Asheville
Spend time outdoors while in Asheville
Looking for an outdoor activity?
Consider rafting on the French Broad River. This 218-mile waterway flows through Tennessee and North Carolina. There are several sections of the river which are suitable for beginning rafters.
If you visit Asheville in the fall, include a trip to Eliada Corn Maze, which is open all of October and located about 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. This fun-filled venue offers hayrides, corn cannons, bouncy pillows, and spider climbing webs.
The Asheville area is great for hiking, with many options suitable for family hikes with kids. Check out the Beaver Lake Perimeter Trail and enjoy the spectacular views. This trail is fairly flat and you can likely manage it with a stroller.
The Botanical Gardens at Asheville is a natural choice for families, as it is FREE and offers a paved walking trail. The gardens feature more than 600 native and endangered plant species. There are even guided tours for families. While strolling through the gardens, kids can splash around in creeks and dash through meadows. There are hammocks to rest on, and the kids can even enjoy the waterfalls.
The Pisgah National Forest has an access point just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville — spend a day enjoying nature with a picnic meal, or plan to camp overnight.
Asheville is the perfect place for a family vacation, because there is something for everyone to enjoy. The scenery is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the people are friendly and welcoming. Your kids will want to return to Asheville over and over, once they experience all it has to offer.
Spring cherry trees in Asheville. Photo credit: Explore Asheville
This content is part of a paid promotion with Family Destinations Guide.
All opinions are their own.
Asheville at twilight. Credit: Deposit Photos.
