The Ultimate Guide for Where to Stay, Where to Eat & What To Do with Kids
If you’re planning a family vacation to Asheville, North Carolina, you’re in for something truly special! Discover Where to Say, Where to Eat & What to do in this Local Guide to Visiting Asheville with Kids!
My hometown is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Asheville offers a rare combination of natural beauty, elevated dining, family-friendly experiences, and Appalachian mountain charm—making it one of the most sought-after destinations for families who want more than just a typical getaway!
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, big kids, or planning a multi-generational trip, this guide will walk you through some of the best things to do in Asheville with kids, where to stay, and how to create a truly memorable experience for your family!
🌄 Why Families Love Visiting Asheville, NC
Asheville is ideal for families who value:
- ✔️ Nature + Outdoor Adventure
- ✔️ Walkable, Charming Downtown
- ✔️ Amazing Restaurants (where kids are welcome!)
- ✔️ Unique & Enriching Experiences
Asheville is that place where your kids can run through mountain trails in the morning and you can enjoy a beautiful, chef-driven dinner that evening!🥰
Best Things to Do while Visiting Asheville with Kids:
No trip to Asheville is complete without driving the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Best family-friendly stops along the parkway near Asheville:
- Folk Art Center (quick cultural stop) (MP 382)
- Craggy Gardens / Craggy Pinnacle (easy trails + big panoramic blue ridge views) (MP 364.5)
- Mount Mitchell State Park (MP 355.4)
- Have a Picnic at an overlook! (Many overlooks do have picnic tables, but not all are obvious—sometimes they’re slightly off to the side. Bring a blanket just in case (some of the best views = no tables))
- Skinny Dip Falls (MP 417) Park at Looking Glass Rock Overlook (MP 417) /Trailhead is directly across the road
- Pisgah Area / Mount Pisgah Overlooks (MP 407–408)
- Waterrock Knob (MP 451)
💡 Quick Tips (from locals)
Sunset = best light
Sunrise = fewer peopl
Temps can drop 10–20° cooler than Asheville at higher elevations (Bring Layers + a Blanket for Warmth or a Picnic!)
Always Gas Up before heading out onto the parkway (there are no gas stations)
Bring Food / Drinks / Snacks — there’s only one general store (Mt, Pisgah General Store – only open April – November — the giant cookies are delicious!)
Visit Biltmore Estate!
The iconic Biltmore Estate is surprisingly family-friendly!
What kids love:
- Wide open lawns / gardens to run and explore
- Hundreds of Koi Fish in the Italian Garden
- Seasonal exhibits and farmyard area
- Bike rentals and outdoor activities (horsebacks riding + 4×4 adventures)
What parents love:
- Stunning gardens and architecture
- Winery + elevated dining options
MUSEUMS for Families who are Visiting Asheville with Kids!
Hands-On Fun at the Asheville Museum of Science
The Asheville Museum of Science is perfect for a slower-paced day.
✔️ Interactive exhibits
✔️ STEM learning through play
✔️ Great option for rainy weather
Hands On Children’s Museum – Hendersonville (30 minutes south of Asheville)
Hands On Children’s Museum is an interactive children’s museum and a favorite for local families looking for a fun, low-key activity for littles! With over 13,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits—from a mini grocery store and water play area to a climbing structure, art studio, and LEGO raceway—it’s designed to spark creativity and imaginative play. (Best for ages 1-5ish)
Ride the Tweetsie Railroad (Day Trip from AVL)
Located just outside Asheville, Tweetsie Railroad is a nostalgic, Wild West–themed train experience!
✔️ Train rides through the mountains
✔️ Amusement rides
✔️ Live entertainment
Best for younger children (1 – 8ish)
💡 Drive time: ~2 hours from Asheville — leave early in the AM, return at night!
OR 🎢Visit Dollywood or Splash Country! (Day Trip from AVL)
Located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dollywood is one of the top-rated theme parks in the country—perfect for a fun-filled family adventure just a couple hours from Asheville!
✔️ Thrilling roller coasters + kid-friendly rides
✔️ Live music, shows, and seasonal festivals
✔️ Delicious Southern food + artisan crafts
💡 Drive time: ~2–2.5 hours from Asheville — leave early in the AM, return at night!
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Asheville
Families visiting Asheville are often surprised by how kid-friendly the food scene is—without sacrificing quality.
My Top Picks:
Breakfast / Brunch:
- Sunny Point Café – (my absolute favorite breakfast / brunch in AVL! The Savory French Toast🥰) $$
- Taco Billy – great breakfast tacos + take them to go if you’re headed out to the parkway! $
- Cornerstone – (my mom’s favorite place!) been around forever, good breakfast, family friendly! $$
Lunch:
- Taco Temple – casual, colorful vibe + creative tacos + great margs! $$
- Hail Mary – casual, color, funky 90’s vibe! creative menu options $$
- Mela – Indian, casual vibe, lunch buffet (kids 1/2 price) + they can try new things!! $$
Dinner:
- Haywood Common – delicious food + amazing drinks + outdoor seating + casual atmosphere $$
- Corner Kitchen – a beloved Asheville landmark, great food / drinks + kids menu $$$
Where to Stay in Asheville with Kids
First, let me tell you where not to stay:
- The Omni Grove Park Inn
👉 overpriced — the rooms are dated / they haven’t renovated in a decade + - Instead — visit the Grove Park for drink or a meal on the back terrace to take in the mountain sunset / downtown views! (delicious food but $$$)
Luxury + Comfort:
- The Foundry 👉 Unique historic architecture + upscale design + Peaceful location just outside the downtown bustle +On-site dining + cozy courtyard spaces — Perfect for families who want a boutique feel with easy access to everything!
- Kimpton Hotel Arras 👉 Located in the heart of downtown, it’s one of the city’s most elevated stays—ideal for families who want to be right in the middle of it all. Floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning mountain views!!!
- The Radical 👉 (my favorite!) Located in River Arts District, The Radical is one of the city’s most unique and design-forward boutique hotels. Housed in a reimagined industrial building, it blends bold art, edgy style, and modern comfort into an experience that feels distinctly Asheville.
- Grand Bohemian 👉 Biltmore Village just steps from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, Comfortable yet opulent interiors, curated art gallery, and refined dining, it’s a standout for those seeking a more classic and elevated stay!
- The Inn on Biltmore Estate 👉 Refined, immersive estate experience (bonus: you get access to allll that the estate has to offer — miles of beautiful trails, shops, restaurants, horse back riding, walk through the gardens, their new light show after dark, etc. )
🌿 Easy Outdoor Adventures for Families
You don’t need to be an avid hiker to enjoy Asheville’s outdoors if you’re visiting Asheville with Kids!
Best easy options:
- North Carolina Arboretum Miles of paved and gravel walking paths, curated gardens, and rotating seasonal exhibits, it offers a peaceful, nature-filled escape that’s perfect for families. ✔️ Easy, stroller-friendly walking trails ✔️ Stunning gardens + seasonal blooms year-round ✔️ Educational exhibits, including a beloved bonsai collection!
- The WNC Nature Center Just minutes from downtown, the WNC Nature Center is a hidden gem for families—offering an up-close look at native Appalachian wildlife in a relaxed, easy-to-navigate setting. Black bears, red wolves, playful otters and birds of prey, it’s both educational and engaging for kids of all ages! ✔️ See native animals up close, ✔️ Shaded walking paths + manageable size for little ones ✔️ Play Areas + interactive exhibits for hands-on learning
- 💦 Looking Glass Falls (Easy, Must-See Waterfall) Looking Glass Falls is one of the most iconic—& accessible—waterfalls near Asheville, making it a must-see for families! Located right off the road in Pisgah National Forest, this stunning 60-foot waterfall requires little to no hiking, with just a short set of steps leading to the base. The payoff is huge: a dramatic, powerful waterfall that feels like a true adventure without the effort! Just a short drive away, the charming mountain town of Brevard makes the perfect stop to turn your outing into a full day!
- Sliding Rock If you’re visiting Asheville in the summer, Sliding Rock is an absolute must-do—and truly one of the most unique experiences in WNC! This natural 60-foot rock waterslide sends you rushing down a smooth rock face into a refreshing mountain pool below (disclaimer – even in summer, the water is COLD mountain water!), creating an unforgettable adventure for kids and adults alike. (Best for ages 5+)
- ✔️ Natural waterslide—completely one-of-a-kind experience
- ✔️ Lifeguards on duty during peak summer season
- ✔️ Easy access with restrooms and changing areas nearby
📸 Why Asheville Is Perfect for Family Photos
Asheville offers something truly unique for families Visiting Asheville with Kids!
- Picturesque, soft, layered mountain backdrops
- Seasonal color (especially fall + spring blooms)
- A relaxed pace that allows for genuine connection
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or a full vacation, Asheville is the kind of place where meaningful, beautiful moments naturally unfold! It’s the perfect time for Family Portraits actually! 🫶🏻
If you’re visiting Asheville and thinking of shooting Family Portraits while you’re here, we would be delighted to create truly beautiful photographic memories for your family!
View our Portfolio + Pricing Info: Take me there!
Get in touch with Brittany: Contact
✨ Final Thoughts: Visiting Asheville with Kids / Planning your Vacation
Asheville is not just a destination—it’s an experience!
It’s where:
- Kids are welcome & can explore freely
- Parents can slow down & enjoy themselves
- And families can reconnect in a setting that feels both inspiring and grounding all at the same time!
If you’re planning a trip, prioritize:
- ✔️ A mix of outdoor + relaxing activities
- ✔️ Time for great meals
- ✔️ Space to simply enjoy being together
Because those are the moments that matter most.
