Family Vacation Ideas in Asheville

Thinking of taking the family on vacation to Asheville, North Carolina? If so, you will be pleasantly surprised by all the activities for children. Asheville is an outdoor city, with plenty to do for kids to keep them interested. Spend time with the children outdoors. Spark their interest in learning about the mountains of western North Carolina by taking them to the Nature Center or Health Adventure. Or spend the day at Lake Julian Park or Climbax.

Nature Center of Western North Carolina

Children and adults can learn about native wildlife and habitats at the Nature Center. The City of Asheville operates the Nature Center, which is home to more than one hundred species of wild and domestic animals and hundreds of species of plants, found in the Southern Appalachians. The Nature Center is known for its educational programs: Wolf Howl, NC Elk Program, and the preservation and breeding of Red Wolves, an endangered species. Families can tour the Nature Center and see black bears, mountain lions, and other wildlife common to this region.

Health Adventure

Now located in Biltmore Square Mall, The Health Adventure is equipped to provide some of the best practices in learning about health, science and technology for children. Children can learn about gravity, centrifugal force, and how our bodies interact with these forces. Play in a variety of exhibits like spin and raceway, as well as Construction Junction and Dizzy Tunnel. Learning by doing. Engage in other fun interactive ways to use your body. Use the exhibits at Health Adventure and attend special events with museum admission. Science Wow, Tech on Tuesdays and Super Science Saturday are events that are easy to attend with some planning. If your family is going to any of these programs, plan to stay for two hours. The traveling exhibits also engage children in healthy eating and exercise in playful, themed environments.

Lake Julian Park

For families visiting the Asheville area, Lake Julian is a great way to immerse everyone in outdoor fun. Lake Julian is conveniently located in South Asheville and is operated by the Buncombe County Parks and Programming Division. It’s open for family fun every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Start with a picnic near the parking area. Then explore the 300-acre lake by rowboat or canoe. There is excellent fishing on Lake Julian. People catch: bass, catfish, brim, crapple, and tilapia. If you take your family fishing, make sure everyone has a North Carolina fishing license. There is also a horseshoe pit and sand volleyball, as well as a playground at Lake Julian Park. This is a great place for families to spend the day.

climbing Climbmax

Repelling and rock climbing are popular sports in western North Carolina. Climbmax ​​Climbing Center is a favorite stop for families looking for exercise, challenge and excitement. Climbmax ​​is right in the heart of downtown Asheville, on Wall Street. Beginners can learn to climb in a safe environment. After a little practice, some may even want to schedule a trip to climb rock faces in a wilderness area near Asheville. Indoor climbing and instruction are offered to beginning and advanced climbers by trained staff who closely supervise activities.

It’s obvious that Asheville is a kid-friendly city. During all seasons, there is much for families to do together. Some may even want to explore the great outdoors with a hike and a dip in a swimming hole, or take a bike ride or kayak down the French Broad River. Whatever your choice for family activities in Asheville, you and your loved ones will have a blast.