Things to do in Asheville, North Carolina

Road trip season is barreling at us at a rapid speed. Which for my family, is a very welcomed thing. However, the age-old question of where to go on the said road trip has often left families stumped for the best destination for their crew.

My husband and I were recently discussing this very topic and he asked the question, “what things are there to do in Asheville North Carolina?” I of course obliged by obsessively researching and promptly falling in love with the town in the process.

Because there are so many things to do in Asheville, North Carolina, we’ve also broken down the info into relevant information.

I wouldn’t be a very good friend if I didn’t share my findings, now would I?

Family Fun Things to do in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville Pinball Museum

For an upfront price, you and your group can play all the pinball and classic video games that you can handle. Pac Man anyone? Adults are $15 and Children 10 & under are $12.

There are 80+ pinball machines and classic video games in the pinball museum. Which truth be told is more of an arcade than museum, so don’t let that fool you!

Just be aware that there are only 80 people allowed to be playing at a time,

Whitewater Rafting Trip

Asheville was named a “Top ten” whitewater rafting town, and for good reason there are many choices when it comes to where you should choose your whitewater rafting adventure!

The whitewater rafting outfitters at each river provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. One and two person inflatable kayaks are also popular, along with paddle-boards.

Well Played Board Game Cafe

Ever wanted to spend the day eating really good food and playing board games? Then the Well Played Board Game Cafe is the perfect spot for you.

For a cover fee of $5 during the week and $7 on Saturday, you can play until your heart is content munching on fantastic food and drinks along the way.

Asheville Best Gem Mine

Asheville’s Best Gem Mine is lots of fun for all ages. The mine ore is some of the richest in the area. They  “Guaranteed Find Every Time!”  Just so you are aware, the guarantee is on Corundum (ruby & sapphire) & Beryl (emerald & aquamarine). You will also find agates, jasper, crystals and are able to keep what you find!

What’s even cooler is that if you find something that you really like, they will create a piece of jewelry for you, in house!

Splasheville

Splasheville is the city of Asheville’s interactive splash play fountain in downtown’s Pack Square Park. There are 21 jets of water that run in 12 different combinations. You never know where it’s going to splash next! The fountain usually operates from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week from April through September. It is the perfect way to cool off!

Romantic Things to do in Asheville North Carolina

Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore was built by the Vanderbilt family after a visit to the area caused them to fall in love with the scenery. We don’t blame them one bit.

There are a plethora of options when it comes to visiting the grand property, ranging from day trips to overnight stays.

The fact of the matter is, a stay on the Biltmore’s grounds can cost a substantial amount. However, if that is a splurge that is important to you and your family, go for it!

The Winery at the Biltmore

After you’ve toured the Biltmore, head over the the winery and end your day tasting delicious wines.

Wine tastings are complementary. If you enjoyed the wines that you tasted, then you can even join the Vanderbilt wine club before you leave.

Eating Asheville Tour

If you are anything like my husband and I, finding the best local restaurant secrets is a favorite pastime.
The Eating Asheville Tour lasts 2.5 hours and feature from 5 to 7 restaurants depending on the package that you choose. You get to sample some of the featured dishes at the restaurants. The food tour packages start at $55 per person.

The Flying Bike Tour

This electric bike tour of downtown Asheville is a fun way to see the sites of downtown and the e-bike makes navigating the downtown area of Asheville even easier.

In order to operate one of the e-bikes riders have to be 16, the rides last 2.5 hours and is limited to 7 riders in a group.

Balloons Over Asheville

If you’ve ever wanted to tour a city from a different perspective or see the fall foliage, then a hot air balloon tour is the perfect way to see Asheville from a special angle.

Flights can be booked as late as the afternoon before the balloon flight. The minimum age for participants in the hot air balloon flight is 5 years old. The price for a flight is $299 per person.

Haunted Asheville Ghost Tours

If you choose to go on a ghost tour, getting to see  Asheville’s haunts up close and personal is pretty coo. The tours last for approx. 2 hours. The guides lead you safely through the streets of downtown Asheville, providing storytelling thrills and chills. Bonus, this tour is family-friendly experience or you can enjoy it without kids!
Tours start at $20 per person.

Moving Sidewalk Tours

Spending the day exploring the city of Asheville is always a lot of fun but it is elevated to an even more fun place when you add in segways.

Moving sidewalk offers tours of Asheville, via segway. The minimum age to participate is 10 and prices start at $60 during the week for a 2 hour tour.

Things to do in Asheville when it rains

Climbmax Climbing

Climbmax has two Asheville locations offering lots of indoor climbing fun for climbers of all abilities. Additionally, should you decide that you want to take the climbing fun outside, there are guides that are extremely knowledgeable about the area and the best places to climb!

Asheville Museum of Science

From a hall of minerals, a STEM lab and a life size dinosaur skeleton there is something for everyone at the Asheville Museum of Science. The exhibits encourage kids (and grown ups) to get up close and person and check things out.

The Museum is open: Monday- Saturday 10 AM-5 PM Sunday 1-5 PM

Tickets cost: Adult: $8 Children: $7 Seniors: $7
Military: $7 Student: $7

Asheville’s Fun Depot

Asheville’s Fun Depot is a mostly indoor family entertainment center that features a variety of attractions and activities as well as a full menu of delicious food items.  Asheville’s Fun Depot is the ideal place to spend quality time with your friends and family regardless of the weather. Attractions and activities include: outdoor and indoor go-carts, 18-hole indoor mini-golf course, laser tag, virtual reality, bumper cars, a climbing wall, playgrounds and inflatables, mini-bowling, X-rider 4D Theater, arcade games, Aeroball, Lazer Frenzy, Atomic Rush, just to name a few of the many options that they have.

Things to do in Asheville, North Carolina at Christmas

The North Carolina Arboretum

Walk through the Arboretum’s gardens and enjoy unique displays and landscapes dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Perfect for the entire family, Winter Lights includes interactive games, a model train exhibit, free crafts, a nature-themed animatronic children’s program and more!

The National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn

Each year, you can visit the Omni Grove Park Inn at Christmas time and take in the extremely talented skills of the gingerbread house crafters. Not to mention, the intoxicating smells that you will be treated to, while looking at the amazing creations!

Look at the beautiful window displays in Downtown Asheville

There is something special about just taking a stroll in the downtown district to take in all of the store window displays dressed up for Christmas!

Have you been to Asheville? What’s your favorite thing to do while you are in town ?