The Asheville science museum is geared towards kids. Great little place in downtown.

The botanical garden on the UNC Asheville campus has reopened (and it's free!). Spring is a beautiful time to walk the trials there. The NC Arboretum is also open, but I've never been despite numerous trips.

French Broad Chocolate survived the flood, and they are back to offering factory tours. My kid was six when we went and he thought it was really cool. The factory is around the corner from the botanical garden. They also have a retail location in downtown.

The Asheville Tourists are Single A baseball team. Cheap and fun in a very old school ballpark.

Paddle season should be getting starting in April. You can basically float down the French Broad, not too much actual paddling required.

Agree with this unless they are into hiking. there is a pretty trail with waterfalls = https://www.dupontforest.com/explore/triple-falls/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How old are the kids?

5 & 7. Looking for a drive able spring break trip due to costs for flights

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge would be a much more enjoyable trip for those ages. There’s really nothing for them to do in Asheville. And I say that as a mom who did a vacation to Asheville with a 6-yr old.

DH, DS (11) and I drove to Asheville 3 years ago for spring break (so pre-hurricane). We loved it. I rented an amazing VRBO (seriously, the nicest one we’ve ever experienced, and it was <$300/night), we toured the Biltmore (get the audio tour; they even have one geared towards kids that DS enjoyed), and walked around the arts district, although I hear that area was badly damaged. We all really enjoyed it — heard there was hiking and a zip lining course nearby, but we didn’t make it over there (April was a bit rainy so we thought things might be muddy). Highly recommend.

We live 30 miles west of AVL. Above poster is correct, that many areas in AVL are somewhat back to normal, but other areas were devastated and will be for quite a long time. You don't have to go very far to what looks like a war zone.

In regard to April and Biltmore, we are long time season pass holders and hope this helps.

Drove thru last Thursday, first time since the flood, and it looks decently normal with the exception of many tree company trucks sawing up felled trees.

If you are coming in late April, you will catch the Azalea Garden almost in full stride. May is peak. We enjoy the gardens as much, if not more, than the house itself.

Lastly, Biltmore will host "King Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures" exhibition starting on March 21 of this year running thru January 4, 2026. We have been to all the exhibitions that they put on and enjoy them very much. Van Gogh, Monet, da Vinci and Legends of Art and Innovation exhibitions were all spectacular. Downside is that this a separate charge from your entrance ticket, which is hefty enough.

Please post any others questions you might have.

Anonymous wrote:I was just in Asheville. It is just fine to visit. I would go and spend your money.

The Arts District was wiped and the Biltmore Village (which is not near the actual Bilmore) is being repaired but other than that, it is business as usual in the tourist areas. I can't speak to the hiking spots but I am sure there are some that are ok too.

Not really...give that some time to recover. Downtown Asheville is generally ok now.

Anonymous wrote:How old are the kids?

5 & 7. Looking for a drive able spring break trip due to costs for flights

Anonymous wrote:I was just in Asheville. It is just fine to visit. I would go and spend your money.

The Arts District was wiped and the Biltmore Village (which is not near the actual Bilmore) is being repaired but other than that, it is business as usual in the tourist areas. I can't speak to the hiking spots but I am sure there are some that are ok too.

In case you decide to go, I’ll share a tip a friend gave me. I’ve been to Asheville several times when young and single and honestly couldn’t imagine why people were going with their little children. (Bars? Live music? The spa at Grove Park?) A friend said that if you go with kids it’s more about doing things AROUND Asheville, with just a little time in Asheville itself. Here’s a link to a site with some things to do, and it notes what is open and still closed.

https://www.exploreasheville.com/

How old are the kids?

I was just in Asheville. It is just fine to visit. I would go and spend your money.

The Arts District was wiped and the Biltmore Village (which is not near the actual Bilmore) is being repaired but other than that, it is business as usual in the tourist areas. I can't speak to the hiking spots but I am sure there are some that are ok too.

No to Tennessee it is not a place to visit right now

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Others might weigh in on this, but I would give Asheville a little time to recover.

Ah right. Open to other ideas

Roanoke actually has a lot to do with kids. I’ve heard it referred to as “Uncool Asheville” and think that is pretty apt.

Other options — Niagara Falls, Great Smokies (staying in Gatlinburg), Poconos, Amish country, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Knoxville.

Anonymous wrote:Others might weigh in on this, but I would give Asheville a little time to recover.

Ah right. Open to other ideas

Others might weigh in on this, but I would give Asheville a little time to recover.

Has anyone taken a road trip to Asheville with kids for spring break? Looking for recs or ideas. Thanks!