Asheville is known for its craft beer scene, local artistry, breathtaking mountain scenery, locally owned small businesses, and outdoor exploration. LaZoom is a hot spot for tourists and locals alike, and we’re no stranger to the question, “what can I do with my kids here?” Our experts in Asheville have compiled a carefully curated list of kid friendly Asheville activities to keep your kids entertained all weekend, tested and proven successful by real parents. Really! That’s how much we give a dang about your little rascals!
#1 LaZoom’s Kid’s Comedy Tour: “Lil Boogers”
OF COURSE WE’RE NUMBER ONE! But really, our team at LaZoom put their hearts into creating a tour for kids of all ages that will not only leave them walking away amazed but teaches them a little about Asheville along the way.
What to expect on the kid’s comedy tour:
- Asheville fun facts they’ll actually care about
- Live music that may or may not get stuck in your head
- Close-up magic
- Talking puppets and wacky characters
- An interactive ride where your kids get their moment to shine too!
For the adults to enjoy:
- Drinks (N/A and alcoholic) available for purchase in the LaZoom Room
- 60 minutes of peace while your kids enjoy the show
- Jokes even the parents will find funny
- Clean and private bathrooms available in the LaZoom Room
- Kids under 4 ride for free!
Head’s Up! The Lil Boogers Tour features loud noises, energetic music, and silly characters in costumes. If your child gets startled easily or is sensitive to loud environments, please give us a call. We’d be happy to chat and help you decide if the tour is a good fit for your little one.
#2 Cradle of Forestry: Pisgah National Forest
Isn’t that a beautiful sounding place to take your little ones? You won’t be disappointed if you do! The Cradle of Forestry is a 6,500 acre site in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 1 hour from downtown Asheville. Don’t be afraid of the drive – along the way you’ll dive into the most beautiful part of our great smokey forest with stops along the way for the kids to have a picnic, explore in a river, or burn some energy on a hike.
Once you arrive, the Cradle of Forestry has so much to offer. Paved trails, a steam train to explore, gift shop, science lab, and interactive exhibits made for kids (and loved by adults). You won’t be disappointed, and the kids will be ready for a nap while you enjoy some cold brews afterward, guaranteed.
#3 Western North Carolina Nature Center
Just minutes from Downtown Asheville, the WNC Nature Center is a favorite for animal lovers of all ages. Featuring otters, bears, a petting zoo of farm animals, red pandas, the largest population of red wolves to name just a few. The Nature Center offers plenty of parking, low admission fees, and about 2 hours of quality entertainment for the whole family.
#4 Pinball Museum
Central to Downtown, just across the street from the shops at the Grove Arcade, is the Pinball Museum. This is the largest collection of vintage Pinball Machines and vintage video games your kids will probably ever see in one place! $17 per person for all-you-can-play access to their amazing collection – it’s a must-visit for the kids!
Bonus content because we love adults, too – here’s our recommendations on places to eat and drink where you can truly relax while the kids run free(ish):
- Whistle Hop Brewing Company, Fairview
- Designated play area, outdoor games, and ice cream nearby
- Zillicoah Beer Company, Woodfin
- On the river with over 2 acres of space for kids to play, delicious BBQ, award winning beers
- All Soul’s Pizza, River Arts District
- Easy-to-love pizza, large outdoor area for play
- Creekside Taphouse, East Asheville
- Designated play area for the kids, kid-friendly menu, live music, lots of outdoor seating
Happy child-wrangling!
