| When planning a family vacation to Asheville, | | | | actual rock climbs. Children may participate in |
| North Carolina, it's a great idea to include some | | | | bouldering or unroped climbing, no higher than 12 |
| fun things to do with the kids. There are many | | | | feet. Visitors may also choose to partake in 'Staff |
| activities that the younger set will love in Asheville | | | | Belays,' where trained and certified professionals |
| and in and around Western North Carolina. | | | | assist with roping, knotting and harnessing |
| Here are some best picks: | | | | participants. The ClimbMax Climbing Center is an |
| Visit Chimney Rock Park | | | | interactive environment that children will |
| Chimney Rock Park is a favorite destination for | | | | remember long after their Asheville visit. |
| Asheville-area visitors. It features unique | | | | Picnic at Mount Mitchell |
| outcroppings of rock and is approximately a | | | | Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the |
| one-hour drive from Asheville. An elevator takes | | | | Mississippi River, stands at 6,688 feet. Families can |
| visitors to the top of the 'chimney' where there is | | | | drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway to this |
| easy access to high-elevation trails. The 'chimney' | | | | destination, about one hour north of Asheville. |
| is a 315-foot monolith located at 2,280 feet. On a | | | | Extra clothing is recommended because the |
| clear day, it provides 360-degree views up to 75 | | | | temperature is likely to be 20-30 degrees cooler. |
| miles away. | | | | The observation deck provides 360-degree views |
| Two popular hikes include: Exclamation Point at | | | | and families can take part in an interpretive |
| 2,480 feet; and Hickory Nut Falls trail - a | | | | program about the history of Mount Mitchell and |
| 30-minute, moderate hike that ends at a waterfall. | | | | its native wildlife, flora and fauna. A gift shop is on |
| If smaller children are present, elevation hiking | | | | site and a restaurant and snack bar provide tasty |
| may not be an option. Instead, take a short walk | | | | offerings. Plenty of outdoor picnic areas are also |
| on the Great Woodland Adventures Trail. This trail | | | | available. Plan a half-day or full-day trip and enjoy |
| is flat and short and includes interactive, sculpture | | | | the beauty of Western North Carolina. |
| exhibits about regional plant and wildlife. | | | | Learn About NC Gems and Minerals at the |
| After exploring the park, families can visit the gift | | | | Colburn Earth Science Museum |
| shop; share a snack; or enjoy the Western North | | | | The Colburn Earth Science Museum in downtown |
| Carolina views from the observation deck. | | | | Asheville has a superior collection of minerals, |
| Tour the Biltmore Estate | | | | gems, petroglyphs, and more, from North Carolina |
| No family vacation to Asheville, NC would be | | | | and around the world. The collection includes 350 |
| complete without a visit to the Biltmore Estate. | | | | samples of gems, fossils and crystals from North |
| Activities that engage children are plentiful. | | | | Carolina and gives an overview of the history of |
| At Riverbend Farm, children can experience life on | | | | mining in the state. |
| the farm as it was in the late 19th century. | | | | As a great follow-up excursion to a museum visit, |
| Actors dress in period costumes; barnyard | | | | the museum has a gem-location map that |
| animals are present; craft demonstrations take | | | | identifies the best gem-finding counties. It also |
| place; and a kitchen garden is available for viewing. | | | | provides a list of mineral mines where children can |
| A nearby creamery is a great place to take a | | | | dig for crystals and gems that are abundant in |
| break and enjoy an ice cream. | | | | the Western North Carolina region. |
| Depending on the season, a variety of outdoor | | | | Kid-Friendly Accommodations |
| activities are available. Carriage rides, horseback | | | | Staying at hotels can be expensive when planning |
| riding, river float trips, and biking are popular ways | | | | a family vacation, especially when you factor in |
| to tour the 8,000-acre estate. Families can also | | | | the cost of eating out. Renting a suite at one of |
| stroll through Biltmore Gardens, informal and | | | | the new Asheville condo hotels is a great option. |
| formal gardens, as well as the American Rose | | | | Families can cook, have food delivered and enjoy |
| Garden where over 250 varieties of roses thrive. | | | | family time in a spacious, Asheville hotel condo; |
| Discover the ClimbMax Climbing Center | | | | The Residences at Biltmore is one such option. |
| At the ClimbMax Climbing Center in downtown | | | | One thing is for sure, there are lots of things in |
| Asheville, children can practice rock-climbing skills in | | | | Asheville for kids to get excited about. An |
| a safe, supervised environment. The Climbing | | | | Asheville family vacation includes adventure, |
| Center is set-up with indoor walls that replicate | | | | exercise, fresh air, and most importantly - fun. |