Wow, check out this great directory of local parks and green ways around Asheville. You’ll find many local hotspots.  From Vance Birthplace, NC Arboretum, Buncombe County’s 44 Acre Sports Park & the Folk Art Center to many Local Pools, Golf Courses, and the Western NC Nature center. Have some time to enjoy outdoors? Try exploring North Asheville’s  Beaver Lake, tour the famous Biltmore Estate, take a cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Thrash Skate Parks, Enjoy Local Hiking trails and much more.

Discover amazing family fun outdoor opportunities around Asheville with this handy online resource:  Year of the Park (via Google Maps)

This is a fabulous online resource that everyone should bookmark.

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1.    These beautiful mountains, what an incredible blessing it is to live in these old mountains,with our hiking trails, waterfalls and vistas.

2.    The abundance and diversity of trees,  plants and native wildlife.

3.    The most beautiful seasons, we really experience all four in their full glory here.

4.    The music scene, there are so many incredible musicians, you can always go hear good live music, most days you can’t walk down the street without hearing a street musician.

5.    Blue grass and the whole Appalachian culture.

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It is true that The Health Adventure, Colburn Earth & Science Museum & Nature Center all offer exceptional indoor opportunities for children. What sets the Nature Center apart is incredible hands-on outdoor adventures as well.

You can explore natural animal habitats in a small hike around the Nature Center. Search for the wolves, the bears, fox, raccoons and even a Cougar. The playful otters will keep you laughing as they slide and splash in the water. Check out the petting zoo and enjoy feeding a variety of barn yard animals. The Nature Center also has seasonal exhibits including the Butterfly Exhibition, Hey Day in the Fall, and numerous summer programs for the kids.

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One of the things I love about living here in Asheville is all the wonderful activities for our kids. Hiking to your favorite waterfall on a Saturday is the best way to share family time. But even when the weather is too cold for a hike there is still plenty to do here.

The Health Adventure at Pack Square is hours of fun and discovery. You will be as fascinated as your children by all the hands on activities and education. From life size three dimensional puzzles of the body, to perceptual tricks and  flexibility tests, it has something for all ages. Your younger children can be the grocer in their own store, while they learn about healthy choices. The Health Adventure also features ever changing exhibits upstairs, check the schedule for current Health Adventure exhibits.

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Asheville has many choices for kid's birthdays. We are lucky as parents, especially those of us who have children born in the winter months and can’t just picnic at a park. Having it at your own house in the winter without the yard to run around in can be a little much! What a relief it is to just arrive somewhere else and then leave without having to entertain guests in your home or clean up after twenty seven year olds!


The Health Adventure has a wonderful package with up to 25 kids and a room decorated with balloons which grants access to all of the Health Adventure including whatever the current exhibit is.  They will set you up with a room, and depending on availability you can even have the play area reserved for your party.  The central location of Pack Place is also a nice convenience.

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If you are looking for a sunny spot on the East side of Asheville you are in luck. There’s plenty to do outdoors in East Asheville. It’s just a quick hop onto the parkway but one doesn’t even have to go that far to get out in nature.

For starters there is a sweet little park behind the East Asheville Library in Haw Creek. Check out a book then curl up for a nice read while the kids play on the playground. They are sure to make a few new friends and who knows, you might too!

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