There’s no shortage of fun outdoor activities and family-friendly hikes in the Asheville area, but what to do when springtime (or anytime!) showers put a damper on your ambitious outdoor plans?
Here’s a few ways to cure cabin fever with your kiddos (or maybe even prevent it before it hits!):
1) Your local public library branch.
In addition to roaming the stacks for your child’s favorite books (or discovering new favorites), the Asheville library branches present wonderful child-focused programs for babies as young as 4 months to children up to age 7. Check the calendar here to find the programs/dates/times at every Buncombe County Library branch. All storytime programs are FREE and loads of fun.
2) Asheville Art Museum.
The Art Museum has a wonderful interactive space for children (Art PLAYce) and children under 5 are always admitted to the museum free. If you don’t have a membership, the museum is free for everyone on the first Wednesday of every month from 3pm-5pm. The museum hosts a preschool-age child-focused “Tot Time” on the third Tuesday of each month at 10:30 am. (Included with admission/membership, children under 5 are always admitted free.) Find the museum’s full calendar of events here
3) Asheville Mall
The Asheville Mall on Tunnel Rd has recently upgraded it’s play space. It's loaded with fun activities, toys, and climbing structures for children of all ages and stages. The play area is located in the food court, click here for more info.
4) Asheville Gymnastics
There are several drop-in classes for toddlers to school-aged children. “Mighty Mites” classes for children just learning to walk up to age 3 are just $5/class (or 6 classes for $25 with a punch card). No membership is required, just drop in during the class when you want it. For older children, try their new Mega Mites class (ages 4-5)! Click here for a full schedule of class offerings and times.
5) Mountain Play Lodge
The ultimate indoor play space for toddlers to school-age children! There’s a little something for everyone here, from massive climbing and play structures to realistic play houses, toy train tables to small climbing structures for littler kiddos… all on a super soft, padded floor to help cushion any tumbles. During the winter/spring season (January-May) children 2 & under are $6 during the week ($8 weekends). Babies under 12mo are free with their paid sibling, there’s no charge for adults accompanying children. For a full list of rates, click here.
Did we miss any of your favorites? We’d love to hear from you about your go-to rainy day activities and outings!
