Find family-friendly destinations, local events, and shops that cater to the kids and pets who make life brighter in Asheville and Western North Carolina. From holiday light shows to treats for your furry friends, this section celebrates the joy of home, family, and community.
Asheville
Asheville Museum of Science
The Asheville Museum of Science inspires curiosity and discovery through hands-on exhibits, interactive programs, and community-focused science education for all ages.
43 Patton Ave, Asheville NC 28801 | (828) 254-7162 | Shop Online
Asheville Pinball Museum
The Asheville Pinball Museum offers a hands-on, nostalgic gaming experience, letting visitors play a wide collection of vintage and modern pinball machines while celebrating the history and culture of the game.
1 Battle Sq, Asheville NC 28801 | (828) 776-5671 | Shop Online
Asheville Tourists Game
Asheville Tourists offers engaging, family-friendly baseball experiences, combining exciting Minor League games with community events and a vibrant atmosphere for fans of all ages.
30 Buchanan Pl, Asheville NC 28801 | (828) 258-0428 | Shop Online
Asheville Urban Trail
The Asheville Urban Trail guides visitors through the city’s history, culture, and art with an engaging self-guided walking tour marked by sculptures, plaques, and interactive exhibits.
Pack Pl, Asheville NC 28801 | (828) 259-5498 | Shop Online
Claying Around
Claying Around provides creative, hands-on pottery and clay workshops, helping people of all ages explore art, express themselves, and have fun in a welcoming studio environment.
1278 Hendersonville Rd Ste D, Asheville NC 28803 | (828) 277-0042 | Shop Online
Comic Envy
A welcoming Asheville comic shop packed with new issues, classic favorites, and collectibles for every kind of fan.
333 Merrimon Ave Ste A, Asheville NC 28801 | (828) 252-7600 | Shop Online
Craggy Mountain Line
Craggy Mountain Line preserves and operates historic trains, offering scenic rides and hands-on rail experiences that celebrate Western North Carolina’s railroading heritage.
111 N Woodfin Ave, Asheville NC 28804 | (828) 575-9488 | Shop Online
Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum
The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum showcases a curated collection of classic and vintage automobiles, preserving automotive history while offering visitors a nostalgic journey through the evolution of cars.
111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville NC 28804 | (828) 253-2698 | Shop Online
French Broad River Greenway
The French Broad River Greenway offers scenic trails for walking, biking, and recreation, connecting the Asheville community to nature, the river, and each other.
508 Riverview Dr, Asheville NC 28806 | (828) 259-5800 | Shop Online
Hollywood Feed
Hollywood Feed Asheville provides premium pet food, treats, toys, and supplies, along with expert advice to keep pets healthy, happy, and thriving.
4 S Tunnel Rd, Asheville NC 28805 | (828) 220-4169 | Shop Online
Malaprops BookstoreCafe
A thoughtfully curated selection of books, a cozy café space for coffee and light bites, and a vibrant schedule of author events and book clubs
55 Haywood St, Asheville NC 28801 | (828) 254-6734 | Shop Online
Morgan’s Comics
A quirky local hub where comics, art, and community collide in a cozy, colorful space.
600 Haywood Rd, Asheville NC 28806 | (828) 505-4003 | Shop Online
Patton Avenue Pet Company
Patton Ave Pet Company provides high-quality pet care, supplies, and personalized services, keeping pets happy, healthy, and pampered in the heart of Asheville.
109 Patton Avenue, Asheville NC 28801 | (828) 255-7737 | Shop Online
Retrocade
Retrocade Asheville offers a nostalgic gaming experience, combining classic arcade games, pinball, and social fun in a vibrant, community-focused environment.
800 Haywood Rd Ste 100, Asheville NC 28806 | (828) 575-9488 | Shop Online
Shakespeare in the Park
Montford Park Players creates engaging, professional-quality theater productions that entertain, inspire, and connect the community through the performing arts, all taking place at the historic Monford Park outdoor venue.
92 Gay St, Asheville NC 28801 | (828) 254-5146 | Shop Online
Sparky’s Toys & Gifts
A cheerful downtown shop brimming with playful toys, nostalgic treasures, and unique gifts for all ages.
726 Haywood Rd, Asheville NC 28806 | (828) 505-2711 | Shop Online
Splasheville
Splasheville offers families and visitors a fun, safe, and engaging water play experience, combining recreation, and community connection in a vibrant aquatic environment.
121 College St, Asheville NC 28801 | N/A | Shop Online
Sunshine Sammies
Handmade ice cream sandwiches in the heart of Asheville, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and sure to brighten your day.
99 S Lexington Ave Ste 303, Asheville NC 28801 | (828) 505-2852 | Shop Online
The HOP
The HOP Ice Cream delights the Asheville community with uniquely handcrafted, small-batch ice cream made from local ingredients, creating sweet, memorable moments for all ages.
721 Haywood Rd, Asheville NC 28806 | (828) 252-5155 | Shop Online
The Adventure Center Asheville
The Adventure Center Asheville offers thrilling outdoor experiences, from ziplining to aerial treetop courses, connecting visitors with nature and adventure in a safe, fun environment.
85 Expo St, Asheville NC 28806 | (828) 225-2921 | Shop Online
The Glamping Collective
The Glamping Collective curates a luxury outdoor experience, blending the beauty of nature with stylish, comfortable accommodations, suitable for an unforgettable family adventure.
2504 Crabtree Mountain Rd, Haywood County NC 28721 | (828) 492-3620 | Shop Online
Western North Carolina Nature Center
The WNC Nature Center connects the community with wildlife and the natural world through immersive exhibits, conservation education, and hands-on experiences that inspire care for the environment.
75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville NC 28805 | (828) 259-8080 | Shop Online
Woof Gang Bakery
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming combines gourmet treats, premium pet products, and professional grooming services to keep pets happy, healthy, and looking their best.
33 Town Square Blvd, Asheville NC 28803 | (828) 650-9950 | Shop Online
Fletcher
Fiddlehead Farm and Forest
A charming local farm offering fresh, sustainably grown produce and a warm taste of Appalachian homestead life.
701 Old Fanning Bridge Rd, Fletcher NC 28732 | (828) 676-2566 | Shop Online
Mountain Play Lodge
A spacious indoor wonderland where kids can climb, imagine, and explore while parents relax in a friendly, family-centered atmosphere.
3389 Sweeten Creek Rd, Arden NC 28732 | (828) 676-2120 | Shop Online
Hendersonville
Aquarium and Shark Lab
An intimate aquatic experience where guests can get up close with marine life and learn about ocean conservation in an engaging way.
511 N Main St, Hendersonville NC 28792 | (828) 692-7930 | Shop Online
Black Mountain Snow Tubing
A thrilling, family-friendly winter spot where riders glide down snowy slopes surrounded by crisp mountain air and laughter.
373 Kerr Rd, Hendersonville NC 28792 | (828) 685-1155 | Shop Online
Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail
A whimsical woodland path sprinkled with tiny fairy houses and magical touches that spark imagination in visitors of all ages.
95 Upper Red Oak Trl, Hendersonville NC 28792 | (828) 698-6104 | Shop Online
Hands On! Children’s Museum
A playful, interactive space where curiosity and creativity take flight through fun, educational exhibits for kids.
318 N Main St, Hendersonville NC 28792 | (828) 697-8333 | Shop Online
Jeter Mountain
A picturesque family farm where guests can pick seasonal fruit, sip cider, and soak in sweeping mountain beauty.
1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville NC 28739 | (828) 513-0656 | Shop Online
Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County
A fascinating showcase of glittering gems, rare fossils, and geological wonders from around the world.
400 N Main St, Hendersonville NC 28792 | (828) 698-1977 | Shop Online
Sky Top Orchard
A scenic mountaintop orchard offering apple picking, fresh cider, and stunning Blue Ridge views every fall.
1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd, Zirconia NC 28790 | (828) 692-7930 | Shop Online
Western NC Air Museum
A living tribute to aviation history featuring vintage aircraft and hands-on exhibits that bring flight to life.
1340 E Gilbert St, Hendersonville NC 28792 | (828) 698-2482 | Shop Online
Maggie Valley
Cataloochee Ranch Horseback Riding
At Cataloochee Ranch, each horseback ride feels like wandering through a living painting of mountains, meadows, and endless sky.
119 Ranch Drive, Maggie Valley NC 28751 | (828) 926-1401 | Shop Online
Fantasy Golf & Game Room
A colorful mini-golf adventure and arcade combo where family fun and mountain charm meet under twinkling lights.
3659 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley NC 28751 | (828) 926-8180 | Shop Online
Jelly Bellies Mountain Gift Shop
A cheerful treasure trove where colorful sweets and local goodies turn every visit into a small adventure.”
3477 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley NC 28751 | (828) 926-9069 | Shop Online
Maggie Valley Puzzle Rooms
An immersive escape room experience that challenges teams to solve clever mysteries and uncover hidden secrets in the heart of the mountains.
20 Kyles Way, Maggie Valley NC 28751 | (828) 558-1511 | Shop Online
Spruce Pine
Emerald Village
A fascinating mining attraction where visitors can explore historic tunnels, discover real gems, and experience North Carolina’s rich mineral heritage.
331 McKinney Mine Rd, Spruce Pine NC 28777 | (828) 765-6463 | Shop Online
Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine
A hands-on adventure where families pan for colorful gemstones and take-home sparkling treasures from the heart of the Blue Ridge.
13780 Highway 226 S, Spruce Pine NC 28777 | (828) 765-6130 | Shop Online
Sylva
American Museum of the House Cat
A whimsical and one-of-a-kind museum celebrating feline history, art, and charm through an eclectic collection of cat-themed treasures.
5063 US Highway 441 S, Sylva NC 28779| (828) 476-9376 | Shop Online
Poteet Park
A welcoming wooden community park filled with playground laughter, open green space, and a relaxed small-town spirit.
Central St, Sylva NC 28779 | Shop Online
The Polar Express Train Ride
The Polar Express Train Ride in Bryson City whisks passengers on a magical journey through the mountains, blending holiday lights, storytelling, and hot cocoa into a nostalgic Christmas adventure.
45 Mitchell Rd, Bryson City NC 28713 | (800) 872-4681 | Shop Online
Waynesville
Smokey Mountain Sk8way
Smoky Mountain Sk8way is a lively, family-friendly roller rink where music, lights, and wheels create nonstop fun for skaters of all ages.
19025 great Smokey Mountains Expressway, Waynesville NC 28786 | (828) 246-9124 | Shop Online
Smokey Mountain Dog Bakery
A cheerful haven where dogs can romp and socialize while their humans enjoy a drink, fresh-baked treats, and a warm, tail-wagging community vibe.
171 Montgomery St, Waynesville NC 28786 | (828) 246-9600 | Shop Online