ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — It’s that time of year … warm days are giving way to cooler nights. Students are returning to school, and tourists are about to return to the mountains of Western North Carolina.
While out-of-town leaf peepers crowd well-known attractions, Asheville Parks and Recreation has activities, special events and classes for locals of all ages to explore, connect and discover.
September program highlights include:
Teens and tweens
- Enjoy science experiments you can eat, like cloud bread and rock candy, at Science of Eating
- Get in the game with the Teen Three Point Knockout competition and register for youth basketball
- See mountain streams from a new perspective and learn the skill of River Snorkeling
- Unleash your inner artist using unconventional tools at Beyond Brushes
- Get moving with REC-cess for Homeschool Students
- High school students can use cardio equipment, exercise machines, and free weights with free fitness center memberships
Kids and families
- Meet new friends at themed events in parks during Toddler Takeover and Toddler Craftin’ Outdoors or indoors at Toddler & Me Time and Tiny Tykes
- Wear white and neon to Youth Glow Night on the indoor climbing wall
- Relax and bod at Family Paint Night and Family Fishing Night
- Explore the magic of books with Rookie Readers
- Stephens-Lee Center calls it Kids Night In and Grant Southside Center calls it Kids Night Out, but kids in it call it all out fun
Adults
- Make homemade dog treats and create your own floral arrangement at Craft & Connect
- Unleash your inner arrowsmith with Adult Archery
- Exercise your mind with Forest Therapy and the Wild Reads Book Club
- Toss like a boss during the Grove Street Cornhole Tournament
- Celebrate sisterhood and empowerment at Girls Girl Brunch
- Learn the steps with West Coast Swing and Ballroom Dance classes or drop in for Rueda de Casino salsa afternoons
- Registration for adult flag football opens on September 3 (and closes for adult indoor and outdoor volleyball leagues on the same day)
- Active older adults hit Three Waterfalls Trail with Treks Hiking Club and have plenty of weekly clubs and classes to choose from at Harvest House, Grove Street, and other community centers
Therapeutic recreation
For community members with developmental and/or physical disabilities who may thrive with extra support, the Therapeutic Recreation program offers:
- A trip to the Mountain State Fair
- Hiking at Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center and walking in Carrier Park
- Crafting and cooking on Tuesdays and morning movement on Wednesdays
- Adaptive bowling, tennis, and indoor rock climbing are on the way in October and November
Click here or stop by an APR community center for a program guide with more opportunities. Spots fill up fast, so advance registration is highly recommended. For most activities, registration opens 30 days prior.