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While you may first think of outdoor exploration during a family vacation to Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will be surprised at the number of indoor activities and things to do with the kids. This is especially important on those rainy or wintry days. Find plenty of places that provide children with the stimulation, exercise and free play they need. Plus, they often give parents a much needed break. (Feature photo: Asheville Museum of Science)
From hands-on, interactive STEM exhibits, art workshops, and children’s museums to trampoline parks, arcades, games and more - below you’ll find a wide variety of indoor activities for kids in Asheville and nearby towns in western North Carolina. Also see our guide for Hands-On Learning & Children's Museums.
Indoor Things for Kids to Do
Waynesville Recreation Center Indoor Pool
This indoor pool and water park is open daily throughout the year, making it a great way for kids to be active on rainy day or snow day. They also do pool parties! A family day pass is $20,… More Information
Lazoom Kids Comedy Tour, Asheville
All aboard the big purple bus for this kid-centric comedy tour featuring a blend of Asheville’s history and humor. Geared for kids 5–12, the tour includes magic, jokes, and more with outlandish…
Smoky Mountain Sk8way, Waynesville
This large skating rink offers open skate sessions, bounce houses, obstacle course, arcade games, snack bar a more with various themed events. Find a variety of skate rental options, including… More Information
KidsSenses, Rutherfordton
This large, interactive space in Rutherfordton offers fun indoor and outdoor exhibits where kids can learn and stimulate imagination through hands-on playing. There are 14 different… More Information
Mineral & Lapidary Museum, Hendersonville
Featuring many diverse underground treasures like raw minerals, meteorites, gemstones, and fossils the museum is a great place to take kids to see the many exhibits and especially highlights like… More Information
Mountain Play Lodge, Asheville
This large indoor play space, ideal for kids 10 and younger, offers two age-appropriate play floors with a variety of soft play equipment including a miniature village, toddler slides, and a large… More Information
Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS)
This fully interactive science museum in downtown Asheville is a must visit for the whole family! Exhibits include elements of forestry, minerals, planetary exploration, dinosaurs and more. Check…
Grandfather Mountain - Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
Explore interactive natural history exhibits at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery at Grandfather Mountain, 70 miles north of Asheville. Large windows frame mountain views while you learn… More Information
Hands On! Children's Museum, Hendersonville
This children's museum in historic Downtown Hendersonville has interactive exhibits with focus on science, nature, engineering, motor skills, and more. Exhibits include pet vet hospital, grocery… More Information
Museum of the Cherokee People
The Museum of the Cherokee People shares the history and culture of the Cherokee people. See impressive exhibits that take you from 11,000 years ago to the present. The nearby Oconaluftee Indian…
Fox-N-Otter Adventure Puzzle Rooms, Asheville
This locally owned, family friendly business creates brain-twisting puzzles where participants try to escape perplexing scenarios. Younger children are welcome, puzzles are geared towards kids… More Information
Grandfather Mountain - Wildlife Habitats
Watch black bears, cougars, bald eagles, river otters, and elk in environmental habitats 70 miles north of Asheville. Stand feet away from animals in naturalistic settings, separated by moats and… More Information
Aquarium & Shark Lab, Hendersonville
This inland aquarium is home to 275 fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and salamanders with 2 dozen exhibits, including a shark study tank. With focuses on education, enrichment and exploration, there… More Information
WNC Air Museum, Hendersonville
Celebrating flight, this air museum has an impressive collection of historic airplanes, flight manuals, engines, historic photographs of airplanes and pilots, and more. See and touch airplanes…
Retrocade, West Asheville
With a large selection of classic and modern video games, pinball machines, air hockey, skee-ball and more, this family-friendly business welcomes people of all ages. It’s a great place to do… More Information
Asheville Pinball Museum
This downtown Asheville treasure trove for pinball and classic video games is a great rainy day activity with over 80 games. Play a flat rate admission, no tokens or coins necessary. Admission for… More Information
Well Played Board Game Café
Discover the joy of connection at Well Played Board Game Café, a unique haven in downtown Asheville where friends and family come together for fun and friendly competition. With a library of over… More Information
Sky Lanes, West Asheville
Make it a family date at this West Asheville bowling alley, open daily with lots of options for kid-friendly bowling, including bumpers and assist ramp. In-house Bar & Grill menu has a wide… More Information
See more pages from our Family Guide: Family Top 20 Vacation Ideas | Kid-Friendly Hikes | Waterfalls for Kids | Biltmore for Kids | Family-Friendly Hotels & Lodging | Hands-On Learning & Children's Museums | Kids in Parks | Places for Kid's Birthday Parties| Overnight Summer Camps | Day & Half-Day Summer Camps | Kid-Friendly Restaurants | Family Date Ideas
