happyly approved

Biltmore Estate & Playground

1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803

Daily 9am-5pm

$$

hikes, indoor-activities, run, bike-trails, playground

An unexpectedly family-friendly outing awaits at Biltmore Estate!

The Biltmore Estate is an 8,000-acre property best known for its nearly 180,000 sq ft home that is open daily for tours. When you think of Biltmore most people think of the long self-guided tour through the house or stopping at the winery for your complimentary wine tasting..not exactly kid-friendly. But what most don’t realize is there is so much more to do on the grounds that will have your kiddos begging to go back! I wanted to focus this article on the kid side of things to make your family visit to Biltmore fun for everyone! 

 

Being an annual pass holder we are on the property at least once a week, and it’s given us a unique opportunity to thoroughly explore with a toddler in tow! One amazing thing about Biltmore is its miles of beautifully manicured walking paths and hiking trails. For gravel/dirt trails (and a more hiking feel) park either at the Gardens or the Bass Pond and start walking towards the other. The Gardens themselves are absolutely gorgeous and a must-see while on the property, but not many people take the time to wander down through the Azaleas and towards the Bass Pond. The path will start out paved and then there are many gravel side trails that run parallel to the main path. Bridges twist and turn you over creeks, exotic plants surprise you at every corner, perfectly placed rocks and boulders give kids a challenge to cross. The path will then reach the bass pond and boathouse, follow it to the right to circle the bass pond and descend to the waterfall. Here the creek will widen offering the perfect place to dip your toes, and the bamboo forest is awaiting a game of hide and seek! 

 

Additional hiking trails can be found by parking at the lagoon and heading up the hill towards the house along the Deer Park Trail. This trail can also be reached from the bass pond and combined with other trails if you have older kids wanting a longer hike! 

 

Another amazing spot in Biltmore for kids is the Antler Hill Village. Here you can find the petting farm complete with horses, chickens, ducks, and goats. They regularly do different educational demonstrations here like goat milking and sheep herding with dogs! Kids can get up close and personal with all the animals (and in the spring and summer they even sell some chicks and ducks from the farm!)

 

Antler Hill also contains the old Barn which always has “period” yard games and crafts set up. From learning the proper stick and hoop throwing technique, making clothespin dolls, climbing on wagons and farm equipment, or watching the blacksmith at work, there is something for all ages! 

 

The recently redesigned Pisgah Playground is located right next to the covered picnic pavilion. Plenty big enough to entertain the tiny humans while mom and dad take a breather in the shade. 

 

Seasonally Antler Hill also has an amazing model train exhibit. In Spring and Summer, you can wander through one of the most amazing model train tracks we’ve visited. Made completely of natural materials, you can watch 5+ different trains running on different tracks, at different heights! My toddler can literally spend an hour here following Thomas (love that little blue engine) and his friends! 

 

On busy evenings you can grab a bite to eat at Cedrics Tavern or the Smokehouse and ice cream at the creamery and listen to live music on the green. They pull lawn games out for this event as well. 

 

If you’re visiting from out of town the outdoor center is where you want to go to rent bikes of all sizes to explore the trails. This is also the location to schedule a guided raft trip on the French Broad River, a Segway tour (better for older kids), or the Land Rover Experience for dad while kids explore! 

 

Guided horseback trail rides and horse-drawn carriage tours and be scheduled at the main ticket counter near the gates. Both options offer a unique experience to further discover the grounds. And what kid doesn’t love riding the trails horseback or being pulled around the property by giant Belgian drafts! 

 

There is so much more to the Biltmore than just the house. It is so easy to spend an entire day on the property and your kids will be begging to go back another day!

Features

Parking Restrooms Good for All Ages Changing Table Has Food Open Late
Thoughtfully captured by:
Lauren Hammond
More activities by Lauren
An indoor play space for crawlers through preschoolers
Paved trail that runs along the French Broad River
Indoor play space in South Asheville for ages 12 & under

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