Get Ice Cream at Dolly’s Dairy Bar
Bike in Pisgah National Forest
Sliding Rock Recreation Area
The White Squirrel Festival
Visit the Biltmore Estate
Tubing in Asheville, NC
Hike to Looking Glass Falls
Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway
Summer in Asheville is a magical time to explore the outdoors in Western North Carolina with your family. Whether you’re visiting Asheville for the weekend or are here for an extended period of time, Asheville has something for everyone. Check out the top eight activities near Asheville for families in the summer!
Get Ice Cream at Dolly’s Dairy Bar
Cool down with a visit to Dolly’s Dairy Bar, a local favorite ice cream shop on the edge of Pisgah National Forest. This roadside ice cream stand is known for milkshakes, sundaes, and a large variety of ice cream flavors to choose from. It’s the perfect spot to relax after an outdoor adventure in Pisgah National Forest to enjoy a sweet treat in the heat of the day. Dolly’s is a must-visit for any family exploring Asheville for the first time!
Bike in Pisgah National Forest
For an adventurous day of biking with the family, head to The Hub and Pisgah Tavern known for gear, bikes and beer! Located near the entrance of Pisgah National Forest, rent a gravel bike or a mountain bike for everyone in your family and enjoy some of the family-friendly trails nearby. The staff at The Hub can recommend their favorite trails for all riding levels and abilities. Stop at the Pisgah Tavern after your ride for a casual lunch and to explore the variety of outdoor gear and products at The Hub. Biking in Pisgah National Forest and enjoying the community oriented vibe of The Hub is a great way to spend an afternoon with your family near Asheville.
Sliding Rock Recreation Area
If you’ve never heard of Sliding Rock, this should be the top of your list for a family adventure near Asheville! This 60-foot natural water slide is located 20 minutes from the popular Brevard Tubing and is a fun way to splash around with your family. This natural phenomenon offers a smooth ride down the rocks into an 8-10 foot pool of water. Visiting Sliding Rock is a perfect family activity since lifeguards are on duty during the summer, making it a safe way to swim with your kids without having to worry.
The White Squirrel Festival
For a unique way to kick off the summer near Asheville, the White Squirrel Festival in downtown Brevard shouldn’t be missed. A quirky event, held at the end of May every year, celebrates the historic white squirrels in town that made their way from Florida to Brevard in 1949 after a carnival wreck. This festival includes free concerts, food, arts and crafts and international performers. This funky atmosphere is a unique summer activity in Asheville for families, locals and anyone visiting the area for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Visit the Biltmore Estate
A trip to Asheville wouldn’t be complete without visiting the historic Biltmore Estate. Families can tour the grand Biltmore House and enjoy the gardens that are fully in bloom in the summer. The estate’s expansive ground is also an excellent area for families to enjoy going for a walk, kayaking or biking. In the estate grounds, Antler Hill Village offers dining, live music, and even a petting zoo for your kids to enjoy. The Biltmore Estate is a perfect mix of history, nature, and fun for families visiting Asheville.
Tubing in Asheville, NC
The best activity near Asheville for families in the summer is to spend the day tubing the French Broad River with Brevard Tubing. Floating down this mellow section of the river is the best place to go tubing near Asheville since it was unaffected by Hurricane Helene in 2024. Brevard Tubing provides all the gear you need and shuttles you to the take-off location. Enjoy a relaxing 60-90 minute North Carolina river float finishing conveniently located where you parked your car. This is a great way to escape the summer heat with your family on your vacation in Asheville.
Hike to Looking Glass Falls
For a short and fun family hike, Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest is about a 15 minute drive from Brevard Tubing. This short hike is about ⅓ mile long and is the perfect place for packing in a lunch and hanging out by the water all day. The trail leads to a stunning waterfall with a stream to cool off in and a shaded area to relax in the beautiful surroundings. There are several other trails nearby for a longer hike before you spend some time at Looking Glass Falls.
Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway
Take in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina by going on a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are endless opportunities for family-friendly adventures in Asheville on this ride, whether you want a kid-friendly hike such as Craggy Gardens or enjoying a picnic while taking in the breathtaking views. The summer is an incredible time to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway because of the abundance of wildflowers, hikes and beauty of North Carolina and the mountains near Asheville.
Enjoy the Best Activities near Asheville for Families!
Asheville and the surrounding area is a perfect place for a family vacation in North Carolina during the summer. From enjoying a refreshing ice cream cone at Dolly’s Dairy Bar to tubing down the French Broad River, there’s no shortage of adventures near Asheville for families. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, exploring unique local events or simply relaxing, Asheville and the surrounding towns of Tryon, Brevard and Hendersonville are the perfect place to adventure with your kids. Start planning your family trip to Asheville today and get excited about a North Carolina summer adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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