Looking for a family-friendly winter road trip? We spent 3 days and 4 nights road-tripping from Cleveland, staying in Black Mountain, and discovered the perfect mix of kid-friendly hikes, festive holiday attractions, cozy restaurants, and even breweries around Asheville, NC families can enjoy. From exploring the Biltmore Estate with its magical Christmas decorations to chasing waterfalls, strolling charming downtown streets, and playing retro arcade games, this winter Asheville with kids road trip has something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for the mountains, the small-town charm, or the local food, Asheville in winter is full of surprises that both kids and adults will love.
While Asheville might be famous as the “City of Beers,” we were pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly it is—even in the winter
🏡 Where We Stayed
We stayed in an Airbnb in Black Mountain, about 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. It was quiet, walkable, and perfect for families. Easy parking, close to Montreat hikes, and within a short drive of breweries, shops, and restaurants, it was a great home base for exploring the area.
📍 Day 1: Arrival + Black Mountain Walk
After arriving, we stretched our legs at Lake Tomahawk Park. The ½-mile loop was perfect for the kids to run around, enjoy the playground, and take in mountain and lake views.
For dinner, we kept it simple and family-friendly at Trail Head Restaurant—cozy with indoor and outdoor seating, casual, and just what we needed after a day on the road. Everyone (even my pickiest eaters) loved their meals and the kale was especially delicious!
🎄 Day 2: Biltmore Estate + River Arts District
Biltmore:
No trip to Asheville is complete without a visit to the Biltmore. With kids 9 and under free, it’s a perfect outing for families. We picked up the kid-friendly audio tour for our little ones, which brought the history to life in a way they could actually enjoy. The day flew by as we explored the grand house, gardens, barnyard, and festive Christmas decorations.
For lunch, we stopped at The Stable Cafe, right next to the Biltmore House. The food was tasty, and it was fun imagining what the stables would have looked like over 100 years ago.
Biltmore is huge, and we easily spent about six hours there. There’s a short drive between the main house and Antler Hill Village where there is a petting farm, barnyard, winery, and village area, which gives you a nice chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenic estate views.
River Arts District
By mid-afternoon, we headed to Hi-Wire Brewing in the River Arts District. This spot was perfect for families, with plenty of indoor and outdoor space and games like shuffleboard and foosball to keep the kids entertained. Our kids spent a good hour playing shuffleboard while we relaxed and enjoyed the laid-back vibe. There’s was even a food truck on-site if you’re hungry, and the beers were really good. It was a nice, casual way to wind down after a full day at Biltmore.
Evening meant strolling through Black Mountain, where a stop at Kilwins for ice cream or fudge was mandatory.
🥾 Day 3: Waterfalls + Downtown Asheville Fun
We started the day with the Catawba Falls Loop, a 3.8-mile hike with about 500 steps. The river views and waterfalls were stunning, and the kids loved scrambling over the rocks along the trail. It was the perfect morning adventure for the whole family.
Right after the hike, we headed straight to Luella’s Bar-B-Que for lunch. It’s a find-your-table, order-at-the-counter type of place. There was a bit of a wait, and they were out of ribs by the time we got there, but everything we tried was absolutely delicious. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere made it a great stop after a morning of hiking.
After lunch, we grabbed a warm drink at Double D’s Coffee and Desserts (The Coffee Bus). The upper level is closed for safety, but the outdoor seating area is cozy and perfect for a quick break.
From there, we headed to Retrocade, a retro arcade where the kids could play unlimited games for $10 per person while we relaxed and enjoyed the nostalgic vibe. It was the perfect mix of indoor fun for the kids and a little nostalgia for the adults.
Dinner that evening was at our Airbnb, and it was the perfect way to unwind. The kids loved the hot tub, and we spent some cozy time together playing board games. It was a great way to end a busy day of hiking, exploring, and fun in Asheville.
⛰️ Day 4: Montreat Hike + Breweries
On our final day, we explored Lookout Mountain in Montreat. The ½-mile hike up, plus a little scramble at the top, gave everyone gorgeous views of the mountains, and the kids had a blast. For those wanting a longer adventure, the Rainbow Mountain Road loop is a great extension.
Lunch was at White Labs Brewing Co., which has excellent food (especially the pizza) and plenty of indoor/outdoor seating.
We then took a short drive to Highland Brewing Company, where the kids played board games inside while we enjoyed the spacious winter-friendly brewery environment.
We ended our trip with a final stroll and some souvenir shopping in Black Mountain, and yes—one more stop at Kilwins for good measure.
Tips for Visiting Asheville in Winter with Kids ⭐
- Loop hikes keep kids engaged (my kids always like them more than an out and back). Even if the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) is closed, like it was for us, there are still plenty of beautiful family-friendly trails nearby.
- Use Old Tomahawk Lake for quick walks or filler activities—it’s perfect for stretching little legs or breaking up driving days.
- Choose breweries with indoor space during winter. Many Asheville breweries are family-friendly, with games and open areas that keep kids entertained while adults relax.
- Bring board games or small activities for downtime at your Airbnb or cabin, especially on cold or snowy days.
- Stay outside downtown Asheville for quieter evenings and easier parking—it’s more relaxing for families with kids.
- Plan extra time for meals and breaks. Family-friendly restaurants can get busy, especially during holidays, so build in a little buffer for wait times or exploring nearby shops.
- Layer up for winter weather. Asheville’s weather can vary and can be chilly in winter, and trails or playgrounds may be damp—warm layers and sturdy shoes make the day more enjoyable for everyone.
Final Thoughts ❄️
Even in winter, Asheville and Black Mountain provided family-friendly fun. From waterfalls and hikes to Biltmore and breweries, this 3-day, 4-night winter road trip gave us a perfect mix of adventure, good food and relaxation.
Looking for more family travel inspiration? Click here for travel tips and other road trips from Cleveland, OH.
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