Winter in Asheville is full of surprises for families looking to explore, play, and make memories together.
From hands-on museums and vintage arcade games to zipline adventures and dazzling light displays, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained — indoors or out. With mild mountain weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of cozy spots to warm up afterward, winter is the perfect time to experience Asheville at a more relaxed pace.
Games and Interactive Museums
With more than 30 pinball machines and over a dozen classic video games in the “Arcave,” there’s enough nostalgic button pushing at the Asheville Pinball Museum to entertain the whole family for hours.
Little ones can channel their inner Isaac Newtons at the Asheville Museum of Science. Be a geologist in the Colburn Hall of Minerals or dig for fossils and see the Teratophoneus dinosaur skeleton.
Gamers of all ages and skill levels can take a turn at Well Played, an indoor gaming oasis that features more than 700 table top games along with food, beer, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Not sure where to begin? Roll the dice with one of their expert Gamemasters who will help you choose the right adventure for your experience level and group size.
If your crew loves solving puzzles and racing against the clock, try one of Asheville’s immersive escape rooms. Teams can work together to crack codes, uncover clues and complete themed missions at spots like A-Escape, Breakout Asheville, The Great Escape Room or Fox-N-Otter Adventure Escapes. It’s a fun way to test your teamwork skills and keep everyone engaged—no matter the weather outside.
Outdoor Adventure
Don’t be fooled by the mountainous locale — Asheville has its share of mild winter weather with plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun sans snow. Check out this list of favorite winter hikes, or for something closer to town with a little more of an adrenaline rush, the Adventure Center of Asheville is open all winter on weekends, so you can climb, bike and zip all year long. For shorter, scenic outings, families can also explore drive-by waterfalls like Looking Glass Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
All aboard certainly won’t be bored on Asheville’s historic Gray Line Trolley Tours. Even locals learn a thing or two about their hometown on this fun and informative tour of the city. For a more kid-focused spin on sightseeing, check out LaZoom’s Lil Boogers: Kids’ Comedy Tour, a silly, family-friendly ride packed with jokes, surprises, and interactive fun that keeps kids laughing while they learn about Asheville.
From mid-November through early January, the North Carolina Arboretum gardens sparkle and twinkle with the “Winter Lights” exhibit, which has become a favorite local holiday tradition. Families can stretch their legs while enjoying the holiday sparkle of the Blue Ridge Mountains by taking a self-guided walking experience through the Arboretum's gardens dressed in nearly one million lights.
This year, families can also explore Thomas Dambo’s “Trolls: A Field Study” at the Arboretum from November 15, 2025, through February 17, 2026. Twelve larger-than-life troll sculptures, crafted from reclaimed wood and branches, inhabit the gardens and trails. These eco-friendly trolls follow a whimsical story as they “learn about humankind,” offering an imaginative, interactive experience for visitors of all ages.
Eats and Treats
Asheville has plenty of kid-friendly spots to warm up and refuel during winter adventures. Stop by French Broad Chocolates for hot cocoa named one of the best in the country by Travel + Leisure, or grab a bite at one of the city’s many family-friendly restaurants and breweries.
From November 18, 2025, through January 4, 2026, visitors of all ages can experience the return of the beloved National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa. After a one-year hiatus due to Hurricane Helene, the competition is back, showcasing whimsical and elaborate gingerbread creations from contestants across four age categories: Adult, Teen, Youth, and Child. Expect everything from rustic cabins to candy-covered castles, all crafted from at least 75% gingerbread. Public viewing is available after 6 p.m. Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday (with some holiday closures), giving families the chance to explore the magic of the season and admire the creativity and craftsmanship of these festive displays.
For families who still have energy to burn, Whistle Hop Brewing in nearby Fairview offers outdoor games, a caboose and boxcar to explore, mini golf, mini bowling, and Disc Golf Connect 4. Finish the day with pizza and a movie at Asheville Pizza & Brewing in North Asheville for a perfect winter evening.
Whether exploring winter trails, solving puzzles, or marveling at twinkling lights, Asheville offers families a perfect balance of adventure, creativity, and cozy moments. Winter in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a season to savor together.
