Family Fun / Children's Activities |
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North Carolina State Forest
Holmes Educational State Forest - Talking Tree Trail, hiking, picnic area, programs for school & children's groups, helicopter, displays and emphasis on fire prevention. Open mid-Mar thru Nov., Tuesday through Sunday Hendersonville, NC 828-692-0100
DuPont State Forest - The forest encompasses 10,300 acres in Henderson and Transylvania counties. It is situated in the Little River valley and includes waterfalls and 80 miles of roads and trails wandering through mountainous terrain. The forest is open year round for hiking, mountain biking, swimming and horseback riding. Fishing is allowed with a valid NC fishing license. Hunting is by special permit only, issued by a permit agent of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources manages the forest. 828-877-6527 www.dupontforest.com |
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Local Parks
Jackson Park - Picnic areas and shelters, tennis, baseball and softball fields, nature trails, bird watching, amphitheater, playground, bicycle trails & BMX track, and summer day camp. Organized activities and special events for youth and adults. The Fourth of July Celebration and Farm City Day are annual events. Hendersonville, NC 828-697-4884 www.hc-sports.com & BMX Track
Patton Park - Public swimming pool, picnic areas, tennis, basketball (pool open 7 days during summer season) 828-697-3084
Fletcher Community Park - Nature trails, playground, picnic areas, soccer field, ball field and concessions. Crookston Disc Golf Course. Fletcher, NC 828-687-0751 www.fletchernc.org
Kate's Park - Walking trails, playground, large picnic shelter. The recreation department has developed many special and ongoing youth activities. Day Camp in June - August for ages 6 -11. Fletcher, NC 828-687-0751 |
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Miniature Golf Centers
Boyd Park - Church Street, Hendersonville, NC Memorial Day - Labor Day Mon-Fri 4:30 -9:30, Sat. 2:00-9:30, Sun 3:00-9:30 828-697-3084
Outdoor Family Fun Center - Brookside Camp Rd., Miniature Golf, batting cages, driving range, golf instruction, picnic area. Hendersonville, NC 828-698-1234 www.outdoorfamilyfuncenter.com |
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Toy Stores
Dancing Bear Toy Shop - Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 828-693-4500
Mast General Store - Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 828-696-1883 |
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Skating
Skater's Choice - A roller skating and roller blading center, 1705 Spartanburg Hwy. Hendersonville, NC 828- 697-8754
Zero Gravity Skatepark - Indoor skate park, 1800 Old Hendersonville Hwy. Brevard, NC 828-862-6700 www.zerogravityskatepark.com |
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Movie Theatres
Epic Theatres - 200 Thompson St., Hendersonville. Stadium seating with 12 screens. For movie info call 828-693-1146
Four Seasons Cinemas - 1300 7th Ave. E., Hendersonville. For movie info call 828-693-8989
Flat Rock Cinema (formerly Skyland Cinema) - 2700-D Singleton Centre, Flat Rock. For movie info call 828-697-2463 |
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Bowling
Tarheel Lanes Bowling Center - 3275 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville. Largest bowling alley in Western North Carolina. For information call 828-692-5039 or 828-253-2695. www.tarheellanes.com |
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Museums
Henderson County Mineral & Lapidary Museum - Beautifully displayed minerals, gemstones, displays, jewels cut by Gem & Mineral Society members. Geodes, Indian artifacts and fluorescents. Main Street & 4th Avenue, Hendersonville, NC Open Monday-Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm 828-698-1977 www.mineralmuseum.org
Hands On! - A Child's Gallery provides educational exhibits that stimulate the imagination and motivate learning in a fun, safe, "Hands On!" environment where kids can be kids. Adults need to accompany children to the museum. Open Tues-Sat 10- 5, Admission $4 (ages 1-100), free (under 1 year). The museum is located at 318 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-697-8333 www.handsonwnc.org
Henderson County Heritage Museum is housed in the Historic Henderson County Courthouse on Main Street. It offers public display galleries, displays, artifacts, collections, archives, libraries, demonstrations, performances and other similar exhibitions relating to the history, culture, heritage and story of the founding settlement and development of Henderson County. The Museum hours are Wednesday - Saturday from 10:00AM - 5:00 PM and Sunday 1:00PM - 5:00PM. One Historic Courthouse Square, Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-694-1619 www.hendersoncountymuseum.org
Western North Carolina Air Museum - First air museum in NC. Display of restored airplanes, restored replica and antique airplanes. Young Eagles Program - offers young people ages 8 to 17 an opportunity to experience flight in small aircraft. Advance reservations necessary for groups. Open Wed. Sat. & Sun. Noon-6pm., closes 5pm during winter, 1340 Gilbert Street, Hendersonville, NC 828-698-2482 www.wncairmuseum.com |
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Horseback Riding
Cedar Creek Stables, Lake Lure, NC 828-625-2811 www.cedarcreekstables.com Pisgah Forest Riding Stables, Pisgah Forest, NC 828-883-8258 www.pisgahstables.com
Pony Rides at Sparkle Farm, 1166 Old Hwy. 64, Etowah, NC (Tues.-Fri. , Sat. reserved for parties and group) ages 3 & up, 828-890-2110
Riverside Riding Stables, Lake Lure, NC 866-206-0235 or 828-288-1302 (open year round, weather permitted, call for reservations) www.riversideridingstables.com |
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Other Activities
Apple Orchards - Picking apples in the fall of the year. Many orchards sponsor children's learning activities, hayrides, etc., for groups & individuals Late August through mid-November. Contact Henderson County Agriculture Extension for apple varieties and orchard locations. Hendersonville, NC 828-697-4891 www.historichendersonville.org or www.ncapples.com
Bounceville USA - The indoor bounce house offers a place for kids to play bouncing on the inflatables. Call or visit their web link for hours of operation. 614 Market St., Hendersonville, NC 828-696-4949 www.bouncevilleusa.com
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site - Goat farm, hiking trails, picnic area, in summer months Rootabaga Stories and World of Carl Sandburg performed at the outdoor amphitheater; house tour would be of interest to older children. Open 9-5 daily except Christmas Day. Special events and programs. 81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock, NC 828-693-4178 www.nps.gov/carl
Chimney Rock Park- Chimney Rock Park is now a part of the NC State Park system offering spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events.The Great Woodland Adventure is a family-friendly interpretative trail with 12 discovery stations featuring animals that live in the Park. Rock climbing is also available for children as young as six. Open 8:30am – 5:30pm (Daylight Saving Time) weekdays and weekends 8:30am – 4:30pm (Eastern Standard Time) weekdays and weekends. Chimney Rock, NC 828-625-9611 or toll-free 800-277-9611 www.chimneyrockpark.com
Express Yourself Paint on Pottery Studio - Select a piece of unfinished pottery to paint and create a hand-painted work of art. Great for all ages, no experience necessary. 321-B N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC 828-698-9960 www.expressyourselfstudio.com
Henderson Co. Public Library - Washington Street, Hendersonville, NC - Children's library, storytelling, reading areas, activities. 301 North Washington Street, Hendersonville, NC 828-697-4725 www.henderson.lib.nc.us
Historic Johnson Farm - Childrens' programs & school group tours, walking trails, Barn Loft Museum, special events and programs year 'round. Open Tues.-Fri. 9am-3:pm, tours 10:30am & 1:30pm, The farm is located on Hwy. 191 N. across from Rugby Middle School, Hendersonville, NC 828-891-6585 www.historicjohnsonfarm.org
Model Railroad at the Historic Depot - Model Railroad Clubs' replicated set up of Hendersonville and surrounding area rail lines, depots and businesses. Open year round, Sat. 10am-2pm. The Depot is located on Maple Street off of 7th Avenue East, Hendersonville, NC 828-698-5465 or 828-890-8246 www.avmrc.com
The Old Homeplace- live entertainment and dancing in a family atmosphere with no alcohol or smoking, Fridays: Country Music 7:00pm-10:30pm; Saturdays: Bluegrass 7:00pm-10:30pm. North Mills River Rd, Mills River, NC 828-891-7704
Western North Carolina Agriculture Center - Equestrian shows, tractor pulls, antique car shows, dog shows, ten day Mountain State Fair held each September. Various events through the year. Fletcher, NC 828-687-1414 www.agr.state.nc.us/markets/facilit/agcenter/western
YMCA - Organized activities, day camp, indoor pool, tennis, basketball, gym, fitness studio, weight room, youth center. Hwy. 64 W., Hendersonville, NC 828-692-5774 www.ymcahendersoncounty.org
White Water Rafting and Canoeing - A number of rafting and canoeing companies with guides are available in the area. Age and weight limits vary-please check individual outfitters.
www.paddlenorthcarolina.org
Blue Ridge Corn Maze - Six acres of cornfusion. Open August-October (weather permitting) call for hours of operation. 570 Everett Rd., Brevard, NC 828-884-4415. www.blueridgecornmaze.com
Asheville's Fun Depot - There is something for everyone with a state-of-the-art arcade gallery, 18 hole indoor mini-golf, outdoor go-kart track, multi-level laser tag, soft play area, climbing wall and batting cages. Open Monday-FridayThursday 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 10am-11pm, 7 Roberts Rd., Asheville, NC 828-277-2FUN or 866-303-4FUN www.ashevillesfundepot.com
Biltmore Estate - Appropriate for older children, Largest private home in the United States containing 250 rooms. Home and grounds open daily for touring. Special events, holiday programs, walking trails on property. January-March 9am-4pm daily, April-December 8:30am-5pm daily , Asheville, NC 800-649-3831www.biltmore.com
Blue Ridge Parkway - Outdoor activities- Hiking, picnicking, scenic overlooks, historic areas, Mount Pisgah area and hike to WLOS-TV tower. www.blueridgeparkway.org
North Carolina Arboretum - Nature trails, amphitheatre, programs throughout the year. Beautiful seasonal gardens and plantings. Off Hwy. 191 (adjoins Blue Ridge Parkway) Asheville, NC 828-665-2492 www.ncarboretum.org
Western North Carolina Nature Center - 42 Acres of wildlife and native animals and Interpretive Programs. Open 7 days a week, 10 am-5 pm. Asheville, NC 828-298-5600 www.wncnaturecenter.org
Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace - Appalachian Mountain Home of North Carolina's Civil War Governor (1862-1865) and United States Senator located in Weaverville, NC 828-645-6706
www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/vance/vance.htm
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National Forest
Cradle of Forestry Forest Discovery Center - Hands on exhibits, guided walks, historic cabins, craftsmen, logging locomotive, helicopter simulator, Forest Discovery Center & hands-on exhibits. Open mid-April to early-November, Pisgah National Forest/Davidson River Recreational Area Pisgah Forest, NC 828-877-3130 www.cradleofforestry.com
Pisgah National Forest/Davidson River - Fish hatchery, Wildlife Education Center, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Cradle of Forestry, fishing (license required) swimming, picnic areas, Shining Rock Wilderness, scenic areas www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc |
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Fishing & Fishing Areas
Mills River Recreational Area/Pisgah National Forest, permit required, 877-444-6777, 828-890-3284
http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nfnc_fishing/north_mills_river_area.htm
Dupont State Forest, permit required, 828-877-6527 www.dupontforest.com
Davidson River Recreational Area in Pisgah National Forest - 828-862-5960, 1-877-444-6777 http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nfnc_fishing/davidson_river_area.htm
French Broad River, http://www.riverlink.org/riverguide.pdf Lake Julian, permit required, Skyland, NC - 828-684-0376 www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/parksalive/facilities/parks/LakeJulian.htm
Lake Lure, permit required, Lake Lure, NC - 877-386-4255 www.townoflakelure.com
Fishing License - Children under 16 years of age do not require a North Carolina fishing license but must be accompanied by a licensed adult or possess the license of a parent or guardian. License can be obtained by calling 888-2HUNTFISH or at various local retail outlets. (License not required at privately owned trout ponds/farms where admission is charged) www.ncwildlife.org |
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Swimming / Watering Holes
Patton Park - Public swimming pool, picnic areas, tennis, basketball (pool open 7 days during summer season) 828-697-3084
YMCA - Organized activities, day camp, indoor pool, tennis, basketball, gym, fitness studio, weight room, youth center. Hwy. 64 W., Hendersonville, NC 828-692-5774 www.ymcahendersoncounty.org
Lake Lure Tours & Beach Water Works- invites you to experience the unique beauty of over 20 miles of Lake Lure's shoreline. Lake Lure was selected by National Geographic as one of the Ten Most Spectacular man-made lakes in the World. The marina offers guided boat tours, a sandy beach, swimming, Water Works water park, boat rentals. Lake Lure, NC 877-386-4255 www.townoflakelure.com/beach_water_works.htm
Sliding Rock - A gentle natural sloping 60 foot smooth rock water slide, pludging into a pool of water at the bottom. Bathrooms and showers are open during the summer season with a lifeguard on duty from Memorial Day to Mid August from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. No alchohol is allowed. Pisgah Forest, NC 828-877-3350www.ncnatural.com/NCUSFS/Pisgah/lkglass.html
DuPont State Forest - Hooker Falls on Little River has become a popular swimming hole, dropping off a 13-foot high natural ledge before flowing into Cascade Lake. www.dupontforest.com/explore.asp?location=hookerfalls
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Recreation Areas
North Mills River Recreational Area of the Pisgah National Forest - Tubing (bring your own tube), picnic areas, camping, fishing, hiking, bicycle & horse riding trails 828-877-3265 1-877-444-6777 (Toll Free) http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nfnc_fishing/north_mills_river_area.htm
Lake Lure Tours & Beach Water Works- invites you to experience the unique beauty of over 20 miles of Lake Lure's shoreline. Lake Lure was selected by National Geographic as one of the Ten Most Spectacular man-made lakes in the World. Enjoy a guided boat tour, the sandy beach or water activities at the Beach Water Works. Lake Lure, NC 877-386-4255 www.townoflakelure.com/beach_water_works.htm
Lake Julian Recreational Area - Long Shoals Rd., Skyland, NC Arden Boat rentals, picnicking, playground area, fishing 828-684-0376 http://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/parksalive/facilities/parks/LakeJulian.htm
Lake Powhatan Recreation Area in Pisgah National Forest - Swimming, hiking, fishing, camping 828-670-5627 or 877-444-6777 |
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Pack Place
The Health Adventure - is a health and science museum for children and today's families featuring hands-on, interactive approach and utilizes exciting, dynamic exhibits to teach guests, school and community groups from all over the region. www.thehealthadventure.org
Colburn Earth Science Museum, offers exhibits, educational programming, and the collection and care of specimens of mineral crystals and gemstones from North Carolina and around the world. www.colburnmuseum.org |
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Gem & Gold Mining
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, covered flumes for rain or shine mining, discount family rates. Picnic by the stream and visit the antique shop for more treasures. Located only 2 ½ miles west of Downtown Hendersonville on Highway 64 (2120 Brevard Road) open Memorial Day - October, 828-693-3123 www.elijahmountain.com
Broad River Gems and Mining Company, On site mining, located on the gold bearing Broad River. Rutherfordton, NC 828-286-1220 www.broadrivergemsandmining.com
Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine, nestled deep in the Hickory Nut Gorge, on the banks of the Rocky Broad River. Chimney Rock, NC 828-625-5524 www.chimneyrockgemmine.com
Old Pressley Sapphire Mine, Canton, NC Other gem mines are located throughout the mountain area, most in the Northwestern regions. 828-648-6320
Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing & Indian Mine Adventure - Snow Tubing Park & Indian Mining. Try your luck at finding arrowheads, nickels, beads and much more. Open on weekends from open weekends mid-December until March (weather permitting) Hendersonville, NC 800-849-7553 or (828) 696-0333. www.moonshinemountain.com
Thermal City Gold Mine, A rustic, wooded mining camp located on the site of one of the earliest gold mines in Rutherford County. closed Dec.-Feb., Union Mills, NC 828-286-3016 |
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Regional Activities
Craggy Gardens - Craggy Gardens Visitor Center is located at mile marker 364.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway offering information, exhibits, publications and self-guided trails. Picnic area located nearby. May-Oct. 828-251-5866 or 828-298-0398
Mount Mitchell State Park - Highest peak in Eastern U.S.A. Observation tower, tent camping, trails, nature study, picnic area, natural history museum, restaurant. May-Oct. Mile marker 355.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway 828-251-5866675-4611 or 828-298-0398
www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/momi/home.html
Cherokee Indian Reservation - Cherokee, NC Oconaluftee Indian Village, an authentic replica of an 18th century Cherokee community. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, "Unto These Hills" Outdoor Drama of the Cherokee Indians, Cherokee, NC 800-438-1601 www.cherokee-nc.com
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 800 square miles of natural beauty, nature trails, hiking, picnicking, waterfalls, wildlife, flora & fauna, and all manner of outdoor activities. 865-436-1200 www.nps.gov/grsm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad - Bryson City, NC Mountain rail excursions year 'round Steam & diesel engines Several routes and plans available, Polar Express in December. 800-872-4681 www.gsmr.com
Wheels Through Time Museum - Maggie Valley, NC The Wheels Through Time Museum is home to an astounding presentation of America's vintage transportation from the past. 828-926-6266 www.wheelsthroughtime.com
BMW Zentrum Museum & Visitors Center - Factory Tour, virtual tour, motorcycle exhibit, art display and more Call for details and hours 888-tourBMW (children 12 and up) Allow approximately 3 hours for tour, Spartanburg, SC www.bmwzentrum.com/tours/plant_tour.asp
World of Energy Tour - Seneca, SC Duke Power Company's energy education center, Audiovisual tour with animated displays, computer games, and a short nature trail. 800-777-1004
Roper Mountain Science Center - Greenville, SC On 62 acres with classrooms/ labs, pioneer farm, nature trails, planetarium & observatory, rain forest and amphitheatre. 864-355-8900
www.ropermountain.org
Greenville Zoo - Greenville, SC Pleasant setting, children friendly - located in Cleveland Park with playground, picnic tables, walking paths and lots of open space. 864-467-4300
www.greenvillezoo.com |
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Snow Tubing / Skiing
Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing & Indian Mining - The tubing paths are located on a 300-foot hill, which is covered by 3-5 feet of snow. Try your luck at finding arrowheads, nickels, beads. Open on weekends from December - early-March (weather permitting). Willow Road, Hendersonville, NC 828-696-0333 or 800-849-7553. www.moonshinemountain.com
Snow Skiing - Two slopes are within an hour's drive of Hendersonville. Other slopes are located in the Northern Mountains. Please check availability and snow conditions in advance. General information 800-438-7500 www.skicentral.com/northcarolina.html |
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