Are you wondering if you should visit Biltmore with kids? Discover 8 family-friendly activities, including free things to do, for young children at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
We always tell people who visit Asheville that Biltmore Estate is a must, at least once.
An iconic building that housed a brilliantly essential family to Asheville’s history, we promise your ticket price is worth the visit.
However, people with families and young kids always wonder if they should even attempt Biltmore.
Rest assured, Biltmore Estate is family-friendly. Yes, you can successfully visit Biltmore with kids – and survive, drink wine, and have a fabulous time.
Even better, after you pay for your ticket, there are quite a few Biltmore activities for children that are free.
Plus, you’ll love all of the outdoor space, demonstrations, farm animals, and playground. Don’t forget those gardens and hiking and biking trails.
If you know us, Christine & Thomas, you also know that we don’t have non-furry children. Meow. Meow.
So, how could we possibly write an article about visiting Biltmore with children?
Uncorked Asheville invited our favorite rogue mom blogger and cultured traveler, Tori, to talk about her experience with her two little ones at Biltmore Estate. Tori is all about exploring with kids.
Slightly apprehensive about her first family visit to Biltmore with kids, Tori and her family rocked Biltmore, even staying longer than expected. Of course, we met up with them for pizza too.
Keep reading to uncover Tori’s insider Biltmore family-friendly tips and discover 8 things that kids can do at Biltmore. Let’s get started!
Explore our comprehensive guide to having the best Biltmore experience.
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Can You Successfully Visit Biltmore With Kids?
By Tori Curran
I was unsure about visiting the Biltmore with kids. I had a potentially very loud four-month-old and a two-year-old who thinks the world is his playground. It is…usually.
But a historic mansion filled with antiques, glassware, and hundreds of signs reading “DON’T TOUCH?!”
Sounds like something my two-year-old would like to challenge. And shouldn’t.
Still, during our relocation move from New York to Dallas, TX, we found frequent stops pertinent. Asheville was always on our list – as was Biltmore – and we were passing through.
What could be the harm in a visit with our children? Getting kicked out? Wasting $67.50 a ticket? Losing my mind?
Surprisingly, none of that happened. As it turns out, visiting Biltmore with kids wasn’t nearly as difficult as I thought.
In fact, Biltmore Estate is incredibly kid-friendly. If it’s not on your family travel bucket list, it should be.
There are tons for littles of all ages from playgrounds and animals to shopping and themed restaurants. Even the mansion itself can widen the smallest of eyes.
The winery offers complimentary grape juice so that children can join in the tasting fun. I can’t speak to it, though, since we didn’t partake. Don’t tell Christine!
Headed To Biltmore With Kids? Save These Family-Friendly Activities For Later
What Is The Cost Of Biltmore For Kids?
Prices to visit Biltmore Estate vary by season and range from about $64 to $79 for adults. Kids ages 10-16 are half the price of adult admission. Children 9 and under are free.
If staying at an Airbnb, your host may have a season pass to get your tickets with a slight discount. Plus, Biltmore has sporadic promotions.
Don’t let the cost of the Biltmore discourage you from touring with your kids. Once you realize just how much Biltmore Estate has to offer, even for young families, you’ll quickly realize the price is more than justified.
Are Strollers Allowed At Biltmore?
You may bring a stroller into Biltmore Estate. Elevator access is only available for the first and second floors, though. The basement and third floor are accessible only by stairs.
I recommend babywearing, if possible, or using a compact, foldable travel stroller, like the GB Pockit. If you’re visiting with a full-size stroller, you will be asked to leave it outside before taking the stairs.
8 Engaging Things To Do At Biltmore With Kids
I am pretty sure that you could spend DAYS at Biltmore with kids. The grounds are huge. Endless Biltmore activities and things to do await you and your entire family.
When you have younger children and are on a time crunch, though, what should you see? Here are Tori’s top kid-friendly Biltmore activities and attractions.
1. Tour Biltmore Estate Main House
You can’t visit the Biltmore Estate and not see the house. George Vanderbilt’s own daughter, Cornelia, grew up at Biltmore Estate.
Despite the grand opulence and antique decor, the home is still very inviting for families and children. Kids will especially love the children’s nursery along with the bowling alley and indoor pool.
Older children will benefit from the children’s audio tour, narrated by Cedric, the Vanderbilt family’s Saint Bernard. Listeners will hear about secret passageways and life as a Vanderbilt heiress.
P.S. You can also see Cedric’s dog collar at Cedric’s Tavern in Antler Hill Village. Black and white pictures of the beloved pooch line the walls.
If you are visiting Asheville in November through January, don’t miss all that you can do at Biltmore for Christmas too.
Your littles will love all of the presents, Christmas trees, and holiday decor spread throughout the home.
2. Dine At The Stable Café
Imagine Vanderbilt-inspired craft cocktails and southern fare in a historic, yet child-friendly setting. Biltmore’s Stable Café is the best on-site dining option for kids.
If you are lucky to grab a booth in one of the old horse stables, the kids are quietly contained literally in their own corral.
See where else you can have lunch in Asheville along with the best AVL restaurants for kids.
3. Stroll Biltmore’s Gardens
Kids will love releasing that pent-up energy in Biltmore’s Gardens. My toddler especially loved running through the Azalea Garden.
Don’t miss the conservatory or the view of the Biltmore Waterfall next to Bass Pond, too.
Read more about all of Asheville’s beautiful parks and gardens as well as Asheville’s waterfall hikes.
4. Hike Or Bike Biltmore’s Gorgeous Trails
Speaking of Biltmore’s waterfall, your kids might enjoy hiking or biking Biltmore Estate. Trails wind through the grounds and next to the French Broad River.
Experience Biltmore’s grounds the way the Vanderbilts did with their own daughter. You can also rent bikes at the Bike Barn. Many of these trails are short and easy for families.
Read more about all of Asheville’s fabulous hiking trails.
5. Play At Pisgah Playground
Named after the Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Playground sits in Antler Hill Village. The impressive wooden playground also features activities to connect children to the Estate’s history through play.
We were hard-pressed to pull our toddler away from this playground.
6. Visit The Animals At Biltmore Farmyard
Did you know that Biltmore Estate has barnyard animals? Visitors may see hens, lambs, cows, horses, and goats with their complimentary visit to the farmyard.
Available staff will discuss how the animals are a crucial part of the estates and provide hands-on activities.
7. Watch An Antler Hill Barn Craft Demonstration
Antler Hill Barn provides demonstrations from blacksmiths, farmers, and woodworkers. Transport back in time and see what living on the Estate was like for the workers.
Children are able to take their lessons further by creating themed take-home toys and souvenirs.
8. Enjoy A Special Family Excursion
Families can enjoy carriage rides through obscure parts of the Biltmore Estate.
Meander the paths on horseback or schedule a fly fishing lesson.
Did you know Biltmore has a falconry program? Interact and learn about trained hawks and falcons.
Or, relax as a guide paddles your family down the French Broad River. The options for family tours seem endless.
Don’t Forget To Save This Post For Later
Are You Ready To Visit The Biltmore Estate With The Kids?
What was planned as a half-day excursion to Biltmore turned into one of the best day trips we’ve had with our kids.
We enjoy traveling with our kids and don’t let their young ages hold us back.
But, we’re always thankful when something we expected to be more adult-ish turns out to be perfect for our family of four.
In the best way possible, Biltmore captured our hearts and left us wanting more. If you’re on the fence about visiting the Biltmore with kids, just go for it. You won’t be sorry.
Biltmore Estate Address & Information
Address: 1 Lodge Street Asheville, NC 28803
Phone Number: 800-411-3812
Parking is free with your ticket, and there are shuttles from many of the non-walkable lots.
When visiting Biltmore, it is best to reserve your house tickets (by date and time) in advance.
You will also want to make lunch or dinner reservations ASAP.
Please be sure to head to the Biltmore Estate website for more information.
Where You Can Stay Near Or Around The Biltmore With Kids
Asheville, NC Hotels
Hotels and B&Bs tend to book up fast in Asheville, especially in the fall, spring, and around holidays. Make dinner reservations wherever you can, too. A few hotels to consider that either we, our friends, or others highly recommend include:
Downtown Asheville
The Foundry Hotel
AC Hotel By Marriott Downtown Asheville
Hotel Indigo
Aloft – Downtown Asheville *One of our top picks; they renovated in 2020
Near The Asheville Outlets/Biltmore
Hampton Inn And Suites Asheville Biltmore Area *Our second favorite pick. We stayed here before we moved.
DoubleTree By Hilton Biltmore/Asheville
Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville
North Asheville/Montford
The Omni Grove Park Inn *We frequently stop by the Grove Park Inn for sunsets, drinks, and food.
1900 Inn On Montford
Don’t miss our Top Asheville Hotel, Resort & B&B Picks Here.
Thank you to Uncorked Asheville contributor, Tori Curran from Explore With Tori
Tori is a mom to two boys, living in New York but adventuring everywhere, usually with a toddler on her back. She’s an avid traveler, nature junkie, and writer encouraging families to get outside and start exploring the world. When she’s not hiking or traveling, you can find her lost in a book, watching Bravo reruns, or obsessively decluttering her home.
Are you ready to visit Biltmore with kids?
Have you taken the family to Biltmore? How did it go and what did they think? What were the best things to do at Biltmore for the entire family? Let us know in the comments.
If you are looking for more educational and kid-friendly activities, don’t miss some of Asheville’s interactive science & art museums.
More Family-Friendly Things To Do:
Asheville With Kids: Best Things To Do
Best Restaurants In Asheville For Kids
Top Family-Friendly Trails
Not-To-Miss Fall Apple Picking
Similar Guides:
Ultimate Guide For Things To Do In Asheville, NC
More Haunted Asheville Places
Kathy | Tasty Itinerary
Friday 10th of January 2020
Um, I don't have children either, but I want to go to the Biltmore and have some grapefruit juice. That is so stinkin' cute.
Now, since my furbabies are my children too, they'd love to visit all the animals and run wild around the estate gardens and trails. They probably won't behave as well as Tori's kids.
This is a great post! In all seriousness, I am planning to share with my SIL just in case she has Asheville in mind for a future adventure with the kiddos. I do plan to visit the Biltmore and Christine sometime in the near future, and since I'm a kid at heart, I want to do everything on this list. So fun!
Christine
Friday 10th of January 2020
Haha, I want to have adult grape...juice. Isn't that adorable and perfect, though? If I had non-furry babies, I would definitely let my kiddos learn about tasting early--like the good Italian that I was raised to be.
The good news here: the Biltmore Estate is pet-friendly like most of Asheville. Mav and Lulu would love it.
Tori did such a fantastic job with this post. She covered it all. The funny part is that Tom and I did most of these activities until we got to the wooden playground that hinted it wasn't for *big* kids like us...we didn't want to look like creepers, either. I do have pictures of Tom petting the animals, though.
Yay, come visit! We saw Tori and her family on her trip through Asheville to Dallas. I hope this post is great for your SIL and so many others.