Summer is here, if the weather has been any indication, but that doesn't mean every day will be sunshine (and rainbows) or temperatures we can stand to be in for too long. When that unpredictable rain descends upon us or when we're constantly opening the freezer to stand in front of it to cool off and find ourselves stuck inside, our kids asking every 5 minutes for a snack, having to break up yet another fight or telling them for the millionth time to do something else but sit in front of the screen, I've got your back! Keep your sanity and take take advantage of all the great kid friendly (mostly) indoor places in Hendersonville and surrounding area!
1. [Free] Visit your local library: We are surrounded by so many libraries and each of them have various free activities for kids of all ages from story time, Chess and Lego club, Summer book clubs and so much more!
Henderson County Library Website
Hours: Varies per library
Cost: Free to visit and most of their programs and clubs are free as well
2. Summer Kids Movies: There are a handful of ways to check out movies this summer, some are even free or as little as $1. I've already created a quick and easy guide you can check out here!
Hours: Varies per location
Cost: Varies but most are free or $1
3. Hands On Museum: They have over 15 exhibits, including a new Dinosaur Safari and Maker space! There's usually a different craft happening in the Maker space exhibit each week too!
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm
Cost: $8, members and children under 1 are free
4. [Free*] Mineral and Lapidary Museum: The museum currently features a mix of exhibits that range from specimens of raw minerals in their natural state to polished gemstones and other finished material as well as hosting special exhibits of collections on loan.
Hours: Monday - Friday 1 - 5pm and Saturday from 10am - 5pm*
*Closed on certain holiday's and extended hours during Apple Fest
Cost: Free but a donation or purchase at the gift shop is appreciated
5. [Free] Apple Valley Model Railroad Club: Located inside the Historic 1902 Hendersonville, N.C. Railroad Depot visitors can expect to see a wide variety of locomotives and rolling stock as the club has a large collection of equipment! Kids can go inside an actual caboose, practice Morse code, view artifacts and so much more!
Hours: Wednesday's 1-3pm and Saturday's 10am - 2pm
Cost: Free
6. [Free] Henderson Heritage Museum: Colorful exhibits, diorama, educational programs, research, and collections reflect the heritage that has been the legacy of this Henderson county’s pioneers! This museum, found within the Henderson County Historic Courthouse consists of six rooms, reflecting on milestone events that helped shape this County.
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 1 - 5pm.
Cost: Free
7. Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team ECCO: This aquarium is home to over 275 fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and salamanders, with 2 dozen exhibits including a new 2,000 gallon shark study tank! They focus on education, enrichment, and exploration of the ocean world, integrating science, history, math, and culture into their exhibits and programs.
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 1 - 5pm
Cost: 2 - 4, 75+ are $4, 5 - 75 are $5, under 2 are free. Military (active and retired), police, firefighters and EMT's are free with proper ID.
8. [Free] Western North Carolina Air Museum: Home to a unique collection of airplanes celebrating the Golden Age of Aviation, when flying was an event! You can view the airplanes in an hour or so, or spend the afternoon hanger-flying with their friendly, informative staff. You can see also see the actual restoration of aircraft's, as it is happening and talk to the people doing the work. No guarantee on the weather, but their hangar doors are open rain and shine and if you're lucky someone might just be flying the day you visit. If not, go again!
Hours: Wednesday 12 - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday 12 - 5pm
Cost: Free
9. Fired Up! Creative Lounge: Laid-back, relaxing studio for adults, teens and kids of all ages to create beautiful, personalized masterpieces from painting pottery to canvas painting!
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 6pm. No appointment needed!
Cost: Varies based on the piece. Pottery and canvas painting price includes all supplies. Various pottery prices to fit any budget.
10. Mountain play lodge: Indoor play area, ideal for kids ages 10 and under. Includes indoor jungle gyms, large scale playhouses and themed foam sculptures!
Hours: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm, Friday - Sunday 10am - 6pm
Cost: 2 and under are $9 ($8 non-peak times), 3 - 12 are $13 ($12 non-peak times)
Stay dry, cool and sane this Summer!
