Winter seems to have finally arrived - now if we could get some snow to go with this temperature (or is that just me). If you're going a bit stir crazy at home with the kids and looking for some fun places to take them this season or anytime really check out these local spots (over half are FREE)!
We do our best to keep our information as accurate as possible, however, it's always best to call or visit the site ahead before heading out as times, prices and weather can change without notice!
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, STEAM enrichment and so much more!
Henderson County Library Website
Mountains Branch Library Website
Hours: Varies per library
Cost: Free to visit and most of their programs and clubs are free as well
2. Hands On Museum: They have over 15 exhibits, including a Dinosaur Safari! Plus an Artists Studio, with a different self guided craft each week!
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Cost: $8, members and children under 1 are free
3. [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 11am - 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
4. [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
5. [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
6. 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.
7. [Free] The Family Place: Offers programs for both kids and parents, together and separate.
Playgroup is a time for you and your child to explore and learn together in a preschool-like setting. Our children’s program facilitator leads art activities, games and stories.
Stay & Play is when the the playroom and playground are open for unstructured drop-in play for children and their parents or caregivers.
Two Locations:
Hours:
Brevard, 9am - 1pm
Rosman, 9am - 12pm
Cost: Free
8. Appalachian Pinball Museum: Has a collection of both vintage & contemporary pinball machines as well as video games.
Hours: Wednesday - Friday 2pm - 9pm, Saturday 12pm - 9pm, Sunday and Monday 1pm - 6pm
Cost: $12 unlimited play
9. 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: Monday - Thursday 2 and under are $8, 3 - 12 are $12, Friday - Sunday 2 and under are $10, 3-12 are $14
Stay warm & have fun!
