The sun was setting over the Blue Ridge Mountains, our kids were playing pickup soccer, and I was sipping on a fresh brewed sour. When the kids tired out at soccer, they took turns with their new friends sliding down a giant drainage slide carved into the hillside of the brewery. Asheville, a magical place, where adults can enjoy adulting – and kids can be kids – together.
We are planning our fifth trip to Asheville in two years this summer. If you are thinking of going… just go. Here are our top kid friendly breweries that you don’t want to miss on your trip.
1. Whistle Hop Brewing Company
This place is special. It is the most kid friendly brewery near Asheville, and totally worth the 15 minute drive south of town. They specialize in fruity or unusual brews. From their Fruit Loops Milkshake Pilsner, to their Honey Fig Saison, this is a place for something different. But even if you prefer your beer more classic, if you have kids, you need to go.
This is one of the most kid friendly breweries we have ever been to. Their main building is a 1969 Northfolk and Western Caboose. They have a 6 hole mini golf course, disc golf, bocce, mini bowling, soccer nets, and a giant culvert slide that kids can go down! Your kids will be in heaven, as will you.
Food trucks are scheduled until 9PM. When we were there, we had some sort of egg noodle gravy deliciousness. The kids enjoyed craft sodas, which came to be one of their favorite parts of Asheville. To this day, they still talk about going back (and complain that I never called Griffin’s mom, the friend they met that day…). Whistle Hop Brewing Company is the perfect brewery for families near Asheville.
Address: 1288 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview, NC 28730
Phone: (828) 338-9447
Asheville Night Time Walking Ghost Tour
Take a spooky walk through downtown Asheville lead by an expert guide. You will visit historic buildings and learn about Asheville’s history.
2. Burial Beer
Burial Beer is a great kid-friendly Asheville brewery. It is centrally located in downtown Asheville, and walking distance to many hotels. It is super friendly, and both adults and kids will enjoy it. When we arrived, our kids couldn’t wait to climb into the retired, sticker covered van and pretend to drive.
Burial Beer has plenty of outdoor seating, and heat lamps for the colder months. Their food selections are awesome, with a Double Cheeseburger, Fried Chicken Sandwich, or a Tempeh Sandwich for the vegetarian folks. Everything we tried was delicious, especially the seasonal mulled wine which was a big hit with mom. They also had Devil’s Foot sparkling lemonade for the kids – their favorite Asheville drink.
Overall, Burial Beer is a great kid friendly brewery in Asheville to visit right in Downtown.
Address: 40 Collier Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 475-2739
French Broad Gorge Whitewater Rafting Trip
Go on a guided tour of Class II and Class III rapids on the French Broad Gorge with beautiful views of the surrounding Pisgah Forest. Kids 5 and up are welcome!
3. Archetype Brewing
Archetype Brewing is a great Asheville brewery that parents and kids can enjoy together. Located down the street from Hole donuts (another must hit family spot), Archetype has a great indoor outdoor space for kids and parents to spread out and relax. They are next door to Gan Shan West, and Pizza Mind, both which deliver delicious food to the brewery.
Our kids were again psyched that Devil’s Foot lemonade was served here. Every Sunday from 3-6 they have live music. We recommend Archetype for an easy, casual brewery experience with kids if you are in the area.
Address: 265 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: (828) 505-4177
Guided Horseback Riding on the Fern Forest Trail
Take a 45 minute horseback riding adventure at Arrowmont Stables and Cabins near Asheville. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and children as young as 6 years old can join.
4. Wicked Weed
Wicked Weed is one of the busier breweries in downtown Asheville. It has more of a restaurant feel to it, but in such is pretty kid-friendly. They have high-chairs for littles, and crayons and coloring books. They also have kid staples like mac and cheese and grilled cheese. It’s loud, busy, and overall easy with kids.
If you are looking for a gentler introduction into the Asheville brewery world with kids, Wicked Weed is an easy place to enjoy a great meal, and also have a couple of good beers out with the kids.
Of note, we took our kids to the Funkatorium and we didn’t love it with kids. We went mid-day and felt like it was oddly quiet. The environment turned us into helicopter parents, and ultimately we couldn’t relax. Looking back, we would choose Wicked Weed instead.
Address: 91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 575-9599
Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour from Asheville
Hike the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway on this guided day trip to see three scenic waterfalls near Asheville. This tour provides light refreshments along the way, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the falls. Kids 6 and up can join!
5. New Belgium
If you are itching to explore a bigger brewery with kids, don’t hesitate to check out New Belgium. New Belgium’s tap room is fun, loud, and definitely kid friendly. Not only did they have craft beers on tap, they also had hard seltzers, and special sodas for the kids. We bought a deck of cards at the New Belgium gift shop and spent some time playing war while we sipped on our respective drinks.
New Belgium is a great Asheville kid-friendly brewery to visit if in town with family. If you head that way, definitely don’t miss one of our other favorite spots – White Duck Taco Shop, which is only a block away!
Address: 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: (828) 333-6900
See Our Other Family Travel Blog Posts:
- Best Asheville Waterfall Hikes for Families
- 5 Best Kid Friendly Breweries in New Orleans
- Visiting Badlands National Park with Kids: An Amazing Trip in 2023
- 5 Best Kid Friendly Breweries in Boise
- 10 Awesome Things to Do in Asheville for Teens
- 7 Kid Friendly Breweries to Visit in Portland, Maine
- Best Kid Friendly Breweries in Macon, Georgia
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