We want to continue to help you stave off summer boredom in the Asheville area. Here are 5 more inexpensive ideas to entertain your kids during this unique summer break.
5 More Inexpensive Ideas to Entertain Kids in Asheville
Remember, things are ever-changing as the quarantine and pandemic situation continues to evolve. Before you head out to one of our suggestions, make sure you double-check availability.
1) Natural Waterslides
In the Brevard area, Sliding Rock and Turtleback Falls are unique natural waterslides. Sliding Rock is close to the road and parking can be difficult, so make sure you plan ahead and maybe just avoid going on the weekends altogether. Typically, there is a minimal cost for Sliding Rock and there is often a lifeguard on duty, but that may not be the case during some of the reopening phases. Be careful and plan to bring your own lifejackets until everything has reopened fully.
Reaching Turtleback Falls is a bit more challenging as it is about a mile and a half from the parking area. On the way, you pass by beautiful Rainbow Falls. Once you reach Turtleback, it may be crowded but there is room to stretch out, eat a snack, and enjoying sliding down a natural rock waterslide. Remember to save energy for the hike out.
2) Chase Waterfalls
This could be the summer of chasing waterfalls for you and your family. In a previous article, we mentioned hikes to Linville and Crabtree Falls, as well as the swimming hole known as Looking Glass Falls. Some of the many other waterfalls to chase include:
- Catawba Falls near Old Fort
- High Falls near Wolf Ford
- Laughing Falls near Pisgah Forest
- Cove Creek Falls near Brevard
- Schoolhouse Falls near Brevard
- Triple Falls in Dupont State Forest
- Twin Falls near Cashiers
This is a very short list of the hundreds of waterfalls in our area. It could take multiple summers to find and see all of them; however, it is a worthy endeavor, and often you get the bonus of a swimming hole.
3) Explore Dupont State Forest
Dupont State Forest is one of the most diverse areas to explore in the entire state and it is right down the road from Asheville. Within it there are hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as horseback riding trails. There are lakes, ponds, rivers, and dozens of waterfalls. There is a quaint covered bridge that makes the perfect lunch spot. You can fish, swim, hike, play, and spend a whole day barely scratching the surface of the views, rock faces, and fun available at Dupont. This could be a regular go-to spot for your family as you try to fight off boredom.
4) Wildlife Viewing
In Asheville, we are entirely too close to not take advantage of the wildlife viewing options in the Great Smokey Mountains. Elk walk right through downtown Cherokee and Bryson City and graze throughout the Cataloochee Valley. A driving or hiking tour of nearby Cade’s Cove will likely include a black bear in addition to elk.
5) Fishing
Whether you enjoy wading out into fast-flowing waters for fly fishing or would rather take a boat or kayak to the middle of the lake, this is a great season to bring your kids in on this pastime. Plus, with the right safety precautions, you may be able to let them burn off some energy by splashing around in the water.
You may be tempted to feel like this summer is dragging on forever, but it is actually an opportunity to do some of the things for which you do not normally have time. Asheville and western North Carolina are the best places to be bored. There is so much to see and enjoy that costs little more than fuel and time.
If your children are not already enrolled in Emmanuel Lutheran School, some time to explore our private Christian institution. We are the only Christian parochial school using S.T.E.A.M curriculum, so your students will never be bored with our collaborative, Christ-centered environment. Contact ELS for more information and to schedule a tour.