This article shares our top recommendations for things to do with kids in Brevard, NC. As parents to two, we have personally tried and truly recommend the activities on this list!
Hurricane Update: Brevard is OPEN for visitors following Hurricane Helene. The city has water and power, and the shops and restaurants are open downtown. Pisgah National Forest is also now open but DuPont State Forest remains closed. Cradle of Forestry reopend 10/24/24. We have reorganized this list to reflect the current status of which kid-friendly activities are open.
Brevard, NC is our number one recommendation for a town to visit near Asheville, especially with kids! It’s great whether you are looking to spend a day in nature or just to stroll in a charming downtown. And the best thing is, you can do both in a day!
Below we share our top picks for family-friendly things in Brevard, from a sweets shop to kid-friendly hikes, impressive waterfalls and the ‘coolest toy store on the planet’.
Don’t miss our guide to things to do in Brevard, NC for more ideas!
Things To Do With Kids In Brevard, NC
O.P. Taylor’s
Check out a 6,000-square-foot toy store
Toy-loving kids will go wild at O.P. Taylor’s in downtown Brevard. This 6,000 square foot space is the ‘coolest toy store on the planet’, and we agree.
What’s especially fun about the toy shop is that each room feels like a new discovery. There’s an upstairs area with several paths, as well as a few on the main level.
You’ll find fun toys to play with throughout the shop and can feel great about supporting a local family-owned business.
Go Apple Picking
Spend the day at an apple orchard near Brevard
Jeter Mountain Farm Apple Orchard is located just 25 minutes from downtown Brevard. It’s a gorgeous property with an on-site BBQ food truck, coffee shop bakery and market shop. They also offer U-Pick apples and a wagon ride.
Jeter Mountain Farm is open through October 27, 2024 (Thursdays & Fridays from 10-3 and Saturdays & Sundays 10-5.)
Cradle Of Forestry
Hurricane Update: The Cradle of Forestry reopens on 10/24/24.
Known as the birthplace of forestry in America, the Cradle of Forestry is an excellent destination with kids. It’s a 6,500-acre site in Pisgah National Forest and offers a first-hand look at forestry.
One of the unique offerings if visiting with kids is their paved trails that are perfect for strollers. There are also plenty of hands-on, interactive exhibits (like a train from 1914 that kids can climb aboard!)
Admission for the Cradle of Forestry: $8 for 13+, $4 for ages 5 to 12, and free under 5. They are open seasonally, so be sure to check in advance before you go.
Free admission for all every fourth Tuesday of the month! Additional details.
Looking Glass Falls
Waterfall in Brevard with a 60-foot drop
Looking Glass Falls is an easy-to-access waterfall in Brevard. It’s located on Pisgah Highway, just a few miles into Pisgah National Forest.
You can either admire it from the observation area near the parking area, or take a few flights of stairs down to the bottom.
Kids love splashing in the small pool at the bottom. You can also walk a bit away from the waterfall where it’s a bit calmer and creek-like.
Franklin Park Playground
Playground near downtown Brevard
If you are in downtown Brevard and your kids need some runaround time, head to the playground at Franklin Park. It’s just a few minutes from the shops downtown.
Franklin Park’s playground has a ton of fun equipment and feels like a castle. You’ll also find covered picnic shelters and a nature walk that is the perfect length for little ones.
Kilwin’s
Visit an ice cream and chocolate shop in downtown Brevard
Kilwin’s in downtown Brevard dishes up homemade waffle cones and decadent fudge, guaranteed to make your kids (and you!) smile.
They have everything from caramel apples with a variety of toppings to chocolate-dipped strawberries, ice cream, caramel chews, and peanut butter bark.
Crystal Mountain Gem Mine
Go gem mining in downtown Brevard
The Crystal Mountain Gem Mine offers gem mining in downtown Brevard daily.
They have a 58-foot-long indoor water flame and a variety of buckets to purchase. You can even opt for one with ruby, sapphire and emerald dirt.
They also offer a family mining deal for $99.99 with four large buckets, a gemstone book, a magnifying glass and little miner helmets.
Brevard Music Center
Weekly music festival in the summer
The Brevard Music Center is a venue and premier summer training program. They host a summer music festival every June through August, with shows pretty much every day.
Though not all of the shows are great for kids (many start at 7:30), there are several family-friendly events throughout the summer. One of which is Favorites from Disney’s Fantasia on June 30, 2024.
Another family-friendly concert at the Brevard Music Center is Patriotic Pops on July 4th.
Things To Do With Kids (Closed Due To Hurricane)
Sycamore Flats
Picnic area in Brevard with river access
Sycamore Flats in Pisgah National Forest offers a picnic area, restrooms, river access, and space to roam. It’s perfect for families and the first stop after entering the forest.
See our Blue Ridge Parkway loop itinerary for a fun day including Sycamore Flats!
DuPont State Forest
State Forest in Brevard with kid-friendly trails and waterfalls
Brevard is known for its abundance of waterfalls, many of which are located in DuPont State Forest.
There are six listed waterfalls in DuPont, including crowd favorites High Falls (the tallest!), Triple Falls (three waterfalls in one!) and Hooker Falls (complete with a swimming hole!)
Feeling adventurous? Visit all three! Use our guide to the Three Waterfall Trail for details.
Slick Rock Falls
Quick walk to a waterfall (perfect for kids!)
Located in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, Slick Rock Falls is one of Transylvania County’s many waterfall gems.
It’s a great waterfall for kids because it’s just a quick walk in from the trailhead. Plus, there’s so much to explore here, including rocks to climb and a cave behind the falls.
The trailhead is about 20 minutes from downtown Brevard. It’s a lovely drive through Pisgah National Forest and passes Sycamore Flats on the way. It’s also really close to Looking Glass Falls mentioned above.
Moore Cove Falls
Easy 1.2 mile out & back hike to a waterfall
Moore Cove Falls is our top recommendation for a kid-friendly hike in Brevard. Not only is it suited for all skill levels, but it has a great turnaround point at the waterfall.
The Moore Cove Falls trail is a great choice year-round, though it’s great year-round.
Pro tip: go early on hot days for cooler temps and to beat the crowds!
Sliding Rock
Outdoor adventure for older kids in Brevard
If you’re after adventure with your kids, Sliding Rock is an absolute must! This natural 60-foot waterslide in Pisgah National Forest ends in an 8-foot pool.
Sliding Rock is a popular attraction, so there is a gatehouse at the entrance that accepts cards (preferred), cash and checks.
Entry is $5 per person and includes parking and restrooms. Be advised: the parking area can fill up!
River Tubing
Cool off on the river in Brevard
If your kids are 4 and up, check out Brevard Tubing for a fun day on the French Broad River. They offer all-you-can-tube for $30 per person (it’s $35 per person during holiday weekends.)
The unlimited tubing price includes a tube, life jacket for those 12 and under and a shuttle. They do not take reservations but are hoping to for the 2024 season.
Blue Ridge Parkway Loop
Fun day trip from Brevard on the Blue Ridge Parkway
If you are looking for a true adventure day with kids in Brevard, check out our Blue Ridge Parkway itinerary! It includes a stop in downtown Brevard, as well as tips and suggestions for stops along the way.
The loop itinerary takes you from Brevard to Pisgah National Forest, and then onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. We recommend stopping at Pisgah Inn for a great view and ice cream!
The loop then takes you toward Asheville, so you can either hop off there for a bit of exploring or head back to Brevard via Mills River.
Don’t miss our web story on fun things to do with kids in Brevard for a quick glance at our top picks!
