This guide shares everything you need to know about visiting the Biltmore with kids. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned guest, let us help you make the most of your visit.
Visiting The Biltmore Estate With Kids
Taking kids to the Biltmore Estate, a sprawling mansion from the 1800s, might sound like a stressful gamble—one where you’re constantly worried they’ll touch something they shouldn’t.
But with its acres of land, a wide range of activities, and even kid-friendly dining, the Biltmore is surprisingly family-friendly.
If this is your first trip, make sure to check our guide to planning your perfect Biltmore visit to make the most of your time on the estate.
What You’ll Find In This Article
Admission to the Biltmore for kids
Kids under 9 can visit the Biltmore Estate for free when they’re with an adult who has a day pass or an annual membership. This includes a tour of the house if the adult ticket includes one.
For kids ages 10-16, tickets are discounted from the adult price. Ticket costs vary by season,
If you know a Biltmore annual passholder, you can receive a 10% discount on your day passes when you purchase them through them.
Additionally, passholders can bring guests to the grounds for free after 5 p.m. This provides access to the gardens, dining, and shopping at Antler Hill Village, but not the Biltmore House.
Dining at the Biltmore with kids
There are several kid-friendly restaurants at the Biltmore. Not only are there a few ice cream shops, but there is also a food truck with mac & cheese, the to-go only Courtyard Market, a bake shop and even a restaurant in a former horse stable!
Our kids particularly love getting food from the Smokehouse food truck. We often bring our food from there to the covered picnic area by Pisgah Playground.
We also enjoy bringing picnic lunches to this spot. If you want more ideas on where to picnic, check out our favorite picnic spots at the Biltmore.
As far as kids menus go, you’ll find them at Cedric’s Tavern, Stable Cafe, Bistro, Village Social and the Smokehouse Food Truck. Kids menus are always a good nod to us that the restaurant won’t mind younger diners.
Visiting The BIltmore House WIth Kids
The Biltmore House is actually a really fun place for kids to tour! Not only is it the house featured in Richie Rich but it truly looks like a castle. There are so many great and unique rooms to explore that can pique even the youngest of imaginations.
One thing to note is that there are no bathrooms inside the Biltmore House. So, plan accordingly! There are restrooms located in the dining and shopping area just to the right of the Biltmore House entrance.
Don’t miss the guided audio tour (by a dog!)
This is such a clever offering! You can opt for a kid version of a guided tour of the Biltmore House that is narrated by the Vanderbilts’ Saint Bernard Cedric. It definitely makes visiting the Biltmore Estate with kids even more fun!
The 50-minute tour keeps kids entertained (and listening!) as they walk through the House. The tour is $15 per person. Additional details can be found here.
Exploring The Gardens & Grounds
A Biltmore ticket includes access to the entire 8,000-acre estate, which is full of things for kids to explore. You’ll find walking trails, the French Broad River, several gardens, farmland and amazing views.
Below we have highlighted our favorite things to do on the grounds with our kids.
Admire the gardens
Just outside the Biltmore House, you’ll find a series of beautiful gardens. The Italian Garden is a favorite for many kids, with its three koi ponds that are perfect for spotting fish.
The Walled Garden, Rose Garden, and Azalea Garden are also a delight, especially during the spring bloom. You can expect something beautiful here in the summer and fall, too.
Explore the trails
The estate has several trails that are great for walking, jogging, or biking.
- Deer Park Trail: This 2.5-mile round-trip trail starts near the Biltmore House and winds through the estate toward the bass pond and Antler Hill Village. There are some uphill portions, so it’s a more challenging trail.
- Lagoon Trail: This 3-mile round-trip paved trail is ideal for strollers and kids on bikes, as it meanders along the French Broad River and the estate’s farmland.
Bike, Horseback Ride, or Ride a Carriage
For an extra fee, you can explore the grounds in a different way.
- Biking: You can bring your own bikes or rent them from the Bike Barn. They offer everything from regular bikes to tandem bikes and even kids’ bike trailers. You can also pay an additional fee for a 3.5 mile guided bike ride.
- Horseback Riding: Kids ages 8 and up can enjoy a guided trail ride through the estate. Choose from a private trail ride or a guided trail ride.
- Carriage Rides: For a more relaxed experience, a half-hour or one-hour carriage ride is a great option for the whole family.
Antler Hill Village With Kids
Antler Hill Village is where you’ll find most of the kid-focused fun. It has a playground, a farm, a food truck, and an ice cream shop—all in one place!
Pisgah Playground
This is the perfect spot for kids to burn off some energy. Located near the farm and The Creamery, it has slides, swings, and climbing structures.
Farmyard
Did you know there is a working farm in Antler Hill Village? You’ll spot everything from chickens, goats, lambs and horses. You can even watch goat milking and hoof trimming demonstrations!
The Farmyard is located just by Pisgah Playground.
Antler Hill Barn
Step back in time to the late 1800s and watch live demonstrations by blacksmiths and other craftspeople. It’s a great stop for curious kids who love to see how things are made.
You can also explore the area to see farm equipment from the past.
Picnic Area at Antler Hill Village
You’ll find a covered seating area, located right across from the playground. It’s the perfect spot for a family picnic.
You can either pack your own lunch or grab something from one of the nearby Antler Hill restaurants. It’s an ideal place to relax and refuel after the kids have played.
Smokehouse Food Truck
For a casual, kid-friendly meal, grab lunch from the Smokehouse Food Truck in Antler Hill Village. While they offer everything from hot dogs to Carolina BBQ, the mac and cheese is the real highlight.
Another unique dining option is the Stable Cafe near the Biltmore House, which is located in a former horse stable. It’s a fun atmosphere, but since it’s a sit-down restaurant, it may not be ideal if you have impatient little ones.
The Creamery
Make sure to stop at The Creamery for a sweet treat. Located in Antler Hill Village right next to the Smokehouse food truck, you’ll find a wide variety of ice cream flavors, sundaes, and cones for the kids, plus espresso for the adults.
The shop has limited covered outdoor seating, with more scattered throughout the village, but there is no indoor seating.
Check out our guide to Biltmore restaurants for more details.
Tips for A Smooth Visit
To make your trip to the Biltmore with kids as easy as possible, keep these tips in mind:
Bring a Stroller: While some areas of the gardens have gravel paths or stairs, many of the trails and areas like Antler Hill Village are paved, making a stroller a huge help. One thing to note is that there isn’t an elevator in the Biltmore House, so you’ll need to carry your stroller up and down narrow staircases.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must for keeping up with your kids.
Plan to Stay and Explore: To get your money’s worth, plan to spend at least six hours on the estate. Take your time to explore the different areas and let your kids guide the day.
Consider an Annual Pass: If you live nearby or plan to visit more than once, an annual pass is an excellent value. It takes the pressure off of seeing everything in a single day and allows you to pop in for a quick visit whenever you want.nging a stroller to the Biltmore
