How to Enjoy Biltmore Estate with Kids, 2024
Are you planning a family trip to Asheville and debating a tour of the Biltmore with your kids? Are you worried you’ll regret the time and expense? Great news—I’ve taken my little kids there several times and am excited to share why it is worth it.
The Biltmore Estate is one of the premier destinations in Asheville. It is a magnificent home built in the Blue Ridge Mountains that attracts over a million visitors each year. It’s natural to worry about buying tickets for your younger children and wondering if it is a waste of time and money.
Luckily, I’m here to guide you through the process and provide tips to make the visit go smoothly. Follow along as I show you how to enjoy visiting the Biltmore Estate with kids.
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Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate
During the second half of the 1800s, the US experienced tremendous economic growth with the expansion of railroads and industry and a surge in westward expansion. This period, known as the Gilded Age, made some families like the Vanderbilts extremely wealthy. Cornelius Vanderbilt made his fortune in the shipping industry before expanding his empire into the rail lines. His son continued to grow the family business, and his grandson, George Vanderbilt, built this Gilded Age mansion.
In the late 1800s, George traveled to Western North Carolina and marveled at the area’s natural beauty. He enlisted the help of several men, including Frederick Law Olmstead, to build a family home. George’s daughter Cornelia continued to run the property as her descendants do today.
Over time, the family decided to open the house for tourists, especially during the Great Depression. This initiative was not just about showcasing the grandeur of the estate but also about boosting economic activity in the struggling region. Today, over a million visitors travel to Asheville, appreciating the role of this stately home in the local economy.
Tips for Traveling with Kids
- Have reasonable expectations of how long they can last in the house
- Pack snacks
- Go to the bathroom before your tour
- Aim for an early morning tour before the large crowds
- Save time to explore the gardens
- Take advantage of the free shuttles around the property
Kid-Friendly Activities at Biltmore
House Tour
My boys have explored the house several times. I let the kids set our pace and don’t try to take a leisurely tour. My boys loved looking into the rooms, especially those bedrooms on the second floor and the basement with the swimming pool and and bowling alley! I highly recommend a self-guided tour with the entire family.
Luckily, the Biltmore is ready for kids! They offer an audio tour uniquely designed for young guests. The tour is given through the perspective of Vanderbilt’s dog, Cedric. My oldest loved the audio tour!
Gardens
Biltmore Gardens on a summer day, photo credit: R. Schwartz
You may think your kids won’t be interested in looking at flowers, but I understand. However, it the perfect place for younger kids to burn off energy. Let them go and stretch their legs and run a little without disturbing others. There are also walking trails you can follow through the property.
Antler Village
Antler Village is a fun area to explore with family-friendly activities. You’ll find numerous restaurants, the winery, the Outdoor Adventure Center, a creamery, the playground, and a farm here. There’s also plenty of parking!
Antler Hill Barn & Farmyard
Antler Hill Farm, photo credit: L. Green
One of my kids’ favorite activities is visiting the barn on the property. Here, kids and adults can learn about typical farm animals such as pigs and chickens. If visiting during a busy time with good weather, there are live demonstrations and crafts for kids. We’ve been in the middle of winter, and staff are always on hand to answer the kids’ questions.
Pisgah Playground
Outside of Antler Village, kids will discover a fun playground. You don’t need a special ticket to access the playground. Staying on-site, having an annual pass, or purchasing a ticket grants all access.
Biking
biking on the estate grounds
Bike trails wind guests throughout the property. Near Antler Village, the trials are relatively flat and perfect for young children. There’s also a flat path along the French Broad River that’s easily accessible from Antler Village. You can also rent bicycles at Biltmore’s Bike Barn in the Village.
We love to take our kids on tours of magnificent homes, check out my suggestions on visiting Palace of Versailles with kids.
Additional Activities
You can purchase additional kid-friendly activities on-site, such as fishing, horseback riding, geocaching, croquet, or a carriage ride.
photo credit: L. Green
Lodging
Staying on the property has pros and cons when traveling with kids. There are three options: the Village Hotel, the Inn, and Cottages. The Inn is beautiful but caters to adults who are choosing luxurious lodging.
I’ve stayed at the Village Hotel numerous times and highly recommend it for your family vacation. It has kid-friendly common areas and restaurants. The playground, farmyard, and heart of Antler Hill Village are within close walking distance. The Hotel also has a nice pool in the warmer months.
Pack swimsuits, bikes, or scooters if you stay on the property. We’ve visited in warm and cold weather. My boys loved swimming in the pool and have also spent extensive time riding their bikes on the trails outside Antler Hill Village.
Special Events
Chihuly exhibit at Biltmore
Biltmore hosts special events throughout the year. We visited once during the Chihuly exhibit, which was magnificent. Pieces were scattered throughout the house and gardens. If you can visit when the exhibit cycles through, I highly recommend it.
We also visited when they hosted a Downtown Abbey exhibit in Antler Village showcasing the clothing from the mini-series. That was a real treat, as I adored the show.
We also enjoyed a special train exhibit in Antler Village. Check the calendar on the Biltmore website to see if there are any special events when you visit, and make sure to check them out!
Christmas
Christmas at Biltmore, photo credit: L. Green
Starting in early November, the Biltmore transforms into a Christmas fairytale. with amazing light displays. Rooms are decked out in festive decor, and lights glitter everywhere. You can visit during the day or choose a special ticket to experience Candlelight Christmas Evenings. The holiday season is the perfect time to visit!
Wine Tasting
Biltmore complimentary Wine Tasting, photo credit: L. Green
If you are interested in experiencing the complimentary wine tasting, try it, even with kids. I took my three kids with me, and they sat on a bench while we indulged in a special treat in the tasting room. With that being said, I have some tips from our experience-
- Avoid if crowded- we didn’t have to wait at all
- Bring little games to entertain the kids while you sample
- Our host gave the kids complimentary grape juice and crackers, which they loved
- Keep reasonable expectations- you may not last for long in there
- Do something kid-friendly in Antler Village afterward, like the playground or grabbing ice cream
Check out my guide on visiting Asheville in the Fall!
Dining
Biltmore offers delicious options ranging from fine dining to casual. Since we’ve visited numerous times, we’ve tried many different places. I’m going to focus on recommendations for kids!
Cedric’s Tavern is excellent for older kids or if you go early with little ones. We’ve enjoyed many meals at Village Social with our kids because the kids can sit outside or explore the hotel inside while waiting for food.
In Antler Village, there’s a creamery for fresh ice cream. Beware of long lines on busy days! The Kitchen Cafe is counter service and offers easy and delicious breakfast options and sandwiches. My kids love their banana bread.
At the house, we’ve picked up a casual lunch at the Courtyard Market, which is super easy with kids. The Stable Cafe is a sit-down restaurant with great food, too.
Pro tip: run to Publix and grab supplies for a picnic! We’ve done this twice and eaten a leisurely lunch in the gardens while the kids played!
FAQ: Visiting the Biltmore
🏘️Can you walk around the Estate for free?
You need a ticket or season pass to enter the property and see the gardens. Guests can freely explore Biltmore Village, which has shops and restaurants outside the estate.
🏘️How much time do you need at the Biltmore?
I suggest at least one full day. Staying on the property will give you more time to explore the grounds.
🏘️Are kids free at the park?
Kids 9 and under can enter the property for FREE, while kids ages 10-16 can purchase discounted youth tickets.
🏘️What’s the cheapest time to visit?
The winter months of January through March
🏘️What’s the best season to visit?
All 4 seasons offer something unique.
- Spring- new blooms in the garden
- Summer- warm weather & ability to maximize the outdoors
- Fall- gorgeous foliage
- Christmas- a winter wonderland
- Winter- cheaper & less crowds
In Conclusion: How to Enjoy Biltmore Estate with Kids
I hope my guide on visiting the Biltmore Estate with kids helps you plan your next great adventure!
North Carolina Resources
How to Visit the Biltmore Estate with kids
Fall in Asheville
Day trips from Asheville
