ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Sixty-six percent of families say ‘togetherness’ is an essential element for a memorable family vacation (PGAV Destinations study, “The Art of the Family Vacation”). Addressing the need for a balance of itinerary options that families can truly enjoy together, Biltmore’s summer vacation experience has been designed to be active, fun and educational (don’t tell the kids!) for all. Adults and children are entertained with a slate of activities in Biltmore’s 8,000-acre backyard, while imaginations stay engaged with tours and historic exhibitions.

Top eight Biltmore to-dos

A destination for rejuvenation since the 1800s, George W. Vanderbilt chose the outdoor playground of Asheville to build his family estate. In the century that has lapsed since family and friends of the Vanderbilts came for long stays at Biltmore, time has seemingly stood still. Travelers today enjoy the slower pace of summer’s backyard season in Biltmore’s 8,000-acre landscape, a space that has been preserved and perfected over time for future generations. 

1. Take the family time travelling.

Visit the 250-room Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt’s dream home that he lived in more than 100 years ago. Kids stay engaged with a NEW treasure hunt through Biltmore House. Kids marvel at the sheer size of Biltmore House, the bowling alley and pool in the basement, and the massive front lawn and backyard for playing. 

2. Have a unique adventure.

Try your luck at outdoor sports like fly fishing or sporting clays, or go off-road behind the wheel of a Land Rover (our Land Rover Driving School offers courses for adults AND kids!). Go to an awe-inspiring location: the rooftop of Biltmore House. The guided Architect’s Tour takes families to the massive roof of America’s largest home for a look at architectural details, to count gargoyles, and for expansive mountain views of a spectacular backyard.

3. Reconnect with nature.

Set out on foot on a network of nearly 22 round-trip miles of hiking trails. Or, take in views from a bike, on the back of a horse, while floating down a river, on a Segway, or a carriage ride. Go rock-skipping at the lagoon or play hide and seek among rare and native trees.

4. Stop to smell the roses.

Biltmore’s renowned summer gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls and picnicking spots near tropical palms, roses, giant sunflowers, and colorful lily pads and koi in Italian Garden pools.

5. Set the kids free.

Get lost together in a maze comprised of 500 trees. Kids run and climb in the NEW Pisgah Playground. At the barn, explore farming life at the turn of the century and antique farm equipment. Ask inquisitive questions to our staff and play with chickens, roosters, goats, horses and sheep in the farmyard. Demos, crafts and period games available select days.

6. Embark on a tasty tour.

Taste wines at the most visited winery in America (complimentary grape juice for the kids). Restaurants offer a range of options from barbeque to fine dining. Pick up a family-themed picnic from the Creamery.  And save room for the Creamery’s Winky Bar Sundae, a sweet treat for a summer day based on the Winky Bar produced by the former Biltmore Dairy.

7. Rock out!

Dance under the stars select summer nights during the concert series kicking off July 25. The 2013 line-up includes Heart, Sheryl Crow, Christian group Casting Crowns, the Four Tops and Temptations, the Beach Boys and comedian Bill Engvall. Local bands provide FREE entertainment Fridays June through August at the Antler Hill Village Green and Bandstand.

8. Make Biltmore your home away from home.

Extend your visit with an overnight stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate or with our local accommodations partners and take advantage of packages on select dates this summer.

Information on Biltmore’s summer offerings can be found at Biltmore.com. View suggested itineraries for more family travel ideas.

WANT TO KNOW MORE KID-FRIENDLY PLACES AROUND ASHEVILLE, NC?  Take a look at the best-selling Carolinas travel guide: KIDS LOVE THE CAROLINAS (pg 198-242)