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April 2025: More than 100 things to do in Asheville and beyond

Chris Worthy
WNC Parent

April 2025: Your guide to things to do in Asheville and across Western North Carolina

Things to do with your kids in Asheville, Hendersonville and WNC – find plenty to do from babies to teens. Look for weekly updates and highlights and even more events at wncparent.com

Continue to check with event organizers before you go. Look for changes, weather delays and updates in real time on Facebook at facebook.com/WNCParent.

Send your organization’s family events to chris@worthyplace.com

This month:

WNC Nature Center has reopened. The center is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with last admission at 3:30 p.m. Friends members can enter the park at 9:30 a.m. The ticket office is cashless. Tickets are available for purchase in advance online or in person using credit/debit and prepaid cash cards. For more information, visit wildwnc.org.

WNC Nature Center reopening Bobcats Kohana and Tufts photo taken during closure

Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures is open through Jan. 4 at the Amherst at Deerpark Exhibition Center at Biltmore Estate. This exhibition offers an exploration into ancient Egypt and the time of Tutankhamun, featuring a close look at the discovery of King Tut’s tomb and the extraordinary treasures that were found inside, exactly as they were when first discovered by famed archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. Showcasing the cultural heritage of one of history’s most significant archaeological finds, this exhibition features expert-crafted, true-to-life replicas of artifacts. For tickets and details, visit biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/tut

Biltmore_Tut_2025

The “I Will Always Love You Music Festival” continues through April 13 at Dollywood. Visit dollywood.com

Tuesday, April 1

Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5 is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Wednesday, April 2

“Petit Mondrian” is presented by Asheville Creative Arts at 10 a.m. at the Tina McGuire Theatre in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are pay-what-you-wish and are inclusive performances inspired by the shapes and colors of modernist painter, Piet Mondrian, created by Edwin Salas for neurodivergent and neurotypical very young audiences. Visit ashevillecreativearts.org/shows-events/mainstage-shows.

Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

Toddler Time for ages 18 months – 3 years is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Tot Time is 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Asheville Museum of Art. Cost is $10 and includes admission. Free for children younger than 6. Take an Express Tour of the galleries, then go on an adventure with art, music, or storytelling in the museum's interactive Art PLAYce. This program is for children ages 5 and younger and their families or caregivers. Tours will meet in the museum atrium and begin at 11:30 a.m. Arrive no later than 11:25 a.m. to allow enough time to check in. Strollers are welcome, and a limited number of strollers will be available on site for visitor use. Visitors are invited to spend more time exploring Art PLAYce, the galleries and Perspective Cafe after Tot Time concludes at 12:30 p.m. Space is limited; online registration is recommended. Drop-in registration is first come, first served. For details, visit ashevilleart.org/learn/family-programs/tot-time.

St. Gerard House’s 15th Annual First Words of Hope Luncheon, a celebration of 15 years of service to Henderson and surrounding counties, is at 11 a.m. at Blue Ridge Community College, Technology Center and broadcast live online. Its title, First Words of Hope, represents many things. It refers to the organizations’ firm commitment to help individuals with autism reach their highest potential, and pays homage to one of the greatest blessings in their work, the opportunity to witness a child communicate successfully for the first time. This year’s event centers around teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and celebrates St. Gerard House’s 15th Anniversary. All are welcome, tickets are free but registration is required. Watch last year’s presentation video and RSVP online at stgerardhouse.org/events. For more information, visit stgerardhouse.org.

Four O’Clock Club for grades K-5 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Thursday, April 3

“Petit Mondrian” is presented by Asheville Creative Arts at 10 a.m. at the Tina McGuire Theatre in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are pay-what-you-wish and are inclusive performances inspired by the shapes and colors of modernist painter, Piet Mondrian, created by Edwin Salas for neurodivergent and neurotypical very young audiences. Visit ashevillecreativearts.org/shows-events/mainstage-shows.

Friday, April 4

“Petit Mondrian” is presented by Asheville Creative Arts at 10 a.m. at the Tina McGuire Theatre in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are pay-what-you-wish and are inclusive performances inspired by the shapes and colors of modernist painter, Piet Mondrian, created by Edwin Salas for neurodivergent and neurotypical very young audiences. Visit ashevillecreativearts.org/shows-events/mainstage-shows.

Teen Egg Glow Hunt is 6:15 – 8:45 p.m. at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community

Center. Free. Big kids can hunt for eggs and then the fun continues in Shiloh Community Center’s gym for inflatables and pizza. Visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation/program-guide

Saturday, April 5

Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” program allows cardholders free admission to Asheville Museum of Science today. For details, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/arts-and-culture#museums-on-us

“Petit Mondrian” is presented by Asheville Creative Arts at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Tina McGuire Theatre in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are pay-what-you-wish and are inclusive performances inspired by the shapes and colors of modernist painter, Piet Mondrian, created by Edwin Salas for neurodivergent and neurotypical very young audiences. Visit ashevillecreativearts.org/shows-events/mainstage-shows.

The 2025 Asheville Maker Faire is a free event happening from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center at 16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these "makers" to show hobbies, experiments and projects in a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. Visit asheville.makerfaire.com

Slug and Snail Puppet Show is at 10 and 11:45 a.m. at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville. Admission is free. An enchanting and uplifting performance for ages 2 - 8 as Snail and Slug brave a powerful storm together. Along the way, they encounter moments of fear, humor, and courage, ultimately discovering a deep and lasting friendship. The 20-minute show will be followed by a craft activity with the theme of "helpers." Get free tickets from Buncombe Partnership for Children at eventbrite.com/e/slug-and-snail-puppet-show-tickets-1284272185679

Spring Festival is 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Camp Cedar Cliff. This is a free community event with a petting zoo, rock climbing, face painting, carnival games, horseback rides and food available to purchase. Visit campcedarcliff.org/springfestival

Bouncing Books! Music & Movement Story Time is at 11 a.m. at the Ferguson Family YMCA. For details, visit buncombe.librarycalendar.com/event/copy-bouncing-books-music-movement-story-time-6587

Spring Out 2025 is 1 – 7 p.m. at Wedge Brewery. Cycling routes are available for all skill levels. For details, visit ashevilleonbikes.com/events/spring-out

Southern Appalachian Storytelling with Michael Reno Harrell is at 3 p.m. at the Pack Memorial Library. For details and registration, visit buncombe.librarycalendar.com/event/hold-michael-harrell-storyteller-8819

Asheville Junior Theater Presents “Shrek JR.” at 4 p.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Part romance and part reimagining of traditional fairy tales, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. This is a 70-minute version of the Broadway hit, designed for audiences of all ages (with a little potty humor). Visit AshevilleJuniorTheater.com.

Sunday, April 6

Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” program allows cardholders free admission to Asheville Museum of Science today. For details, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/arts-and-culture#museums-on-us

Asheville Junior Theater Presents “Shrek JR.” at 2 and 6 p.m. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Part romance and part reimagining of traditional fairy tales, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. This is a 70-minute version of the Broadway hit, designed for audiences of all ages (with a little potty humor). Visit AshevilleJuniorTheater.com.

“Petit Mondrian” is presented by Asheville Creative Arts at 3 p.m. at the Tina McGuire Theatre in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are pay-what-you-wish and are inclusive performances inspired by the shapes and colors of modernist painter, Piet Mondrian, created by Edwin Salas for neurodivergent and neurotypical very young audiences. Visit ashevillecreativearts.org/shows-events/mainstage-shows.

Monday, April 7

Tuesday, April 8

Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5 is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Tiny Tots Yoga is at 11 a.m. at the Swannanoa Library. Register online. Visit buncombe.librarycalendar.com/event/copy-tiny-tots-yoga-6830.

Teen Craft Time is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Teens in grades 6-12 can celebrate National Library Week by making a tiny library. All materials will be provided while supplies last. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

The Asheville Tourists play at 6:35 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

Wednesday, April 9

“Petit Mondrian” is presented by Asheville Creative Arts at 10 a.m. at the Tina McGuire Theatre in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are pay-what-you-wish and are inclusive performances inspired by the shapes and colors of modernist painter, Piet Mondrian, created by Edwin Salas for neurodivergent and neurotypical very young audiences. Visit ashevillecreativearts.org/shows-events/mainstage-shows.

Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

Toddler Time for ages 18 months – 3 years is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Four O’Clock Club for grades K-5 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

The Asheville Tourists play at 6:35 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

Thursday, April 10

“Petit Mondrian” is presented by Asheville Creative Arts at 10 a.m. at the Tina McGuire Theatre in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are pay-what-you-wish and are inclusive performances inspired by the shapes and colors of modernist painter, Piet Mondrian, created by Edwin Salas for neurodivergent and neurotypical very young audiences. Visit ashevillecreativearts.org/shows-events/mainstage-shows.

Asheville-Creative-Arts-Petit-Mondrian

Kolo Bike Park – $5 after 5 Thursdays. Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays starting at 5 p.m. for $5. (Rentals are available for an extra charge.) Call 828-225-2921 for conditions. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.

The Asheville Tourists play at 6:35 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

Friday, April 11

“Petit Mondrian” is presented by Asheville Creative Arts at 10 a.m. at the Tina McGuire Theatre in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are pay-what-you-wish and are inclusive performances inspired by the shapes and colors of modernist painter, Piet Mondrian, created by Edwin Salas for neurodivergent and neurotypical very young audiences. Visit ashevillecreativearts.org/shows-events/mainstage-shows.

After School Art Experience: Amate – Mexican Art Form is at 3:30 p.m. at the Fairview Library. Ages 6 – 12. This is not a drop off event. For details, visit buncombe.librarycalendar.com/event/after-school-art-experience-6692

The Asheville Tourists play at 6:35 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

“Into the Woods” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

“Seussical Jr.” is presented at by the Homeschool Academy at Asheville Performing Arts Academy. For details, visit theapaa.com

Saturday, April 12

“Petit Mondrian” is presented by Asheville Creative Arts at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Tina McGuire Theatre in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are pay-what-you-wish and are inclusive performances inspired by the shapes and colors of modernist painter, Piet Mondrian, created by Edwin Salas for neurodivergent and neurotypical very young audiences. Visit ashevillecreativearts.org/shows-events/mainstage-shows.

Asheville Parks & Recreation brings Truck City AVL to Tanger Outlets Asheville from 1 – 4 p.m. This community event is open to the public and free to attend. Kids (and adults) can sit in, explore, touch, and ask questions about their favorite trucks and cars – from rescue vehicles and public works equipment to utility tractors and construction machines and more. A quiet hour (no horn honking) is scheduled from 1 – 2 p.m. to provide a positive experience for those with sensory considerations. Visit ashevillenc.gov/department/parks-recreation

Makerspace is 1 – 4 p.m. at Asheville Art Museum. Free for members or included with museum admission. Registration is not required. This is a drop-in art activity led by museum staff. Participants will be invited to create an artwork of their own inspired by on-view exhibitions. For details, visit ashevilleart.org/learn/family-programs/makerspace.

“Seussical Jr.” is presented at by the Homeschool Academy at Asheville Performing Arts Academy. For details, visit theapaa.com

“Into the Woods” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

The Asheville Tourists play at 6:05 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

Sunday, April 13

2025 Easter Egg Hunt at the Farm is at Montgomery Sky Farm. Sessions are noon – 2 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m. For details and registration, visit montgomeryskyfarm.myshopify.com/products/2025-easter-egg-hunt-at-the-farm

The Asheville Tourists play at 1:05 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

“Into the Woods” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

“Petit Mondrian” is presented by Asheville Creative Arts at 3 p.m. at the Tina McGuire Theatre in the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are pay-what-you-wish and are inclusive performances inspired by the shapes and colors of modernist painter, Piet Mondrian, created by Edwin Salas for neurodivergent and neurotypical very young audiences. Visit ashevillecreativearts.org/shows-events/mainstage-shows.

Monday, April 14

Garden Hour is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Children and families are invited. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Tuesday, April 15

Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5 is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Wednesday, April 16

Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

Toddler Time for ages 18 months – 3 years is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Coding with littleBits is at 3:30 at the Canton Library. Create a fun group project using circuits and coding. For ages 8 – 13. Visit ncsciencefestival.org/events/coding-littlebits

Four O’Clock Club for grades K-5 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Thursday, April 17

Kolo Bike Park – $5 after 5 Thursdays. Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays starting at 5 p.m. for $5. (Rentals are available for an extra charge.) Call 828-225-2921 for conditions. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.

“Into the Woods” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Friday, April 18

“Into the Woods” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Saturday, April 19

“Into the Woods” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Sunday, April 20

Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt at The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville is 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The egg hunt starts at 2 p.m. Reservations are required. $85 each for adults, $50 each for ages 3-12. Visit thehorseshoefarm.com/upcoming-events/easter-brunch-at-the-silo-cookhouse

Easter at The Horse Shoe Farm

“Into the Woods” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Monday, April 21

Asheville Community Theatre presents “Charlotte’s Web” as part of its Student Matinee series at 9 a.m. and noon. Join Wilbur and Fern down on the farm, and witness this touching children’s classic in a reader’s theatre production. For more details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org

Tuesday, April 22

Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5 is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Tiny Tots Yoga is at 11 a.m. at the Swannanoa Library. Register online. Visit buncombe.librarycalendar.com/event/copy-tiny-tots-yoga-6831.

Make Earth Day Dirt Cups at 3:30 at the Canton Library. Learn more about earthworms and earth day while making your own Earth Day Dirt Pudding. For ages 5-11. To register, email Ashlyn Godleski at ashlyn.godleski@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828-356-2567. Visit ncsciencefestival.org/events/earth-day-dirt-cups

St. Gerard House will host a Family Group Night from 5 – 7 p.m. in Hendersonville. The evening includes complimentary childcare and dinner. Register at stgerardhouse.org/familygroupnight.

The Asheville Tourists play at 6:35 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

Wednesday, April 23

Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

Toddler Time for ages 18 months – 3 years is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Four O’Clock Club for grades K-5 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

The Asheville Tourists play at 6:35 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

Thursday, April 24

Kolo Bike Park – $5 after 5 Thursdays. Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays starting at 5 p.m. for $5. (Rentals are available for an extra charge.) Call 828-225-2921 for conditions. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.

The Asheville Tourists play at 6:35 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

Friday, April 25

After School Art Experience: Cubism is at 3:30 p.m. at the Fairview Library. Ages 6 – 12. This is not a drop off event. For details, visit buncombe.librarycalendar.com/event/after-school-art-experience-6693.

The Asheville Tourists play at 6:35 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

“Into the Woods” is presented at 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Saturday, April 26

Parents and kids are invited to a free Family Bootcamp 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Reuter Family Y. Children ages 5 and older are welcome. This class is open to the public. Visit ymcawnc.org/schedules/events/family-bootcamp-2

Mountain Science Expo is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the NC Arboretum. This is a free STEM-oriented science festival where you can interact with scientists, explore nature, and grow your curiosity. For details, visit ncarboretum.org/event/mountain-science-expo-2025.

probing ice orb

Celebrate Healthy Kids Day from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion, with games, activities, group exercise class demonstrations, healthy snacks, contests and prizes, more than 25 local vendor and community partner booths and much more. For details, visit ymcawnc.org/healthykidsday

Get in Gear Fest is noon – 5 p.m. at the Adventure Center of Asheville. This free festival showcases the Outdoor Industry Hub of the East with demos, sales, discounts and giveaways. Enjoy local food and beverages. ACA will offer family activities. High adventure activities will also be available at regular price: Asheville Ziplines, Asheville Treetops Adventure Park, KidZip, Kolo Bike Park. All proceeds from the ACA activities will benefit Camp Lakey Gap Autism Programs. For more information and to book a high adventure activity, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/get-in-gear-festival.

Sounds of Nature - Kids' Music Day is 1 – 4 p.m. in the Williams Outdoor Learning Space at Grandfather Mountain. For details, visit facebook.com/events/1068430021715260/#

“Into the Woods” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Spring Fling Kids’ Night Out is 6 – 10 p.m. at Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts. It features crafts, games, a movie and pizza. For elementary ages. Open to the public. Register online at martialartsasheville.com/kids-night-out-2.

The Asheville Tourists play at 6:05 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

Sunday, April 27

The Asheville Tourists play at 1:05 p.m. at McCormick Field. For details, visit milb.com/asheville

“Into the Woods” is presented at 2:30 p.m. at Asheville Community Theatre. For tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

Monday, April 28

Tuesday, April 29

Preschool Story Time for ages 3-5 is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Asheville Community Theatre presents “Fairy Tales & Fables” as part of its Student Matinee series at 9 a.m. and noon. Help the Princess discover how she can be a good leader through classic stories you know and love in this live action, musical event. For more details and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org

Wednesday, April 30

Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

Toddler Time for ages 18 months – 3 years is at 10:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Four O’Clock Club for grades K-5 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Call 828-697-4725 for details or visit hendersoncountync.gov/library

Thursday, May 1

Kolo Bike Park – $5 after 5 Thursdays. Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays starting at 5 p.m. for $5. (Rentals are available for an extra charge.) Call 828-225-2921 for conditions. Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.

Celebrate the Arts

It’s Me! –  Asheville Creative Arts After School Classes in Visual and Performing Arts continue through April 3 for grades K – 2 and April 7 – 10 for grades 3 – 6 (all classes 3:30 - 5 p.m.) at Story Parlor in West Asheville. Celebrating identity and how you can be the hero in your own story (bilingual), led by teaching artist Fede Collina with guest teaching artists each session. Classes are pay-what-you-wish, sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. Visit ashevillecreativearts.org

Kids Art + Design Spring Class Series is 4 – 5:15 p.m. Wednesdays, April 2, 9, 23 and May 7 at Ginger Huebner’s Studio at the R+W Creative Campus. Ages 5 – 10. Small scale classes will explore drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media in various scales each class. Classes are limited to 8 students. The cost is $220 per monthly class series. All materials included. Submit payment AND this fill out this Google Form. For details and registration, visit gingerhuebner.com/art-education

Enjoy Story Time, Family Fun and More

American Sign Language for Beginners starts April 1 at the Henderson County Main Library. This six week series will start on April 1 and run each Tuesday from 4 – 5 p.m. This class will be an introduction to American Sign Language for students in grades 3-6 taught by an instructor from Blue Ridge Community College. The program is free. Registration is required. Sign up online at hendersoncountync.gov/library or call 828-697-4725.

Buncombe County 4-H offers free and low cost programs for youth ages 5-18. Exploring 4-H Club meets once per month. At each club meeting, youth will explore a different 4-H topic, including STEM, cooking & nutrition, outdoor activities and more. For details, visit buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/buncombe-county-4-h-information. Summer camp programs are also available. Visit go.ncsu.edu/2025summerfun for more information.

Spring Break Camp at the Asheville Y and Reuter Family Y offers a variety of engaging activities designed to keep kids entertained, active, and learning throughout the break. Camp is for ages 3-5 and open to all. Learn more and register here

Spring Break Backpacking Adventure is April 14 – 18 from YMCA of WNC. Grades 6 –8. Adventurers will be led on a hiking and camping expedition on the Appalachian Trail. The trip starts at Beaverdam Youth Services in Asheville and ends at YMCA Camp Watia near Bryson City. Participants are expected to bring (and carry during the hike) a large backpack for all of their supplies, boots, non-denim pants, two 32 oz. water bottles and a rain layer. Digital tech like phones and smart watches should be left home, however disposable cameras are encouraged. A complete packing list will be sent to registered participants. Register online at ymcacampwatia.org/about/dates-rates or contact the YMCA business office at 828-251-5910.

Spring Break Camp for ages 8 – 11 is April 14 – 18 at Adventure Center of Asheville. The cost is $350per week. Spring Break Day Camp offers a mix of outdoor adventures such as Treetops Adventure Park, Ziplining, and mountain biking at Kolo Bike Park. Campers will spend their days participating in facilitated activities like field games, outdoor education such as forest walks and shelter building, and creative learning led by staff. Camp is 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, pick up starting at 3:30 p.m. with optional late pick up until 5 p.m. for $10 per day per person. American Camp Association accredited. Reservations are required. Call 828-225-2921 or visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/camps.

Homeschool Group Field Trip Discounts, Weekdays April 23 – May 30 at Adventure Center of Asheville – Choose one or more adventure activities for ages 4 and older: Asheville Treetops Adventure Park (ages 4+), KidZip (ages 4-10), Kolo Bike Park (all ages who can ride a mountain bike). Reservations are required. Call 828-225-2921 or visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/groups/home-school-discount-days.

Parents Night Out – The Y offers several fun, affordable, and entertaining childcare options, including Kids Club, Parents Night Out, and Parents Morning Out. Drop-off childcare is open to the public. Click here to learn more and find your program.

Winchester Creek Farm offers tours of a 20-acre property where visitors have the opportunity to meet some of the animals such as alpacas, mini horses, donkeys and cows that make up their family. 

Wheels Through Time opens for the season in April and invites families to explore its expansive collection of more than 350 American motorcycles, vehicles and rare memorabilia.

YMCA Camp Watia Family Camp is May 16-18. Family members ages 6 and older can participate in camp activities, including climbing, adventure course, mountain biking, archery, fishing, waterslide, paddleboarding, swimming, songs and games, campfires and more. For full details and registration information, visitymcacampwatia.org/about/family-camp.

Story Time is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the Columbus Library. This program is designed for ages 2-5 and features books, songs, and a fun craft or activity. Visit polklibrary.org

Story Times are offered at Henderson County Public Libraries. Get full details at hendersoncountync.gov/library.

  • Mills River and Edneyville (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Mondays 
  • Etowah (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Tuesdays
  • Preschool story time at Main (ages 3 – 5) – 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays
  • Fletcher (families welcome) and Toddler Time at Main (ages 18 months – 3) – 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays 
  • Green River (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Thursdays
  • Music and Movement at Main (families welcome) – 10:30 a.m. Thursdays
  • Bouncing Babies at Main (ages birth – 18 months with a caregiver) – 11:15 a.m. Thursdays

Story times are offered at Buncombe County Libraries. Get full details at buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/services/story-times.aspx

Baby Story Time – ages 4 – 18 months:

  • Oakley/South Asheville Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.
  • Leicester Library – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
  • Weaverville Library – Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

Toddler Story Time – ages 18 months – 3 years:

  • North Asheville Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.
  • Fairview Library and Leicester Library – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
  • Enka-Candler Library – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Preschool Story Time – ages 3 – 5 years: 

  • East Asheville Library and West Asheville Library – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
  • Swannanoa Library – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
  • Fairview Library – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
  • Black Mountain Library and Weaverville Library – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
  • Pack Memorial Library – Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.

Hora Del Cuento/Story Time

  • Skyland/South Buncombe Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.
  • Oakley/South Asheville Library – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn 5 years old, creating a home library of up to 60 books and instilling a love of books and reading. For details and registration, visit imaginationlibrary.com

Nantahala Outdoor Center offers adventure trips. For details, visit noc.com

Support and Connection

Babies Need Bottoms Diaper Bank: If your family needs diapers, call 2-1-1 for assistance with this and other resources. To help end diaper need in WNC, Babies Need Bottoms need volunteers to prepare diaper bundles, pick up from collection boxes, host diaper drives and more. Do you have leftover diapers? Donate them in collection boxes. Learn more at babiesneedbottoms.org

Supporting youth mental health – The Y offers free, two-day Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) trainings every month. These trainings help to equip family members, caregivers, teachers, and other caring citizens with tools to build resilience, foster meaningful connections, and support mental health in our community. Find training dates here.

Free food distribution – The YMCA of Western North Carolina distributes free, fresh produce and practical cooking tips at mobile food markets each month. All are welcome, no questions asked. Click here to learn more and find this month’s schedules.

Community Connections: Free Parenting Resource meets each month at We Rock the Spectrum Asheville. Ask questions, talk and build community. For challenges with toddlerhood, potty training, socialization, school or learning, challenging behaviors, wanting to increase connectivity to others, and experiences, supporting meaningful communication, etc. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4na43kcp.

Perinatal Loss Support Group – Homegrown Families Perinatal Bereavement Parent Support Group is for families who have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. For details, visit ashevillehomegrownfamilies.com

The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is an evidence-based program that gives parents confidence and in turn, helps them raise confident children. Local parents and caregivers have access to this free, positive parenting course online. Access Triple P resources at triplepwnc.com or triplep-parenting.com. 

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