Family Friendly

Hendersonville.com’s family friendly calendar is a community hub for all types of kid and family-friendly events and activities in Hendersonville, NC.

April 2024 Apr 2024
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Saturday, April 27, 2024
BRING ON SPRING w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Apr 27 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 
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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors Sports
Membership swap program with the WNC Nature Center
Apr 27 – Apr 30 all-day
Asheville Art Museum

April 1—30, 2024

Get ready to embark on an exciting journey this April with our exclusive Membership swap program in collaboration with the WNC Nature Center! As valued Members of the Asheville Art Museum, we’re thrilled to offer you complimentary daily admission to the WNC Nature Center throughout the month of April for up to 2 adults and 4 children—immerse yourself in art and nature at your leisure!

Here are the details:

  • Enjoy free daily admission for the number of individuals covered by your Membership, up to 2 adults and 4 children.
  • Please note that this offer excludes special events and education programs.
  • To gain admission, simply present your valid Membership card along with a valid ID.

But wait, there’s more! As part of this special partnership, Asheville Art Museum Members who decide to join the WNC Nature Center in April will receive an exclusive 10% discount on an Individual, Dual, Family, or FamilyPLUS 1-year Membership.  Memberships must be purchased in person at the WNC Nature Center.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore both art and nature with ease. Mark your calendars and make the most of your Membership benefits this April!
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Categories: Community Family Fun
Mile High Swinging Bridge
Apr 27 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

One of the top highlights and memories of visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park is walking across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since 1952, visitors have “oohed” and “aahed” at the bridge’s 360-degree panoramic views. America’s highest suspension footbridge gives easy access to the spectacular views atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.

The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation (hence the name!). To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, drive the two-mile, winding scenic road up the mountain to the summit parking area by the Top Shop. Climb 50 stairs adjacent to the parking area or inside the Top Shop to reach the short pathway to the bridge. Also, an elevator in the Top Shop takes you to the third floor for a level walk to the bridge.

Top Shop

Located adjacent to the Bridge, the Top Shop features a gift shop, snacks, restrooms, elevator and second-floor exhibition area. Also get the latest park information and trail maps. Read more.

Accessibility

Inside the Top Shop, an elevator makes the Mile High Swinging Bridge accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs. From the Top Shop, there is a paved 50-yard path to the bridge. Read more about our accessibility.

Tickets & Hours

Walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is included in your Grandfather Mountain admission ticket that includes many other things to do in our nature park. Buy tickets online and book a reservation time to enter the park. You do not need a separate reservation for the bridge. It’s open, weather permitting, every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See hours.

More to Explore

Before or after visiting the Mile High Swinging Bridge, allow time to enjoy other parts of the mountain: wildlife habitats, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, restaurant, hiking trails, roadside overlooks, picnic areas and more. See more Things to Do.

Nearby Hiking Trails

Trailheads to many of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails are located near the Swinging Bridge. In fact, the 0.4 mile Bridge Trail takes you beneath the bridge, starting from the Black Rock parking area just below the summit. For details on our nearby trails, go to our Hiking Guide.

Bridge Tips & Tidbits

  • Does it really swing? Very little — unlike the original one. Today’s bridge is made of steel and reinforced with cables and springs. It has railings on the sides to ensure safety.
  • We suggest you wear rubber-soled shoes and walk with care when crossing the rocks on the far side of the bridge.
  • If heights give you pause, you can still enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain views from the ground before you reach the bridge and even from the parking area.
  • Due to periodic extreme weather conditions at the bridge, it closes when there is area lightning, high wind or icy conditions.
  • The official U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station atop the Mile High Swinging Bridge has provided daily weather observations since 1955. The temperature is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in the flatlands you see below. It’s also one of the windiest locations in North Carolina, with a 124-mph record set in winter 2019. Learn more about our weather.
  • Pets are allowed on the bridge if well behaved and on a leash.
  • Photographs and videos to remember your visit are encouraged. Be mindful of sharp drop-offs along the Linville Peak ridge. Drones are not allowed. See our photography policies.
  • The Singing Bridge? When the wind blows, the Mile High Swinging Bridge “sings” in the same way as a harmonica.
  • In April through October, join Grandfather’s expert naturalists by the Bridge for Interpretive Talks about the our unique weather, climate, flora and fauna. Read more.
  • Need driving directions? The address for Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate is 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps). There are no shuttles, so you must have your own vehicle to explore our nature park. No RVs longer than 28 feet in length or hinged vehicles are allowed through the Entrance Gate. See detailed directions.
  • To see much more info, see our Plan Your Visit section.

Mile High Swinging Bridge History

Former North Carolina Tourism Director Charles J. Parker coined the name “Mile High Swinging Bridge” at the Bridge’s dedication in 1952. The term “mile high” refers to the structure’s elevation above sea level (5,280 feet). The term “swinging” refers to the fact that suspension bridges are free to sway.

The original 1952 bridge was designed by Charles Hartmann Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. It was fabricated in Greensboro and then reassembled on top of the Mountain. Erecting the bridge took three weeks, a process slowed by inclement weather created by a hurricane off the North Carolina coast. Cost was $15,000. It was dedicated on Sept. 2, 1952 by North Carolina Gov. William B. Umstead.

The bridge was rebuilt in 1999 using the original towers. The cables, floor boards and side rails were all replaced using galvanized steel. One of the main advantages of the modern building materials is that they do not have to be painted. Now, Grandfather Mountain employees will not have to hang out over the gorge to paint the span. It was redesigned by Sutton, Kennerly & Associates Engineering of Asheville, N.C., and rebuilt by Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville. The cost of rebuilding was $300,000.

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Park Pavilion Reservations Open
Apr 27 all-day
online

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software

We have launched a new park pavilion reservation software system where park users can seamlessly book park shelters and fields from the comfort of their home. In order to book a park pavilion or field, go to www.buncombecounty.org/parks and click the “Reserve & Register” button. Click here to view a tutorial on how to book a park pavilion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGOrpvY75Xk
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Categories: Parks & Recreation
Raft + Rail A Fully Guided Experience
Apr 27 all-day
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8-mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot. Available April–October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. 2024 bookings starting soon!

Ticket fares subject to 7% Historic Preservation Fee and 7% North Carolina sales tax. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. We guarantee the class of service you select. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Payment in full at booking by major credit card is required to finalize a reservation. You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure, except The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.

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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Apr 27 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

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Categories: Family Fun Hike Hiking Outdoors
2024 Mountain Science Expo
Apr 27 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Mountain Science Expo 2024

Join us for a free STEM-oriented science festival where you can interact with scientists, explore nature, and grow your curiosity!

The Mountain Science Expo is a part of the larger NC Science Festival, a state-wide and month-long event dedicated to celebrating the impact of science educationally, culturally, and economically on our state. The NC Science Festival and the Mountain Science Expo hope to inspire children to pursue—and adults to support—the sciences, such that North Carolina can lead the country and the world as a place of innovation and learning. This year’s theme, in fact, is “State of Innovation,” highlighting how science is being driven forward within North Carolina.

Exhibitors

Through the Mountain Science Expo, we aim to support STEM education by providing an opportunity for all ages to interact with scientists and science educators in a hands-on and wonder-filled environment. Participating exhibitors include:

  • ecoEXPLORE
  • Project Explore
  • The National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI)
  • The North Carolina Department of Air Quality (NCDAQ)
  • The WNC Nature Center
  • UNCA STEAM Labs
  • The Highlands Biological Foundation
  • The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS)
  • The Cradle of Forestry
  • And more!

Native Azalea Day

Participants in the 2024 Mountain Science Expo will also have the opportunity to visit the North Carolina Arboretum’s Azalea Collections for a special Native Azalea Day event. This event will feature additional exhibitors, including local horticultural organizations, artists, and ecoEXPLORE educators. The Azalea Collections are remote and normally only accessible by trail. Access to them for the event will be eased via ADA accessible vans.

Golden Tickets

Kids can get special Golden Tickets! Simply check out a science book from your local library, and you’ll receive a Golden Ticket good for free parking the day of the event.

 

There is no additional cost to attend Mountain Science Expo beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry).

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Categories: Community Education Family Fun
Tuckasegee River Excursion
Apr 27 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Ride this excursion via Steam or Diesel locomotive power!

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our First Class dining menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Itinerary

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 45m Reach top of the line
2h 00m Begin return
2h 30m—3h 30m Layover
3h 30m Depart Layover
4h 30m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity
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Categories: Family Fun Outdoors
Yala Cultural Tour
Apr 27 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.

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Categories: Community Education Family Fun Music Tours
Yala Cultural Tour + Drum Workshop
Apr 27 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
Stay for an all-ages Drum Workshop, no experience necessary.
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Categories: Family Fun Music
Concert – Sing Out The Vote 2024
Apr 27 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Burning Blush Brewery

The goal of this event is to build bridges and celebrate the common ground we all share in our beautiful county and community.
Live music and poetry performances.

Appearances by state party chair Anderson Clayton and several North Carolina candidates.

Fun for the whole family!

$20 admission.

$10 for students.

Kids 16 and under free.

All funds raised will help get voters to the polls in November 2024!

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Categories: Benefit Family Fun Music
Eyes on the Solar System
Apr 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Fairview Library

Students will live a day in the life of our solar system through interactive play and inquiry-based exploration with our inflatable planetarium.  They will take ownership over research and practice science communication through group sharing.
Ages 8-15

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Categories: Education Family Fun
The Pirate and The Princess
Apr 27 @ 1:00 pm
Gunter Theatre

During his days in middle school, Roger’s favorite pastime is to daydream about life as a pirate. One day during history class, Roger notices outside that his crush, Lila, has gotten caught in a nasty storm that came out of nowhere. Roger’s knowledge of the confidence and bravery it takes to be a pirate leads him to run out and save her. The storm gets the best of him though, and he collapses on the ground. When he wakes up, he finds himself on a beach. Confused as to why he is here, he begins to investigate. He notices he is surrounded by people who an evil ruler seemingly leads.

Interestingly enough, this ruler looks a lot like his middle school principal. Still trying to grasp what is happening around him, he notices Lila has become a princess and has been captured by the evil ruler. He decides to try and rescue her and everyone under his rule. Suddenly, another storm breaks, and Roger finds himself once again back in his classroom. Confused by all that has happened, he wonders if it was all just a dream or if he really was a pirate saving his princess.

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Categories: Dance Family Fun Theatre
Spring Out
Apr 27 @ 1:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Wedge at Foundation

Spring Out Event Schedule

1:30pm – 5pm: Pop-Up Bike Park

2:30pm – 3pm: Ride gathers

3pm: Ride departs

4pm – 5pm: Staggered return to Wedge

5pm – 7pm: Continued bicycle frolic

Ride Routes

See and Download all Spring Out 2024 Routes

  1. Ride More – 15 miles that includes the Cruiser and Main Ride plus a climb up Beaucater and a roll along the old logging road.
  2. Main Ride – 9 miles that include the Cruiser plus a climb into downtown Asheville and around Pritchard Park before heading back to the River Arts District.
  3. Cruiser – 4 mile ride featuring the Wilma Dykeman Greenway and highlighting the best in flatness that Asheville has to offer.

Download and enjoy past Spring Out and Bike of the Irish routes. These routes are great ways to enjoy Asheville, NC on a bike.

Support & Sponsor

Are you interested in joining AoB as a sponsor in 2024? If so, lets talk. Fill out the form and we’ll connect with you.

Sponsorship Form

Calling Volunteers

There are many ways to support the Spring Out ride. If you’d like to show your support by volunteering at the event fill out the form. We’d love to have you!

Volunteer Form

We can’t wait to see you at Spring Out!

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Categories: Community Family Fun Outdoors Sports
Peter Pan
Apr 27 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland”. PETER PANembraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!

Peter Pan‘s run time is 2 hours including intermission.

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Categories: Family Fun Theatre
Wofford Terriers vs Western Carolina University
Apr 27 @ 2:00 pm
Russell C. King Field

Follow the Terriers on Twitter at @WoffordBaseball

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Categories: Family Fun Sports
Matilda: The Musical
Apr 27 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Matilda: The Musical, a delightfully imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. This Tony Award-winning musical weaves the story of Matilda, a young girl with a sharp wit, unbounded imagination, and psychokinetic powers. Despite the indifference of her shallow parents and the tyranny of the oppressive headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers the strength within herself to change her story. Infused with dark humor, whimsical storytelling, and dazzling performances, Matilda: The Musical is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and the transformative magic of learning. A must-see for audiences of all ages who love heartwarming tales of triumph against all odds.

A talkback with the cast & crew of Matilda: The Musical will be held following the performances on April 14th and 21st.

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Categories: Family Fun Music Theatre
Scribblers Studio: Writing Lab for Tweens
Apr 27 @ 4:15 pm – May 23 @ 5:30 pm
Story Parlor

Led by a certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea, this 6-week series workshop gives space for young folks’ imaginations to run wild, turning anything and everything into an opportunity for storytelling! Students ages 11-14 will dive into their own worlds, build their own imaginations, and creating their own stories through a smorgasbord of storytelling forms. In this class, we’re putting creative power back in the hands of the budding creative both individually and as a group. What kind of wildernesses can we construct and discover?

At the end of the day, we’re exploring various forms of writing, infusing imagination into our stories, and we’re building trust and confidence in young creatives. No homework necessary!

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Categories: Family Fun Workshops
Crafting with Cricut
Apr 27 @ 6:00 pm – May 8 @ 8:00 pm
Stephens-Lee Community Center

Make a new craft each month using your Cricut!
$20 per session, pay instructor at each class
For more information, call 828-350-2058 or email [email protected]

Cricut Kickstart Workshop
Session A: January 10, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by January 3
Session B: April 10, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by April 3
Get your feet wet in the world of all things Cricut as we chat about different machines and their best uses, and tackle the basics of the software, with lots of time for questions. You’ll create your own vinyl design to transfer on to a provided coffee mug.

Valentine’s Day Cards
February 7, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by January 31
Learn how to use your Cricut to make personalized cards. Even if you’re new, you’ll leave with an awesome card in hand.

Easter Banners
March 6, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by February 28
Dive into crafting a cute seasonal banner using the trusty Cricut, twine, and good ol’ clothing pins. We’ll cut out sweet egg shapes and string them up with twine, giving you the perfect excuse to showcase your handmade charm.

Crafting in Progress Sign
May 8, advance registration at AVLREC.com required by May 1
Craft a personalized sign proudly declaring that you’re “Crafting in Progress!” A cute loading bar adds a touch of whimsy as a fun nod to the crafting journey.

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Categories: Art & Craft Parks & Recreation
Peter Pan
Apr 27 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland”. PETER PANembraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!

Peter Pan‘s run time is 2 hours including intermission.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Theatre