A Cheaper, More Fun Alternative to Theme Parks

Sometimes good old-fashioned fun is the best kind of fun.

Western North Carolina is ready for you! After Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024, the famously spectacular mountain region has come back stronger than ever and wants you and your family to experience all its good-time glory. We’re talking all the things your family loves about major theme parks: train rides, chocolate shops, roller coasters, gourmet dining, and personalized kids’ accommodations. There are no characters in costume, but, hey, there is actual wildlife. That’s right, kids, bona fide nature! Western North Carolina offers plenty of family fun in a majestic natural setting (right at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!)–at a fraction of the cost (and stress) of a typical theme resort. 

A four- to five-night stay at a Disney theme park and resort will run a family of four around $6,000 – $9,000. This trip would hardly cost half that if you did everything last-minute and super first class. Here’s how to do it.

Asheville

Asheville has something for everyone–gorgeous nature with a crunchy cosmopolitan vibe. Want to camp, fish, hike, and kayak? No problem. Prefer upscale dining and shopping? There’s that too. Want cultural experiences and museums? Check, check! Asheville has all this and more with a focus on family fun. 

For the kids: Don’t miss the Pinball Museum. A flat fee gets you all-you-can-play access, but the real gem is two rooms of vintage arcade games. You can finally beat Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles like you’ve always set out to do (with an adult beverage to boot). If all that memorabilia has you feeling nostalgic, hit up Orbit DVD for the finest movie and video game selections this side of the century. Take a short walk over to the House of Black Cat Magic Cat Cafe and pet the sweet kitties. Get outside to enjoy the gorgeous gardens and trails of Western NC at the North Carolina Arboretum.  

1. The Moogseum2. French Broad Chocolate Factory 3. The Pinball MuseumSavannah Bockus; Fiasco Media Explore Asheville; Jason Tarr

Wanna be your kid’s hero? Take them on the factory tour at French Broad Chocolate Factory and Cafe, and don’t skimp on the hot chocolate and brownies. After that, visit The Moogseum, an immersive, interactive, under-the-radar museum celebrating synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog’s incredible vision (and sounds). Plunk around on keyboards, synthesizers, and theremins until you get hungry for Asian (hit up Jazmin) or Mexican (try Xico). And whatever you do, eat breakfast in this town: Butterpunk and All Day Darling are do-not-misses. Need a treat along the way? Pop into Loft for all your souvenir and toy needs–it’s just an absolute joy to browse.

Ditch the tablets and keep it kitchy at Asheville’s Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins, complete with record player and board games. It’s right on the river and offers a true glamping experience that makes even indoor kids feel comfortable. 

Bryson City

There’s a reason there are so many children’s stories about trains: because kids friggin’ love them. Now’s your chance to take your kid on a real-life Polar Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Tuckasegee River Excursion out of Bryson City.

Great Smoky Mountains RailroadCourtesy of Visit NC

The ride takes you through incredible scenic vistas, and the down-to-earth tour guides, music buskers, and bar cart create a trivia night atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. If you think that’s impressive, wait till you get into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is America’s most popular park for a reason. Hike trails to incredible waterfalls, spot for elk and bears, tube and swim in rivers, horseback ride, or fly fish – there’s tons to enjoy in a pristine natural setting. 

Long View Resort and Spa is the stunningly chic mountain getaway you’ve been dreaming of. Do not miss the outstanding homemade breakfasts – no continental schlock here. 

Highlands

Where adventure becomes extreme(ish): In the winter, strap on your snowsuits for Highlands Outpost and get ready for unlimited snow tubing, easily accessible and wholesome fun for everyone. There’s also ice skating, gem mining, and North Carolina’s finest and longest roller coaster, the Scaly Mountain Screamer. You can spend the whole day here, but you’ll want to grab lunch down the road at Highlands Smokehouse–possibly the finest barbecue joint in North Carolina, with plenty of homemade sauces for the connoisseurs–and get back out there.

1. Dry Falls 2. Highlands Aerial ParkCourtesy of Visit NC

In the warmer months, hit up Highlands Aerial Park, where the whole family can test their courage on a zipline tour through the forest canopy. Kids will love the adventure course (where they can show off their bravery and teamwork), and parents will love the options for UTV tours, golf, and hiking, too. Don’t miss the region’s gorgeous scenery at Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls. 

Trailborn sure treats kids like VIPs, with pop-up tents, s’mores kits, and teddy bears awaiting your sleepover. Its prime location in town makes it walking distance to shops and restaurants, but cozily tucked away in a natural setting.