Asheville has long been known as a playground for adults — craft breweries, a booming cuisine scene, artsy shops, live music, and funky vibes everywhere. But what about the kids? Families visiting (or living here) often find the options for children and teens a little… limited.
If you remember Fun Depot, you know what we mean. It used to be the spot — mini golf, go-karts, climbing walls, arcade games, laser tag, even a fun place for a teen date night. Our family made countless memories there. But when it closed, Asheville lost its primary hub for kid-friendly fun.
Sure, there’s still Chuck E. Cheese, but by the time kids hit 10, they’ve outgrown the pizza-and-tokens phase. From there? It’s either a long drive out to Franklin, NC to the Fun Factory… or bust. Instead, we’re left with kids on brewery dance floors at midnight, which isn’t exactly ideal family entertainment.
So what could Asheville do? Here are three proven family attractions that could change the game:
Located in both Georgia and Florida, Andretti Thrill Park is a family entertainment complex featuring multiple go-kart tracks, mini-golf, laser tag, arcade games, and even virtual reality attractions. It’s all about speed, thrills, and excitement for both kids and adults.
✅ Feels the most feasible for Asheville — it’s compact, fun-focused, and a true “something for everyone” model.
A name every parent knows, Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor waterpark resort with family-friendly lodging, themed restaurants, arcades, and activities for kids of all ages. It’s like a vacation destination under one roof.
✅ Imagine something like this in Asheville — lodging + water fun + games. It would fit perfectly into our tourism scene, offering families a year-round escape.
Just over the mountain in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is already one of America’s top family theme parks. With roller coasters, live music, shows, water rides, and Dolly Parton’s signature touch of charm, it’s a massive draw.
✅ While Asheville might not need a full-sized Dollywood, a “mini Dollywood” could combine rides, entertainment, and local culture into something unforgettable for families.
Asheville: Let’s Do It for the Kids!
Asheville has done a phenomenal job catering to adults — but families deserve more. We need a new place where kids, teens, and parents can all have fun together. Whether it’s an Andretti Thrill Park, a Great Wolf Lodge, or something uniquely Asheville, the time has come to invest in family entertainment.
Let’s give kids more than brewery dance floors and pizza tokens. Let’s give them memories, adventure, and a reason to love Asheville as much as we do.
👉 What do you think Asheville needs most for kids?
At G Social Media, we believe stories like this matter — because they shine a light on what communities need most. Just like Asheville families are asking for more kid-friendly spaces, your business needs visibility in the right spaces too. We help local brands spark conversations, build connections, and turn community energy into real growth. From creative campaigns to consistent storytelling, we’re here to put your business on the map — and keep it there. Because when you combine vision with action (and a little fun), everybody wins. Let’s build something unforgettable together. Business owners, fill out the form below…
