The Biltmore Estate With Kids?
When traveling to Asheville, North Carolina one of the first attractions that comes to my mind is the Biltmore Estate. Visiting the Biltmore has been on my bucket list for many years, but is touring a mansion dating back to the 1800’s something my son would enjoy? I must admit I had my reservations about taking my kid to the Biltmore. Would he find it enjoyable? Would my tour of the estate be ruined with whining from boredom?
Should you take your kids to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina? Here is my experience and recommendations:
What is the Biltmore Estate?
What is the Biltmore Estate?
The Biltmore Estate was built by George W. Vanderbilt in 1895 on over 8,000 acres. The mansion was opened on Christmas Eve after six years of construction. It was the family home to George, his wife Edith, their daughter Cornelia and their beloved family Saint Bernard, Cedric. Cornelia married in 1924 and the couple then opened the home to the public in 1930.
The cost to visit can range from $50-$80 per person depending on the time of year to visit, day you visit, and the type of ticket you purchase. There are several additional things you can add on to your ticket price such as a self-guided audio tour, lunch buffet, special events, etc.
You can tour the mansion, gardens, Conservatory, barn, farm, as well as Antler Village. Your ticket also includes a complimentary wine tasting.
Should you take kids to the Biltmore?
The short answer is yes! I would recommend taking your children on the tour of the Biltmore Estate and surrounding gardens, Conservatory, Farm, and Village, however wait until your child is a bit older. It is my opinion a child eight and older would enjoy the tour. Though there is a trolley that takes you around the property, there is still quite a bit of walking involved. In just touring the home, you will be going up and down many flights of stairs. Having a child who has more stamina, does not need a stroller, and who is capable of spending an entire day with stimulation and not needing a nap would be beneficial.
Thing to do at the Biltmore with kids
Surprisingly, there is an abundance of child friendly activities and sights when visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Here are my recommendations on things you must do:
Purchase the child audio tour
To have access to the Biltmore mansion and surrounding estate is one ticket price (prices vary on day of the week and time of the year you plan to go). The self-guided audio tour is an additional cost. Is it worth it? Yes, yes, and yes! I highly recommend purchasing the audio tour for an additional $11.21 each person.
There is an adult version of the audio tour, but there is also a kid version of the same tour. The kid-friendly version of the tour is narrated by the Vanderbuilt’s family Saint Bernard, Cedric. My son absolutely loved it. As you move through the home, there are numbers you enter into your audio tour. The tour explains what you are seeing. I can attest I was worried my son would be bored, but boredom was not an issue. In fact, he would get angry if my husband and I would move from a room if his audio was not done playing. Brady wanted to hear it all!
The Barn, Farmyard, and Playground
Located near the Antler Village is the Biltmore Estate Barn, Farmyard, and Playground. Here you can pet and see farm animals to include horses, goats, and chickens. There is a playground for children to play on. In addition, you can view exhibits by blacksmiths, woodworkers, and knowledgeable interpreters.
Check out the itinerary of our Southern United States Road Trip
In Summary
Are you considering visiting the beautiful Biltmore Estate? Do you have children and wonder if the Biltmore would be something they would enjoy? Trust me, take your kids. I highly recommend the Biltmore Estate with the kid-friendly audio tour if you have children around eight years of age or older. They will love the tour of the mansion as well as the barn, farmyard, and playground. There is something for the whole family! Visit today!
Have you been to the Biltmore? Did you bring your kids? What did you think? Leave me a comment. I would love to hear your opinion.
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I haven’t been yet to USA bit this place looks great for families! Will definitely save it for later 🙂
Sandra,
I hope you can visit at some point soon.
–Chris
It’s always a good idea to have children learn and discover a little bit of culture and nature. Plus it’s a nice day out for the whole family.
Mayi,
I agree with you. It turned out my son truly enjoyed the whole day and learned so much.
-Chris
Shafinah,
Yes! It was truly fascinating learning about the inner workings of the home.
–Chris
Shiloh,
Great question! This was a whole day experience. We probably could have spent two days to explore all 8,000 acres.
–Chris
Sounds like the perfect real-life history lesson which would be great to engage kids 🙂
Allie,
Great point. The audio tour gave some fascinating facts. Of course, the gorgeous mansion was definitely not the norm for most people in the early 1900’s!
I’ve never heard of this place so definitely an interesting read for me. I’d be curious to know how long this tour is? If it can be squeezed into a half-day trip or if it would be a full or multi-day ordeal.
Reina,
Great question! The tour is self guided so you can take as much time as you would like. I would recommend a whole day for the Biltmore Estate. In addition to the home tour, there is a lot of other things to see and do.
–Chris
Tania,
The Biltmore Estate had been on my bucket list for quite some time. I highly recommend seeing it!
–Chris
I would love to visit the Biltmore! It looks like a fabulous family-friendly day out too! It’s so awesome and thoughtful of them to provide a kid version of the audioguide.
Ella,
It was an amazing day! Thanks for the comment!
–Chris
Ahh I really wanted to make it to the Biltmore when we traveled to North Carolina last year but the tickets for tours were all sold out!
Kristin,
What a disappointment! You definitely need to add it to your list for your next adventure to N. Carolina.
–Chris
Hi,
Thank you for your comment.
–Chris