Moonlight with kids

Moonlight feels like summer camp, any time of year. Kids sleep in tent beds, hunt for treasure across eight acres, and roast marshmallows at the fire pit. Parents get a kitchen that can actually handle dinner for seven.

At the cabin

Tent beds

Two twin tent beds sit next to the king upstairs. Kids tend to claim them the minute they walk in.

The treasure hunt

Grab the Moonlight map, read the clues one at a time, and see where they take you. That's all we'll say.

The Moonlight Explorer

A nature kit we made for kids 5 to 13. It comes with real binoculars, badges and a leaf guide for Western North Carolina trees.

Games, games, games

The hall closet, the TV cabinet and the dining room console are full of board games and puzzles. There's a giant Connect 4 in the loft and bean bag toss under the back porch.

Two pastures and a creek

Eight acres means room to run. There's volleyball, croquet and a creek to poke around in. On clear nights, take the telescope out to the pasture and look for Saturn.

Mini waffles

There's a mini waffle maker and a griddle in the kitchen. Saturday breakfast is covered.

Nearby, with little ones

Robert Lake Park, Montreat (25 min)

Our top pick. A shaded playground and a shallow creek kids can splash in.

Lake Tomahawk Park, Black Mountain (20 min)

A flat, stroller friendly loop around the lake. Ducks to spot and a playground at the end.

Foothills Grange, Black Mountain (20 min)

A kids' play area with dirt piles and Tonka trucks. The grownups get a great burger.

WNC Nature Center, Asheville (30 min)

A small zoo of mountain animals: otters, black bears, red wolves. Last admission is 3:30. The entrance route changed after the hurricane, so follow the directions on their website, not your GPS.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Fairview

In fall it's hayrides, pumpkins, farm animals and weekend pony rides.

Grandad's Apples, Hendersonville

Apples, fresh cider and hot apple cider donuts. On fall weekends there's a corn maze, an apple cannon and a cow train ride.

Nearby, with older kids

Round Mountain Creamery, Black Mountain

A working goat farm. Walk the pastures, meet the goats, taste the cheese. Tours are by appointment.

Chimney Rock State Park

Big views and a waterfall hike. A good half day. Book tickets online before you go.

LaZoom Kids' Comedy Tour, Asheville (30 min)

A silly ride through the city on the big purple bus, made for ages 5 to 12. Check dates on their site.

Adventure Center of Asheville

Climbing, biking and zip lining.

If it rains

The Asheville Museum of Science has a dinosaur skeleton and a hall of minerals. The Asheville Pinball Museum has over 30 machines. Well Played Cafe has 700 board games and a real menu. Or stay in, build a blanket fort in the loft and put on a record.

Treats

Louise's Kitchen has the best breakfast in Black Mountain. Walk it off downtown, then get a cone at The Hop.

Check dates