Sundays, January 5-May 25 (closed May 4 due to large community event)
Come shoot some hoops with the whole family. All ages welcome! No pre-registration required. FREE. All ages welcome
Call 828-259-5483 or email jjohnston@ashevillenc.gov for more information.
Fridays, January 31-May 9 (no program February 14, March 7 & April 18)
Safe toddler play dates with age appropriate toys and equipment provided.This open gym time allows toddlers and care givers to make memories and new friends through structures and unstructured activities. FREE
Register at the link provided under contact info.
Community-wide event where both kids and kids-at-heart have the opportunity to see, touch, climb, and learn about vehicles of all types!
Come learn more about Mills River Fire and Rescue, NC Forestry Service, Henderson County Sheriffs Office, Henderson County Emergency Medical Services, North River Farms, and Ascendum Volvo! Chick-fil-a and KoleKole Ice food trucks will be there as well!
This is a free event, come have some fun in the park!
FREE | Thursdays | 3/20, 4/17, 5/15 | 1 – 2:30pm
Bring a lawn chair and friends to play bingo outdoors! This event will be held at a different field each month. Winners will receive prizes!
Join us on Saturday, March 22 for our Spring Storytime! Families with young children can enjoy Spring-themed picture book readings in the Vance house at 10am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. Try out some fun crafts like making paper butterflies and lavender sachets in the visitor center as well!
This event is free and does not require registering in advance, but donations are encouraged. Our storytimes will be held seasonally/quarterly. Children who attend multiple storytimes are eligible for fun, bookish prizes at our Christmas Storytime in December. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at vance@dncr.nc.gov or give us a call at (828) 645-6706.
The first 100 kids get a FREE snow cone! 
FREE bounce houses
FREE face painting
Arts & crafts activities
Take home a FREE plant
Scavenger hunt with prizes
Learn about:
Recycling education
Composting
Pollinator awareness
Nature & wildlife conservationCome celebrate our planet with us, at the park!
(Located near the large picnic shelter)
Join for seasonal arts and crafts on teacher workdays.
FREE | 3/7, 3/31, 4/15 | 10:30am – 12pm
Advance registration required
Friday – 3/7 – Seed bombs, origami, and paper flower crowns at Weaver Park
Monday – 3/31 – Rock painting, spring wreaths, and homemade play-doh at Jake Rusher Park
Tuesday – 4/15 – Egg painting, paper windsocks, and spring sensory bags at Murphy-Oakley Park
Come join Caitlin and Frank for fun and games!
This event is free and does not require registration. All ages are welcome.
UPCOMING 2025 DATES:
The chilly weather keeps returning, so we’ve decided to keep ourselves warm and cozy as we celebrate the last of the winter season. Join us at Lake Julian for hot chocolate, s’mores, crafts, games, and more. Plus, Buncombe County Libraries will gather ’round the fire to read some Carolina folklore.
The event is FREE, and no registration is required.
Come and celebrate the joy of reading with fun and engaging literacy activities and treats! Geared for students in Grades PreK-5th and everyone is welcome.