The Best Things to Do with Kids in Black Mountain — From a Local Mom & Photographer
- Laura Morris
- Aug 6
- 5 min read
Hey there, and welcome to Black Mountain! I’m a local photographer and mama, and I spend a lot of time chasing both light and little feet around this beautiful town. Whether you're here on vacation or just passing through, there’s no shortage of sweet, simple, and memory-making things to do with your kiddos. I’m sharing all our favorite family-friendly spots — the ones that keep my camera roll full and my kid happily worn out.
Lake Tomahawk: A Little Bit of Everything
Lake Tomahawk is our go-to spot when we want a low-key outing with a big payoff. The half-mile path around the lake is perfect for stroller walks or wobbly new bike riders, and the mountain views are stunning in every season. There’s a sweet playground tucked near the water, plus plenty of open grassy spots for running wild or laying out a picnic blanket. Bring fishing poles if your little ones like to cast a line — or just watch the ducks put on a show. It’s the kind of place where you can spend 30 minutes or 3 hours and feel like you really did something.
Robert Lake Park in Montreat: Play + Creek = Perfect
This might be my personal favorite. Robert Lake Park in Montreat is like something out of a storybook. The playground is great for all ages, but the real magic is the creek that runs right through the park. Kids can wade in, build rock dams, and just explore to their hearts' content. There are shaded picnic tables and restrooms, making it an easy place to stay awhile. It’s a photographer’s dream too — I’ve done more than one family session here!
Hit the Trails!
If your family loves hiking (or you're just hoping to burn off some kid energy), Montreat has tons of trails to choose from. Two of our go-to hikes (that are open after Helene) are Lookout and Rainbow. Lookout Trail is a short but steep climb with incredible views at the top — totally worth the effort if your kids are a little older or up for a challenge. For an easier option, Rainbow Trail is a gentler walk through the woods that’s great for younger kids or beginners. Either way, you’ll get that fresh mountain air and a little forest magic.
Peaceful Moments at Lake Susan in Montreat
Just a few minutes up the road from downtown Black Mountain, Lake Susan in Montreat is a peaceful little spot that feels like stepping back in time. The lake is surrounded by charming stone bridges, rocking chairs, and old Montreat architecture — it’s the perfect place for a slow walk or a quiet moment with the kids. In the summer months, you might even catch canoes or paddle boats out on the lake, and there's a small gift shop and snack bar nearby if you need a treat. It’s calm, beautiful, and one of our favorite ways to unwind after a busy day of exploring.
Coffee Shops That Welcome Kids: The Dripolator & Recess
Let’s be honest — sometimes we need a little pick-me-up to keep up with our kids. Thankfully, Black Mountain has a couple of coffee shops that are not only delicious but also super welcoming to families. The Dripolator is a cozy local favorite with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a kids’ book corner, and even a stash of toys to keep little hands busy while you sip. Recess is another gem — bright, modern, and laid-back, with a spacious setup that makes it easy to roll in with strollers or let toddlers stretch their legs. Their seasonal lattes and fresh pastries are amazing, and they often have fun drinks or treats just for kids. Both are great stops before a walk around town or after playground time.
Kid-Friendly Eats: Something for Everyone
Hungry? Good. Black Mountain has no shortage of kid-friendly restaurants that also serve up seriously good food for adults. We love:
The Grange (Lunch/Dinner) – Great outdoor space with sand pit for kids to play, corn hole, lots of room for littles to wiggle and play, and live music sometimes! This is our family's favorite.
Ole Guacamole (Lunch/Dinner) – Solid chips and queso always win.
Trailhead (Lunch/Dinner) – Casual, laid-back, and good burgers (try their ranch dressing, trust me!).
My Father’s Pizza (Lunch/Dinner) – Classic family-friendly spot.
Taco Billy (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) – Breakfast tacos and fun vibes.
Blue Ridge Biscuit Company (Breakfast/Brunch) – You haven’t lived ‘til you’ve had one of their biscuits (I recommend trying a biscuit with their apple butter).
Open Oven (Breakfast/Brunch) – Hidden gem with fresh food and a cozy vibe. Bonus tip: the church across the street has a playground for the kids to play on while you wait for your table.
Ice Cream Stops: The Hop, Kilwins & Pelican’s SnoBalls
No summer day (or honestly, any day) is complete without a cold treat, and Black Mountain delivers. The Hop is a local favorite with creative flavors, dairy-free options, and kid-sized cones that are just right for little hands. Kilwins, right on Cherry Street, feels like an old-fashioned treat-yourself stop — the smell of fresh waffle cones and chocolate fudge will pull you in before you even see the case of ice cream. And for something a little different (and super fun), check out Pelican’s SnoBalls! They serve up New Orleans-style shaved ice in tons of fun flavors, and the vibrant colors and soft texture are always a hit with kids. It’s one of our go-to stops after the splash pad or a hot day at the park.
Catch a Show at The White Horse
If you’re lucky enough to be in town when there’s a show at The White Horse, definitely check it out! This beloved local music venue has a warm, welcoming vibe and hosts everything from bluegrass and folk to world music and storytelling events. It’s a great way to introduce kids to live music in an intimate, relaxed setting — they often have early evening shows that are family-friendly. We've brought our kiddo to shows and she danced her little heart out, and the staff and audience were all so kind and laid-back. It’s one of those places that feels like the heart of the community, and it’s a fun way to wrap up a day exploring Black Mountain.
Black Mountain Library: Storytime on Wednesdays
We love our little library! Every Wednesday morning, they host a family story time that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s cozy, community-centered, and always includes some songs and playtime too. If you’re in town midweek, it’s a great way to connect and slow down. Tell Ms LuLu we said hello!
Black Mountain Pool: A Splashin’ Good Time
During the summer months, the Black Mountain Pool is a must. It has a dedicated kids’ area with water features, shallow play space, and lifeguards that help everyone feel safe. We love packing snacks and letting the kids splash until they’re wrinkly like raisins. Pro tip: Go early to snag a shady spot!
Downtown Splash Pad: Easy, Free, and Fun
Right in the heart of downtown, you’ll find a little splash pad that is always a hit — especially on those hot summer days when everyone’s a bit cranky and you just need a break. It’s free, right next to shops and coffee, and you can usually find other kids to play with. We like to grab an iced latte and just let the kids go wild while we sit on a bench and soak in the small-town charm.
Whether you're staying for a weekend or settling in for longer, Black Mountain is full of fun, family-friendly activities that don’t require a huge budget or packed itinerary. It’s one of those places where the pace is slower, the people are friendly, and the memories sort of make themselves.
If you ever want to capture those memories — I’m always here with a camera in hand! Until then, enjoy this sweet little mountain town.