For many of us in Western North Carolina, it is Spring Break for our kids. No school for 9 days! Exciting and daunting. How do we keep our kids busy and having fun without breaking the bank? What if you can’t afford to go to the beach or Gatlinburg or pay for camp? This week, I’ll be sharing some advice for how to keep your kids having fun right here in Western North Carolina. “Budget” varies widely from family to family, so I’ll cover ideas that are completely free and some that have a small cost associated with them. Psst…if you don’t know about ZOOM Passes from the library, check this out.
black mountain, north carolina on a budget
Black Mountain, North Carolina is so close to where I live in Swannanoa that it really feels like an extension of my home base. There are so many no spend or low spend things to do in Black Mountain and I’m excited to share them with you!
Here are some ideas for how to explore Black Mountain on a budget:
Lake Tomahawk, Black Mountain
I’m a HUGE Lake Tomahawk fan. Anytime we have a bit of free time between errands I will suggest stopping here. Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain has a paved loop around the lake (gorgeous mountain views), a playground including swings, pavilion, and more. I have a full write up about the lake here.
Robert Lake Park, Montreat
I know I just said I had a favorite park with water close by…but Robert Lake Park in Montreat is also my favorite. This park has creeks running through it (both shallow and deeper). There’s a big playground, swings, a smaller playground with a boat and climbing wall, picnic tables, and more!
Parking Tip: If you use your GPS on it’s own, it can be a little tricky to find the park. I use Community Center Circle (Montreat) instead of Texas Drive in the GPS. Park your car to the left, walk across the street and you’ll see a building and in the right hand corner there is a ramp that leads to the park:
Black Mountain Library
There is a lot to love about the Black Mountain Library. Inside, the children’s library selection also has fun small toys. You can check out games like giant jenga in the main library. And you don’t want to skip the books for sale section!
Little Free Library Crawl
I LOVE a Little Free Library and they are all over Black Mountain. To make a fun day of it, have you child select a few books from home that they’re ready to part with and then drive around town and swap it for one from the LFL. There are two side-by-side libraries at Lake Tomahawk, one in Black Mountain Town Square, and one in front of the Black Mountain YMCA. Know of others? Leave a comment below.
Black Mountain Town Square
Black Mountain Town Square is a cute spot right in the center of Black Mountain. There’s easy and free parking in front of the fire station. During the summer, you’ll want to come back for the splash pad! This spring, take a look at the great work of the Black Mountain Beautification Committee. Perhaps bring a sketch pad or camera to take photos of the flowers or draw a sketch of the fountain. Sit on the big (and small) rocking chairs! There’s also picnic tables next to the splash pad.
Swannanoa Valley Museum
The Swannanoa Valley Museum is in downtown Black Mountain. The suggested donation is $5 for admission. This spot is on my list to visit soon and according to their website “preserves and interprets the social, cultural, and natural history of the Swannanoa Valley, a pathway to western North Carolina, by developing dynamic programs and engaging exhibitions for the education and enrichment of the community, its children, and future generations.”
Play a Game at Dynamite Coffee
Dynamite Coffee in Black Mountain has a wonderful big porch outside. Grab a drink and a game from the cart for a fun hour out in the sunshine.
Play and Drink Hot Chocolate at Peri Social House
Peri Social House is not just a cute hotel, it’s also a coffee shop open to the public. They’ve got a kid’s hot chocolate for $4.01 (including tax) as well as regular coffee and pastry offerings. Don’t forget to check out the outside patio where there are toy trucks, grassy area to play, and baby swings (this is to the left of the house if you’re looking at it, there’s also outdoor tables and chairs on the right side accessible from the main room).
Recess at Recess Coffee
Recess is a phenomenal coffee shop in downtown Black Mountain, read my full review here. Grab a hot chocolate or snack and sit outside. There is a seesaw, tunnel, and other small playground toys on a grassy patch outside.
Snack/Toy Stop at Hopey
Hopey & Company is a large discount grocery store in Black Mountain. In the front of the store there is what I call the “fun” section. There are toys, kid’s items, make up, season items, etc. at a deep discount. Stop by for a fun purchase and browse the yummy well-priced snacks!
The Old Depot Gallery
The Old Depot Gallery is right next to the bright red train car in downtown Black Mountain. Check out the train car and then go into the gallery. There are three main rooms with several low cost items like bookmarks and little pin buttons.
Bear Hunt in Downtown Black Mountain
Until April 14th, 2026 there is a Kid’s “Bear Hunt” happening in downtown Black Mountain. Grab a map from a participating location and kids can go to each store to search for the stuffed bear. Once they’ve found it, they get their card stamped. When you fill up your card, return it to the Chamber of Commerce to be entered for a prize. Even if you don’t finish the card or even turn it in, your kids will have fun looking for the bear!
Sweet Treat: The Hop, Pelican’s, Kilwin’s
There are plenty of sweet treats to be had in Black Mountain! Here’s the lowest cost options available (these prices include tax and are reflective of today’s posting date).
The Hop Ice Cream Kid’s Scoop is $4
Pelican’s Kid’s SnoBall is $4.28 and Kid’s Ice Cream Scoop is $3.75
Kilwin’s Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rod is $2.12 and Kid’s Ice Cream Scoop is $4.85
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