Family Friendly Activities in Haywood
Adventure runs in the Family
Pack your mountain itinerary with activities the whole family will enjoy, from mini golf and gem mining to farm tours and easy hikes to natural swimming holes––and everything in between.
Take a great smoky mountains family vacation
Welcome to your new go-to spot
Load up the car and head to Haywood, where adventure is unlimited a precious memories are made. Around every curve, you’ll find all the trappings of the perfect Great Smoky Mountains family vacation, from energetic downtown events to quiet escapes into nature.
Vacation mode is officially on
Taking advantage of Haywood’s plentiful outdoors is a great way to have family fun without breaking the bank. Enjoy affordable family things to do like wildlife viewing, water activities, and fishing.
When we say ‘bring the whole family’, we mean everyone––including your furry friends. Bring fido along to dog-friendly bars, Blue Ridge Parkway hikes, and more.
Experience awe that lasts a lifetime when you spot majestic elk, black bears, and other Smoky Mountain wildlife in their natural habitat.
All family activities in Haywood County
Sep 15 → Nov 2Go With the Flow: Art ExhibitHaywood Handmade Gallery's "Go with the Flow" exhibit celebrates the beauty, power, and importance of Haywood County’s waterways. In partnership with Haywood Waterways, this exhibition invites artists to create works inspired by rivers, streams, and other bodies of water—both literally and metaphorically. From flowing currents to reflections on life’s journeys, the show highlights how waterways inspire creativity while raising awareness of the need to protect and conserve our local watershed. Pictured work is by Peter Brown.
Sep 16Fall Candle Making WorkshopDive into the season with this Fall candle making class by Fire on the Mountain Candle Company! Create your own seasonal scented candle in this 2 hour workshop. You will make a 10oz wood wick candle and take it home with you at the end of the event. This is an in-person event at Fire on the Mountain Candle Company. Purchase your ticket at the linked page.
Sep 17 → Oct 29Mill Town Farmers MarketHeld Thursdays from 4pm-7pm at the Sorrells Street Park in downtown Canton, the Mill Town Farmers Market celebrates Haywood County’s local farmers and artisans. Browse handcrafted wood carvings, metal work, and pottery to spruce up your living space, pamper yourself with botanical skincare and perfumes, and stock your pantry with locally grown produce, farm-fresh dairy, homemade jams, baked goods, and much more! Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and sip on a fresh lemonade while you browse.
Sep 17 → Sep 20Smoky Mountain Ukulele Zen RetreatExperience a weekend dedicated to music, mindfulness and the joy of community at the Smoky Mountain Ukulele Zen Retreat. World-renowned instructor Stu Fuchs will lead participants of all skill levels on an immersive experience to help them play with greater ease and deeper expression. Fuchs’ “ukulele zen” approach will help participants connect with their instrument in a way that nourishes their soul. Register for the retreat and purchase tickets to the concert at the linked page. Lodging packages on the Lake Junaluska campus are available!
Sep 17 → Nov 11Fee Free Day – Great Smoky Mountains National ParkNo parking pass is needed to park in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on these days. Hike your favorite trails, watch the wild elk in Cataloochee Valley, have a picnic with family and friends, and take in the Smoky Mountain views!
Family Friendly Events
Let the good times roll
Step into the welcoming arts and culture scene, from paint and sips to intimate jazz concerts. Southern charm makes you feel a part of the community.
