Last week, my sister and her family came to visit from out of state. In trying to brainstorm activities that would appeal to the wide range of ages between her kids and mine, the WNC Nature Center came to mind!
Thanks to the amazing Zoom pass, two adults and four children can be admitted for FREE. If you have a Buncombe County Library card, you simply visit their website to request which area attraction you'd like to visit and which day. Once reserved, head to your nearest branch with photo ID and pick up your pass. You are able to visit each area attraction one time per month for free. For more details about this program, check out our guide here.
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Right next to the ticket office is a map that can be helpful to snap a picture of on your phone to map out where picnic tables are for snack breaks along with play areas and bathroom stops.
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The "kids" in our party ranged in age from my youngest (age 2) to my sister's oldest (age 20).
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Upon entering, you'll pass the gift shop and walk through a barn where you can find animals such as chickens, sheep, goats, and donkeys. We've found that arriving early and before the heat of the day gives you the best chance to see the animals active and more up close.
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We briefly watched the goats munch on some hay and saw a zookeeper cut down some vines, stuff them into a ball with holes, and then toss it over the gate for the donkeys.
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Next up, and perhaps my favorite, is seeing the black bears.
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I am always fascinated with these creatures, and thankfully you're always sure to get a good view of Uno and Ursa as the boardwalk loops around both the front and backside of their enclosure.
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What's unique about the WNC Nature Center is that all the animals either used to or currently live in the Southern Appalachian region. While you won't find traditional zoo animals such as lions, elephants, and giraffes, instead you'll find black bears, foxes, coyotes, etc.
My little guy immediately recognized this animal as an owl and starting hooting.
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The nature center is periodically divided by little play areas. The first one you'll come across is "Arachnid Adventure."
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Appropriately named, you'll find several spider web climbing structures along with benches and picnic tables for caregivers to sit and watch.
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Continuing on, there are the grey and red wolves enclosures. Be prepared to hoist little ones out of their strollers to see, as they can be far back or resting in the shade.
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The coyote was keeping cool from the sun.
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Recently (May 2023), the WNC Nature Center welcomed nine critically endangered red wolf pups, and pictures don't even do them justice!
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While this little guy was super close, he was very camera shy. We spotted some of his siblings off in the distance. You could see their little ears perking up out of the grass as they romped and rolled around.
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Another play section featured natural wooden balance beams along with musical instruments.
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A different play area featured a puppet theater.
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There was a ball chute to test out.
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Heading into the "Appalachian Station," you'll find a variety of reptiles and amphibians.
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From the rattlesnake (top left) to the corn snake (bottom right), we were both intrigued and creeped out watching them slither around. Although my kids were too young to benefit, I appreciated the interactive aspects to the exhibit such as a venomous vs. non-venomous sort.
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With smaller, glass enclosures that were clearly labeled, it was easy to spot the newt, turtles, toads, etc.
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I like this photo of my little guy's reflection staring at the salamander. Look closely; see a second one?
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One of our last stops is always to see the otters and my daughter's favorite part, the slide! It's quite popular, but lines move quickly as kids of all ages seem to enjoy this metal slide.
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As you head out, you'll pass by the farm animals again. There is a wall with buckets of water and paint brushes in direct sun, so your canvas is fresh as the designs quickly evaporate. We usually take an obligatory tractor picture.
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There is even a section to pan for gems! Bags of gems/fossils are available for purchase in the gift shop.
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