Road Trip under 4 hours from Atlanta w/kids
 

We are looking for somewhere to go over winter break with our two children (ages 2 and 4), no more than 4 hours by car from Atlanta. Some options we're considering are Asheville, Nashville or Charleston. We love walking around towns and exploring and staying in nice accomodations but also want to find kid friendly places and activities. Kids aren't really hikers so we'll save the mountains for another time. Would love any suggestions! thank you!

Asheville looks like your best bet.Visit the Biltmore.When the weather is nice see Chimney rock.PAul

The Smokey Mountains? I think it is about 3 hours. You can stop at Chattanooga for Lookout Mountain on the way.

Charleston is more than 4 hours from ATL and an awfully boring drive. Savannah would be a better choice.

Chattanooga is not far and has a lot to do for children and families. The aquarium, Ruby Falls, Lookout mtn, Rock City, the incline railroad, etc.

www.chattanoogafun.com/attractions

I agree with Asheville and Chattanooga. You don't have to hike in the mountains.

Charleston is way too far (and Savannah is over 4 hours).

I've done ATL to Savannah in 3:45 - it's a straight shot on fast interstates. But that was without kids.

Nashville is almost 5 hours from Atlanta. Try Chattanooga.

Other than Biltmore, does anyone have suggestions for things to do with little kids? Is there a Children's museum in Asheville? thanks for your advice thus far!

For me, 2 and 4 are tough to entertain for any length of time but you might try the Health Adventure. If the weather is like now (12/8 - 60 degrees), you might also try the Urban Trail since there are bronze statues (like kids, pigs, etc.) along the way they can help find and mom and dad should find the history interesting.

There is almost always some nice drumming happening in Pritchard Park if the weather is nice.

All of this is in downtown Asheville and you can walk everywhere.

Finally, the Western North Carolina Nature Center is about 10 minutes easy of Asheville but I don't know their winter hours/exhibits.

http://www.thehealthadventure.org/

http://www.asheville.com/news/urban.html

http://www.asheville.com/nature_center/

Mike Honeycutt

I second Chattanooga. Charleston is more for older kids/adults. I'm not sure what there is to do for kids in the actual city of Asheville but NC has some great resorts though that have all kinds of family activities. Google "winter resorts north carolina" and if money is no object, also check out The Cloisters at Sea Island on the Georgia coast. We've been to the Biltmore many times and I don't think its particularly suited for small children. Helen, GA is a touristy, but fun little North GA town that specializes in Christmas. Our kids loved it when they were little.