Since we started homeschooling we have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit in the Southeastern United States. One of our all time favorite places to visit is Asheville, North Carolina and specifically the Biltmore Estate. Given the flexibility of homeschooling we were able to to take our homeschool to the Biltmore.
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is so much more than just a beautiful place to visit—it’s a treasure trove of learning opportunities for families, especially homeschoolers. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the late 1800s, this massive mansion, completed in 1895, is the largest privately owned home in the United States. The house and its surrounding grounds open up a world of history, art, architecture, and science, offering endless ways to make learning hands-on and fun for all ages. The first time we went in 2021, our kids were 1, 7 & 9 and they all had an amazing experience!
Exploring History and Architecture
The Biltmore House itself is a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture. Designed by the famous architect Richard Morris Hunt, it was modeled after grand French chateaus, with over 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Walking through the mansion’s grand rooms is like stepping back in time, giving kids a real-life peek into the Vanderbilt family’s lifestyle and the details of America’s Gilded Age.
The estate offers guided tours of the home, each designed to bring the Vanderbilt story to life. With special kid-friendly audio tours, even younger visitors can feel engaged, learning about the impressive craftsmanship, unique design elements, and daily life in a place this grand. Each room—from the immense library filled with thousands of books to the elegant banquet hall—offers a unique slice of history and culture, making history feel real rather than something they just read about.
Art and Culture in Every Corner
Biltmore isn’t just a home; it’s an art collection. Vanderbilt filled his estate with European art, sculptures, and beautiful decorations that reflect the culture he admired. Unlike in a museum, seeing these pieces in their original setting lets kids imagine how art was part of everyday life back then. The estate also regularly hosts special exhibitions, often focused on well-known artists or historical themes. They’ve even held immersive Van Gogh exhibits that let families experience famous works of art up close. For families who love art or just want to add a splash of culture to their learning, Biltmore offers a wonderful way to explore creative expression.
Gardens, Science, and Conservation
The 8,000 acres surrounding the Biltmore House offer endless exploration and are perfect for budding scientists or nature lovers. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect behind Central Park, the grounds include elaborate gardens and a conservatory filled with exotic plants. The Italian Garden, Rose Garden, and Azalea Garden each have their own seasonal charms and give families the chance to learn about plants, gardening, and the life cycles of flowers and trees.
Biltmore’s commitment to sustainability also shines through. The estate has been practicing conservation since Vanderbilt’s time, with a focus on sustainable farming, reforestation, and wildlife protection. At Biltmore’s farmyard, kids can interact with animals and learn about organic farming, all while exploring a real working farm. This hands-on experience is a great way for children to learn about where food comes from, the importance of conservation, and the basics of ecology and environmental science.
Hands-On Learning and Special Programs
For homeschool families, Biltmore offers programs specifically designed with young learners in mind. During Homeschool Days, students can dive into workshops and guided tours that touch on everything from art and architecture to science and history. These programs give kids a chance to explore different subjects in a way that’s fun, interactive, and perfectly suited to their age.
For the more adventurous families, Biltmore’s outdoor activities—like hiking, biking, and horseback riding—add an exciting element to learning. As you explore the estate’s trails, there are endless chances to spot local wildlife, study different plants, and learn about the ecosystems of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Activities like these connect kids to the natural world, making science lessons feel exciting and relevant.
Making Connections Across Subjects
One of the best things about a visit to Biltmore is the chance to connect different subjects in a natural way. You could turn a study of the Gilded Age into a full unit with history, architecture, and the impact of industrialization all tied together. Or you could focus on science by learning about botany in the gardens and then discussing sustainable practices used on the estate’s farm. The opportunities are endless, and they help kids see how subjects like history, art, and science are connected in real life, which is especially valuable in a homeschooling environment.
Planning Your Visit
Biltmore offers discounted tickets for youth, and they even have special rates for group visits, making it easier for homeschool co-ops to plan a trip together. Whether you’re going for a day or a weekend, the estate’s website and visitor center have plenty of tips to help you plan and make the most of your time. They even have lesson plans and activities you can download in advance to align with what’s on the estate, helping you turn the whole experience into a mini-curriculum.
Biltmore Estate is an amazing resource for families looking to combine fun and education. Whether you’re wandering through its grand rooms, marveling at the artwork, exploring the gardens, or learning about conservation, there’s something here to inspire every child’s curiosity. For homeschoolers, it’s a perfect blend of history, science, and art that makes learning feel real and meaningful—and creates memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Our kids’ favorite things to do there were petting the animals, playing on the nature playground, and even catching chickens! We also took a horse-drawn carriage ride around the property, which gave us a fun look at Biltmore’s history. The kids especially loved just being on the carriage—it was such a fun experience for them!
Have you been there with kids? What were their favorite things to do?