Mandala Making from Natural Elements

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Discover the history and types of mandalas, as well as the basic shapes, designs, and natural elements used to create them during this fun creative outdoor activity! Participants will explore our fields and forests to find materials with which they will create their own personal and unique mandala. After ending the session with a collective moment of reflection and gratitude, the group will gift their creations back into the natural world from whence they came. Be sure to bring your phone or camera to capture a keepsake image of your mandala!

Maximum of 10 participants. To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.

2-Hour Bike Rental

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Explore the estate’s 20-plus miles of bike trails! Prior to your bike ride, please download and review our Trail Map.

Bike rental availability is weather-dependent and are sold through the Bike Barn and Outdoor Adventure Center.

Advance reservations are NOT required.

Mountain & Comfort Bikes are available. Guided bike rides are available for an additional fee.

To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.

Audio Guide to Biltmore House

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Recently updated to include new stops and stories, this 60-minute audio-tour experience captures the feeling of being guided through Biltmore’s grand rooms by our curators and hosts. You’ll learn about the Vanderbilts, their guests, and their staff, in addition to the surrounding architecture, design, and artwork.

Keep the kids entertained with their very own 50-minute Kids’ Audio Guide, narrated by Cedric, the Vanderbilts’ beloved Saint Bernard!

Guided Nature Stroll

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A perfect way to connect more deeply with the beauty of George Vanderbilt’s magnificent oasis, this leisurely, one- to two-mile experience invites you to explore the estate’s natural history. Not only will participants learn about our region’s local wildlife, birds, and trees, they’ll also hear forestry stories and insider’s information specific to Biltmore. Suitable for beginner to intermediate hikers, our Guided Nature Stroll includes both paved and unpaved trails. Meet your guide on the Grand Terrace Lawn at The Inn on Biltmore Estate.

Maximum of 15 participants. Advance reservations required. Participants are encouraged to bring water, dress for the weather, and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Available exclusively to overnight guests at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties: Village Hotel, The Inn, or Cottages on Biltmore Estate.

Kids’ Audio Guide to Biltmore House

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Narrated by Cedric, the Vanderbilts’ Saint Bernard, this entertaining 50-minute tour guides young guests through the amazing rooms of Biltmore House while sharing stories about the Vanderbilts and life in America’s Largest Home®.

House & Gardens Loop e-Bike Ride

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Tour the estate’s most iconic locations during this one-of-a-kind 10-mile morning ride aboard one of our e-Bikes. After meeting your expert guide at the Bike Barn in Antler Hill Village, you’ll embark upon a leisurely-paced journey that includes Amherst at Deerpark®, the Approach Road, Biltmore House, the Walled Garden, the Bass Pond, and the Lagoon! Enjoy an abundance of stunning photo opportunities as you traverse paved and gravel roads amid lush summer-blooming meadows, fields, and gardens.

This ride also includes a support vehicle: not only is it equipped with snacks and beverages, there’s also space to stow your e-Bike should you need a break.

Maximum of 8 participants. Advance reservations are required. To make reservations for this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or an overnight stay booked at Village Hotel, The Inn, or Cottages on Biltmore Estate.

Guided Raft Trip

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Sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking beauty of the estate while your knowledgeable guide paddles your raft down the French Broad River.

Participants must be at least 3 years old, weigh at least 35 lbs, and no more than 250 lbs. Maximum of six participants per raft, 12 participants per time slot. To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.

Self-Guided Visit to Gardens

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Stroll acres of formal and informal gardens designed by America’s foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. From the Walled Garden and its soaring glass-ceilinged Conservatory to the Italian Garden to the magnificent trees in America’s first managed forest, Biltmore’s lush landscapes are living tributes to Olmsted’s genius. In addition to Biltmore’s gardens and grounds, Olmsted designed a multitude of public parks and recreation grounds, including the grounds of Central Park in New York City and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Kids’ Nature Quest

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Can you help Cedric, the Vanderbilts’ beloved St. Bernard dog, locate his wild animal buddies? Armed with a map and accompanied by an Outdoor Adventure Center guide, participants will embark upon an engaging navigational quest to find Cedric’s animal and bird friends. An enjoyable exploration of Biltmore’s great outdoors, this scavenger hunt activity includes scouting out hidden locations, solving riddles, practicing wayfinding skills… and a wonderful sense of accomplishment at adventure’s end!

Maximum of 5 participants. Each participant must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Advance reservations required. To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties. Participants are encouraged bring water, dress for the weather, and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

Crafter Workshop: Corn Shuck Dolls

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The fascinating art of corn shuck doll making comes to life as one of Biltmore’s talented master crafters guides you in the creation of your very own doll! Talented doll designer Anne Allison will share her passion for the craft, its connection to the Appalachian Mountain region, as well as a thorough exploration of traditional materials and design variations. Afterward, you will apply what you’ve learned to complete a one-of-a-kind, handmade take-home memento of your time at Biltmore.

All tools and crafting supplies provided.

Maximum of 6 participants. Activity takes place inside Antler Hill Barn. Advance reservations required. To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties. Must be 15 years of age or older.