Not every Asheville neighborhood has a playground or community center, so Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) brings a colorful van full of games, art projects, and fun treasures to stoke the imagination pulls to areas around the city throughout the year, allowing community members to explore, connect, and discover. This spring, Rec ‘n’ Roll hosts theme days with activities tied to a unique subject, open play where anything can happen, special days for dogs and their human companions, and a festival with games and an obstacle course.
Spring 2026 Rec ‘n’ Roll Special Events for All Ages
Spring Kickoff Festival
FREE | March 21 | 1-4pm | Jake Rusher Park
Welcome spring’s return with games, crafts, and an inflatable obstacle course. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs, and friends to enjoy a day in Jake Rusher Park.
Glow in the Park Scavenger Hunt
FREE | March 27 | 8pm | Carrier Park
Follow clue sheets to discover hidden eggs aglow under the cover of night with an 8pm hunt for ages 5-10 and 9pm hunt for ages 11+. Bring a flashlight and basket for collecting eggs.
Foam Frenzy
FREE | April 8 | 1-3pm | Kenilworth Park
Rec ‘n’ Roll’s popular summer foam parties are making a spring break appearance as Kenilworth Park turns into a sudsy wonderland. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet.
Truck City AVL
FREE | April 18 | 1-4pm | Tanger Outlets
Kids and adults can explore, touch, and ask questions about their favorite trucks and cars in one place – from rescue vehicles and public works equipment to utility tractors and construction machines. It’s an excellent opportunity to “pull back the curtain” and learn about equipment and skills required to maintain our city, parks, and public safety systems.
Spring 2026 Rec ‘n’ Roll Discovery Days
FREE | 1-3pm
APR’s fun agents bring sports, arts and crafts, and games for all ages to some of Asheville’s open green spaces. No advance registration or sign up required!
- Register for Rec ‘n’ Roll Discovery Day at Choctaw Park on March 7
- Register for Rec ‘n’ Roll Discovery Day at Jean Webb Park on April 12
Ruff ‘n’ Roll
FREE | 5-7pm | Riverbend Park
Once a month, the Rec ‘n’ Roll team hosts dog-friendly games, activities, and giveaways for the city’s dogs and their human companions.
- Register for Ruff ‘n’ Roll at Riverbend Park on March 12
- Register for Ruff ‘n’ Roll at Riverbend Park on April 22
- Register for Ruff ‘n’ Roll at Riverbend Park on May 28
Spring 2026 Rec ‘n’ Roll Toddler Takeover Days
$5 per session | 10:30am-12pm
Youngsters ages 2-5 years-old complete activities and challenges that spark a creative bone while having fun – and, often, getting messy!
- Register for Farmyard Fun at Jake Rusher Park on April 16
- Register for Awesome Art at Weaver Park on April 23
- Register for Mystery Mania at Malvern Hills Park on April 30
- Register for Crafty Creations at Murphy-Oakley Park and Community Center on May 6
- Register for Picasso Painters at West Asheville Park on May 13
- Register for Bright Builders at Carrier Park on May 20
Explore on More with Asheville Parks & Recreation
These are just a few of the hundreds of programs, activities, and special events taking place in Asheville parks and community centers every month! Programs fill up fast and many require advance registration, so it’s worth spending some time planning which activities and events to attend. Use these resources to discover additional opportunities:
- Pick up a copy of APR’s free program guide at community center locations
- Search programs online, available in multiple languages via Google Translate’s Website Translator
- Follow APR on Facebook and Follow on Instagram
- Discover parks, greenways, playgrounds, and recreation locations throughout Asheville