Welcome to Kids Garden, a learning center in Asheville, NC, where wonder sprouts, creativity blooms, and little minds grow. Here, we’ve created an enriching environment for families seeking an alternative, mindful approach to childcare. Kids Garden is more than a daycare; it's a community where the seeds of imagination are planted and nurtured, blossoming into a lifelong love for discovery.
Through our various offerings — adaptable preschool programs, engaging afternoon classes, immersive seasonal camps, joyful birthday celebrations, and fun-filled special events — Kids Garden Asheville, NC is a source of magic and exploration for all children.
Register your child or children.
Please note that Kids Garden collects a yearly registration fee of $35 (per family) during your first visit.
Utilize our flexible plans and customized membership deals to fit your family’s needs and schedule.
No commitment, drop-in visits. Great for spontaneity!
Discounted rates with hourly increments of 12, 24, 48 & 72.
4 hours at a time. Members benefit from discounted rates on both drop-in childcare and a variety of additional programs.
Drop-in (and drop-off) during business hours to witness them learn, grow, create, and play in a naturally creative environment.
Kids Garden isn't just guilt-free childcare; it's a place worth boasting about!
For those moments when you need dependable childcare without prior planning, our drop-in option provides the same exceptional care and creative engagement, conveniently available whenever you need it.
Tailored to support families with busy schedules, our preschool and childcare programs offer a nurturing space for your child to grow, learn, and thrive. Half day (see your location for specific details) care or more flexible arrangements are available.
Fill after school hours with our enrichment classes, where art, science, and exploration come alive, sparking curiosity and joy in every session.
Our camps in Asheville, NC offer enchanting, themed experiences that engage children in creative and playful learning, perfectly blending education with the excitement of camp adventures.
Make your child's birthday an unforgettable event with our Kids Garden birthday parties, designed to celebrate creativity and fun in our magical setting.
Gift yourself a break while your children delight in an evening filled with engaging activities, crafts, and stories, all within our safe, enriching environment at our parents night out event.
Kids Garden is a nurturing, natural environment flooded with sun light, living plants, textural elements, wooden structures and a consistent artistic expression. All backed by rich educational theories, green practices, diverse curriculum, creative arts and the freedom drop in to new experiences. A secure environment that stimulates minds and energizes bodies through amazing social interactions. A magical, whimsical place where experiments are encouraged and exploration is the constant.
Kids Garden's preschool is centered around children ages 2-5 years old, where we seamlessly blend Montessori and Reggio methods to cultivate holistic growth. Through play-based learning, children develop positive socialization, fine motor skills, and effective communication techniques. Our curriculum goes beyond basics, introducing math concepts, reading comprehension, and even yoga for physical and emotional well-being. Join us in fostering a love for learning and exploration in every child!
Yes! Kids Garden provides a sibling discount when a family brings both children to the center together. If you choose to become a member, both children will receive discounted hourly rates and access to discounted hourly packages.
We are a shoe-free facility, so your child must wear socks at all times. We have plenty of new pairs available for purchase if you forget. For younger children still in diapers or pull-ups, please bring diapers, wipes, a sippy cup and a spare change of clothes. You are welcome to use one of our storage cubbies to stash shoes, jackets, and other personal items. We kindly ask that your child's items are labeled such as their water bottle, bag or backpack, diapers and wipes. Please give all items needed to a teacher upon drop off to ensure we have everything your little one needs. If you don't have these items at drop off, it's okay! We got you! We sell diapers, snacks and can provide water cups to give you peace of mind that you can drop in anytime. We do not allow outside food or beverages (except water).Please speak with a team member if your child has dietary needs or restrictions.
YES! We are here for the spontaneous moments or when you just need a break for some me time. Kids Garden provides a fun and interactive learning place for your children. Drop the little ones off and enjoy some productive time away and return to happy, worn out kiddos.
Comfortable clothing that can get messy! They’ll be learning through sensory activities, arts and organized crafts that may involve anything from paints and glue to sand and even mud. While they’re sure to have fun, there’s no guarantee their clothes will remain spotless, so please dress them accordingly.
We serve balanced, nutritious meals and snacks everyday at Kids Garden. We do not permit outside food, but rather provide healthy and organic (when possible) sandwiches, fruits, veggies and whole grains that are available daily for a small fee.
For safety and health reasons, we do not allow any outside toys or food. Small children may bring a soft blanket or other small comfort item, but we ask that you leave all other possessions at home or in a storage cubby in our welcome area. Kids Garden has dedicated extensive research to sourcing the best, non-toxic toys and products for our eco-friendly center. Our play space is a time for new discovery and we encourage children to engage in new activities and experience natural materials.
At Kids Garden Asheville, we believe that nutrition is as vital to a child's development as education and play. Understanding the importance of wholesome, nutritious snacks, we serve a variety of organic, locally sourced, and peanut-free options to our young learners. Our snacks are designed to fuel creativity and growth, ensuring that every child receives the nourishment they need to explore, learn, and thrive in our eco-friendly environment.
What sets Kids Garden Asheville apart isn’t just our innovative approach to childcare; it’s the heart and soul we pour into every aspect of our center. Here’s what makes us special:
At Kids Garden, we don’t just watch over children; we engage them in a world of learning and play that enriches their lives and supports their development in a joyful, creative way.
At Kids Garden, we are redefining childcare in Asheville, NC.
Instead of rigid curriculums, we focus on creative expression and play-based learning, allowing children to freely explore their budding minds. Our philosophy is to create an environment that encourages the following:
Our learning centers, infused with natural light and surrounded by lush plants, are thoughtfully designed to act as a third teacher. This fosters a love for learning by encouraging exploration and experimentation.
Seeing is believing, and we invite you to witness firsthand the magic of Kids Garden. Book a tour today, explore our facilities, meet our dedicated team, and learn more about our programs. Join us at Kids Garden, where every day is an opportunity for your child to thrive, create, and discover. Let's nurture their potential together, one playful moment at a time.
Kids Garden Asheville Owner
From a very young age, Daphne Cave was drawn to the creative arts. Daphne has painted murals in yoga studios, camps, for children’s rooms, and even at Kids Garden in Charleston, SC. She has experience with children as a nanny, camp counselor and at the YMCA as the adventure center coordinator. For the last several years, Daphne has worked as an intensive care RN, which has taught her a lot about compassion and doing the things we love in this amazing life we are given. Nursing allowed her to travel around the states and other countries until she settled down with her husband in Asheville. Daphne and her husband were blessed with a baby boy, Conan. He was her inspiration to open Kids Garden AVL. Since opening Kids Garden her family has also grown with the center and she now has 3 kids. With Asheville as home and the amazing community of families that live here, Daphne has put her heart into creating a space for children to play and learn that has flexibility for parents.
Kids Garden Asheville Director
Mrs. Karly was born in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to the mountains of Asheville, NC. She has been drawn to working with and taking care of children since a young age. Karly completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies at the University of North Carolina Asheville. After working as an environmental education intern with Asheville Greenworks and teaching an outdoor afterschool program at Asheville Middle School, Karly knew she wanted to continue working with children. With a combined passion for teaching young learners and a desire to travel the world, Karly moved to Thailand to teach English at a primary school. Karly has since been with Kids Garden Asheville for 4 years and loves everything about the center. As the director, she enjoys connecting with the families, watching children grow and being part of the community! Karly and her husband have recently welcomed their beautiful daughter Kaya into the world.
Kids Garden Asheville Lead Preschool Teacher
Ms. Sophie is originally from Asheville, North Carolina. She responded to an ad online for an open position at Kids Garden, and after reading all about their program, she was very excited to start working with them. She was drawn in by the emphasis of independent and creative play in the center and in their preschool program. She is very passionate about letting kids’ creativity and imagination run wild while also facilitating fun ways to learn about each other and the world we live in! When Ms. Sophie was a child, she wanted to be a Queen or a princess, but quickly discovered that where she found the most joy was working with others, especially children. After spending her time in high school working at the YMCA daycare and babysitting on the side, she decided she wanted to be a teacher! Ms. Sophie is currently working on earning her degree in Elementary Education. In the future, she wants to work with young elementary school students. When she’s not teaching, she loves to take her dog on adventures and participate in the local community theater. Her secret passion for performing arts helps Ms. Sophie facilitate courageous creativity in Kids Garden, and she is always excited to get the kids to participate in dramatic play. She is forever grateful for the place she has found at Kids Garden with all the wonderful kids, families and teachers!
Kids Garden Asheville Preschool Teacher
Ms. Megan is originally from Snellville, Georgia. After seeing how much her sister, Ms. Karly, loved her job at Kids Garden, and sharing her love for children, she came to work as a preschool teacher. She loves the way we use play based learning to teach kids about new and exciting things. She is passionate about finding fun ways to teach the kids about their environment and how they can interact with the world around them! When Ms. Megan was a child, she wanted to grow up to be a teacher because her mom was a teacher, too. After babysitting in high school, earning a teaching certificate in college, and substitute teaching, she knew being a preschool teacher was the perfect fit for her! When she’s not teaching, she loves to read, take walks, or do crafts such as painting or cross stitching. This love of creativity spills over into her job at Kids Garden, where we use crafts, songs, and games to explore new paths of learning. She is so grateful for all of the kids, teachers, and parents who come to Kids Garden!
Kids Garden Asheville Preschool Teacher & Afternoon Art Teacher
Ms. Jo is originally from Lynchburg, VA. She moved to Asheville after several years moving around the East Coast and quickly responded to a job offer at Kids Garden. She is currently finishing her Elementary Education degree, and when she found Kids Garden, she thought, “What a perfect way to get my foot in the door of education!” When Ms. Jo isn’t teaching preschool, she enjoys hiking, floating the river, writing, crafting, and visiting new, exciting places. Ms. Jo’s favorite part about being a teacher is watching each child grow in their own way and at their own pace. Seeing a child’s face light up when they learn something new is the highlight of her day. As a child, Ms. Jo wanted to be a ballerina or a teacher. When she discovered how clumsy she is, she quickly realized that professional dancing was not for her. She pursued a Theater Degree when she began college, but as the years went by, her passions for teaching became truly apparent. Her long term goal is to become a Child Psychologist, as mental health is one of the most important things to her. Ms. Jo is so happy to be part of the team at Kids Garden, and she is so excited to help each of the children grow and learn everyday!
At Kids Garden, we have developed an ecosystem where every child is viewed as a unique seed with the potential to grow in their own extraordinary way. Our blend of structured and spontaneous learning mirrors the natural cycles found in a garden, where diversity and adaptability lead to resilience and beauty.
By emphasizing the importance of tactile experiences, we encourage children to get their hands dirty, so to speak, learning through doing and discovering. This hands-on approach, coupled with our commitment to sustainability, teaches children early on about their impact on the world around them and the importance of nurturing their environment. At Kids Garden, children don't just grow; they flourish, developing a deep-rooted sense of curiosity, respect for nature, and a lifelong love for learning.
Becoming part of Kids Garden Asheville, NC means joining a community of children, parents, and educators who come together to create a joyful, creative educational journey. Here's how you can join our family:
We invite you to discover the Kids Garden Asheville, NC difference and see how our innovative approach to early childhood education provides the perfect foundation for your child's growth and development.
The journey of childhood is fleeting, filled with moments of wonder, discovery, and joy. At Kids Garden, we're dedicated to making every one of those moments count. Whether you're drawn to our flexible scheduling, inspired by our creative curriculum, or searching for a community that values eco-conscious childcare, Kids Garden Asheville is a place where your child can thrive.
In the fertile grounds of Kids Garden Asheville, NC, every child is a budding flower, nurtured with care, sunlight, and love.
Here, we cultivate a garden of young minds, allowing them to blossom into their fullest potential. Join us, and watch your child grow in a place where learning and imagination take root.
