Drop-in Childcare in Asheville, NC

Drop-In Childcare

12mos (walking) to 12yrs
4 hours at a time

Facing the challenge of finding suitable childcare can often feel overwhelming for parents. Kids Garden offers a refreshing solution, blending the flexibility families crave with the stability children need. Unlike traditional childcare centers, our space is designed to foster an environment where kids learn and thrive through hands-on experiences and imaginative play; all backed by hourly drop-in and memberhsip based pricing options.

How Drop-In Works

Join a Tour

Drop-In Childcare

Preschool

Art Classes & After School

Seasonal Camps

Parent's Night Out

Innovative Childcare For Creative Minds

Read Less

At Kids Garden, we offer flexible childcare options for busy families. And, unlike traditional daycare, we make learning fun for your child! Our creative arts center serves as a cornerstone of innovation in early childhood education, where the curiosity of every child is nurtured under the guiding principles of creativity, exploration, and personalized care.

Our Curriculum Includes... We Integrate Montessori, Reggio and Play-Based Methods

Positive Socialization

Fine Motor Skills

Communication

Math Concepts

Reading Comprehension

Art

Yoga & Gross Motor Skills

And More...

How Drop-In Childcare Works

1 Register Your Family

Please note that Kids Garden collects a yearly registration fee of $35 (per family) during your first visit.

2 Choose A Payment Option

Utilize our flexible plans and customized membership deals to fit your family’s needs and schedule.

Pay By the Hour

No commitment, drop-in visits. Great for spontaneity!

Membership Packages

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.

View Pricing

3 Enjoy!

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!

Drop-in Childcare Pricing 4 hours at a time or Become a member for Discounted hourly packages

Searching for affordable childcare in Asheville, NC that meets your family's needs and budget can often feel like navigating a complex maze. At Kids Garden, we simplify this search by offering flexible and transparent pricing options that cater to various family dynamics and schedules

Whether you're a busy parent needing occasional support or looking for regular childcare solutions, our pricing model is designed with your family in mind.

1st Child

2nd Child

3rd Child

4 hours at a time or select an hourly package

By the Hour

1 Hour Minimum

12 Hours

Members Only

24 Hours

Members Only

48 Hours

Members Only

Package Price For 1st Child

$1008 for children under 2

4 hours at a time or select an hourly package

By the Hour

1 Hour Minimum

12 Hours

Members Only

24 Hours

Members Only

48 Hours

Members Only

Package Price For 2nd Child

$792 for children under 2

4 hours at a time or select an hourly package

By the Hour

1 Hour Minimum

12 Hours

Members Only

24 Hours

Members Only

48 Hours

Members Only

Package Price For 3rd Child

$576 for children under 2

*1st child rates apply when only 1 child attends

$2

Each Snack Per Child

$7

Each Lunch Per Child

$3

Pair of Socks

$1

Per Diaper

Nutritious Meals & Snacks. Always.

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.

Videos

Handwriting with Purpose and Play

Check out our KG Preschool Handwriting Workbook! Perfect for helping little ones practice their letters and improve their writing skills. Let learning be FUN!

Why Kids Garden

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 Preschool

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!

See More Videos

FAQs

What should my child bring to the facility?

Every child should bring:

Socks. We are a shoe-free facility, so socks are required at all times.
A water bottle

For diapered children, please bring:

Diapers or pull-ups
Wipes
A labeled sippy cup
A spare change of clothes

Storage cubbies are available for shoes, jackets, and other belongings. And don’t forget to label all of your child’s items!

Forgot something? No worries! We have diapers, socks, snacks, and water cups available for purchase, so you can drop in anytime, even if you forgot something.

Is this real? I can drop-off my kids and run errands by myself?

Yes! It’s really that easy. At Kids Garden, we’re here for those moments when you need time to run errands, focus on work, or take a break.

Our center provides a safe, engaging, and creative environment where your children can learn, explore, and play. Drop them off with confidence and return to happy, inspired kids.

What should my child wear?

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 mud. While they’re sure to have fun, there’s no guarantee their clothes will remain clean, so please dress them accordingly.

What will my child eat during their time at Kids Garden?

We serve balanced, nutritious meals and snacks every day at Kids Garden. We do not permit outside food. Healthy (organic when possible) meals of sandwiches, fruits, veggies, and whole grains are available daily for a small fee. If your child has dietary needs or restrictions, please speak with a team member.

What should my child NOT bring to the facility?

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 discovery, and we encourage children to engage in new activities and experience natural materials.

What happens if I pick my child up late?

We know life happens, and we’re flexible with pick-up times during our open hours. However, if pick-up occurs after we are closed, a late fee will apply. This helps cover staffing and ensures our team can close safely and on time.

See More FAQs

Play Care, Not Daycare Our Programs

We've Got You! Hear From parents who have found peace of mind in the garden

Susan James Fundanish

Apr 23rd, 2025

Kids Garden has been such a blessing. My husband and I don’t have family nearby to help with our 18 month old so we have started using the drop in childcare occasionally. Not only does my daughter LOVE going but the staff are incredible, and they provide a nice mix of free play and craft/activities. Even though there is no outside play area - the room has giant windows to let in natural light.
John I. Braniecki

Mar 3rd, 2025

We're incredibly grateful for Kids Garden! Our lil' girl is almost 2, so we've been trying to introduce her to different social settings and activities. Miss Karly has always been kind, patient, and reassuring. She suggested dropping off our little in the afternoon, when it's a bit quieter. Our kiddo is adjusting well, and loves the art classes! Miss Isa went the extra mile last week, spending some serious one-on-one time with her. It truly makes a difference, we love Kids Garden!
Shana T. Goncalves

Feb 14th, 2025

My family has been going to Kids Garden for over a year, and we’re extremely grateful for the loving teachers who have created a second home for our two daughters. There’s no way that I could come up with the number of activities you do there; Clara always comes home talking about them! Big shoutout to the sisters Miss Carly and Miss Megan for their professionalism and positivity. You both set a great example!!
Simone Wilson

Feb 11th, 2025

We love KG! My daughter has been going since she could walk and always has a great time. Everyone on the staff is kind and I always feel safe leaving her in their care.
Leslie Cardix

Feb 6th, 2025

I am so impressed with the various arts and crafts Kids Garden offers everyday, experiences I would never think to do on my own. My daughter absolutely loves going to “school”, she has so much fun and calls her teachers her best friends. She comes home having learned something new every day during circle time. I feel so comfortable leaving Margot there, I know she is in great hands.
Calla Chow

Jul 31st, 2024

Absolutely thrilled with our experience at Kids Garden Asheville! The curriculum is beautifully grounded in Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles, fostering an environment where creativity and learning thrive. The staff are exceptional—genuine, dedicated, and incredibly supportive. They truly bring out the best in every child. Highly recommend this center for anyone looking to enrich their child's educational journey with a nurturing and innovative approach. Five stars!
Pam Eveland

Nov 1st, 2023

Love, love, love Kids Play Garden! Our grand child went to preschool there for 5 weeks and she loved it. The teachers are wonderful.
Kyle Hawkins

Oct 13th, 2023

We take advantage of Kids Garden Parents' Night Out to enjoy a child-free date night each month. In addition, when plans have fallen through, we've used their drop-in daycare service as well. We love that our child enjoys structured play and child based learning activities in a safe, clean environment. The staff members are kind, caring, and patient. Kudis to Megan, Sophie (x2), and Kiya for another fantastic experience today. We highly recommend Kids Garden-Asheville!
Danielle Donaldson

May 16th, 2023

My youngest has really enjoyed her time in the preschool program, and both of my daughters participated in and loved the spring break camp. The staff are kind and helpful, and the facility always looks clean. They do a fantastic job here!
Sue Ann Fisher

May 12th, 2023

We LOVE Kids Garden! Honestly, when my son started around 2 years old he was going through some *big* transitions. He had just become a big brother and his world was turned upside down. The teachers at Kids Garden helped him tremendously. He always has so much fun learning with his friends and teachers. The teachers are the BEST! After a few months of drop off care we enrolled in preschool! Such a wonderful experience. So grateful for y'all!
Michaela Belue

May 12th, 2023

Wonderful teachers & incredibly enriching environment for my child! Our family has had an amazing experience sending our child to preschool at Kids Garden! We love it!
Brianna Robinson

May 12th, 2023

Our family loves Kids Garden! As a business owner, it’s important to have flexibility and Kids Garden is just that. We have been so happy to hear about all the things our child tells us he learns weekly. We also enjoy seeing his art projects and how he connects the dots at home. We previously looked for a Montessori school but had no luck with flexible days. Kids Garden holds a Montessori-style standard and we have greatly appreciated that. My child considers his teachers at Kids Garden family and is so happy he tells me about his day. We can’t wait to sign up our second child this coming fall!
Courtney Telaro

May 11th, 2023

We were in town visiting and I was very impressed with the quality of care my child received. It felt immediately like family and my child was comfortable and had the best time! Definitely recommend!
Kasey Watson

May 11th, 2023

Absolutely love the kids garden 💚 The curriculum is amazing, the staff truly cares about the children and you leave with so many crafts that your child works on during their day. It’s such a blessing!
Sarah Levell

Dec 14th, 2022

We absolutely love Kids Garden Asheville. We moved from out of state and all the daycares in the area had a 1-3 year waitlist. We were stoked when we stumbled upon Kids Garden and learned that we could start dropping in immediately. Luckily right when we arrived in Asheville, a spot opened up in the KG Preschool program for our 2 year old son. We started at Kids Garden with the intent of it being temporary until a spot become available at one of the full time daycares in the area since the KG preschool program is only 9-1 and both my husband and I work full time. After a month and a half at KG a full time spot opened up somewhere else so we made the difficult decision to switch daycares since it worked better with our work schedule. After only 2 weeks at the new daycare we knew the quality of care was nowhere near what our son was receiving at Kids Garden so we left the full time daycare to go back to Kids Garden; that’s how amazing they are. The teachers at KG are so passionate, patient and loving towards the kids in the center. They do amazing arts and crafts that our son looked forward to everyday and was always so proud to show us when we picked him up. They provide healthy food and snacks and are always teaching the kids something new and exciting in their lesson plans. Our son never wanted to leave KG when we would come to pick him up and would even try to hide from us, but somehow the teachers were always able to talk him into going home and leaving happily. The center is very secure, always clean and overall just a great place. Our son has learned and grown so much already in his time at KG. We can’t wait till our daughter is old enough to start going as well. Whether you are thinking about dropping in or joining the preschool program, do it, you will not be disappointed and your kid will love it.
Cashelle Rose

Oct 25th, 2022

Thrilled to have a place to drop in for care while we grown ups enjoyed four hours of Asheville. My 4yo had a good time making art and playing with the younger kids! Don't miss it!
Melanie Cole

Apr 13th, 2022

I took my twin girls to Kids Garden for 1-2 hours about 5-6 times over a few months. I only dropped them off when I had to go into the office for a meeting. They were super nice and tried to make my girls enjoy their time anyway they could. One of my twins, we recently found out, is autistic. I dropped the girls off at Kids Garden for 2 1/2 hours one day due to back to back meetings. This had never happened before but it was just an additional 30 minutes. I received a call when I was on my way to pick them up that they couldn’t accommodate my autistic daughters needs and would be unable to watch her. This was very disappointing as I had a FABULOUS experience up until that point. However, I still recommend them to everyone. They really are great, just aren’t able to take kids who need a little more attention. Though I do wish they had the capability to watch kids with autism as the fun activities they do, are right up an autistic child’s alley.
Cecilia Ryane

Mar 9th, 2022

I was referred by an acquaintance. I am very pleased with the service and convenience of child care service. When I need the extra help to watch my little ones, Kids Garden is there for our family. Greatly appreciated. The kids have fun and enjoy themselves. They look forward to their next visit.
Eileen Mouyard

Mar 9th, 2022

Where would we be without Kids Garden!? My daughter LOVES Kids Garden so much; she gets very pumped when I tell her we're going to 'her garden'. The staff is kind and helpful, the facilities at KG are always clean, tidy, and the space is all around enchanting-- I want to hang out there and play! Whether I have to run errands, get work done and attend multiple Zoom calls, or just sit in silence in the sunshine for an hour so I don't completely lose my mind as a single parent -- Kids Garden is the best. I love them. I appreciate the work they do (I SO value you, childcare pros!) Please don't ever close and please expand to everywhere. America needs more KG's!
Alena Hamilton

Nov 29th, 2021

Kids Garden is a 10/10 for how more childcare centers should be structured. They offer flexible hours, drop-ins and month to month preschool options …which sets them apart from most facilities. I wish there were more locations in more major cities. The staff is amazing and offer a safe and clean environment for the children to learn through play activities. I would highly recommend Kids Garden to anyone with children living or visiting Asheville.

Take a Tour of Our Learning CenterCreativity Is At the Heart Of Our Center & Everything We Do

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.

Join a Tour

828-417-7310

How We Are Different

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:

Creative Learning: We believe in the power of play and hands-on learning. Our programs are based on Montessori and Reggio Emilia theories, alternative educational theories that are best suited to the growing brains of children. We ensure that children enjoy the process of learning!
Experienced Childcare Providers: Our team is a blend of skilled educators with degrees in early childhood education, caring mothers, and former nannies dedicated to providing a nurturing, educational experience.
Safe and Secure: Peace of mind is a priority. Our center is equipped with a keypad entrance and strict ID checks for pick-up. All childcare providers are thoroughly screened and certified in CPR and first aid.
Eco-Friendly: Sustainability is at the heart of Kids Garden. We’re proud to be a green educational center where everything from art supplies to cleaning products is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

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.

A little kid at Kids Garden sitting on our Asheville learning center books.

Our Philosophy

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:

Creative Exploration: We encourage children to immerse themselves in painting, sculpting, and music, where imagination is translated into expressive artwork.
Engaged Learning: Our curriculum blends the arts with fundamental subjects like science, math, and literacy, turning education into an adventure that captivates and inspires.
Unhindered Expression: Every child is supported to explore and express themselves freely in an environment that cherishes individuality.

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.

Learn More

Contact Kids Garden Make Creative Play Part Of Your Child's Day

Book Now

Call Us