12 Fun Things to Do in Roanoke with Kids: Family Activities
Roanoke, often known as the “Star City of the South,” is a beautiful destination for those searching for entertainment and nostalgia.
Roanoke, the largest city in Southwest Virginia, has plenty of places for families to enjoy themselves and learn new things.
We hope our guide to family-friendly activities in Roanoke will help you organize your next trip with the kids.
- Mill Mountain Star & Park
This 88.5-foot-tall icon is the world’s most prominent illuminated, freestanding manufactured star and stands 1,045 feet above the city.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
One of the cool things to do in Roanoke with kids is to visit Mill Mountain Star.
Besides being a great place to see the massive star, this park in Roanoke, Virginia, also features a curiosity center, outdoor classroom, wildflower garden, and playground.
Recommended Ages
Children older than three will get the most out of a trip to Roanoke’s famous star.
Bottom of Form
- Virginia Museum of Transportation
Originally opening in 1918, this museum focused on transportation history and is now located in the heart of downtown Roanoke.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The Virginia Museum of Transportation does an excellent job of charting the evolution of transportation systems through time through hands-on exhibits.
Model trains, an authentic train terminal from the 1940s, actual locomotives, a gallery dedicated to the circus, a hot-air balloon, and much more are just some of the exhibits.
Recommended Ages
Visitors of any age group will find something interesting in this museum.
The interactive exhibits are ideal for toddlers, and the information they provide is helpful for children of all ages.
- Roanoke Pinball Museum
This hip museum opened in 2015 and is a crown jewel occupying the heart of the Square’s central plaza.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
There are more than 45 pinball machines in this fascinating museum, which spans from 1948 through the 1990s.
Unbelievably, each pinball machine in the museum can be played.
Recommended Ages
The Roanoke Pinball Museum is the city’s premier hangout for young adults and teenagers.
- Taubman Museum of Art
This 81,000-square-foot museum, which opened to the public in 2008, features nearly 2,000 works of outstanding American art.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Taubman Museum is a must-visit for any tourist or local looking for things to do with the kids in Roanoke.
Art-loving kids will have a blast exploring the museum’s galleries and exhibits.
There are painting lessons you can do with the kids where everyone can work together to create something unique.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages are welcome to explore the museum’s collections, participate in educational activities, and enjoy the Taubman Museum of Art galleries.
- Roanoke Valley Greenways
In 1993, residents of the Roanoke Valley wanted to create greenways after seeing similar projects in other states.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Roanoke Valley Greenways is a family-friendly paradise with over 400 miles of trails (both paved and unpaved).
The trails are a wonderful place to take the kids first thing in the morning if you’re searching for low-cost or no-cost activities that everyone can enjoy.
Recommended Ages
Locals and tourists of all ages have long enjoyed exercising by walking, riding, or jogging along Roanoke’s greenways.
- Center in the Square
This massive complex can be found in the middle of Downtown Roanoke, and it is home to a wide variety of museums, galleries, and other venues focused on the arts, sciences, and technology.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Center in the Square is the go-to recommendation for parents who have never been to Roanoke and have no idea what to do there with their children.
You may find a variety of kid-friendly activities, from an aquarium with 8,000 gallons of water to a butterfly garden and more, on this vibrant campus near Roanoke.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages will love going to the theater, aquarium, science center, history museum, art gallery, or other cultural institution.
- Mill Mountain Zoo
This landmark on Mill Mountain was first opened to the public in 1952.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Don’t be fooled by its small stature!
Despite its modest size, Roanoke’s Mill Mountain Zoo is a popular attraction for families.
This AZA-approved zoo is home to 170 animals representing around 90 different species.
Recommended Ages
Red pandas, snow leopards, owls, skinks, and more can be seen by visitors of all ages at Mill Mountain Zoo.
- Green Ridge Recreation Center & Splash Valley Water Park
Green Ridge is a great place to take the family because it combines two of Roanoke’s best attractions for kids into one convenient location just off Interstate 581.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Visiting Green Ridge is one of your area’s most sought-after family-friendly activities.
This amusement park has thrilling water rides and exciting arcade games to keep the whole family occupied for hours.
Recommended Ages
Green Ridge and Splash Valley are great for families with children of all ages, from infants and toddlers to elementary schoolers and teenagers.
- Science Museum of Western Virginia
In 1970, the Cherry Hill building’s basement transformed became the home of the Science Museum of Western Virginia, which was a mere 400 square feet.
This museum may now be popular with visitors in the Square’s Central Area.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
This museum features interactive science exhibits that help kids discover who they are and where they fit in the world via enormous foam blocks, art supplies, robots, a sandbox, and other fun and educational tools.
Recommended Ages
Children over three will get the most out of the Science Museum of Western Virginia’s displays.
- Kids Square Roanoke Children’s Museum
Center in the Square is home to Roanoke’s best children’s museum, making it a must-visit for any family seeking things to do in Roanoke with young children.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
In Kids Square, young children can participate in various hands-on activities to teach them about the world and themselves.
The museum’s seasonal activities add even more chances for humorous instruction.
Recommended Ages
The displays at Kids Square are designed for kids less than ten.
- Grandin Movie Theater
The Grandin Theatre, which was opened in 1931, is one of the few remaining movie theaters showing indie films and significant releases.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Looking for some low-cost weekend activities for the family?
Watch a film in one of Roanoke’s most recognizable landmarks by checking the Grandin Theatre’s online movie listings.
Recommended Ages
Moviegoers of all ages may rest assured that they will find something to their liking at the Grandin Theatre since it screens anything from animated features to cult classics.
- Jeter Farm
This farm is well-known for its annual fall festival, during which visitors taste rural life in Virginia.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
With its authentic barnyard and farm animals, as well as its corn maze, hayrides, tractor rides, slides, and seasonal activities, Jeter Farm is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Roanoke, Virginia.
Recommended Ages
Children older than two will enjoy Jeter Farm’s funny attractions and activities the most.
