Kids can flex their own creative muscles in the children's room at the Taubman Museum of Art. 

Top Attractions for Families in Roanoke, VA

1. Taubman Museum of Art

This stand-out art museum features more than 2,000 stunning works on display from artists like Norman Rockwell and Jasper Johns. It's also entirely free to visit! My kids and I really enjoyed walking the galleries and exploring the lofty building, which is in itself a piece of art. There's an excellent children's room, too, with blocks, puppets, and creative materials so kids can make their own masterpieces.

2. Mill Mountain Park and Roanoke Star

A great place to start your Roanoke trip is at this 568-acre park that is home to the city's famous giant star. Illuminated for the first time in 1949, the 88.5-foot star can be seen from 60 miles away. It's a defining feature of the local landscape and a fun place for a photo op. Mill Mountain Park also has a playground, 10 miles of hiking trails, a wildflower garden, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and a ;nature center that's free to visit.

3. Kids Square

Located in the Center in the Square (a downtown building that houses several fun attractions), this sweet children's museum has tons of hands-on exhibits geared to the 10-and-under crowd. There's a giant sand box, a construction zone with a crane and dump truck, and a mini city where fans of pretend play can work the grocery store, hair salon, and dentist's office, among other businesses.

The Science Museum of Western Virginia has a wide array of hands-on experiences with animals and plants.

4. Science Museum of Western Virginia

One floor up from Kids Square is this interactive science museum that boasts a sea animal touch tank, a collection of fascinating fungi, a planetarium, and STEM-friendly displays galore. The highlight for my kids was the museum's parakeet garden, where we got to feed and get close with more than 150 colorful parakeets. My daughters didn't want to leave.

5. Mill Mountain Zoo

Take young wildlife lovers to this small, non-profit zoo that's home to 85 animals, including endangered species like the red wolf and the red panda. Located in Mill Mountain Park, the zoo also houses a snow leopard, an American black bear, and a variety of birds and reptiles. Plan on about two hours to walk the full grounds.

Explore the large limestone formations of limestone in the caves at Dixie Caverns.

Outdoor Fun for Families in Roanoke, VA

6. Dixie Caverns

Here's something you don't see every day! My kids were thoroughly fascinated by this limestone cave located 20 minutes outside of downtown Roanoke. Guided tours are about 45 minutes long and include time for photos by amazing stalactite and stalagmite features like the "wedding bell" and the "magic mirror." Dixie Caverns is open year-round, and there's an antique shop and campground on site.

7. Treetop Quest

Challenge yourself and your kids at this outdoor aerial obstacle course. Children as young as 4 can get harnessed up to fly across zip lines, climb cargo nets, and balance on tight ropes. (The Chick Pea course is made for little ones 6 and under, while other levels require kids be at least 7.) Tickets are sold for two-hour periods. Treetop Quest is typically open April through October.

8. Splash Valley

Visiting in the summer? This outdoor aquatic center, run by Roanoke Parks and Rec, will keep your family cool. Features include two giant water slides, a lazy river, a splash pad, and a zero-entry pool, as well as a concession stand and plenty of lounge chairs. Prices are very reasonable, too. Splash Valley is open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

9. Roanoke Valley Greenways

This network of over 400 miles of paved and natural-surface trails is perfect for families who want to hike, bike, or push a stroller. Perhaps the most popular trail is the Roanoke River Greenway, which is paved and follows the river from west to east through the valley. It connects to nine trail heads for a total distance of 14.2 miles. Need a bike? Roanoke Mountain Adventures offers equipment for rent.

Indoor Things To Do in Roanoke, VA

10. Virginia Museum of Transportation

Got a kid who loves vehicles? If so, this museum is a must-see. Set inside the century-old freight station, the VMT houses an impressive collection of antique cars, trains, and planes, as well as interactive displays for kids. Highlights include a cute model train exhibit, a classic Ford Model T, and an outside rail yard where visitors can climb aboard various trains.

11. Roanoke Pinball Museum

Head back to the Center in the Square for another must-see museum dedicated to pinball. More than 60 playable machines are on display, including ones from the 1930s through the present day. Part historical center, part arcade, each $15 admission ticket allows visitors to play at their leisure. Look out for a rare Humpty Dumpty machine from 1947, as well as more modern Elton John-themed game.

12. Skate Center of Roanoke Valley

Lace up and hit the rink at this family-friendly skate center that also boasts an indoor playground, a laser tag arena, a snack counter, and an arcade. This spot hits all the right nostalgia notes, from classic games like limbo to the soundtrack that includes plenty of throwback hits. Be sure to check the Skate Center calendar for weekly specials.

13. Thunder Valley Family Entertainment Center

This one-stop family fun center has been entertaining kids since 1997, offering up many of the things that make for a great day out. I'm talking laser tag, go-karts, a mini golf course, batting cages, a bowling alley, and an arcade. Plus, Thunder Valley is reasonably priced. Check the website for seasonal specials and current hours of operation.

14. Trampoline Parks

Burn off some calories by bouncing the day away at one of Roanoke's trampoline parks. Launching Pad in Salem has wall-to-wall jump zones,  climbing walls, bumper cars, and a giant slide. Sky Zone Roanoke has a ninja warrior course, a jousting beam, and a dodge ball court. Then there's Bounce Roanoke, an indoor inflatable playground with a variety of bouncy houses for the tall and the small.

Bread Caft's pasteries are amazing, but be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds!

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Roanoke, VA

15. Bread Craft

I can't recommend this small-batch bakery enough. The pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and namesake breads are seriously good. So good, in fact, that my kids requested coming here every morning on our week-long trip. The only downside is Bread Craft's popularity: arrive early on weekends to beat long lines.

16. Crystal Spring Grocery Co.

Planning lunch on the go? This gourmet market and casual spot has the best picnic options. The made-to-order menu includes soups, salads, and sandwiches (southern-food fans will appreciate the many pimento cheese offerings). The grocery also sells fine packaged foods like specialty salami and olives.

17. Fortunato

This delicious Italian restaurant markets itself as having a Neapolitan soul and an Appalachian heart. That sounds accurate to me! Our family thoroughly enjoyed dining on Margherita pizza, pasta Bolognese, kale salads, and minestrone soup in Fortunato's relaxed downtown atmosphere. Everything we ate tasted very fresh.

18. Roanoke City Market

How can I write about Roanoke without mentioning this historic farmer's market, open year-round and in operation since 1882? Stretching for a few blocks on Market Street, vendors come every day to sell locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers, as well as meats, baked goods, and hand-crafted items. The market typically runs from 8am-5pm, and only closes on Christmas and New Year's Day.

Enjoy your stay at the almost 150-year-old Hotel Roanoke.

Great Hotels for Families in Roanoke, VA

19. The Hotel Roanoke

This seven-floor hotel has been a Roanoke icon since it opened its doors in 1882. With 327 guest rooms and a Tudor-style exterior, the building (now a Hilton property) is quite impressive from the outside. Guests can find modern amenities like a seasonal pool and a cafe serving up Starbucks. The hotel is within walking distance to the Taubman Museum of Art and downtown shops.

20. The Liberty Trust

Housed inside the former First National Bank building, this boutique hotel is known for its elegant architecture. That includes a grand marble-clad lobby with high ceilings and giant pillars. The 54 guest rooms are also charming, and the on-site restaurant (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) is located in the bank's old vault, making for a memorable meal.

21. Country Inn & Suites Roanoke

While no frills, this hotel offers many of the things families appreciate: free hot breakfast, pet friendliness, adjoining rooms, and an indoor pool. It's also located just off I-81 near the airport, making for an easy getaway whether you're traveling on the road or by air.

FAQs From Parents Visiting Roanoke

Q: Is Roanoke family-friendly?
A: Yes! With kid-friendly museums, outdoor adventures, caverns, and more, Roanoke is such a great city for families with children of all ages and interests.

Q: Are there free activities for kids in Roanoke?
Mill Mountain Park offers plenty of free fun, from a playground and hiking trails to the free Discovery Center and the iconic Roanoke Star. Biking the Roanoke Valley Greenways is another fun, free way to be active and enjoy the outdoors.

Q: How many days do you need in Roanoke with kids?
A: Two to three days is enough time to hit most of the major family-friendly spots in Roanoke. If you want to take day trips to nearby places like Natural Bridge State Park or the Virginia Safari Park, consider staying an extra day or two.

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All photos by the author