Looking for the best things to do with your kids in Roanoke? Don't worry, the city offers endless entertainment options for kids, from fun activities to indoor playgrounds. Whether planning a weekend getaway or looking for family-friendly activities in Roanoke, there's something for every age and interest. Let's explore some fun, educational, and exciting family-friendly activities.
1. Roanoke Pinball Museum
Address：1 Market Square SE, 2nd Floor, Center in the Square, Roanoke, Virginia 24011
Website：roanokepinball.org
Looking for family-friendly activities in Roanoke? The Roanoke Pinball Museum is a must-see destination, offering the perfect blend of entertainment and education. Not only is it a unique children's activity center, it's also a year-round family-friendly option. With over 70 classic and modern pinball machines, children and adults alike will enjoy the fun. Whether you're looking to relax with your family or develop your children's skills, this is the perfect place. The museum also hosts a variety of holiday events, making it a fun hub for the community.
2. Summer Camps
Address：4818 Starkey Rd Roanoke, VA 24018
Website：https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/1
Roanoke is a great place for kids to explore, learn, and have fun. Summer camps offer a wide range of activities to keep kids active and inspired. Programs focus on kids' activities, including art, sports, outdoor adventures, and creative workshops. Even on rainy days, there are plenty of indoor activities and indoor playgrounds, providing safe and fun spaces for children to play. Many camps and centers also host special holiday events in Roanoke VA, ensuring fun, discovery, and memorable experiences for kids in every season.
3. Taubman Museum of Art
Address：110 Salem Avenue SE, Roanoke, VA 24011
Website：taubmanmuseum.org
The Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke is a great place for children to explore art and unleash their creativity. As one of the top things to do in Roanoke, the museum offers engaging and interactive activities for children. Children can engage in hands-on workshops and a variety of indoor activities to stimulate their imaginations. The popular "Art Venture" area is like an indoor playground for children, where they can build, paint, and experiment. The museum also hosts special holiday events throughout the year, ensuring children have memorable experiences that combine learning with fun.
4. Treetop Quest at Explore Park
Address：56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014
Treetop Quest, located in Explore Park, is one of Roanoke's most exciting kid-friendly adventures. Designed for children ages 4 to 6, it features thrilling activities like a treetop ropes challenge, a Tarzan swing, and a zipline. Young explorers can develop courage, balance, and creativity in a safe, outdoor environment. Furthermore, because it's nestled within the beautiful surroundings of Explore Park, parents and children can combine the fun with activities like camping and mountain biking. Treetop Quest is often combined with holiday events in Roanoke, making it a must-do outdoor experience for children.
5. The Roanoke STARCADE
Address：1 Market Square SE, 2nd Floor, Center in the Square, Roanoke, Virginia 24011
Website：roanokestarcade.org
STARCADE in Roanoke is a dream for video game enthusiasts. One of the top things to do in Roanoke, VA, it boasts hundreds of modern arcade machines and classic games. Best of all, with a ticket, all games are free to play, making it a top-tier local kids' activity. Kids can enjoy dancing, racing, marbles, and action games in a safe and exciting indoor environment. It's also a great place for rainy days, providing hours of fun. STARCADE also participates in Roanoke holiday events, making the experience even more exciting.
6. Splash Valley Water Park
Address：7415 Wood Haven Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019
Splash Valley Waterpark is one of Roanoke's most exciting summer activities for kids, perfect for those who love water. It features a relaxing lazy river, thrilling water slides, and a colorful fountain playground just for the little ones. It's the perfect place to keep kids active, cool, and happy. While known for its outdoor adventures, the shallow, kid-friendly areas make it safe for even the smallest ones. Splash Valley is often combined with Roanoke holiday events, making it a favorite summer destination for kids.
7. Green Ridge Recreation Center
Address：7415 Wood Haven Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019
Website：https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/facilities/facility/details/Green-Ridge-Recreation-Center-41
Green Ridge Recreation Center is one of Roanoke's most popular things to do for kids. This indoor facility offers a wide range of activities for kids, including a lazy river with a waterslide, a pool, and a splash zone designed specifically for the little ones. Besides swimming, children can enjoy the indoor walking trails, basketball courts, and fun programs designed especially for them. On rainy or cold days, this indoor playground is the perfect place to keep kids active and entertained with a variety of indoor activities.
8. Blue Ridge Mountains
Address：7415 Wood Haven Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019
The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of Roanoke's most breathtaking natural attractions, especially for nature-loving children. With child-friendly viewpoints, hiking trails, and safe waterfalls, children can enjoy exploring the outdoors. Popular activities for kids include picnics, nature walks, and wildlife observation, offering both fun and educational experiences in the outdoors, creating a sense of discovery and excitement for young explorers.
9. Historic Roanoke City Market
Address：213 Market Street, Roanoke, VA 24011
Website：https://www.visitroanokeva.com/listings/historic-roanoke-city-market
One of Roanoke's top things to do, the Historic Roanoke City Market is a great place for kids to learn, explore, and discover new things. The market offers a variety of activities for kids, such as watching local artisans create crafts, sampling fresh fruit, and participating in interactive activities. Children can stroll through the colorful stalls, enjoy live music, and participate in Roanoke's seasonal holiday events. While primarily an outdoor venue, there are also nearby indoor playgrounds, perfect for a day filled with fun and learning.
10. Upper James River Water Trail
Address：640 Lowe Street, Buchanan, VA 24066
Website：upperjamesriverwatertrail.com
The Upper James River Water Trail is a perfect outdoor adventure for kids who love nature and water activities. As one of the top things to do in Roanoke, VA, it offers gentle whitewater rafting and paddling trails suitable for children, as well as safe areas for wildlife observation and fishing. While exploring the river, children can also learn about the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and local history. Holiday events in Roanoke, VA sometimes include river-related activities, making the Upper James River Water Trail a fun and educational destination for children.
These locations offer endless opportunities for children to play, learn, and discover. From indoor playgrounds and interactive museums to beautiful outdoor trails and exciting water parks, a variety of activities keep children entertained. Whether climbing at Treetop Quest, paddling on the Upper James River Water Trail, or visiting historical sites, children can enjoy safe, educational, and fun indoor and outdoor activities. Roanoke truly offers the perfect blend of adventure, creativity, and exploration for children of all ages.
