Family Travel Guide to Roanoke, VA: Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in the Heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Planning a family trip to Roanoke, Virginia? Nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, this scenic mountain city offers a family-friendly array of outdoor adventure, hands-on museums, and delicious local restaurants. If you are thinking about a vacation to the mountains, Roanoke is an ideal destination for a family trip packed with fun and flexibility.

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Thank you to Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge for hosting us on our visit to Roanoke!

Get to Know Roanoke

Roanoke’s founding can be traced back to the 1700s, when settlers were drawn to the region by the buffalo, elk, and deer around the salt marshes, known as “salt licks.” The first town in the valley was accordingly named Big Lick.

When a railroad came to the valley in the mid-1800s, the community split. Some relocated to be near the tracks, taking the name of Big Lick with them, and others stayed put, with the old town coming to be known as Old Lick.

By the end of the 1800s, Big Lick was renamed Roanoke to match the valley, river, and surrounding county. The name derived from “Rawrenock” or “Rawranoke,” an American Indian term for shell beads that were worn as jewelry in the area.

Residents and visitors to Roanoke can experience an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and sophisticated indoor entertainment. We loved the genuinely diverse culture with unique local stores, restaurants, and small businesses—and we cannot wait to visit again!

Outdoor Adventure Around Roanoke

The mountain climate in Roanoke, Virginia guarantees plenty of delightful days spent outdoors. There is no way to look at the mountains all around without feeling the urge to explore them, and we discovered some great spots for families to play outside together.

Mill Mountain Park

Mill Mountain Park is a must-visit attraction for families in Roanoke. It is one of the most iconic destinations in city and located only a few short minutes from downtown.

At the summit, you will find the city icon, the Roanoke Star. It is the largest freestanding illuminated star in the entire world. The overlook in front of the star provides a broad view of the city below, making it the top photo spot for tourists.

Other major attractions include the Mill Mountain Discovery Center and Mill Mountain Zoo, where kids can learn about local wildlife through exhibits, activities, and special events. Mill Mountain Zoo is one of the only mountain-top zoos in the country, and it houses critically endangered species like the Red Wolf and Red Ruffed lemur.

Visiting families will also appreciate the wildflower garden, playground, hiking trails, picnic tables, and public restrooms available. All parking and most amenities on the mountain are free, but you’ll want to plan to buy tickets for the Mill Mountain Zoo.

Addy Grace Playground

There are many pleasant parks and playgrounds around Roanoke, but the Addy Grace Playground in Daleville takes the cake! Located at the Botetourt Family YMCA, this playground opened in 2019 and is the region’s top fully-inclusive playground. Children of all ages and abilities will love the huge variety of play structures, from climbing ropes to play houses to ziplines.

The playground is fully fenced with strong visibility across the entire play area, making it easy to supervise kids. Parents juggling multiple children will appreciate the wide selection of play options for every age. Plus, the playground is directly adjacent to the YMCA building, providing access to restrooms and water fountains during open hours.

Note for Parents: This playground is in full sun, so play equipment may get hot during the summer months. Parents may want to check the forecast before visiting and remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and water!

Roaring Run Falls

If you love to hike with kids, then you need to know about Roaring Run Falls! Just under an hour from downtown Roanoke in the neighboring Botetourt County, these gorgeous waterfalls can be reached with a short, easy hike inside the free Jefferson National Forest.

Free parking, picnic tables, and restrooms are available at the entrance. No sinks, water fountains, or potable water is available onsite, so don’t forget to bring water bottles!

When you reach the restroom facility, you’ll see a sign to the left pointing you towards the easiest route to the waterfalls: Streamside Trail. This trail is only 0.6 miles with gradual elevation changes, and as the name implies, it follows alongside the Roaring Run River. The trail makes up one segment of the larger Roaring Run Trail Loop, which runs a total distance of roughly 1.5 miles with much steeper elevation changes.

Note for Parents: Remember to keep a sharp eye and close hand on young children when hiking at Roaring Run Falls. Be careful around the steep drop-offs, slippery rocks, and of course the many water features and crossings!

Splash Valley Water Park

Summers in Roanoke would be incomplete without a visit to Splash Valley Water Park. This outdoor water park features two tall water slides, a current river, and sprayground for kids. The sprayground is an awesome wading pool with full playground and slides, completely surrounded by shallow water. It’s a great spot for little ones to splash and play.

The water park is open to all ages, but children ages 5 and under—or any child using a personal floatation device—must be within a parent’s reach at all times. Parents are welcome to bring strollers and baby bags, but the water park does not allow pop-ups, tents, umbrellas, or coolers. Appropriate swim attire is required at all times, and swim diapers are available for purchase inside the park if you forget to pack one.

Families can purchase daily admission or a season pass on the website. Be sure to check Splash Valley’s web calendar for details on seasonal openings and hours, and keep in mind that severe weather may cause unexpected closures.

Indoor Things To Do in Roanoke

Downtown Roanoke contains a wonderful selection of kid-friendly museums, all within walking distance of one another! Paid parking is available all over downtown, and we suggest trying Center in the Square Garage for its central location.

Center in the Square

Center in the Square in downtown Roanoke is the best place for families with kids of all ages to find tons of fun, all in one convenient place! This 7-story complex houses multiple attractions, including a children’s museum, science center, arcade, live theatre, and more.

We highly recommend Kids Square for babies, toddlers, and kids up to about 10 years ago. This hands-on children’s museum has so many exhibits to explore, you’ll find it difficult to do them all in one day! Highlights include fully functioning diggers in the Construction Zone, play equipment just for babies and toddlers, a large immersive forest exhibit, and playrooms themed with over a dozen different careers!

The Science Museum of Western Virginia has activities for all ages, with most being ideal for elementary-aged kids. The Parakeet Garden allows kids to hand-feed parakeets that land directly on them, and multiple touch tanks provide direct encounters with a variety of marine life. Add a sandbox, planetarium, and a whole lot more, and your family will find plenty of ways to learn through play all together.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation

If you’ve got a kid who loves cars, trains, planes, or anything that moves, then The Virginia Museum of Transportation needs to be on your list. This standout stop displays a broad collection of historic locomotives, railcars, classic automobiles, and even airplanes.

Our oldest was enthralled by the Aviation Gallery, where he learned about Leonardo da Vinci’s earliest designs for flight and the Wright brothers’ invention of the airplane. The outdoor rail yard invites families to walk alongside and touch full-sized train engines. There’s even a small playroom with toys for little ones.

Parents will appreciate the water fountains and family restroom, and kids will find lots of transportation-themed books and toys in the gift shop on your way out. Details on hours and admission can be found on their website.

Taubman Museum of Art

The Taubman Museum of Art will immediately catch your eye as you drive through downtown Roanoke. Its exterior is just as artfully designed as its interior exhibits, and the unique, curved architecture has earned it recognition as the best-designed museum in Virginia.

The museum regularly features rotating exhibits, and admission is always free. Art Venture is a ground-floor gallery where kids (ages 1 to 17 years old) can create their own artwork through a variety of mediums for only $5. Hours for Art Venture are more limited than the larger museum, so be sure to confirm it’s open when planning your visit!

Best Restaurants Around Roanoke

Roanoke’s dining scene is diverse and locally based, with a mix of casual and elevated options perfect for families. While there are many fantastic choices, we found a few favorites to recommend for every occasion.

Mill Mountain Coffee Co.

Mill Mountain Coffee Co. is a locally owned coffee and tea house with two locations in the city of Roanoke. It is locally loved for its comfortable, casual atmosphere and big selection of coffee beans for at-home roasters. Their coffee and breakfast pastries are so yummy, and we highly recommend a warmed blueberry scone!

Both the Campbell Avenue and Starkey Road locations offer comfortable indoor seating and free parking lot. The Starkey Road location also offers a large outdoor seating area and a drive-thru for added convenience!

Scrambled

If you want casual family breakfast with hearty favorites, we had a top-notch experience at Scrambled in downtown Roanoke. We arrived during peak breakfast hours, but were still seated immediately. Our server was friendly, our food was delivered to us quickly, and everything tasted fresh and delicious. The bacon, scrambled eggs, and frisbee-sized fluffy pancakes were such a great way to start our day.

Indoor seating and covered outdoor seating are available, and you can park along the street right in front of the restaurant for an hourly rate.

The Hatch

The Hatch offers southern comfort food and makes a perfect brunch option in the middle of downtown Roanoke, across the street from Center in the Square. The restaurant was founded with the goal to bring the best flavors to Roanoke at affordable pricing, and they’re known for menu items like waffle sliders, fried chicken, and mac bowls.

The restaurant offers indoor tables and booths that can comfortably accommodate larger families, and they have a pet-friendly outdoor patio.

Six and Sky Rooftop Grille

Located at the very top of Center in the Square, Six and Sky Rooftop Grille is an upscale dining experience with a panoramic view of downtown Roanoke. While it is a more expensive option, Six and Sky offers a uniquely memorable dining experience. We could not help but relax as we took in the fresh air and the view, and the steak and salmon were some of the best we’ve had in many years.

The indoor booths are probably the most comfortable option for families with little kids, but there are also high-top tables on the rooftop where you can eat together. While not listed on the menu, parents will want to know that buttered noodles and chicken fingers are available to order for children.

Where to Stay in Roanoke

Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge offers quite a few places to stay with unique character and charm. Two of the most trusted lodging options are the luxurious and historic Hotel Roanoke and the affordable, family-friendly SpringHill Suites.

Hotel Roanoke

Hotel Roanoke is one of the most historic and recognizable places to stay in the city, with an elegant design in the Tudor style of architecture. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, symbolizing more than a century of regional heritage. Famous past guests have included United States presidents and entertainers like Aerosmith.

SpringHill Suites

SpringHill Suites is a clean, comfortable, and affordable option for families visiting Roanoke. Each suite offers plenty of space for families to spread out, plus sofa beds as an extra sleeping space. Each suite has a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee-maker, plus the hotel serves a complimentary breakfast buffet daily for overnight guests.

Plan Your Visit to Roanoke, VA

The city of Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is calling your name, and there is no end to the family fun waiting for you there! Use this travel guide to Roanoke for planning your visit, and you can find out even more with the frequently asked questions below.

When is the best time to visit Roanoke?

Is it cheating to say it’s always the best time to visit Roanoke? A winter visit promises holiday excitement, chances of snow, and no lack of indoor things to do. The weather is incredible in spring, and there are some spectacular gardens in the area if you time your visit to catch the blooms. Extra outdoor fun opens up in summer, from sliding rocks to water parks. And who doesn’t love the mountains in fall?

How many days do you need to explore Roanoke?

If you want to plan a day trip to Roanoke with kids, you could plan an entire day around Mill Mountain Park or Center in the Square. You can get a lot out of a weekend visit, too. Truth be told, though, there are just too many amazing places to explore in and around Roanoke to squeeze into a single visit. Your first visit is guaranteed to be too short, so plan to come back again and again…or just move there!

What are the best free things to do in Roanoke?

You can find unlimited outdoor fun for free in Roanoke and the surrounding areas. Consider checking out the Roanoke Star and other attractions at Mill Mountain Park, the Addy Grace Playground in Daleville, or Roaring Run Falls Trail in Jefferson National Forest.

If you’re looking for things to do indoors, then consider a tour of the Taubman Museum of Art with its ever-changing exhibits. You can also visit the aquariums on the first floor of Center in the Square, or pop up onto the rooftop to take in a view of downtown.

For an easy, on-the-go activity, you might also consider a driving tour of Roanoke’s downtown murals.

Are there any accessible attractions in Roanoke?

Mill Mountain Park is largely accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with the main exception being its playground and some nature trails. Addy Grace Playground in nearby Daleville is specifically designed for accessible outdoor play. Center in the Square, The Virginia Museum of Transportation, and the Taubman Museum of Art are accessible indoor attractions in Roanoke.

What family-friendly events are in Roanoke?

The Mill Mountain Zoo offers daily zookeeper talks and frequent special events for kids. There are usually several children’s performances throughout the year at Mill Mountain Theatre in Center in the Square. Roanoke is also home to many annual festivals, and you can find even more to do by visiting Virginia’s Blue Ridge Calendar of Events.