Location: Roanoke
Top Things to do in Roanoke
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What to do and see in Roanoke, Virginia (VA): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
A 100-foot high star atop a mountain and visible from miles around welcomes you to the "Star City of the South," a great beginning for your weekend getaway to this city rich in culture, history, fun and entertainment. Close to the star is the Mill Mountain Zoological Park, where you'll see the endangered Snow Leopard, Amur Tiger and Red Wolf, along with 40-plus other animal species. The Center in the Square is the city's cultural hub, where you can catch a Broadway-quality show at the Mill Mountain Theatre or hear the celebrated Roanoke Symphony. Museums are everywhere, and whether your interest lies in art, history, science or transportation, you'll find a museum to match it. The Harrison Museum of African-American Culture honors achievements of African Americans and includes an impressive African exhibit. For underground delights, head over to the Dixie Caverns for a 45-minute tour of breathtaking cave formations, after which you can browse through pottery, rock and mineral and other shops. There's something to keep you occupied and entertained every minute in this environmentally-conscious, friendly and very welcoming Virginia city.
Restaurants in Roanoke
1. Roanoke Mountain Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Roanoke Mountain Adventures is here to support your outdoor adventures in the beautiful Roanoke region! RMA sells new and used outdoor gear of all kinds. Our consignment shop includes an ever-changing selection of high-quality equipment -- bikes, camping, kayaking, fishing, climbing, and more -- at unbeatable value. We also now carry a wide variety of essential outdoor gear, making RMA a one-stop outdoor shop! We also offer a variety of exciting rentals and outings. RMA rents casual bikes for riding the greenway as well as high-quality mountain bikes for tackling the local trails. We offer tubing and kayak outings on the lively and scenic Roanoke River. Other rental options include stand-up paddleboards, bouldering crash pads, and bear canisters!
2. Riddle Me Roanoke
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
We are a well established Escape Room in Roanoke, Virginia that focuses on fun! Players enter a themed room, collect clues and solve puzzles to complete a major objective for the room. It is totally immersive, live action, hands-on, and lots of fun! All of our rooms are private at no extra charge, so players don't have to round up a lot of friends to play, or play in a room with a bunch of strangers.
Reviewed By 639lgrnr
We had a really lovely time - we did The Malt Shop and it was challenging and kept us guessing right until the end! We will definitely be coming back!
3. Virginia Museum of Transportation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 684 reviews
Antique automobiles and trucks, electric and deisel locomotives, and vintage steam, are all part of the nostalgic show at this historic freight station that doubles as a museum .
Reviewed By bmwbillk - Charlotte, United States
Roanoke is known for all the trains... and the museum had plenty as well. very well displayed and such that you could actually get inside some of them. Nice collection of cars including Packards and Studebakers. Worth the time.
4. Mill Mountain Star & Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,263 reviews
A "must see" on most visitors list, an 88-foot manmade star (the largest in the world) sits on majestic Mill Mountain along with a beautifully landscaped city park, that boasts hiking and biking trails, and a zoo.
Reviewed By schultzrebecca - New Bern, United States
This is such a beautiful place -- has been in existence since I was a little girl, The star is a Roanoke landmark and the overlook gives a breathtaking view of the beautiful Roanoke Valley. I strongly recommend the visit -- free and you can take as little or as long as you'd like!
5. Center in the Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Adjacent to Market Square and the City Market, Center in the Square provides a home to four cultural arts and science non-profit organizations in our signature building in downtown Roanoke: Roanoke Pinball Museum, Harrison Museum of African American Culture, History Museum of Western Virginia, Science Museum of Western Virginia, and Mill Mountain Theatre. Visit our website or call for individual museum admission pricing. Mill Mountain Theatre and Children's Theatre of Roanoke tickets are available through our full-service box office. Come inside to enjoy our aquariums in the atrium and green rooftop without charge. Building Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, and Sunday 1 - 5 pm. [Note: Roanoke Pinball Museum is closed Mondays. History Museum is closed on Mondays October through April.]
Reviewed By tdjohnso11 - Fairfax, United States
Fun place to visit. Downtown Roanoke. Heart of the city. So many restaurants, breweries and shops. Interactive museums and hone of the pinball museum. Had to be dragged out of that one. In the morning during farming season there is a outdoor market with vendors selling fresh produce. Great place to walk around a bight too. Shop owners were friendly with great advice on where to eat.
6. Jeter Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Jeter Farm is a 5th generation family farm right outside of Roanoke, VA in Botetourt County raising vegetables, beef cattle, custom hay, small grains, and offer a fall harvest festival with a corn maze, pumpkin patch and much more. For details about the Fall Festival visit our website and like us on Facebook. We're also available to host special events by reservation only.
7. Roanoke Valley Greenways
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By jbrown14t
Beautiful circle of paved bike and walking paths circle the entire city. The city was extremely kind to build this safe, easy, and beautiful multi-mile circle around the entire city. While the majority of bicyclists prefer to still clog traffic in spite of a paved multi lane without automobiles the city invested millions into, rest assured for a family outing, walk, ride or date this is the place to do it. Beautiful scenery through every part of Roanoke.
8. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By wchan3272019 - Bryan, United States
Great quite place of relaxation. Great lake view, clean, nice hiking trails, there are options to rent kayak or boat, first come first serve. There are people fishing, kayaking, and the staff is friendly. Small fee per car per day, but worth it.
9. Grandin Movie Theater
10. Roanoke Valley Visitor Information Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Get the inside scoop on what to see and do from the experts at the Roanoke Valley Visitor Information Center. Located in Downtown Roanoke, the Visitor Information Center is centrally located and easy to get to. Dogs welcome inside, water bowls available! Our trained travel counselors will provide maps/brochures, information on lodging, restaurants, area attractions, as well as things to do and local events during your visit. We are conveniently located inside a historic passenger rail station and offer accessible parking and restrooms. The building is also home to the Loewy Gallery, a free exhibit that focuses on the life and work of Raymond Loewy, the architect who designed the building. Motorcoach buses welcome, please call to arrange a step-on tour!
Reviewed By JohnDoe22222 - Young Harris, United States
Jane was super friendly and gave us great ideas on how to spend our long weekend. We really appreciated the information and her personal touches on the history of the area.
