Best Things to Do in Roanoke, VA with Kids: A Family-Friendly Roanoke Itinerary

Submitted by Jackie Jones on

The famous Roanoke Star makes for the perfect photo op. Photo by the author

Set in the Blue Ridge range of the Appalachian Mountains, the southwest Virginia city of Roanoke is woodsy and outdoorsy—a major departure from the political hustle and bustle of the Washington, DC suburbs. Roanoke is affectionately known as Star City because of the giant neon star that sits atop one of its peaks (the largest man-made star in the world, FYI).

But that's not the only thing that shines in Roanoke. The city boasts cool museums for families, killer restaurants, and plenty of outside play activities. Our family had a blast exploring Roanoke, VA!

Here are our 21 favorite things to do in Roanoke with kids, including where to eat and where to stay. Check out our Ultimate Virginia bucket list for more fun ideas throughout the state, as well as our Family Travel Guide for more cool cities to visit.

Free Museum Days (and Always Free Museums!) in Atlanta

Elsa Simcik's picture Submitted by Elsa Simcik on

Visit the second largest museum in the U.S. Air Force, the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robbins.

We have the scoop on FREE museums in Atlanta, as well as the ones that have certain free museum days throughout the year. Atlanta museums offer a great way to have fun, especially during freezing winters and scorching summers. Plus family-friendly museums spark the imagination, help develop observation skills, and expose children to a broader world. 

Free Museums in DC and Northern Virginia to Visit with Kids

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The remodeled National Air and Space Museum is a sight to behold. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for free things to do in DC with kids? Bring them to one of the many free museums in the DC area that are engaging, fun, and provide a much-needed dose of culture. While many of these free museums in DC and Northern Virginia are Smithsonian institutions, there are also several other great ones relating to language and words, the US Army and Marines, and more.

Here are 18 free museums near DC that will excite kids of all ages and interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs to airplane and dinosaur fanatics. Some of these museum's have designated children's exhibits and/or play areas and free family programs like art workshops and storytimes.

Read reviews of some of these museums in our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC, and check out our guide to free things to do in DC with kids for more fun ideas that won't cost you a penny.

Free Museums Days (and Always Free Museums!) in Orlando

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The Orlando Museum of Art offers free museum days the first weekend of each month, as part of the Museums on Us program. Photo courtesy of OMA

Take kids to FREE museums in Orlando for great entertainment that's easy on the wallet. Orlando museums are a great way to open children's eyes to the world around them, offering lessons in history, art, and science without them even realizing they're learning. And by focusing on museums that feature free admission every day or on certain days, these centers offer limitless opportunities.

Orlando obviously does theme parks and big ticket attractions well, but these magical spots can really empty wallets. Free museums in Orlando focus more on the small picture and how to introduce kids and adults to new and interesting subjects...without the financial drain. 

12 Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles That Cost $5 or Less

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The Great Park Carousel in Irvine is an LA attractions that costs $5 or less. Photo by Kylie Williams

LA is home to Beverly Hills, Selling Sunset, and the world’s most famous celebrities, and it can be expensive to live here, shocker, right? That is why I’ve scoured the city to find the best family-friendly fun under $5. If you’re looking for budget-friendly fun for families in LA, Mommy Poppins is your spot. We are constantly looking for all the best deals and affordable hidden gems in LA. 

Free Museum Days (and Always Free Museums!) in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

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Create your own glow-in-the-dark sculptures at the Neuberger Museum of Art.

Looking for FREE museums and museum days in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Check out our exhaustive list below!

Westchester and the Hudson Valley are rife with enrichment opportunities, and some of the best places for these experiences take place in our area museums. While frequent visits can get costly, many of the museums on this list are FREE or have FREE days or times. Our vetted picks range from free art museums to nature centers and even include a free marine education center that features live fish exhibits and touch tanks.

Some programs still require registration, so we suggest you check with the museum before you head out. And, as a reminder: In addition to the days and times listed here, many libraries offer a number of FREE museum passes as well. 

Get more ideas for FREE fun delivered to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters, and discover all the FREE events and activities near you in our Westchester Guide to Free Things To Do with Kids.

14 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro

When bad weather strikes, no one feels it more than a parent whose kids have gone stir crazy. They're torturing siblings, and the house is reaching its boiling point.

Have no fear: This hand-picked list of free play spaces and indoor playgrounds will keep your kids happily occupied, and it includes some of my family's top favorites. Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, I'm looking at you. 

So there's no need to stay home just because cold weather is upon us. From malls to bookstores and libraries, there is plenty of free fun to be had on Long Island for kids. Enjoy these unique play destinations, but remember that most venues require that a parent/adult be present to supervise children.

For more indoor fun, don't forget to check out our guide to rainy-day activities on Long Island, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our guide to Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island.