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

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on

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.

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