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.

Find a CT museum with free admission for kids!

Explore Boston-area museums that offer kids free admission!

Bookmark this list of Houston's free admission days and free museums.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.