Do these: 15 of the BEST family-friendly things to do in Roanoke this fall
We were hosted by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge and invited to give our opinions to other travelers. All reviews are our own.
Roanoke, Virginia
Drive time: 6 hours 30 min
This article will answer:
1) What’s so great about Roanoke, VA?
2) What are the best kid-friendly things to do in Roanoke?
3) Where should I stay when visiting Roanoke, VA?
4) What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Roanoke?
What’s so great about Roanoke, VA, anyway?
“Every destination has a signature characteristic. For Roanoke, it’s the views.”
Welcome to Roanoke, the Star City of Virginia. (We’ll explain this later.) Every destination has a signature characteristic. For Roanoke, it’s the views. Surrounded by mountains, divided by a river, sprinkled with historic buildings, the views in Roanoke are its hallmark feature.
When we asked locals what they loved about living in Roanoke, one said, “we can be on the river or on the mountain in 5 minutes, without ever having to leave town.”
Roanoke’s stunning views and outdoor adventures are a big draw for travelers. Known as America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital, it’s no wonder that Roanoke is getting noticed:
James River - Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the South | USA TODAY 10Best | 2020
Roanoke - Most Affordable Destinations for a Fall Getaway | Travel + Leisure | 2019
Roanoke Valley Greenways - Best Urban Park/Greenway (Best of the Blue Ridge Awards) | Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine | 2020
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#RoadTripUSA, #BestWeekendRoadTrips: A family-friendly trip to see the fall colors in the South
We just arrived in Roanoke, now what should we do?
On this first day, you might be tired from your road trip. But resist the urge to hide away in your hotel room! Choose from the list of kid-friendly Roanoke activities below. Your exciting Virginia Blue Ridge getaway awaits.
Do these: 15 of the BEST family-friendly things to do in Roanoke, VA, this fall
Bike the greenway.
Try an ice cream crawl.
Challenge your kids to an epic arcade battle at Roanoke Starcade.
Play unlimited pinball games at Roanoke Pinball Museum.
Do a walking tour of downtown Roanoke.
Snap a picture of St. Andrews Catholic Church.
Explore the historic farmers’ market.
Visit Taubman Museum of Art.
Hike the Star Trail up Mill Mountain.
Take younger kids (5 and under) to see wolves and bird aviary at Mill Mountain Zoo, a compact animal park.
Ask your friends back home to spot you on the Roanoke Star Live Cam.
Sip wine at a nearby vineyard.
Stop at the Booker T. Washington National Monument.
Find treasures at the famous Black Dog Salvage.
Eat and drink your way around town at local restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries.
“When we asked locals what they loved about living in Roanoke, one said, “we can be on the river or on the mountain in 5 minutes, without ever having to leave town.””
A closer look at Roanoke attractions
Biking with a view: don’t miss cycling the greenway along the river.
Head to Roanoke Mountain Adventures and let them fit you for a perfect-sized bike. Don’t worry if you don’t have kids big enough to ride bikes solo. They have all kinds of gear for every stage, including tandem bikes. Hit the Roanoke River Greenway, located just steps from the outfitter. Ride along the smooth (and not very hilly) greenway where the Roanoke River is almost always in sight. Find a spot to dip your toes in or just enjoy the views whizzing by. This greenway is an easy adventure for kids of all ages, with multiple playgrounds along the way.
Dessert—twice? What the heck is an ice cream crawl?
The great thing about the Roanoke River Greenway is that it connects you to bustling parts of town without having to navigate vehicular traffic (which always adds stress when biking with kids.) Being interconnected means that you can easily visit businesses, like ICE CREAM STORES. You’ve heard of a pub crawl? Replace the alcohol with ice cream and bring your kids along…that’s an ice cream crawl. Dessert—TWICE?! They’ll think the parents have lost their minds. It’s all about the memories on this bike excursion. Ride about 20 minutes to Blue Cow Ice Cream Company. Then, on your return trip, stop at Hang 10 Hawaiian Ice & Cream. Admittedly, this could easily get out of hand. I mean, you should be burning calories on a bike ride not racking them up, right? So just order a small cone to taste and share with the entire family.
Unleash your inner child at Center in the Square.
When exploring the heart of downtown Roanoke, you can’t miss the city hub called, Center in the Square. Warning: step inside only IF you have time to play. You will not easily get your children out of this building. Within the Center in the Square, you can look forward to unlimited pinball games at the Roanoke Pinball Museum. Or go back in time at the Roanoke Starcade to see who can get the highest score on Pac Man and Frogger! Here, you don’t need to worry about quarters. Your one admission fee covers it all! There’s also a kid’s museum, science museum, candy store, and a rooftop garden to explore. Please call ahead to verify admission times and closures due to COVID. When we went, the Center in the Square was hosting a private event that limited access to activities inside. Social Distancing Tip: Avoid the crowds and visit on a weekday right when it opens.
“Warning: step inside only IF you have time to play. You will not easily get your children out of this building.”
See old (but cool) cityscapes. Go on a walking tour of historic downtown.
Downtown Roanoke is interesting architecturally and peppered with history. It’s compact enough to make exploring by foot quite doable for a family. There are a few iconic Roanoke sights like the Historic Roanoke City Market, where locals sell produce and crafts, and the City Market Building, dating back to 1922, which now houses a variety of restaurants. Part of your downtown walking tour should include a stop at the Taubman Museum of Art. The curvy modern building beckons a visit, as it stands in stark contrast to the historic brick and murals of old Downtown Roanoke.
Hike Mill Mountain Star Trail to see the Roanoke Star.
Remember when I called Roanoke the Star City of Virginia? It’s because of the historic star that sits high atop Mill Mountain. Illuminated nightly, the 100-foot beacon was erected in 1949 as a Christmas decoration and became such a beloved icon that it stayed. There are numerous mountain biking and hiking trails. We suggest parking at the trailhead located at 1209-1269 Riverland Rd SE, Roanoke, VA 24014, and hiking up the Star Trail. It took us a little over an hour to make it up the mountain, but the views are worth it! (Don’t worry, there are restrooms at the top!) If you prefer not to hike, you can drive instead.
You have a variety of options once you reach the top of the mountain: visit the animal park (especially fun for younger kids ages 5 and under), catch the views from the overlook, picnic and play at the playground, or pose for your family and friends back home on the Mill Mountain StarCam!
Venture just outside of town to see a vineyard and a national monument.
“I love Virginia wines!!” a traveler remarked when we told them of our upcoming trip to Roanoke. When you’re in the Blue Ridge area of Virginia be sure to stop by Blue Ridge Vineyard, about 30 minutes outside of town. We don’t know what’s better: the view of the mountains while you’re sipping the wine OR the wine itself? You’ll have to let us know if you go.
Go in the opposite direction through hilly terrain and gorgeous country views to visit Booker T. Washington’s birthplace, which is now a national monument.
Explore the eclectic Black Dog Salvage for meaningful souvenirs from Virginia’s Blue Ridge area.
A salvage yard? Yes, that’s where I’m sending you. Ever heard of the Salvage Dawgs? They’ve been featured on HGTV, Discovery, The Travel Channel and more! Stop by and view their 40,000 sq. ft. showroom stocked full of their one-of-a-kind custom pieces. While you’re there, be sure to snap a photo with their edgy and creative LOVEwork sign!
Where should I stay when visiting Roanoke?
To get the most out of your getaway in Roanoke, VA, we recommend staying at the historic Hotel Roanoke, which dates back to 1882. The Tudor Revival building overlooks downtown Roanoke and has stunning views of St. Andrews Catholic Church. Be sure to drive or walk to the cathedral; it’s picture-worthy!
Stepping inside the hotel feels simultaneously regal and old-world.
Spend time in the lobby area, with its roaring fireplace and dark wood paneling. Sip bourbon at the modern 1882 Lobby Bar, or dine on the patio of the newly opened Pine Room restaurant with its open concept and scratch kitchen. Reservations are recommended to get a prime view of the chefs working their magic in the open-kitchen centered in the dining room. The Pine Room sets itself apart by using high-quality ingredients sourced from regional farms and ranches. Take a peek at the menu here.
You’ll find downtown attractions located just outside the lobby doors of Hotel Roanoke. The hotel is connected by a covered walking bridge that leads directly to the heart of historic downtown, making the walk easy in any season. If walkability is an important factor for you when choosing a hotel, this is a definite plus.
If you’re a traveling family, you may ask:
Does Hotel Roanoke have a pool? Yes, with cabanas and a newly renovated pool deck. The pool is outdoors and only open in the summer months.
Does Hotel Roanoke have a hot tub? Yes, however, it was closed due to COVID.
Does Hotel Roanoke have a fitness center? *Yes, with a whirlpool and sauna. *COVID closures may affect availability of these amenities.
A review of Hotel Roanoke, things to know before booking:
To wake up with a view that makes you think you’re in Europe, ask for a corner room that overlooks St. Andrews Catholic Church.
If you love the luxurious European Tudor chalet vibe, you should check out the hotel’s seasonal deals here.
There is a glass tunnel that takes you directly to downtown’s city-center.
On-site restaurants and bar are an added convenience, however limited entree options may make dining with younger children challenging.
Large, renovated rooms are spacious for traveling families.
All rooms have coffee machines, but lack microwave/fridge, which may be a deal breaker for some travelers with dietary restrictions or younger children.
Beds are full-sized.
Both parking options, self-park and valet parking, are subject to added fees.
What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Roanoke?
Scrambled
Benny Marconi’s
Ernie’s on the Market
Scratch Biscuit Co.
Big Lick Brewing Co.
Tuco’s Taqueria Garaje
Want to discover more restaurants? Try these black-owned restaurants in Roanoke or these international cuisines in the area.
Breakfast options abound in Roanoke, VA.
If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, you will never want to leave Roanoke. Although we can’t pick a favorite, we can tell you that you shouldn’t miss breakfast at these two spots: Scrambled and Scratch Biscuit Co. Both places had lines out the door when we went; both establishments also had patio seating, which is a plus during COVID.
Ernie’s on the Market provides outdoor seating, as well, and is reminiscent of any small-town USA diner you might find while traveling — with no-frill breakfast basics. Breakfast is hot, service is fast, and your coffee cup is never empty the whole time you are there. It is located right next to the City Market, so people watching and shopping are just steps away post-breakfast.
If you have only one meal in Roanoke, it has to be here.
Benny Marconi’s. Pizza boxes the size of kitchen counters. Pizza slices bigger than your head. Pizza perfection. (Ok, so you won’t be able to form complete thoughts either after you try it. It’s just THAT good.) We’ll have to let the pictures speak for us here.
Just because you have the kids doesn’t mean you have to skip the brewery.
Enjoy an evening meal and brewery experience on your last night in town. Visit Big Lick Brewing Co. and sit outside under a gorgeous mural at a big picnic by the fire pits. Don’t let the fact that Big Lick Brewing Co. does not serve food stop you. There is a restaurant right across the street called Tuco’s Taqueria Garaje. You can order your meal online and servers will cross the street and deliver it right to your table.
What better way to end your Roanoke experience?
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