Fun for Children and Teens in Roanoke Virginia

Where to Go and What to See in Roanoke

Oct 2, 2009
Claudine Williams

The Roanoke Star - Andrew Whitaker

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge mountains, Roanoke Valley in Virginia is the type of place that people go to get away from it all. Here are some must-see attractions.

Roanoke, Virginia is known as a picturesque town that is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Roanoke is also a family-friendly city with both indoor and outdoor attractions that are appropriate for children and adults. It can be challenging, however, for newcomers to find activities that picky children will enjoy. Here is a collection of attractions in Roanoke, Virginia for small children to teens.

How to Visit the Harrison Museum of African American Culture

The Harrison Museum of African American Culture can present a fun educational experience for children as they explore the museum's collection of African masks, textiles, sculpture, paintings, furniture and jewelry from several countries in Africa, including Kenya, Zaire, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa. Here is the address to the museum.

Harrison Museum

523 Harrison Avenue

Roanoke, Virginia 24016

(540) 345-4818

Zoo in Roanoke, Virginia

Mill Mountain Zoo, near the Blue Ridge Mountains will appeal to children of all ages. Children will especially like to see the Red Pandas and the Snow Leopards. The Zoo has about 50 animals and is located on top of Mill Mountain.

J.P. Fishburne Parkway and Prospect Road

Roanoke, VA 24034

Phone: (540) 343-3241

Dinner Theater in Roanoke

Entertain your children with a performance while they eat at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theater. Watch a musical. Have a hearty laugh while watching a comedy, or be entertained through a dramatic performance.

Blue Ridge Dinner Theater

200 Wiley Drive

Ferrum, VA 24088

Phone: (540) 365-4335

Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains have opportunities for camping, hiking, or simply having a mountain picnic with the kids. During the fall, season, the foliage around the mountains make for a dazzling display. The Blue Ridge Mountains span 469 miles in and around Roanoke, according to the Roanoke Visitor's and Conventions Bureau. Visit the address below to get to the ranger's station in nearby Vinton, Georgia.

Blue Ridge Mountains, Ranger Station

2551 Mountain View Rd.

Vinton, VA 24179

Phone: (540) 857-2213

Visit the Roanoke Star

Visit the Roanoke Star. The Roanoke star is a landmark in the town, and can be seen from virtually everywhere in Roanoke. It is 1,045 feet above sea level in Roanoke. The Star is a symbol of Roanoke, which is called, "The Star City of the South." The Roanoke Star is about 100 feet tall, according to the Roanoke Visitor's and Conventions Bureau. Take the children to see the star up close. Visitors can also look down at the city below.