Roanoke is Virginia's 10th-largest city with nearly 93,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Roanoke--nicknamed "Star City of the South"--is located in the western part of the state near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Kids will enjoy the open spaces and the Roanoke Star Overlook that gives scenic views of the cities. The city also has fun activities for kids that meet a range of interests. (CE: reference 1)
Kids get to observe creatures at the Mill Mountain Zoo that they don't get to see every day. The zoo has 88 animals and 35 species. Some of them include cougars, leopards, the ox-like sichuan takins and the endangered red panda. The zoo also showcases doves, pythons and tarantulas. Kids can take a ride throughout the venue on the Zoo Choo train. Another highlight is watching the keepers feed animals. (CE: reference 2) Also, plan Your visit and find the Zoo Choo to the right and animals to the left)
Mill Mountain Zoo
J.P. Fishburne Parkway and Prospect Road
Roanoke, VA 24034
540-343-3241
mmzoo.org
The Science Museum of Western Virginia keeps kids busy with hands-on exhibits that teach about science in a fun way. Exhibits include a geology gallery that includes displays on fossils, gems and volcanoes. It also offers a weather gallery that explains about hurricanes and tornados, and a body tech gallery that offers insights into the workings of the human body. The museum also has a planetarium with multimedia shows about the solar system. (CE: reference 3, also At the Museum, then Planetarium and MegaDome)
Science Museum of Western Virginia
One Market Square
Roanoke, VA 24011
540-342-5710
smwv.org
Budding artists will like the Taubman Museum of Art. While some of the collections aren't for kids, the museum offers programs geared for children. It has an art workshop once a month on Saturdays for kids 10 and over. Parents can take their kids to live music performances the first Sunday of every month. Additionally, the Taubman Museum of Art has after-school art programs for kids in pre-kindergarten through high school. Other kid offerings include a summer camp and a family day twice a year with craft activities and music. (CE: reference 4, also Learn up top, then For Youth)
Taubman Museum of Art
110 Salem Avenue SE
Roanoke, VA 24011
540-342-5760
taubmanmuseum.org/index.html
