Roanoke Named Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family

The days are longer, the weather is warmer–there’s no better time to grab the family and head outside for your next adventure. And when you live in the Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family, there are so many ways to get outside together. Whether you want to hike, bike, kayak, or explore, the Roanoke Region has plenty of outdoor attractions and activities.

Here are some of our recommendations:

1. Channel your inner monkey: It’s time for a thrilling family adventure in the trees. With zip lines, aerial obstacle courses, and a special kid’s area, Explore Park’s Treetop Quest will turn your whole family into daredevils. Start practicing your Tarzan yell! After you finish swinging from branches, the 1,100-acre park also offers hiking trails, a riverfront area, Twin Creeks Brewery, campsites, cabins, and yurts.
2. Meet furry friends: Speaking of monkeys, who doesn’t love animals? Open seven days a week, Mill Mountain Zoo offers 175 creatures from around the world. You can watch snow leopards, red pandas, bald eagles, and more in their natural habitats. After you see the animals, explore Mill Mountain Park’s 568 acres, including hiking trails, The Roanoke Star, and more.
3. Take America’s favorite drive (and hike along the way): The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a road—it’s a gateway to your next family adventure. The 469-mile linear park twists through our region, offering breathtaking views of the valley. Consider packing a lunch and tackling one of the Parkway’s many hikes, like McAfee Knob. McAfee offers 270-degree panoramic views, and it remains the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail. Tell your kids to do it for the gram’.
4. Spin your (bike) wheels: Is there a better way to explore than on two wheels? Over 400 miles of paved and natural surface trail connect the region’s scenic and historical landmarks. Kids and adults can easily bike on these paved trails while enjoying nature, history, and culture. What has to be on your list? The Roanoke River Greenway, for sure, but the entire greenway network offers views (for days). Need a bike? Hit up Cardinal Bikes or Roanoke Mountain Adventures for bike rentals!
5. Discover a new sport: If you combine the rules of golf with the fun of throwing frisbees, you get disc golf! This family-friendly sport is simple and affordable. Your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to throw a disc from a tee pad to a metal basket in as few throws as possible. The Roanoke Region has several courses for all skill levels.
6. Make a splash: Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge,” Smith Mountain Lake is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Trust us: the short drive is worth it. Rent a boat, jet ski, paddleboard, or kayak, and enjoy fishing, swimming, or tubing on the lake. You could even rent a houseboat and make a weekend of it! After you dry off, prepare for a friendly (but surprisingly intense?) round of minigolf.
7. Explore a hidden gem: The second largest municipal park in the country is right in our backyard. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve covers over 12,000 acres of land and water. It’s perfect for outdoorsy families, offering hiking, biking, fishing, boating, horseback riding opportunities, and more. The marina rents 14’ row boats along with single and tandem kayaks! Explore trail maps and plan your visit here.
8. Start ‘em young! How do you instill a love of the outdoors in someone? Get them on a bike, trail, or climbing wall as soon as you can! There’s the local youth cycling team, Star City Cycling, specifically created to get kids on bikes and enjoying our trails. There’s also the youth climbing club at River Rock Climbing Gym that introduces young’ns to the basics of climbing! Your little ones will be joining you on the trails or boulders before you know it!

These recommendations only scratch the surface of what the Roanoke Region offers. It’s no wonder Blue Ridge Outdoors named us the Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family for the fourth straight year. So, what are you waiting for? Wrangle the kiddos, grab your hiking boots (and bikes), and start your next outdoor adventure. We’ll see you on the trail!