Family Friendly Weekend Guide to Roanoke with Ambassador Kelly Olson
By Contributor Kelly Olson – mom of four, proud Christian, media strategist, and Get2KnowNoke talent ambassador.
Roanoker since 2001, Kelly Olson’s love for the city abounds! She enjoys recommending local gems to friends. As a social media strategist, she works with businesses to emphasize their passion and help them grow. This fuels Kelly’s commitment to promoting Roanoke’s unique charm.
As a Get2KnowNoke ambassador, she hopes to highlight life here, showcasing great food and her family’s favorite hot spots. Living here is unparalleled for family life—exceptional schools, diverse activities, and captivating museums! Connect with Kelly.
Welcome to Roanoke, where family fun awaits at every turn! Whether you’re a local or just passing through, there’s no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy with your little ones. My name is Kelly and I’m a 36-year-old mom to four kiddos ranging in age from 3-to-11 years old. My husband, Erik, and I love the Roanoke Valley and take pride in the awesome things our city offers families! Let’s dive into some must-visit spots for a weekend full of memories.
Friday Night: Railyard Dawgs Semi-Professional Hockey Game
We kicked off our weekend with an electrifying experience at a Railyard Dawgs semi-professional hockey game! As reigning champions of the SPHL, the Dawgs promise an action-packed evening for the whole family. We love to cheer on our local heroes as they skate their way to victory, and embrace the thrill of live sports in the heart of Roanoke. My kiddos especially love to beat on the glass and take a picture with our mascots Diesel and Daisy!
Saturday Afternoon: Kids Square Kids Museum
Located on the third floor of the iconic Center in the Square building, Kids Square is a haven of entertainment for children of all ages. My family purchases an annual membership each year, and it’s the perfect destination for rainy-day adventures. My kids love the construction zone with real diggers and pretend town. A local business sponsors each shop and really brings the Roanoke community to life. Kids Square constantly evolves, ensuring each visit is a new and exciting experience for the whole family.
You can also enjoy the aquarium and candy store on the first floor after you visit Kids Square. The Center and the Square also just opened a rooftop bar and grille, called Six and Sky, which is a bit more high-end but would be fine for a daytime visit on the weekend.
Sunday: Buff City Soaps
After church, my oldest daughter and I had a special girls’ date at Buff City Soaps! This unique store offers a fun and casual, hands-on experience with a wide array of handmade and customizable bath products. We made and painted our very own bath bombs and even customized the scents! Buff City Soaps is just one example of the countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the Roanoke Valley.
Right next door to Buff City you have choices of dozens of great places to eat at the Towers Shopping Center including (but not limited to), Mission BBQ, CAVA, Chipotle, Fresh Market, McAlister’s Deli, Pancho Deli, and more.
With an abundance of family-friendly activities and attractions, Roanoke invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey of exploration and joy. Whether you’re discovering the excitement of a hockey game, unleashing creativity at Kids Square, or crafting memories at Buff City Soaps, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in our vibrant community. Get ready to make unforgettable memories with your loved ones in the charming city of Roanoke!
Reach out @happilyeverolson on Instagram if you need more family-fun suggestions for the Roanoke Region.
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