Grandparents: We love them, our kids adore them ... and in turn they offer unconditional love (and — if you're lucky — free babysitting!). Grandparents Day is Sunday, Sept. 13 and there's no better way to show the older people in your life how much you and your kids love and appreciate them than spending the day with them. And for those of you grandparents raising your grandkids full-time? We see and very much appreciate you!
Lucky enough to have grandparents who live close by? Here are 10 ideas on how to spend Grandparents Day in Roanoke, VA:
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1. Take them out for a special meal in Roanoke
Here are three of our favorite Roanoke-owned restaurants that feel special but are still Kid friendly:
- The Green Goat and you can enjoy ice cream for dessert after at Hang 10
- Mama Maria's
- Kabuki
- Bonus: A little outside of Roanoke, but The Swinging Bridge is always a fun place to visit. Kids are mesmerized by all of the animals on the 2nd floor and the nearby Buffalo Farm.
2. Go for a walk in nature in Roanoke
If your grandparents love fresh air and hiking in the woods, there might be no simpler way to spend the day! Here are some great hiking trails in Roanoke that are accessible to all:
- Mill Mountain Greenway and Garden Loop. The Greenway itself is paved and wheelchair accessible. The loop through the woods is not wheelchair accessible but is a low impact, easy to walk loop. Don't forget the zoo!
- Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail in Salem, VA. This trail is paved and wheelchair accessible.
- Mason Creek Greenway. Paved and wheelchair accessible.
3. Plan a picnic in Roanoke
Surprise Grandma and Grandpa with a picnic!
Check out these 11 Favorite Picnic Spots in Roanoke
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4. Let your child share one of their favorite places in Roanoke, VA
Does your child have a favorite trampoline park, amusement park, or Roanoke playground? Grandma and Grandpa might love to come along to take part, or if that's too much, simply watch their grandchildren enjoy themselves! Your children, in turn, will probably love to tour Grandma and Grandpa around their favorite place in Roanoke. Here are three fun spots in Roanoke where kids can play and there is plenty of room for adults to watch (or take part!):
- Kids Square - Grandparents will love visiting tiny town and watching the kids get excited about Roanoke icons. Kids Square is wheelchair accessible and there are places to sit and rest if needed. Kids Square also has superb COVID safety processes.
- Mill Mountain Zoo - Who doesn't love visiting all of the animals and riding the train? Plus, if your grandparents are from Roanoke, it will bring back memories of when they raised their own kids.
- Johnson's Orchards in Bedford, County. Johnson's has a lot to offer and also great for a picnic. In addition to the Orchards, there are fun photo opportunities and farm animals to pet. Parents and Grandparents may enjoy the wine tasting.
Grandparents live far away?
Let them know you're thinking of them on Grandparents Day! Here are three ways to tell them you love them from a distance:
Make a video
Kids can list all the things they love about grandma and grandpa.
Send them a hug
Tape together a few pieces of newspaper or use the white side of wrapping paper and outline your child with their arms outstretched. Let your kids color themselves in. Fold it up, put it in an envelope, and send that hug to Grandma and Grandpa!
DIY coasters
Grandparents love personalized gifts, so make them DIY coasters, either with your kids' picture or a drawing they've completed. See how to do it here.
5. Let grandparents share one of their favorite places in Roanoke
Perhaps your grandparents have a favorite spot or activity in Roanoke that you haven't been to before! Let them take you and your kids along to experience what makes it important to them. They'll love introducing you and your kids to their friends and sharing a place that's special.
6. Visit a museum in Roanoke together
Museums are a great place to spend a day with Grandma and Grandpa! Here are three great museums in Roanoke that will be open on Grandparents Day:
- Virginia Museum of Transportation. Young and old alike enjoy this museum. They are open from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.
- Taubman Museum of Art is open on Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
- Roanoke Pinball Museum has over 65 machines that were built from 1932-2019, they are sure to bring back memories for parents and grandparents. They are open from 1pm - 6pm on Sunday. One fee gives access to play with all machines.
7. Say hi to the animals in the Roanoke Valley
Grandparents probably love to see animals as much as their grandkids! Here are three places to go and see the animals in Roanoke on Grandparents Day:
In addition to Mill Mountain Zoo and Johnson's Orchards,
- Spring Valley Farm in Moneta, Virginia (about 30 minutes from Roanoke) is a great place to ride horses and get up close to farm animals.
- Smith Mountain Lake Alpaca Farm is another fun spot to learn about and KISS an alpaca.
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8. Plan a photo scavenger hunt
We developed this fun scavenger hunt for teens and tweens but there's no reason why Grandma and Grandpa can't take part too! Make great memories by taking selfies together, recreating a famous Beatles album cover, and just generally spending the day out and about in Roanoke being silly together.
9. Go for ice cream
Who doesn't love a sweet treat? Here are five great Roanoke-owned ice cream places we love:
- Lickety-Split in Vinton
- Sugar Magnolia
- Salem Ice Cream Parlor
- Kippy's Custard at Oak Grove Plaza
- Blue Cow Ice Cream
10. Attend a local festival
Roanoke is a festival town, and we are here for it! Here a couple festivals happening this weekend you may want to attend with grandparents.
- Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival September 11 -20, 2026 - 600,000+ sunflowers, artists, crafters, kids activities and wonderful photo opportunities
- Olde Salem Days Sat. September 12, 2026 - Enjoy the open air street festival in Downtown Salem complete with a car show and family friendly activities, supporting the Rotary Club of Salem and the numerous organizations that they support.
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