articles

Spring Fun in Roanoke: Best Events & Activities for Families

By Macaroni KID Roanoke April 6, 2025

Spring is here, and that means Roanoke is blooming with family-friendly fun! From egg hunts and outdoor festivals to farmers' markets and playground adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. Whether you’re searching for the best places to see spring flowers, a weekend festival, or kid-friendly hikes, Macaroni KID Roanoke has your go-to guide for making the most of spring in the area!

🌳 Outdoor Adventures in Roanoke

Looking for ways to enjoy the sunshine? Check out these great outdoor family-friendly activities in Roanoke:

Best places to see spring flowers in Roanoke: 

  • Rivers Edge and along the Roanoker River Greenway. 
  • The Virginia Western Community Arboretum features over 700 different types of plants on it's 2 acres and it's free to enjoy. 
  • Happy Hollow Gardens in South County is popular in early spring due to the hundreds of blooming azaelas.  You can also enjoy an easy hike in the woods. 

Check out these beautiful blooms from our friends at PLAY Roanoke:


Kid-friendly hiking trails in Roanoke: 

  • Sawtooth Ridge Trail. An easy 1.9 out and back that summits with some cool rocks to climb to take in the views. 
  • Fenwick Mines. A wheelchair accessible trail that ends with water to splash in. 
  • Tinker Creek Greenway to Carvins Cove. This 2.5 mile trail starts on the backside of Hollins University campus and ends at the shores of Carvins Cove.  Carvins Cove boat launch area also offers a paved trail and great spots for a picnic- highly recommend bringing one before meander back to the trailhead. 

Find more kid friendly trails here.



Annual Spring festivals happening in Roanoke: 

April

πŸƒBlue Ridge Marathon and Down by Downtown

πŸͺ Blue Ridge Kite FestivalπŸͺ

🎣 Ernest "Pig" Robertson Fishing Rodeo (Children 3-8 years old)🎣

May

πŸ“45th Annual Strawberry Festival

🌼 Daisy Art Parade

🌎 Local Colors Festival

🏞️ Kids to Parks Day: Adventures in Elmwood

πŸŽ‰ Festival in the Park

 



Parks and parks in Roanoke:  

Many playgrounds in Roanoke City, County, and Salem have gotten a facelift over the past 4 years so it's hard to pick a favorite! 

Other notable playgrounds: 

  • Addy Grace All Abilities Playground located at the Botetourt YMCA
  • The Kiwanis Centennial Playground at Melrose Plaza
  • The playground at Penn Forrest Elementary school- it's fenced in to contain the littles! (you can't visit during regular school hours). 



Easter Egg Hunts & Events in Roanoke


Looking for Easter egg hunts, bunny visits, and spring celebrations in {TownName}? Click here to find our big list of Easter fun! 

  • Spring Events in Roanoke



    New events are being added throughout the season! Check the Macaroni KID Roanoke event calendar weekly for updates.


    Know of a family-friendly spring event in Roanoke we're missing? Submit your event here! 

  • Farmers’ Markets in Roanoke


    Spring means fresh produce, local vendors, and fun community markets! Here’s where to find farmers' markets in Roanoke: