Family events in Roanoke, VA

Families can receive adaptive equipment fitted to their child by Radford University physical therapy students and professors. A referral from the child’s physical or occupational therapist is recommended. The event is free, and equipment should be ordered through C.A.T.S. online inventory at least one month in advance to allow time for transportation. For more information, contact Jenny Baum at jenny@atdevicesforkids.org.

Students ages 5 and older can explore local history through stories and hands-on opportunities to handle historical objects. This program focuses on the lives and works of artists from Salem and the Roanoke Valley, from nationally known artist Walter Biggs to local icon Grace Smyth. It includes an hour of history instruction, an activity, time to connect with other students, and a chance to explore the museum’s exhibits. Registration is required.

Enjoy stories, rhymes, music, movement, and a craft together as a family. The activities support early literacy skills and encourage a love of reading.

Roanoke Valley Cars and Coffee’s annual Toys for Tots donation event is its final gathering of the season. Guests are asked to bring at least one new, unwrapped toy, and cash donations are also welcome. All donations go directly to The Roanoke Gri-NCH and Toys for Tots Marines to distribute to children in need for Christmas.

Enjoy a free, family-friendly alpaca experience featuring hundreds of alpacas from farms across the country. Browse alpaca-related vendors for Christmas gifts and other seasonal needs.

Explore a relaxed, hands-on approach to preserving family photographs, stories, recipes, and memorabilia in meaningful scrapbook pages. Some materials will be available for creating a page and trying scrapbooking, and examples, resource information, and memory-preservation ideas will be shared. No prior experience is needed. Two members of Downsizers Club will offer guidance based on their scrapbooking experience. Participants may bring original photographs or copies, with no more than 25 images, and choose a story or memory to preserve. The workshop will also discuss interest in making this a recurring activity. Hosted by Home with Heart.

Celebrate the season of Thanksgiving at the 4th Annual Breath of Life Midwifery Fall Festival in Roanoke, VA. Families can explore offerings from 20 registered vendors featuring goods, services, information, and treats, with some activities available for purchase. The first 100 families receive a complimentary swag bag that includes information, samples, coupons, and 20 tickets for the free raffle. Children can enjoy two free bounce houses and take part in interactive demonstrations, and there will be at least 20 items awarded in the free raffle. Face painting and fall mini photo sessions are available for a fee. Optional pre-registration is offered.

Open to children, teens, and adults of all experience levels, these skating sessions help participants build confidence and strong fundamentals in a safe, supportive environment led by certified coaches. Rental skates are included with registration. Helmets are not provided, but are strongly encouraged for beginner skaters.

The DSAR Buddy Walk brings the community together to celebrate inclusion and support individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Participants can fundraise, compete for top fundraiser prizes, take part in a silent auction and raffles, and connect local service providers with the community. Funds raised help provide programs, resources, and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Bark in the Park is a community fundraiser benefiting Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter and the Community Pet Coalition. Enjoy a pet photo booth, demonstrations, pet-themed art activities, games for children, dog-friendly vendors and community organizations, giveaways, and opportunities to meet local animal welfare groups. People with dogs, those interested in adoption, and anyone who loves animals are welcome. Admission is free, and donations supporting local animal organizations are encouraged. Dogs must stay leashed, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.