Intro to Loom Knitting Workshop - Thursday, June 6

Would you like to try an easy way of knitting sans knitting needles?  Try loom knitting! This is a super-fun 2-hour class for beginners. You will complete an actual project while learning basic cast on, two basic stitches and bind off. Everything...

Two Free Family Events on Saturday at Explore Park

Take a short trip down to Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 115 on Saturday to enjoy two free events from 10am to 3pm. See demonstrations by local craftspeople at Artisan Saturday at the Visitor Center and plaza. While you're visit the Camping Open House to ge...

Dozens of New Jobs Coming to Explore Park to Support Treetop Quest

Roanoke County, Virginia (April 23, 2019) – The new Treetop Quest aerial adventure attraction opens at Explore Park on July 1, and Roanoke County is hiring dozens of new “aerial adventure guides” to make it happen. These posi...

Virginia Creeper Trail - Trip and Bike Ride May 18

Enjoy hours of pleasant cycling on the beautiful Virginia Creeper Trail! Beginning at the local high point of Whitetop Station we will take advantage of 17 miles of scenic and gently sloping terrain, providing an easy and novice-friendly ride to our end-p...

Splash Valley Season Pass Early Bird Discounts End April 30

This week is your last chance to save on 2019 season passes to Splash Valley Water Park. Individuals passes are just $84 for the general public, or $59 for Green Ridge members. New this year, save 10% off concessions stand purchases. Purchase 3 or more pa...

Second Annual Virginia's Blue Ridge Spartan Kids Race - May 18-19 at Green Hill Park

The Spartan Kids Race returns to Roanoke County's Green Hill Park for a fun and challenging weekend of fun and challenging obstacle races for ages 4-13. Sponsored by Virginia's Blue Ridge, this second annual race features several exciting categories inclu...

Get Trained in CPR and AED for Free on May 18

The Compress and Shock Foundation invites you to consider attending our 3rd Annual National CPR and AED Educational Event that will be held at the the Green Ridge Rec Center and 9 other host sites in the Greater Roanoke Valley. Our 60 minute education is ...

Roanoke County Earns 21st Annual Tree City USA Designation with Arbor Day Event

Roanoke County, Virginia (April 12, 2019) – Students at Clearbrook Elementary School observed Arbor Day today with music, poetry, and the planting of four new trees. This event will help Roanoke County retain its Tree City USA designation by the...

Save $5 Off Summer Camp Enrollment with Health Form Completion

New in 2019, get a coupon code for $5 off each summer camp enrollment from Roanoke County Parks by completing your child's health form first! Simply complete the health form online and you'll receive a discount code applicable towards any of our 200 weeks...

Party Zone Drop Off Program - Friday, May 17 at Green Ridge

Need a night out? Party Zone is back at Green Ridge on May 17, and it's going to be messy! Join us in several STEM activities! Make gooey slime, prevent an ooey egg mess in an egg drop and watch an explosive volcano! We will explore the H2O world in the i...

Treetop Quest Aerial Adventure Course to Open at Explore Park in July

Roanoke County, Virginia (April 9, 2019) – A new attraction is coming to Explore Park this July, consisting of an aerial adventure course and ziplines. This week the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors approved a construction and licensing agree...

Twin Creeks Brewing Company Announces Plans to Expand to Explore Park

ROANOKE, VA (April 5th, 2019)- Twin Creeks Brewing Company is pleased to announce plans for their second location, Twin Creeks Brewing at Explore Park, opening in the fall of 2019. They will be partnering with Roanoke C...

New Weekly Summer Camp Added at Mount Pleasant Elementary

Need full day care for your K-5 grader this summer? Roanoke County has expanded our camps to include a new location at Mount Pleasant Elementary School, in addition to existing sites at Penn Forest Elementary and Green Ridge Recreation Center. These progr...

Camping Open House - Saturday, April 27 at Explore Park

Get an exclusive look inside Explore Park’s new overnight accommodations, Meet the vendor operators making it possible, and get a preview of new amenities on coming this season! See inside cabins, yurts, tents, canopy camping platforms, primitiv...

After School Programs Now Enrolling at 13 County Sites

Need after school care for your elementary school age child? Roanoke County's After School for Kids is now enrolling for the 2019-2020 school year. This program is available on-site at 13 schools, including 5 day care each week during the school year, wit...

Stand Up Paddleboarding Classes - Choose from 4 Dates at Carvin's Cove

Get lessons from a certified paddleboard instructor from Roanoke Mountain Adventures. This class includes all equipment, gear and time in the water to hone your skills. Choose from evening classes on April 30, May 9, May 23 and June 5 at Carvin's Cove. Me...

Roanoke County Receives 2019 Governor's Environmental Excellence Award

Roanoke County, Virginia (March 28, 2019) – Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism was presented with a 2019 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award today at the 30^th annual Virginia Environmental Symposium at Virginia Military...

Young Chef Cooking Classes - Tuesdays in April at Brambleton Center

Learning to find the joy and value in cooking helps to develop an important skill set and a life-long appreciation for the culinary arts. Enroll the young chef in this series of classes for the opportunity to learn and practice the art of food prep, stove...

Horseback Murder Mystery Dinner - Saturday, May 11 at Explore Park

A lazy afternoon at Niagara Ranch takes a mysterious turn when one of the guests turns up dead. Can you figure out who “donit”? In this interactive event, follow the clues to earn points for prizes and see if you can solve the mystery. Get up close and pe...

Mother's Day Kayaking Trip - May 12 departing from Green Ridge

I LOVE YOU MOM! Show her you really care and bring her on a fun and leisurely kayaking trip on the nearby James River. After orientation with your sit-on-top kayak and paddling instruction, you're heading down river. Along the way enjoy quality family tim...

Artisan Saturdays Return to Explore Park on April 27

On Saturday April 27, 2019 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Roanoke County’s Explore Park will host the first of three Artisan Saturdays in 2019. This event is FREE and fun for all ages. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at milepost 115, the Visitor Ce...

Adult Softball Teams Now Forming through USA Softball

Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism is pleased to announce USA Softball (formerly ASA) has partnered with our department to offer a Men's Open and Church league later this Spring at the Arnold R. Burton complex.  If you are interested in...

TRX Locker Open Workout Times at Green Ridge - April through October

Get outside and get results! The TRX Tactical Training Locker is now available weekly for Green Ridge members and daily admission customers at no additional charge. From April to October, take advantage of the most comprehensive functional training system...

Niagara Ranch Steeplechase on April 27 - Be a Spectator!

Get an exclusive seat close to the action as you watch our spectacular steeplechase race series and horseback demonstration. Our wranglers will dazzle you as they compete to hurdle fences and other obstacles at Niagara Ranch with the grace and control of ...

Wild Things - Free Nature Program Second Saturdays at Explore Park

New this spring, bring your family out to Explore Park on the second Saturday of each month for a free instructional program with a naturalist from 1pm to 3pm. Topics are as follows:

March 9 - Frogs, Toads and Salamanders

April 13 - Butterflies

May 11 - Bird...

Loom Knitting Classes - New at Green Ridge This Spring

Get ready to cast on to a fun beginner program, and learn to knit without the needles! Loom knitting is an easy way to stitch your own clothing accessories. Instructor Tonya Hodges brings over five years of experience through her business, Learn to Loon K...

Splash Valley 2019 Season Passes Now On Sale

Purchase a season pass to Splash Valley Water Park, and enjoy unlimited visits during the 2019 season. New this year, get 10% off all concessions stand purchases. You'll also get early admission on weekends and be eligible for free drinks all season with ...

New Horseback Rides, Lessons and Events at Explore Park this Spring

Experience western style horseback riding with no previous experience needed. The new Niagara Ranch at Explore Park is hosting a new series of trail rides and lessons for ages 8 and up, as well as several family events to kick off the spring 2019 season. ...

Picnic Shelters Now Open for Reservation - 2019 Season April to October

Reservation is now open for the 2019 season of picnic shelter rental at Roanoke County parks, with availability from April 1 to October 31. Choose from 16 park sites with reservable shelters, with iopen online registration for standard groups of 50 or les...

Escape to Your Adventure! Youth Camps Now Enrolling for Summer 2019

Roanoke County is excited to offer the region's largest lineup of youth summer camp options. Choose from over 200 weeks of programs for ages 3-17. This year's thee is Escape to Adventure, with many new full, half day and overnight programs available. New ...