Center In The Square

TLDR: This is one of the best attractions in Roanoke.
Overall this place has endless exploration for kids. Pop into the main lobby on any given day and they might stare at the various aquariums for a half hour. It's always clean, the box office people are friendly and efficient, and the gift shop is nice. [8/10] I've been to the science museum lots of times over the years and there are frequent updates and changes of exhibits. Be sure to allow plenty of time at the touch tank. [9/10] The pinball museum and Starcade are both fantastic if you can hit a day when there aren't huge crowds. If not, they can be both overwhelming with noise and disappointing with wait times. [7/10]
The most recent trip was for Kids Square. Wow, what a place! My kids are 9 and 5 and had an absolute blast. They were wide open for the whole 3 hours and not ready to leave. Favorite exhibits were the children's hospital, salon, and the blue "sand" pit with the slides and all the things to scoop and pour with. [10/10]

We've been to the children's museum twice now. It is hands down the best one we've ever seen. We can spend hours and still not get to all the exhibits. I love how they updated and decorated for the seasons (lots of fun Halloween decorations right now!). Even the baby dolls they can "adopt" to carry around we're decked out in Halloween outfits. As the mother of a 2 month old, along with my older girls, I especially appreciated the nursing/ quiet room. It had everything and more you could wish for when you need to step out for a moment. (Rockers, a bin of extra onsies just in case, a basket of nursing pads, a private area for siblings to play while you take care of baby). 10/10 from us!

Lots to do. Pinball Museum is fun. Suggest combo ticket with Starcade. Needs better signage in building. parking deck has only one pay station on ground floor with no signs to tell you. Put pay station on every floor.

a one of a kind special place! staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable. we got a chance to relive some exciting childhood memories covering all of the years of arcade fun. every pinball machine I have ever played or seen all working and in almost new shape. Video games from asteroids to dragons lair and all in between. this museum will provide multiple days fun and excitement for the entire family. we are going back many more times. surrounding businesses have many restaurants and the people everywhere were friendly and helpful with information. the museum is open 11 to 8 and when you go plan on making a day of your trip. only pay admission fee and play for free on pinball and or video games. they also have rooftop gardens, aquarium, and movie theater for children and adults alike. we didn't adventure into the theater or gardens. there was a private event in the gardens. this is a gem of an adventure that all ages will enjoy.

We had an awesome time at Center in the Square. We looked at the aquariums while waiting to see Elf the Musical! It was a wonderful show and start to the Christmas season!

Center in the Square in Roanoke has long been a cultural hub, offering a diverse array of attractions under one roof. Housing museums like the Science Museum of Western Virginia and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, it provides a rich tapestry of educational experiences.

The Roanoke Pinball Museum, located within Center in the Square, has been a standout attraction, offering a nostalgic journey through the history of pinball machines. The blend of interactive exhibits, engaging displays, and live performances at the Mill Mountain Theatre contributes to the venue's dynamic atmosphere.

The iconic Roanoke Star, perched atop Mill Mountain and visible from Center in the Square, adds to the scenic charm. Overall, the Center in the Square has been a vital contributor to Roanoke's cultural scene, providing a space for exploration, learning, and entertainment.

Sooo much Fun for toddlers & big kids (adults) So much to do & explore! Also The Aquarium is free to the public on the 1st floor

This is a fun place to visit, with a nice variety of museums, from a lovely aquarium and candy store on the ground level. I visited the pinball museum and the African American history museum upstairs, and both were pleasantly sized - big enough to feel like you had a meaningful experience, small enough to avoid museum fatigue. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout the building, and there were photography exhibits to peruse in the hallways, too. Overall a lovely place to visit. I'd come back and bring my family, and spend more time in all of the museums on offer!

Kids in the square is the most incredible and wonderful experience for young children I have ever seen. My granddaughter and my family thoroughly enjoyed it.

Always fun to walk around downtown Roanoke. We had a beautiful day to stop in places we've never been before. Several new restaurants and wine bar. There are plenty of great historic buildings to take photos of, as well as art in many places all around the square. Take an afternoon and walk around. Try a new restaurant. You'll enjoy it.

All the events/exhibits are cool and worth admission. We've been back several times. The people at the ticket desk are usually sour to deal with but not enough to put us off.

Love the fish and the science museum (kids loved mining for gems and fossils and building with the huge Lego like blocks). Kids had a blast. The roof top garden is a little run down right now, but the kids enjoyed feeding the fish.

Excellent! Actually blew my mind at what all they had. Great experience for a toddler with a nice environment. All the areas are interesting and different which keep kids'attention. Can't recommend enough

First time I have been to Kids Square and was very impressed! There are a multitude of activities for kids 6 months to probably 12/13 years old. There is a sensory wall (buttons and also brushes (see pics). There is a train set, octonauts play set, tons of building sets, music, sandbox, small rubber pieces "sandbox" (see pics it's blue), "play" restaurant/ bank/ hospital/ vet/ grocery store/ campsite, climbing wall, puppet theater, I know I'm forgetting some but hoping this gives the idea that this is A LOT. definitely going back with my 8 year old step son!! The staff was very friendly and were constantly cleaning.

LOVE everything Center in the Square! The Roanoke STARCADE & the Roanoke Pinball Museum are both classic! Kids Square is a cool place for kids to learn, play, and nurture their imagination, creativity and curiosity. The Harrison Museum is educational and engaging, with a wonderful staff and an abundance of beautiful art. The aquarium in the atrium is free! As well as the koi fish pond on the rooftop. I’ve been to a few events in the Penthouse and it’s really awesome to stand atop the city of Roanoke while enjoying live music & refreshments.
I can’t wait for more events at Center in the Square, yet to come!

We went to Kids Square to celebrate a birthday. Every single person had a blast from our youngest guest who was 2 to our oldest who was 64. Definetly worth checking out. We will be coming back over and over. My children are already begging to return!

I just love the center in the Square because it has something for everyone. There are so many different ethnic restaurants that I can't imagine anyone not finding what they want to eat. The shops are amazing and the people within them are so eager to share there creativeness and history. The outside shops are the bomb these people are so proud of what they do but you can't help it first with enthusiasm for them.

My family loves this place, lots of fun places to take kids to play, several great places to eat within walking outside, fresh farmers market on occasions nearby. Great place to spend the day.

Visted the kids square museum, if you have little ones 7 and under this is the perfect place for them, they have multiple mini shop setup where the children can go room to room and play Dr, grocery store worker, bridal shop, day care, vet, pizza shop, ice cream parlor, leggo build, campfire/camper set up, singing stage, diggers(they close them down at 4p) they have cars and horses that you can drive on the "road" that goes through the center of the place and two "sand boxes" (made of rubber). This is a great place to get a 3 month subscription for the winter months @ $75/I'm almost positive where you can have two adults and all kids in your home on the membership.

Beiatiful place with a lot of things to do. There is an aquarium, candy store downstairs and a koi pond on the roof with great views of the city . There is a museum to. The first floor and the roof is free. You to pay for the other stuff. There is 6 floors in total. A greet place to visit