Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.
The good news: New River Valley has plenty of free and budget-friendly family fun, from parks and playgrounds to library programs, splash pads, outdoor concerts, local trails, and easy no-spend adventures.
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in New River Valley, cheap summer activities for families, or budget-friendly places to take kids near New River Valley, our 2026 guide is a great place to start.
Here are 25+ free and cheap things to do with kids in New River Valley this summer.
More Summer Fun in New River Valley
- Get a free printable summer fun bucket list
- Find camps in our Summer Camp Guide
- See what’s happening this week on our Events Calendar
Outdoor Adventures
- Visit a local favorite like Christiansburg's Huckleberry Park, Blacksburg's Nellies Cave Park, Bisset Park in Radford, Randolph Park in Dublin, or one of the many neighborhood playgrounds throughout the NRV.
- Take a hike on the Huckleberry Trail, explore Pandapas Pond, visit Buffalo Mountain in Floyd, or enjoy the trails at Claytor Lake State Park.
- Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at Bisset Park, Randolph Park, Glen Alton, or a scenic spot along the New River.
- Plan a New River Valley playground tour and visit a few playgrounds and at least one new-to-you park.
- Explore Falls Ridge Preserve near Pembroke, Cascades National Recreation Trail, or one of the many overlooks and natural areas throughout Giles County.
- Go birdwatching, bug hunting, or nature spotting at Pandapas Pond, Wildwood Park in Radford, or along the New River Trail.
- Take family photos at the Loveworks signs in Floyd, Blacksburg, Pulaski, Pearisburg, and Christiansburg.
Water Fun
- Cool off at the Frog Pond Swimming Pool, Pearisburg Town Pool, Randolph Park, or local splash pads and spray features.
- Spend the day at Claytor Lake State Park or enjoy river access points throughout Giles County and along the New River.
- Skip rocks and explore the shoreline at Claytor Lake, the New River, or Little River.
- Take a short day trip to Splash Valley in Roanoke or Evelyn Alexander Water Park. Check hours for special discount days.
- Enjoy a sunset walk along the New River Water Trail or around the shoreline at Claytor Lake.
- Set up backyard water play with sprinklers, buckets, or water balloons.
Free Events & Entertainment in New River Valley
- Attend free concerts and community events in downtown Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Floyd, and Pearisburg throughout the summer.
- Watch a Free Friday Summer Movie at the Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg and Free Family Flicks at Radford Theatre on participating dates.
- Explore community festivals like FloydFest Community events, Summer Solstice celebrations, town festivals, and local fairs throughout the region.
- Browse farmers markets in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Floyd, Pulaski, and Pearisburg and let kids choose a small treat.
- Take a short drive out of town and visit one of the amazing state parks in the surrounding area. Fairy Stone State Park or Grayson Highlands offer endless summer fun.
- Cheer on cyclists at the USA Cycling Endurance National Championship July 12-July 15th at multiple locations around the Roanoke Valley.
- Browse our full list of family-friendly events in New River Valley.
Quick win for this week: New free and cheap events are added all the time. Check the Macaroni KID New River Valley calendar before the weekend so you don’t miss something easy, fun, and close to home.
Library & Learning Fun
- Visit your local library branch for story times, summer reading programs, and free family activities.
- Join the summer reading program through the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library system, Pulaski County Library, Radford Public Library, or Giles County Public Library.
- Check out museum passes, activity kits, or other free family resources from the libraries in the area.
- Attend a free craft, STEM, music, or performance event across the NRV. Always check out event calendar for details.
- Make a weekly library visit to whatever is your favorite or most convenient branch library part of your summer routine.
Cheap Places to Take Kids in New River Valley
- Visit the Radford Heritage Museum, Wonder Universe in Christiansburg, or local historical sites throughout the region.
- Check out a local or surrounding area fair.
- Go bowling, skating, mini golf, swimming, or play at local family entertainment centers during special summer promotions.
- Use a family membership to make repeat visits cheaper.
- Treat the family to ice cream from local favorites in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Floyd, Pulaski, or Radford.
- Explore small-town main streets and discover local shops, murals, parks, and hidden gems throughout the NRV.
Before You Go
Prices, hours, deals, and free offerings can change, so it’s always smart to double-check details before heading out.
Don’t Lose This List!
Bookmark this page and check back throughout the summer. New free events, cheap activities, and family-friendly ideas pop up all season long in New River Valley.
Better yet, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing this summer. We’re always adding new events, free activities, local guides, and family-friendly ideas for New River Valley families.
