Whether your family is into history, art, food, or just running around outside, you’ll find plenty of things to do with kids in Winston-Salem. Think of this guide as a friendly roadmap designed with parents in mind– it’s full of ideas that make planning your next adventure easy and fun. We’ve got the top 5 things to do in each major part of Winston-Salem, but you’ll definitely find more than 15 things/places worth visiting!

What to do in Downtown Winston-Salem: History Meets Fun

Downtown is packed with family-friendly attractions that could fill an entire day trip in Winston-Salem. Here are our top 5 for downtown:

OLD SALEM: If your kids love history, Old Salem is the place to go. The living history museum and gardens make it both educational and magical. You can pay for the full experience or spend some time walking the exterior grounds for free.

THE KALEIDEUM: The Kaleideum is better than ever, with multiple levels and a rooftop playspace. Kids and adults will love this one.

OUTSIDE/FREE: Bailey Park is a large green space with great city views, and the huge Central Library offers events and play spaces.

EATS: For pizza and great outdoor space, try Cogino Forno; Camel City BBQ for great meats and sides; Chad’s Chai for tea and sweets + a sweet little kid-friendly space; The Porch has a great outdoor seating space and good food; Camino Bakery’s downtown location has the best vibes and great drinks/small bites. Head toward the West End, and Louie and Honey’s Kitchen is a MUST-VISIT with a special emphasis on their famous Amish Cinnamon Rolls.

SHOP: Mast General Store has a downtown Winston-Salem location and a great independent bookstore, Bookmarks. Toward the West End there is more shopping including the cute children’s boutique, Bella & James.

Reynolda Road: Gardens, Art, and a Touch of Luxury

We love Reynolda Road for one main reason: it’s so compact. You can park in a single spot and explore nature, art, food, and shopping. Here are the top 5 places to hit if you’re looking to explore the best of Winston-Salem.

REYNOLDA GARDENS: Stop here for a stroll around the flower gardens. It’s so picturesque and tranquil. You can walk/bike/stroll all the way up to the Graylyn Estate from here if you want to get some exercise. Check out Reynolda Gardens & Grounds: A Complete Guide to One of Winston-Salem’s Most Beautiful Hidden Gems to help plan your visit!

EATS: Penny Path Café serves incredible crepes, while Village Tavern has something for everyone. Dough Joe’s has the best donuts so make sure you save time for this!

SHOP: The Bookhouse is a lovely bookstore featuring a charming kids’ section and a small play area.

KIDS FREE MUSEUM: Kids get in free to the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, so it’s worth a visit. Even if your kids aren’t art buffs, they’ll love the impressive galleries and the chance to imagine their own creations hanging on museum walls someday.

Hanes Mall Area + Beyond

The Hanes Mall and Stratford Road area is a go-to spot for families looking for classic entertainment options all in one place. You’ll find movie theaters showing the latest releases, bowling alleys perfect for a casual family night, and trampoline parks where kids can burn off energy in a safe, fun environment. Beyond activities, this area also offers plenty of dining and shopping options.

PUTT-PUTT: Adventure Landing offers mini golf and a fun arcade. Because it’s rarely crowded, it’s stress-free for parents and still exciting for kids.

INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT: The AMC Theater has the latest movies in an updated and comfortable setting. Bowlero is a sleek bowling alley with good food. Surge Adventure Park is an indoor trampoline park. Dave and Buster’s is full of games that kids and adults enjoy. If you’re looking for an escape room or a paint splatter experience, then Total Escape Game has that covered. And Winston-Salem’s newest addition, The Little Gym, is coming to Thruway Shopping Center.

SHOPPING: Hanes Mall is a on one-stop-shop for dining and shopping and just down the road is McKay’s Used Books, which is huge and offers so much more than books.

FOOD: Sometimes eating out with kids just needs to be easy, and you’ll find these familiar names that kids know and parents enjoy in Winston Salem: Chick-fil-A (multiple locations), CAVA (Stratford Road), Chipotle (multiple locations), Dairi-O (multiple locations), Brixx (Hanes Mall area), Viva Chicken (Hanes Mall area), McAlister’s Deli, and more. A couple of local places include Yamas, The Olive Tree Deli, and Cagneys Kitchen. There are also lots of local resturants specializing in ethnic food in this area!

Winston-Salem Parks To Go Out of your way for

Still searching for what to do in Winston-Salem with kids? Here are a few extra outdoor spaces and parks worth the drive:

Quarry Park – Perfect for picnics, kickball, and gorgeous skyline views. There’s also a hiking trail if your family enjoys exploring.
Artivity on the Green – An open space in the midst of downtown with a focus on creativity and art (bonus, right by Chad’s Chai)
Hathaway Park – Small and tucked away, this neighborhood park is a nice escape + has a splash pad in the summer.
Historic Bethabara Park – Explore the grounds and visitors center. Take the trail to the top of the hill for a cool slice of history.
Salem Lake – A huge park with a playground, trails, and water activities.
Tanglewood Park – This is outside Winston-Salem proper, but it offers so much that it’s worth it if you’re in the west WS area. A great new playground, trails, horses, water activities, and more.

Final Thoughts: Don’t forget the special events

Regardless of the time of year, there is something fun going on in Winston-Salem. Take a look at the list below to be in the know about Winston-Salem’s best seasonal events.

2025 Kid-Friendly Events by Amanda Motsinger

FAQ: Visiting & Living in Winston-Salem with Kids

Q: Is Winston-Salem a good place for a family day trip?

A: Absolutely! Winston-Salem is a compact city with a wide variety of activities, making it easy to have a fun and memorable day trip with your family.

Q: What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in Winston-Salem?

A: Top spots include the Kaleideum children’s museum, historic Old Salem, and the walkable Reynolda Road area.

Q: What are some free things to do with kids in Winston-Salem?

A: You can find plenty of free fun, like exploring the grounds of Old Salem and Historic Bethabara Park, or enjoying the playgrounds and splash pads at local parks like Quarry Park and Little Creek Park.

Q: Is Winston-Salem a good place to live with a family?

A: Yes, it is! Winston-Salem offers a strong community, a vibrant arts scene, and plenty of recreation, all with a cost of living that’s below the national average.

Q: What are the best family-friendly neighborhoods in Winston-Salem?

A: Popular neighborhoods for families include Ardmore and West End, as well as the nearby suburban towns of Lewisville and Pfafftown.

Q: How does the cost of living compare to other cities?

A: The cost of living in Winston-Salem is about 7-9% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live, especially for housing.