Last updated: October 28, 2026

Quick answer: For the perfect Winston-Salem day trip with kids, start downtown at Kaleideum (120 W. 3rd St.), the hands-on science and children’s museum with a rooftop playground, then walk historic Old Salem (900 Old Salem Rd.). Grab lunch at Cugino Forno or Camel City BBQ Factory in the Industry Hill area, and end the day at Reynolda Village for made-to-order doughnuts at Dough-Joe’s and a stroll through Reynolda Gardens.

Winston-Salem is an easy drive from anywhere in the Triad, and it’s packed with family fun. This guide splits the city into four areas (downtown, Reynolda Village, the Hanes Mall area, and parks worth the drive), with sample itineraries to help you plan. Hours change by season, so check before you go.

Sample Day-Trip Itineraries

The Classic Day (best for ages 3 to 10)

Morning: Kaleideum
Lunch: Cugino Forno, with room to run outside
Afternoon: Old Salem, then a treat at Chad’s Chai

The Rainy Day

Morning: Kaleideum
Lunch: Hanes Mall food court
Afternoon: Lucky Strike bowling, Total Escape, or McKay’s for books and games

The Outdoor Day

Morning: Salem Lake Park’s playground and trail
Lunch: Picnic, or Dairi-O
Afternoon: Reynolda Gardens and Dough-Joe’s doughnuts

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

Kaleideum

Address: 120 W. 3rd St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Kaleideum is a multi-level, hands-on science and children’s museum with a rooftop playground. The rooftop is included with museum admission. Plan two to four hours.

Old Salem Museums & Gardens

Address: 900 Old Salem Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Old Salem is A historic Moravian town with costumed interpreters and trade demonstrations, like baking and blacksmithing. A ticket covers the full experience. Our past guide noted that walking the streets and outside grounds is free. Some buildings close for lunch, and the site isn’t open every day.

Bailey Park

Address: 445 Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
A big green lawn surrounded by restaurants and coffee shops. It’s great for rolling down the hill, picnics, and free events.

Artivity on the Green

Address: 630 N. Liberty St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
A small downtown art park with sculptural paths, murals, and mist features. It’s a quick stop next to Chad’s Chai.

Forsyth County Central Library

Address: 660 W. 5th St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Children’s, tween, and teen sections, plus programs and events. It’s a free indoor break.

Where to Eat and Treat Downtown

Cugino Forno Pizzeria: 486 N. Patterson Ave. #115. Neapolitan pizza with lots of indoor and outdoor seating.
Camel City BBQ Factory: 701 N. Liberty St. Barbecue with counter service and sit-down options.
Chad’s Chai: 617 N. Liberty St. Chai, pastries, and a little kids’ corner with books.
The Porch Kitchen & Cantina: 840 Mill Works St. Tex-Mex with a big covered patio.
Camino Bakery: 310 W. 4th St. Coffee, sweets, and lots of gluten-free options.
Louie and Honey’s Kitchen: 401 W. End Blvd. (West End). Famous for its giant Amish cinnamon rolls. Closed Sundays.
Yamas Mediterranean Street Food: 624 W. 4th St. Build-your-own bowls and pitas.

Shop Downtown

Mast General Store: 516 Trade St. NW. Old-fashioned candy, toys, and outdoor gear.
Bookmarks: 634 W. 4th St. #110. A nonprofit independent bookstore.
Bella + James Children’s Boutique: 839 Reynolda Rd. NW. Children’s clothing.

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

Address: 100 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Formal gardens, wooded trails, and a lake. There’s no playground, but there’s plenty of room to explore. The gardens are free. Check out Reynolda Gardens & Grounds: A Complete Guide to One of Winston-Salem’s Most Beautiful Hidden Gems to help plan your visit!

Reynolda House Museum of American Art

Address: 2250 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
A historic mansion and art museum. Kids love the basement, with its bowling alley and indoor pool. Free admission for kids.

Where to Eat and Shop in Reynolda Village

Dough-Joe’s Doughnuts & Coffee: 114 Reynolda Village Way C. Doughnuts made to order and served warm.
Penny Path Café & Crêpe Shop: 122 Reynolda Village Way. Sweet and savory crêpes.
Village Tavern: 221 Reynolda Village Way. A big menu and a patio. No reservations.
The Bookhouse: 120-A Reynolda Village Way. A bookstore and café with a kids’ corner and train table.

Nearby, Graylyn Estate (1900 Reynolda Rd.) is a historic estate hotel.

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.
Jamison Park – Nature themed playground that leads to a scenic walking trail, the Muddy Creek Greenway. It has fun activities along the path to keep kids engaged.

Don’t Forget the Special Events

Winston-Salem hosts festivals, holiday programs, and free concerts all year. Check our family events calendar before your trip to add one to your day.

Tips for Your Day Trip

Park once downtown. Kaleideum, Bailey Park, Artivity on the Green, and many restaurants are close together.
Go early to Louie and Honey’s. Weekend lines get long.
Check Old Salem’s days. It isn’t open every day of the week.
Pack swimsuits in summer for the Hathaway and Little Creek splash pads.

FAQ: Visiting Winston-Salem with Kids

What is the best thing to do in Winston-Salem with kids?

Kaleideum is the top pick for most families, especially on rainy days. Old Salem and Tanglewood Park are close behind.

Is Winston-Salem good for a day trip?

Yes. Downtown is walkable, and Kaleideum, Old Salem, and Reynolda Village are all within a short drive of each other.

What can you do in Winston-Salem on a rainy day?

Kaleideum, the Central Library, Lucky Strike bowling, Total Escape, and Hanes Mall are all indoors.

Is Old Salem free?

A ticket is needed for the full experience. Walking the streets and outside grounds has been free in the past, so confirm before you go.

Are there splash pads in Winston-Salem?

Yes. Hathaway Park and Little Creek Park both have splash pads.

Where should we eat in Winston-Salem with kids?

Cugino Forno, Camel City BBQ Factory, Dairi-O, and Dough-Joe’s are family favorites.

Keep Exploring

Things to Do in Winston-Salem NC with Kids
Best Parks & Playgrounds in Winston-Salem
Best Parks & Playgrounds in Lewisville & Clemmons
Things to Do in Forsyth County NC with Kids
Breweries in the Triad (for a parents’ night out)

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