Hey Triad moms, dads, and caregivers! Finding affordable, kid-friendly adventures can feel like a treasure hunt—but Winston-Salem makes it easy! The city is packed with activities that entertain without an enormous price tag. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a rainy Saturday, there’s always something fun (and budget-friendly) to do with the family. Here’s a collection of cheap and free things to do in Winston-Salem to keep kids of all ages happy and busy!

Free Things to Do in Winston-Salem

Stroll Through Reynolda Gardens

Located in the heart of the city, Reynolda Gardens is completely free and absolutely gorgeous. Kids can explore winding trails, splash in the creek, and discover native plants. The greenhouse is a fun stop, and there’s usually something new blooming each season. There’s lots of green space to run around, and plenty of shady spots to stop for a snack break! While you’re there, Reynolda Museum is also free for kids, veterans, and college students, with a small admission fee for others. They also host occasional Community Days when admission is free for everyone. (Have a look at our list of Discounted & Free Museum Days for other savings!) Check out Reynolda Gardens & Grounds: A Complete Guide to One of Winston-Salem’s Most Beautiful Hidden Gems to help plan your visit!

Storytime at Local Libraries

Forsyth County’s public library system offers weekly storytimes that are perfect for younger children. The Central Library downtown is especially family-friendly with its modern kids’ area and occasional performances. When school lets out for the year, my family loves attending the summer reading programs. Between all the different branch locations, there’s a free event nearly every day of the summer!

Visit Old Salem Museums & Gardens

While full admission to Old Salem comes with a fee, walking the cobblestone streets and enjoying the historic vibe is completely free. Kids love peeking into the old-fashioned windows, visiting the bakery for some sugar cake, and checking out the costumed interpreters. Bonus: On special weekends, some exhibits open for free or reduced pricing. You can view their calendar here.

Art at NCMA

The North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA) offers a unique indoor experience with rotating exhibits that often include interactive or kid-friendly features. Admission is free for children 17 and under, with a small admission fee for adults. The James G. Hanes estate is adjacent to the museum, and is also free and open to the public. Some weekends feature family days with hands-on activities, as well as live music in the evenings. In my experience they do have limited operating hours, so check before you go to make sure they are open!

Budget-Friendly Ideas for Family Fun

Kaleideum

Okay, so the Kaleideum, while a very cool place, is not free. Fortunately the Forsyth County library system offers a Kaleideum pass you can check out just like a book, giving you free access to the museum. And what a museum it is! Have you ever played on a rooftop playground? The zip line, the massive slide, the rock wall, the breathtaking views of the city, all combine to make for an amazing experience, and that’s without even mentioning the indoor exhibits! You can easily spend hours here. If you fall in love and decide you ~~want~~ need to go regularly, they offer family memberships which can significantly reduce the cost per visit. Don’t forget to have them validate your parking!

Winston-Salem Dash Baseball Games

A Dash game at Truist Stadium is a home run with kids. Tickets are reasonably priced, especially on family nights when deals often include hot dogs and drinks. The Dash stadium has a grassy hill for picnic-style watching and frequently includes post-game fireworks. Kids can run the bases, interact with the team mascot, Bolt, and compete in between-inning games!

Parks

Parks are perhaps the best example of free fun, and Winston-Salem is full of options! I’ll highlight a few below, but check out our park guide for a more comprehensive list.

Salem Lake Park

Bring the bikes, scooters, or just your walking shoes. Salem Lake has a 7-mile trail that’s stroller-friendly and scenic. The gorgeous lake is also stocked with several types of fish, making it a good spot for both pier and boat fishing. Watch for turtles sunbathing or stop by the playground for a break. Parking is free, and there’s a picnic area if hunger strikes!

Quarry Park

Once a working rock quarry, Quarry Park is now a stunning park featuring an overlook with views of the city skyline. Kids love the wide-open spaces to play as well as the large and recently updated playground area. There’s even a seasonal butterfly garden! It’s free to visit, but during some events you may consider bringing a few bucks for snacks – For example, the city hosts an annual Rock Out the Quarry party with food trucks, live music, and a fireworks show.

Historic Bethabara Park

This 1700s settlement offers a low-cost history lesson wrapped in nature. Walk through reconstructed cabins, tour the gardens, and let the kids play on the open fields. Admission to the park grounds is free, but for a more in-depth dive into this historical site consider opting for a guided tour ($4/adult, $1 each for students and children 3+). Special events will typically include craft-making and live demonstrations.

Cheap Things to Do in Winston-Salem

When there’s a little wiggle room in the budget, there are also a fantastic array of cheap things to do in Winston-Salem that offer great value for your money!

Catch a Movie

Marketplace Cinema has specialized in affordable movie-going for more than 21 years. There’s one set price throughout the day, so no need to rush to catch a matinee! A discount is also offered for children, seniors, students, teachers, members of the military and first responders. Many of our local movie theaters also offer free or steeply discounted children’s movies during the summer months; have a look at our Kids Summer Movie guide for a more detailed breakdown of those programs.

Bowling with the Family

Creekside Lanes has been a local favorite since I was a kid. They offer something called the Family Plan, which includes 2 hours of bowling, rental shoes, a hot dog and one small soda per person for up to 6 people per lane. At $60, the Family Plan makes for a fun, all-inclusive family night out. They also participate in the Kids Bowl Free program, entitling each registered kiddo to two free games each day of the summer – just pay for your shoe rentals!

Putt-Putt, anyone?

Adventure Landing offers after-school specials for big savings: Any school day after 3 pm enjoy unlimited mini golf and 20 arcade tokens for $10/person. You can enjoy a couple rounds of putt-putt before cooling down at the arcade center inside. There’s a concession stand with some snack options, as well as seasonal bumper boat rides.

Community Events & Festivals

Finally, keep an eye on our community events calendar for upcoming events and festivals. Winston-Salem hosts frequent free or low-cost events throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts, craft fairs, and holiday celebrations. These events provide a fantastic opportunity for family fun and create lasting memories without breaking the bank.

Stretching the Budget While Making Memories

The great thing about these free and cheap Winston-Salem activities is how easy it is to combine them. Grab breakfast at home, hit up Reynolda Gardens for the morning, swing by a museum after lunch, and close the day with a sunset at Quarry Park—all without spending much more than gas money. Family fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and sometimes the best memories come from a simple walk in the woods or a giggle-filled day at the library. So pack some snacks, grab the kids, and go make the most of everything free and cheap Winston-Salem has to offer.

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