Free and low-cost summer activities in the Triad are a lifesaver when kids are home all day. While children are counting down to summer break and planning adventures, parents are often juggling schedules, budgets, and the pressure to keep everyone entertained.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or working full-time, finding affordable things to do with kids in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point can feel overwhelming—especially with rising costs. The good news? There are plenty of budget-friendly family activities in the Triad if you know where to look.

Our Family Strategy for Summer Fun

Each May, I make a list of free and cheap things to do with kids in the Triad—especially in years when we skip full-time summer camps.

I start by researching local events, parks, and day trips around Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and beyond. Before long, the list is longer than our summer calendar—and that’s exactly the goal.

If your kids are home this summer, here are some of our favorite Triad summer activities for families to add to your list.

Free and Low-Cost Activities in the Triad

Nature Adventures & Outdoor Fun

Hanging Rock State Park (Danbury) – TMoM has run several blogs about all there is to do at this local state park. Read more about here and here, plus cabin camping here! One of the best free outdoor activities near Winston-Salem, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views. Great for a full-day adventure.

Picnic at Pilot Mountain (Pilot Mountain) Pack a picnic and enjoy incredible views. Free picnic areas, shelters, and easy hiking options make this perfect for families.

Lake Brandt (Greensboro): Walk shaded trails or enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Ideal for a relaxing outdoor day.

All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm (High Point) – A magical experience where kids can interact with butterflies in a beautiful flight house—perfect for photos and learning.

Salem Lake (Winston-Salem) – A local favorite with walking trails, a playground, and peaceful water views.

Winterpast Farm (Wake Forest) – A ten acre family farm near Falls Lake (formerly a tobacco farm, a Christmas tree farm, and a horse farm), as well as an animal sanctuary where goats, sheep, emu, a mini donkey several types of ducklings, peacocks, a goose, pigs and lots of bunnies, guinea pigs (most former pets) and chickens all co-exist peacefully.

Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden (Greensboro) – A quiet escape with walking paths, flowers, and shaded seating areas.

Providence Farm (McLeansville) – A real life, working farm with animals, bugs, and dirt. If you are interested in an interactive, educational field trip, this one will keep your kids engaged!

Arboretum Lindley Park (Greensboro) – A 17-acre garden with paved trails and beautiful plant collections.

Country Park (Greensboro) – One of the best cheap family activities in Greensboro: playgrounds, carousel rides, pedal boats, fishing, and the solar system walk.

Washington Park(Winston-Salem) – A charming park with trails, a dinosaur-themed playground, and space to run.

NC Zoo (Asheboro) – A top family day trip in North Carolina. Memberships offer major value and reciprocal access to other zoos and aquariums.

Reed Gold Mine (Midland) – Pan for gold and take a tour—an affordable and unique historical experience for kids.TMoM also highlights a relatively inexpensive day trip at Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite.

Educational Experiences for Curious Kids

Old Salem: (Winston-Salem) – Step back in time with interactive history, bakeries, gardens, and walking paths.

Public Library Events: These events take place all Triad libraries, however, not all events are in-person yet. Be sure to view your local library page to see what’s happening for the month. You can visit their pages here: Forsyth County Public Library, Greensboro Public Library, High Point Public Library.

Greensboro Science Center (Greensboro): This is a great trip for the entire family and you can save money when you purchase a membership.

Greensboro History Museum – The museum celebrates Greensboro’s local culture and the city’s prominent place in American history. With more than 17,000 square feet of stories, the Greensboro History Museum is bigger and better, making it the place to learn about Greensboro.

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (Kure Beach) – This is an iconic aquarium that makes for a great diversion when you’re at the beach. Plus it’s one of the many places you can visit for free with your NC Zoo membership!

Thanks to the Museum4All program. If you have a SNAP or EBT card you can visit many Museums for just $5.

Unique Attractions & Memorable Day Trips

Coffee Mill in Lewisville – I often take my children here. The last time, they got to see a “science experiment” when they watched their teas turn color. We had a blast lounging in the coffee shop.

Eden Drive-In: If you’ve never been to a drive through, you’ve got to try this. Pick the movie, get in the car, and enjoy a night under the stars!

Celebration Station (Greensboro) – For a very small fee, enjoy their arcade, mini golf, bumper boats, and more!

Summer Movie Programs – There are a lot of discounted indoor movies and mostly free Outdoor Movies series around the area.

Wrapping Up Summer the Smart Way

There’s no shortage of free and affordable things to do with kids in the Triad. From outdoor adventures to educational outings and unique local experiences, you can fill your summer with fun without overspending.

And don’t forget—summer reading programs, local events, and spontaneous park days can be just as memorable as big trips.

The key? Make your list early, stay flexible, and remember: some of the best summer moments are the simplest ones.

By TMoM Team Member Sydney D. Richardson, Ph. D., updated by Sarah Marchwiany

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