By TMoM Team Member Sandy Harper
We are so luck to be surrounded by Winston-Salem parks and playgrounds. One of the many wonderful things about raising a family in the Triad is all the parks available to us! Luckily, we recently updated our list with new park and playground suggestions from readers. We also added in pics and notes about walking trails! It’s our hope you’ll discover new places to take your family – whether it’s right down the road or on the other side of the Triad. If you have a favorite park not listed below, then please email us and we’ll get it added!
To search for parks, simply click the city name below to jump to parks in that general area. Each park listing is also linked the park’s website for more information and directions.
Please visit our other Parks & Playground directories here:
Burlington & Surrounding Areas
Greensboro & Surrounding Areas
High Point, Kernersville & Surrounding Areas
Bolton Park
Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Bolton-Park-55
Address: 1590 Bolton St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Features: A great park to fly a kite and has lots of room to roam or lay out a picnic blanket. A huge (updated as of 2021!) playground sits on sand in the center (be sure to bring buckets and shovels). It is situated next to a large, shaded picnic shelter. Most of the park is unshaded, so bring your sunscreen!
Playground? Yes with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes.
CG Hill Memorial Park
Website: co.forsyth.nc.us/Parks/CGHill
Address: 5600 Balsom Rd, Pfafftown, NC 27040
Features: Park features walking trails, large fishing lake, playground and picnic areas.
Walking Trails: CG Hill consists of paved paths circling the lake, then winding up to another loop around a meadow. The lower part of the trail is shaded in the summer. The path is stroller and dog-friendly but be prepared for some significant hills.
Playground? Yes.
Bathroom on Site? Yes.
Davie Country Community Park
Website: daviecountync.gov/1005/Davie-County-Community-Park
Address: 151 Southwood Drive, Mocksville, NC 27028
Features: Baseball field, horseshoes, dog park, indoor rec facility, playground, fitness course, shelters, splashpad, stadium, walking paths. Very unique playground area for your kids!
Walking Trails: There is a paved path that circles the playground area along with a nearby track.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, in the rec center.
Hanes Park
Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Hanes-Park-73
Address: 1406 W. Northwest Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 (right next to the William G White YMCA and Wiley Middle School)
Features: A state-of-the art playground (not shaded) with surrounding picnic tables in the shade. The park also features walking trails, tennis courts (fee to play), an outdoor track (part of R.J. Reynolds High School), soccer and baseball fields.
Walking Trails: There are a few paths – mostly dirt – that connect various parts of the park. However, if you really want to walk, you’ll need to use the sidewalk that circles the park. It is fully paved and partially shaded. You can park at the YMCA or in the lot next to the tennis courts.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, at the track (not always unlocked). There are also port-a-johns in tennis court parking lot.
Happy Hill Park
Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Happy-Hill-Park-76
Address: 1230 Alder St, Winston-Salem, NC 27127
Features: Beautiful new park with open splash pad, playground, track with lanes, and pavilion. The playground and splash pad sit in full sun, the only shade is under the pavilion.
Walking Trails: There is a full-sized track as well as walking paths around the park.
Playground? Yes with picnic tables, water fountains, and a pavilion.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, very clean with showers and lockers.
Hathaway Park
Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Hathaway-Park-78
Address: 301 Anitra Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Features: Large castle-like playground and a splashpad next to the picnic shelter. Also, on site is a large softball field, which when not in use, is great for the kids to run around. The park also has two tennis courts and a basketball court. There is no shade over the play area in the summer, but the picnic tables are under cover.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, but sometimes locked.
Horizons Park
Website: co.forsyth.nc.us/parks/horizons
Address: 2835 Memorial Industrial School Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045
Features: This park features a disc golf course and a 2-acre dog park. There are great nature trails that are not too long for the kids. They also have picnic tables with grills, sand volleyball, horseshoes, mountain bike trails, and a softball field. Their playground is perfect for the kids, and it has the squishy ground underneath; however, there is no shade.
Walking Trail: The walking paths at Horizons Park are mulched hiking trails. They start at the playground and picnic areas and wind through the woods, offering quite a bit of seasonal shade and some gentle hills. The trails are not stroller friendly, but there are some short, paved paths that connect the playground to the picnic areas and parking lots. These paths are relatively flat and shaded.
Playground? Yes.
Bathroom on Site? Yes.
Jack Warren Park
Website: lewisvillenc.net/jack-warren-park
Address: 436-456 Lewisville Clemmons Rd, Lewisville, NC 27023
Features: Two bocce ball courts, two horseshoe pits, a large multi-purpose field, a 1/2-mile walking trail with a Par Course, playground and a large pavilion.
Walking Trails: The walking trail at Jack Warren is a fully paved, half-mile loop (with fitness stations along the path) that starts at the playground and winds through the back of the park. It’s partially shaded, and there’s a picnic area at the halfway point. Be prepared to walk some significant hills. Dogs are not permitted.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes.
Jamison Park
Website: cityofws.org/facilities/facility/details/Jamison-Park-142
Address: 285 Meadowlark Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 (can access park from middle school bus driveway)
Features: Nature inspired playground and large amphitheater. Close proximity to Muddy Creek walking trails. There is a trail opened connecting to New Sherwood neighborhood.
Walking Trails: Jamison Park sits right next to Muddy Creek Greenway, a paved path with over three miles of trail. Muddy Creek is mostly flat, parts are shaded, and it’s bike and dog-friendly. A paved connector runs from both the playground and the dog park.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, at the amphitheater.
Joanie Moser Park
Website: co.forsyth.nc.us/Parks/JoanieMoser
Address: 601 Lewisville-Clemmons Rd, Lewisville, NC 27023
Features: Great playground as well as picnic shelters, pickleball courts, a softball field, horseshoe pits and a basketball court. The playground is partially shaded and has short walking trails through the woods that are great for kids to explore. A smaller playground is located by the picnic shelter, with a small walking path around it.
Walking Trails: There’s a small network of trails and paths throughout the park. A short hiking trial connects the basketball courts to the lower playground. A paved path winds up the steep hill from the lower playground to the picnic facilities, and a small, paved loop circles the volleyball courts next to the pavilion. With the exception of the loop, these trails should be fully shaded.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, at the picnic shelter.
Leinbach Park
Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Leinbach-Park-86
Address: 3511 Sally Kirk Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Features: They have a cool, updated ship playground and swings. No shade in the summer. Bathrooms and a picnic shelter nearby, along with tennis courts and a walking trail.
Walking Trail: The trails at Leinbach Park wind throughout the park, circling the playground, tennis courts, and sports fields. They are finely crushed gravel and are stroller and dog friendly.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes.
Midway Town Park
Website: midway-nc.
Address: 426 Gumtree Road, Winston Salem NC
Features: Gorgeous walking trails, pavilion, wide open playground, dog and kid friendly!
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes
Miller Park
Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Miller-Park-Recreation-Center-181
Address: 400 Leisure Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Features: The upper playground, which is fenced in and not very shady, has a couple of interactive games that are similar to “Whack-A-Mole” or the electronic Simon Says. The upper park also has a large play set. The lower park (which is much shadier) features a small slide for toddlers, two swing sets, and a mini rock-climbing structure. Outside the playgrounds are lots of walking trails, streams and picnic shelters – all under shady trees. There are also tennis courts (you can play free, and it’s first come, first served) and a ballpark.
Walking Trail: Two routes – a 1/2 mile and a full mile – wind throughout the park. The trails are paved, and while there are some steps, you’ll always be able to find an alternate route if you have a stroller. There’s a mix of full sun and shade, and there are some gentle hills.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes.
Old Town Park
Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Old-Town-Recreation-Center-183
Address: 4550 Shattalon Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Features: Playground, tennis courts and ball field. Covered picnic area with grills.
Walking trails: The walking trail at Old Town is a little less than half a mile total. It’s crushed gravel, so wide stroller and bike tires are helpful (scooters won’t work). It’s mostly flat and loops past the playground and around the picnic areas and ball fields. A small section will be shaded in the summer, but most of the path gets direct sun.
Playground? Yes, has fun stuff for even older elementary aged kids. Has swings. Mostly fenced in.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, inside recreation center (see website link above for rec center hours).
Polo Park
Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Polo-Park-Community-Center-184
Address: 1850 Polo Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Features: A nice “jungle gym” for the kids and saucers that let the kids spin around. There are also picnic tables and a swing set in the shady area. The entire park is fenced in.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, inside recreation center (see website link above for rec center hours).
Quarry Park
Playground: Yes, there is a brand new playground at this park. It has a climbing structure, swings, trampolines, slides, and more!
\Recreation Acres Park
Website: ci.king.nc.us/index.asp
Address: 107 White Rd, King, NC 27021
Features: Ball fields, a crushed gravel walking trail, a community center building, and a brand-new, all-inclusive playground. The playground features sensory items, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, therapeutic swings, and a wheelchair swing (requires a key to operate; a phone number is provided). Fully-fenced, there are separate play structures for big and little kids. Ample swings, slides, and climbing structures provide an engaging experience for any child. The only shade is a covered sitting area at the entrance and a covered picnic area.
Walking Trails: The crushed-gravel trail circles Recreation Acres. It’s open to walkers and bikers. Full-sun.
Playground? Yes.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, in the two-story building that houses baseball concessions and in the community center across the parking lot.
Reynolda Gardens
Website: reynoldagardens.org
Address: 100 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Features: The formal gardens are open to the public and free of charge. Click website link above for hours. Make sure to visit the gardens, which are lined with pathways, when the flowers are in full bloom. Walk the wooded areas around the estate where you’ll find a stream, waterfall, a series of ponds, lots of turtles, the 16-acre Lake Katharine, as well as stroll the 22-acres of open field (formerly the estate’s golf links).
Walking Trails: Most Reynolda Gardens trails are hiking trails, and using a stroller would be difficult in parts. There’s also a paved path that runs from the back of Reynolda Village to the Wake Forest campus. It’s not very long, but it’s a picturesque walk and it’s stroller and dog-friendly. To access both trails, you’ll need to park in the lower lot behind Silo in Reynolda Village. The trails start by the boathouse and the paved path starts up the hill to the left.
Playground? No.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, next to the greenhouse.
Salem Lake
Website: cityofws.org/2129/Salem-Lake
Address: 1001 Salem Lake Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Features: Salem Lake is known for its 7-mile walking/running/biking trail that circles the huge lake. Boating and fishing are allowed at the lake (with fee and license). The best place to park is the second lot on your right, next to picnic tables and the ducks.
Walking Trail: The trail at Salem Lake is a 7-mile loop that circles the lake. It’s a smooth crushed gravel, suitable for walking or biking. Depending on the season, a significant portion of the trail is shaded, and it’s mostly flat. The easiest access point is the playground; if you use GPS for driving directions, be sure to type in “Salem Lake Marina.” Parts of the trail are very secluded, so it’s wise to go with friends.
Playground? Yes.
Bathroom on Site? Yes.
Shaffner Park
Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Shaffner-Park-103
Address: 900 Yorkshire Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Features: Next to the playground is a huge field that is perfect for flying kites, picnics, or just running around. Also, next to the park is a paved walking trail that extends a little over a mile.
Walking Trails: There are actually two parts of Shaffner Park. If you park at the playground on the corner of Silas Creek and Yorkshire, you can access a paved greenway by crossing Yorkshire. The greenway is .8 miles and is stroller friendly. Keep in mind that cars tend to fly down the hill on Yorkshire, so use caution when crossing the street. The other option is the Shaffner Parcourse on the other side of Silas Creek. These paths are crushed gravel and wind through trees and next to the creek. They are stroller-friendly, but dogs are not allowed.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes.
Tanglewood Park
Website: forsyth.cc/parks/tanglewood
Address: 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
Features: Two playgrounds, both of which are terrific for kids of all ages. The playground to the right of the train can get very hot in the summer, but still has shaded areas for picnicking. This playground also has clean restrooms. The playground to the left of the train has a nearby pond and most of the playground is shaded. The park also features lots of trails for hiking, walking, running and even mountain biking. There is an on-site horse stable and rides are available for a fee. Other features include a golf course (full and par 3), tennis courts, a pool (with slides, a splash park and a lazy river), and two dog parks (no shade). Lots of events take place at Tanglewood all year-round, including Festival of Lights. Note: There is a small entrance fee to the park at the guardhouse. However, you can take the first left and park for free if enjoying the trails and the dog park.
Walking Trails: Tanglewood Park boasts miles of paved walking paths. Mostly shaded, these are stroller, bike, and dog-friendly. If you turn left at the visitor’s center (just before you pay to enter the park), there ‘s a small parking lot on the right with trail access. You can also drive further into the park and use the lot just before the stables. Bathroom facilities are located throughout the park.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes.
Tobaccoville Park (Village Park)
Playground: Yes.
Washington Park
Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Washington-Park-108
Address: 1490 S. Broad St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Features: If you take the entrance to this park off of Broad Street, you will park behind the baseball fields and you can either walk to the right or the left. If you walk right, you’ll go over a bridge which will take you to the two shady dog parks (one for small dogs and one for large dogs) as well as the start of Salem Lake Greenway, a 4.5 mile paved path for walkers, runners and bikers, that winds behind Salem Academy and ends at Salem Lake. If you walk to the left, you will see a small exercise park (fun for kids to explore!) straight ahead, and further down the path to the left is a playground with a dinosaur land. Washington Park is a favorite for kids who want to explore on bike (lots of shady paved paths) or for those who like to find critters in the streams. The park also has several shaded picnic shelters with grills. If you follow the paved walkways through Washington Park (past the playground) you will arrive at the other park entrance on Park Boulevard, which is also the center of the historic Washington Park neighborhood.
Walking Trails: Washington Park offers a network of paved paths that wind throughout the park, past the playground, around the ball fields, and along the creek. You can choose a 1 mile route or a 1/2 mile route, and the paths are a mix of sun and shade.
Playground? Yes, with swings.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, but sometimes locked.
Yadkin County Park
Website: yadkincountync.gov/129/Parks-Recreation
Address: 6600 Service Rd, Yadkinville, NC 27055 (right behind Yadkin County YMCA)
Features: Walking/jogging trail, nature trail, outdoor volleyball, fishing, playground, ball fields (baseball/softball/soccer), swimming (seasonal), and disc golf, outdoor pool, large shelter, walking/jogging trail, nature trail, amphitheater, fishing pier, large playground, ample parking, two baseball/softball fields, six soccer fields, disc golf course, dog park for large and small dogs, and bathrooms.
Walking Trails: Yadkin Memorial Park Trails were named the ‘Trail of the Month’ by Piedmont Legacy Trails.
Playground? Yes, with swings and fenced in.
Bathroom on Site? Yes.
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