Best Playgrounds and Parks in Winston-Salem, NC for Families

Bolton Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Bolton-Park-55
Address: 1590 Bolton St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Features: This spacious Winston-Salem park is perfect for kite flying, playing in the sand, or enjoying a picnic. It features a huge playground with swings, updated in 2021, and a large open field great for games or relaxing. Though much of the park is in full sun, a shaded pavilion offers a break from the heat.
Playground? Yes with swings.
Public Bathroom on Site? Yes.

Crawford Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Crawford-Park-62
Address: 4226 Oak Ridge Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Features: Baseball/Softball Diamond, Basketball Court, Child Play Area, Drinking Fountains, Electrical Outlets, Grill, Open Play Area, Picnic Shelters, Restrooms, Walking Trail
Walking Trail: Yes
Playground: Yes
Bathroom on Site: Yes

Fairview Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Fairview-Park-65cityofws.org
Address: 925 Bethlehem Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Features: Basketball Court, Child Play Area, Walking Trail
Walking Trail: Yes
Playground: Yes
Bathroom on Site: Not specified

Forest Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Forest-Park-121 cityofws.org
Address: 1184 Tower Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Features: Baseball/Softball Diamond, Lighted Tennis Courts, Child Play Area, Picnic Shelter, Restrooms, Electrical Outlets, Grill, Parking, Walking Trail
Walking Trail: Yes
Playground: Yes
Bathroom on Site: Yes

Granville Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Granville-Park-69
Address: 700 Granville Drive SW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Features: Child Play Area, Dog Waste Station, Drinking Fountains, Electrical Outlets, Grill, Mister, Parking, Pickleball, Picnic Shelters, Quickstart (Tennis), Restrooms, Tennis Court, Walking TrailGranville Park features a mist tower, a three-story playground structure with multiple slides, and rubberized flooring to keep shoes clean. The park also offers tennis courts, pickleball courts, picnic areas with BBQ grills, and walking trails
Walking Trail: Yes
Playground: Yes
Bathroom on Site: Yes

Griffith Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Griffith-Park-72
Address: 1471 W Clemmonsville Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Features: Baseball/Softball Diamond, Bocce Courts, Open Play Area, Parking, Recreation Center, Tennis Court, Walking Trail
Walking Trail: Yes
Bathroom on Site: Not specified

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. There are two playground structures. One for older kids and one geared towards smaller children. The two-story slides are super fun! The park also features walking trails, tennis courts (fee to play), a jogging 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.

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.

Kimberley Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Kimberley-Park-85
Address: 2001 Pittsburg Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Features: Baseball/Softball Diamond, Basketball Court, Child Play Area, Drinking Fountains, Electrical Outlets, Fitness/Par Course, Grill, Mister, Open Play Area, Parking, Picnic Shelters, Recreation Center, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court, Walking Trail
Walking Trail: Yes
Playground: Yes
Bathroom on Site: Yes

Kaleideum Rooftop Adventure

Website: https://kaleideum.org/
Address: Downtown Winston-Salem , 120 West 3rd Street
Features: Climb the one-of-a-kind play structures and stand on the top of the city! A bridge makes this expansive experience accessible to all. Use the rooftop track as you take in the city’s skyline. Spin on cocoon swings or travel down a slide. Rooftop Adventure delivers play and rejuvenation for children and adults alike.
Walking Trails: Rooftop track
Playground: Yes.
Bathroom on Site? Yes, in the musuem
*Access to the rooftop playground included in museum admission.

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 track.
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.

Little Creek Park

Website:https://www.cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Little-Creek-Park-87?utm
Address: 600 Foxcroft Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Features: Baseball/Softball Diamond, Basketball Court, Child Play Area, Dog Waste Station, Drinking Fountains, Electrical Outlets, Grill, Mister, Open Play Area, Parking, Picnic Shelters, Recreation Center, Restrooms, Soccer Field, Splash Pad, Tennis Court, Walking Trail
Walking Trail: Yes
Playground: Yes
Bathroom on Site: Yes

Midway Town Park

Website: midway-nc.gov/town-park
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.

Nelson Malloy Jr. Playground

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Nelson-Malloy-Park-217
Address: 2619 Bethabara Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Features: Accessible playground with rubberized flooring, splash pad with water features, picnic shelter with grill, restrooms, walking trails Kid Friendly Triad
Walking Trail: Yes
Playground: Yes
Bathroom on Site: Yes

Oak Summit Park

Website: https://www.cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Oak-Summit-Park-92
Address: 370 Oak Summit Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Features: Rocket/Space-Themed Playground, Baseball/Softball Diamond, Soccer Field, Tennis Courts, Walking Trail (0.22 miles), Picnic Shelters, Grills, Electrical Outlets, Drinking Fountains, Restrooms, Open Play Area, Mister, Parking
Walking Trail: Yes (0.22 miles)
Playground: Yes
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 at Grant Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Quarry-Park-97
Address: 1790 Quarry Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Features: Walking/bike trails and scenic overlook.
Walking trails: The park itself features a series of paved sidewalks for runners and walkers, and a gravel path for bikes. The trails are set in a large field, so there’s no shade available. The bike path connects to the Waughtown Connector greenway on one side and the Peachtree Greenway on the other. Both greenway trails are paved and offer miles of partially shaded trail for walking or riding. Be prepared for some hills. There was an old quarry with multiple overlooks you don’t want to miss.
Playground: Yes, there is a brand new playground at this park. It has a climbing structure, swings, trampolines, slides, and more!
Bathrooms on Site: Yes.

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.
Check out Reynolda Gardens & Grounds: A Complete Guide to One of Winston-Salem’s Most Beautiful Hidden Gems to help plan your visit!

Reynolds Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Reynolds-Park-98
Address: 2450 Reynolds Park Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Features: Two playgrounds (one near the Recreation Center and one near the golf course), sprayground, swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, picnic shelters, grills, restrooms, recreation center, off-street trail access, parking, drinking fountains, electrical outlets
Walking Trail: Yes (part of the Bethabara Greenway)
Playground: Yes (two playgrounds)
Bathroom on Site: Yes

Rupert Bell Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Rupert-Bell-Park-99
Address: 1501 Mt. Zion Place, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Features: Baseball/Softball Diamond, Basketball Court, Bocce Courts, Child Play Area, Drinking Fountains, Electrical Outlets, Grill, Horseshoe Pits, Parking, Picnic Shelters, Recreation Center, Restrooms, Splash Pad
Walking Trail: No
Playground: Yes
Bathroom on Site: Yes

Salem Lake Park

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. The playground is one of the newest in W-S. It features a gated entrance, two-story structure with five slides (double slide perfect for racing, small, twisty slide, and enclosed options), stepping stones for balance, turning wheels with metallic balls for sensory play, a rock climbing wall, and swing sets with both standard and bucket swings.
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.

Sedge Garden Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Sedge-Garden-Park-102
Address: 401 Robbins Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Features: Baseball/Softball Diamond, Child Play Area, Electrical Outlets, Grill, Parking, Picnic Shelters, Recreation Center, Splash Pad, Walking Trail
Walking Trail: Yes
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.

Sprague Street Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Sprague-Street-Park-107
Address: 1350 E Sprague Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Features: Child Play Area, Parking, Recreation Center, Swimming Pool
Walking Trail: No
Playground: Yes
Bathroom on Site: Yes

Union Cross Park

Website: co.forsyth.nc.us/PARKS/unioncross
Address: 1935 Union Cross Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107 (just off Hwy 311 at the Union Cross Rd. exit)
Features: Excellent softball facilities. Other facilities include: picnic shelters, walking path, tennis courts, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, lit basketball courts, restrooms and a playground. It is a great central location.
Playground? Yes, with swings
Bathroom on Site? 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 dinosaurs. 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.

Weston Park

Website: cityofws.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Weston-Park-109
Address: 3998 Southdale Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Features: Baseball/Softball Diamond, Basketball Court, Child Play Area, Cricket Pitch, Drinking Fountains, Grill, Open Play Area, Parking, Picnic Shelters, Tennis Court
Walking Trail: No
Playground: Yes
Bathroom on Site: No