Last updated: 2026 | By Emily Eagle updated by Sarah Marchwiany

Greensboro is genuinely one of the best cities in North Carolina for families — and we say that as people who have lived here long enough to know every corner of it. It has the Greensboro Science Center (one of the best 3-in-1 family destinations in the entire state), the country’s largest collection of AAU courts, more free museums than most people realize, a downtown that’s actually walkable and interesting, parks that punch well above their weight, and enough activities to fill every weekend of the year without repeating yourself.

We’ve organized this guide by how much time you have — so whether you’re looking for a quick one-hour outing to burn off energy, a two-hour destination visit, or a full-day adventure, you can find exactly what you need right now.

Things to Do in Greensboro with Kids if you have 1 hour:

These are your go-to options for a quick outing — when someone needs to get out of the house, when afternoon plans fall through, or when you have exactly 45 minutes before someone needs to nap.

Greensboro Libraries

Swing by a library! All libraries are great, but some are more kid-friendly than others! The Hemphill Branch (2301 W. Vandalia Road, Greensboro, NC 27407) has a Reading Garden. It is open to everyone for reading, playing, or any combination of the two. The McGirt-Horton Branch (2501 Phillips Avenue, Greensboro, North Carolina 27405) has a large covered area. It is accessible from inside the library, which is great for rainy days when you still want some outdoor time. Central Library (219 N. Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27402) has a large children’s section with lots of room to explore. An added bonus is being right next to LeBauer Park! You can see a list of library story times here.

Explore Greensboro Parks and Playgrounds

Greensboro has some of the best parks and playgrounds in the Triad. Whether your kids love climbing structures, splash pads, walking trails, or open space to run, there’s something for every age group.

Country Park Playground, Lake, & Greensboro Carousel

Country Park (3905 Nathanael Green Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455) is one of the best outdoor spots for families. Besides playgrounds, they have piers where you can walk out and see the fish and whatever ducks and/or geese happen to be around. Country Park also has a carousel at $2/ride ($1/ride with a Greensboro Science Center membership). Nearby, kids love riding the Greensboro Carousel, which has become a Greensboro classic for younger children. You can read the full family guide here: Day Trip to Country Park in Greensboro, NC

LeBauer Park Downtown

The inclusive playground in the heart of downtown Greensboro features climbing structures, musical instruments, and seasonal interactive water fountains where kids can splash in warm months. Free, beautiful, and centrally located — easy to combine with a downtown lunch or a Wednesday evening visit to Family Art Night at GreenHill next door.

Visit Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park combines outdoor adventure with local history. Families can enjoy paved trails, stroller-friendly paths, biking, and educational opportunities throughout the park. Kids especially love participating in the Junior Ranger program. Read the full family guide here: Guilford Courthouse National Military Park: A National Park Gem in Greensboro

Kotis Art Park

One of Greensboro’s hidden gems The Kotis Street Art Outdoor Gallery you can find at 1316 Lees Chapel Rd, Greensboro, NC 27455. This outdoor art space is filled with massive murals, colorful graffiti-style artwork, and constantly changing pieces from talented artists around the region. It’s the perfect spot for photos, inspo walks, exploring something different in Greensboro, or a quick free outing with friends or family.

Go on a Greensboro Street Art Scavenger Hunt

If your kids love exploring downtown, try a fun street art scavenger hunt around Greensboro. This is a great way to turn a simple walk into an interactive adventure. Full guide here: Greensboro Street Art Scavenger Hunt

Other Helpful Park Guides:

Friendly Pets — $10 Puppy Cuddle Punch Card

Friendly Center, 3102 Northline Ave, Greensboro, NC 27408

For $10 you get a punch card good for 10 visits of 10-minute puppy cuddle sessions — that’s $1 per puppy visit, making it one of the best deals in Greensboro for genuine kid joy. The puppies rotate as they find homes, so every visit is a new crew. A perfect spontaneous stop, a great add-on to any Friendly Center trip, or an easy birthday outing for a dog-loving kid.

Tip: Pair with the LEGO Store for a free + cheap combo afternoon that costs almost nothing.

LEGO Store at Friendly Center

Friendly Center, 3102 Northline Ave, Greensboro, NC 27408

The LEGO Store at Friendly Center is one of the best free kid activities hiding in plain sight in Greensboro. Here’s what’s inside — all completely free:

Free LEGO Passport — Pick up a free LEGO passport when you walk in and collect stamps from LEGO stores throughout your travels.
Measure Yourself in LEGOs — Find out exactly how tall you are in LEGO bricks. Kids ask to do this every single visit.
LEGO and DUPLO Build Stations — Free-build tables stocked with bricks where kids can sit and build freely. No purchase required. Perfect for a 20–30 minute creative play break.
I-Spy: Find the Rockstar Minifig — Search the store displays to find the hidden rockstar minifigure. A built-in scavenger hunt.

Tip: The LEGO Store regularly offers free mini build events, particularly around holidays and special releases. Check lego.com/stores before your visit to see if anything is scheduled.

Walk Through Beautiful Gardens in Greensboro

Healing gardens at cone health in Greensboro — Bog Garden Waterfall

Sometimes the best outings are the simplest ones. Greensboro has several beautiful outdoor gardens that are stroller-friendly, peaceful, and easy for families to explore. A hidden gem park that no many people know about is Cone Health Healing Gardens in Greensboro: A Peaceful Hidden Gem You Need to Visit. It was created for cancer patients to spend sometime outdoors with their family, but open to the public. Please be respectful and keep your distance from others at this one. All of these gardens offer free admission. You can view a full list of triad gardens in our directory.

Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden

1101 Hobbs Road, Greensboro, NC 27408

Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden is a free, peaceful, and stroller-friendly — winding brick paths, seasonal blooms, and beautiful bronze sculptures throughout. A wonderful quick outing when you need fresh air and beauty without a long drive or a big plan.

Gateway Gardens

2800 East Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27401

Whimsical and completely free — oversized fruit and vegetable sculptures, an alphabet scavenger hunt, animal-shaped topiary, and imaginative areas that younger kids find genuinely magical. Located just minutes from downtown, open year-round.

The Bog Garden at Benjamin Park

Bog Garden at Benjamin Park is a free accessible boardwalk through a beautiful wetland filled with native plants, birds, and turtles. Peaceful, pretty, and completely different from a typical park visit. Particularly lovely in spring and fall.

Greensboro Arboretum

401 Ashland Dr, Greensboro, NC 27403

Greensboro Arboretum is a free 17-acre living classroom in the Lindley Park neighborhood with diverse plant collections, vibrant flowers, and quiet walking paths. A welcome change of pace.

Explore Local Hiking Trails

If your family enjoys nature walks and outdoor adventures, Greensboro has plenty of beginner-friendly hiking options. Favorites include West House Trail | Greensboro, NC. These trails are great for introducing younger kids to hiking without overwhelming them.

Greensboro Wildlife Education Center

If your kids love animals and STEM activities, you can also pair this visit with the nearby Wildlife Education Center. Check out the full guide here: Wildlife Education Center | Science Museum Greensboro NC

Visit Local Bookstores

For quieter outings or rainy days, local bookstores can be surprisingly fun with kids. Many offer children’s sections, storytimes, and cozy spaces to explore. Check out: Best Bookstores in the Triad (Greensboro, Winston‑Salem & High Point).

Things to Do in Greensboro with Kids if you have 2 hours:

These destinations deserve a proper visit — plan to stay, explore, and let the day settle at its own pace.

Greensboro Art Studios

Open Studio for ArtQuest at Greenhill in Downtown Greensboro

GreenHill — Family Art Night

200 N. Davie Street, Greensboro, NC 27401

Every Wednesday from 5 to 7pm, GreenHill offers free admission to all — and it is one of the best free family activities in Greensboro, full stop. Kids explore art in a completely judgment-free, hands-on zone: painting, clay, weekly crafts, and recycled materials to create with. Adjacent to LeBauer Park in downtown, making the combination of an outdoor park play and an indoor art session an easy and excellent Wednesday evening. For more info check out our blog: GreenHill Center for NC Art ArtQuest: One of Greensboro’s Best Creative Spaces for Kids

If you find yourself in need of entertainment on a Tuesday, The Mad Splatter (2917-A Battleground Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27408) does a weekday special of $2 Tuesdays, when the studio fee is reduced to $2/person/hour.
Check out our Free Outdoor Concerts list!

Greensboro Bowling

As of October 2024, Triad Lanes (21 Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407) has a coupon for 2 hours of bowling and shoe rentals for 4 people for $35 (https://triadlanes.com/Pricing-Specials/Coupons), as well as other coupons for game tokens and snacks that can be printed and presented at the payment counter.

Arcades

Greensboro Pinball Museum

Address: 2140 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408 Website: gsopinball.com

The Greensboro Pinball Museum is exactly what it sounds like — dozens of classic and modern pinball machines, vintage arcade games, and coin-op favorites from multiple decades of arcade history, all included with a single flat admission fee. Pay once, play everything, all day. No quarters. No nickels. No budget drain.

Greensboro Museums and Learning Centers

For a bit of culture and hands-on learning, Greensboro has a few family-friendly museums and science centers that offer both fun and education!

Visit the Greensboro Science Center

The Greensboro Science Center (4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27455) is a top pick with interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and even a zoo area. While admission is typically around $16.50 per child, a membership can offer discounted entry to many of these spots. Don’t miss their butterfly garden one of our favorite exhibits there.e of the easiest full-day outings in Greensboro.

Visit the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum

For indoor things to do with kids Greensboro NC, the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum is a must-visit. Kids can climb, build, pretend play, and explore hands-on exhibits designed specifically for younger learners. This is one of the easiest rainy-day activities in Greensboro because kids stay engaged for hours. Full guide here: A Day Trip to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum in Greensboro, NC.

For those who enjoy history, the Greensboro History Museum (130 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC 27401) offers free admission and showcases exhibits on local history, artifacts, and even rotating displays that bring history to life for little ones.
To learn some local history check out the international civil rights center in the former woolworth’s building.

Grab a Bite to Eat

After a full day exploring, finding family-friendly food options always helps. If you’re trying to save money while eating out, this directory is incredibly helpful Kids Eat Free (& Almost Free) in the Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Burlington + More).

Things to Do in Greensboro with Kids if you have 3 hours:

You could quite easily stretch most of the activities listed so far into a 3 hour side excursion, but if you’re worried about your children’s (or your own) endurance, here are a couple of activities that might be more engaging for that entire 3 hour timeline:

Safari Nation (3900-H West Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27407) has general admission ticketing at $15/child, with discounts for additional siblings (adults are free).
Finally, Spare Time (5502 Hornaday Road, Greensboro, NC 27409) has a weekday bundle deal entitling you to 1 hour of bowling, 1 game of laser tag, and $5 for the Game Zone at a cost of $16.99/person.
If it is summer and you need to cool off check out one of our local splash pads or water parks.
Check out a sporting event at Greensboro Coliseum Complex

Cool Off at Splash Pads and Water Parks

Summer in North Carolina gets hot quickly, which is why splash pads become one of the best things to do with kids Greensboro NC during warmer months. Barber Park Sprayground is a favorite because it includes water features, nearby playgrounds, restroom facilities, and showers to rinse off afterward. If your family wants a larger water adventure, don’t miss: a Trip to Wet ‘N Wild Waterpark .

Try Ice Skating at Greensboro Ice House

If you need indoor activities during colder months, Greensboro Ice House is a fun option for families. Whether your kids are beginners or experienced skaters, it’s a great way to burn energy indoors. Full guide here: Visit The Greensboro Ice House: Fun for the Entire Family

Why Families Love Greensboro

One of the best things about Greensboro is the variety. Families can choose between outdoor adventures, museums, splash pads, parks, gardens, and educational activities without driving far or overspending. There’s enough flexibility to create simple outings or full-day adventures depending on your schedule. That balance is what makes Greensboro such a great city for families.

Rainy Day Activities in Greensboro

When the forecast is grim and everyone needs something to do indoors.

Greensboro Science Center — The aquarium and museum sections are fully indoor. A perfect rainy day anchor.

Greensboro Pinball Museum — Entirely indoor, entirely excellent. The Lawndale Drive pairing with the Science Center works as well on a rainy day as a sunny one.

Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum — Purpose-built indoor play for young children. One of the best rainy day destinations for toddlers and preschoolers.

Monkey Joe’s — Indoor bounce houses. No weather considerations necessary.

Simkins Indoor Tennis Center — At Barber Park, for families who want active indoor play in a larger space.

GreenHill Family Art Night (Wednesdays 5–7pm) — Indoor art-making, free, always available.

Greensboro Public Library — Free storytimes, programs, and a cozy children’s section. See our Free Library Storytimes guide for the full schedule.

Red Cinema Greensboro — When the day calls for a movie. Check current showtimes for current family-friendly options.

Free and Cheap Things to Do With Kids in Greensboro

Many of the best Greensboro family experiences cost nothing at all. See our complete Free and Cheap Things to Do in Greensboro NC with Kids guide for the full list — but the quick version:

Free always: Country Park, LeBauer Park, Bur-Mil Park, Barber Park, Southwest Park, Guilford Courthouse NMP, Weatherspoon Art Museum at UNCG, Greensboro History Museum, Bog Garden, Tanger Bicentennial Garden, Gateway Gardens, Kotis Art Park, GreenHill Family Art Night (Wednesdays)

Cheap options: Greensboro Science Center (memberships pay for themselves for frequent visitors), Greensboro Pinball Museum (flat fee, play all day), Triad Lanes bowling specials, Kids Summer Movie programs (check Kids Summer Movie Programs guide)

Library museum passes: Guilford County Library cardholders can borrow museum passes for free. Check library.greensboro-nc.gov for current participating institutions.

Seasonal Highlights in Greensboro

Spring: Tanger Bicentennial Garden and Gateway Gardens peak bloom; Guilford Courthouse Junior Ranger Day; pick-your-own strawberry and flower farms nearby

Summer: GreenHill Family Art Night; Summer Reading programs at all library branches; Country Park paddleboats; Barber Park sprayground; LeBauer Park water fountains; outdoor concerts in the parks

Fall: Greensboro Science Center’s pumpkin patch events; local pumpkin patches and hayrides; fall foliage at the Arboretum and Bog Garden

Winter / Holiday: Greensboro Science Center Winter Wonderlights (mid-November through January); ice skating at the Greensboro Coliseum; indoor options at the Pinball Museum and Children’s Museum

See our Pumpkin Patches & Hayrides guide and Kids Summer Movie Programs guide for seasonal details.

FAQs About Things to Do With Kids in Greensboro NC

What is the best thing to do with kids in Greensboro NC?

The Greensboro Science Center is the most complete single-destination family experience in the city — aquarium, zoo, and science museum all in one ticket. For free options, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and GreenHill’s Wednesday Family Art Night are both genuinely excellent.

What are good rainy day activities for kids in Greensboro?

Greensboro Pinball Museum, Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum, Greensboro Science Center (indoor sections), Monkey Joe’s, and GreenHill Family Art Night are all excellent rainy day options.

Is the Greensboro Pinball Museum good for kids?

Yes — all ages respond to the Pinball Museum, from toddlers who love the lights and sounds to teens who get competitive over scores. The flat pay-once admission makes it significantly more economical than a traditional arcade, and it’s located right near the Greensboro Science Center on Lawndale Drive for easy pairing.

Are there free things to do with kids in Greensboro?

Many — Country Park, LeBauer Park, Guilford Courthouse NMP, Greensboro History Museum, Weatherspoon Art Museum, Gateway Gardens, the Bog Garden, GreenHill Family Art Night (Wednesdays 5-7pm), and library storytimes are all completely free. See our Free and Cheap Greensboro guide for the full list.

What is GreenHill Family Art Night?

A free event every Wednesday from 5-7pm at GreenHill in downtown Greensboro. Kids explore art through hands-on activities — painting, clay, weekly crafts, and recycled materials. Free admission, completely drop-in, genuinely wonderful.

How far is Greensboro from Winston-Salem?

About 35 minutes via I-40 East — an easy half-day trip in either direction.

Looking for more Triad family activity guides? See our Free & Cheap Things to Do in Greensboro NC, Greensboro Science Center Guide, Best Parks & Playgrounds in Greensboro, Best Fishing Spots in the Triad, and our Free Library Storytimes in the Triad.

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