Tips for enjoying parks in the winter
Visiting parks and playgrounds during the winter months can sometimes feel counterintuitive—after all, who wants to bundle up and brave cold winds when summer sunshine beckons? Yet there are plenty of reasons to still get outdoors in winter, and some parks are especially well-suited for this season. Below, we’ll share some tips for enjoying parks in the winter, what factors make a park a top winter option, and some of our favorite winter parks in the Triad!
Why winter is still a great time for parks & playgrounds
FEWER CROWDS – With school vacations, warm-weather sun seekers, and summer events behind us, many parks are quieter in winter. That means more space, fewer lines at playgrounds, and more peaceful nature walks.
BETTER LIGHT & DIFFERENT SCENERY – Bare trees allow longer sight-lines, more light can reach forest floors, and you can see vistas or lake reflections more clearly than in dense summer foliage. Also, winter often brings crisp air, interesting cloud formations, early sunsets that cast lovely light, and maybe even frosty mornings.
HEALTH BENEFITS – Getting outside in cooler air can invigorate you: fresh air, gentle exercise (walking trails, playground play), boost mood, reduce cabin-fever, and help counteract the tendency to hibernate indoors.
YEAR-ROUND INFRASTRUCTURE – Good parks aren’t just for summer. A well-equipped park (with paved trails, playgrounds, shelters, maybe a lake) remains usable in winter, so you’re not going “just because it’s warm.”
FAMILY & KID BENEFITS – Kids still need to play, run around, and explore. During winter, the risk of overheating is minimal, and layering lets you adjust. It’s a great contrast to indoor screens and can make for memorable outings.
What makes a park a great winter option
When evaluating parks for winter visits, here are some features that make a difference:
• Easily Accessible | In the winter, we like parks that don’t make the trip feel too long. That can mean it’s close to your house, or it just has nearby parking so you’re not walking very far to get to/from your vehicle.
• Surface Material Matters | A park with paved or well-surfaced trails means you aren’t dealing with damp or frost-covered ground. Since we want kids to be moving nonstop to keep their bodies warm, we don’t want to have to worry about tripping or slipping!
• Plenty of Sunlight | We’re not trying to freeze while we’re outside, so parks without much shade ensure we get the sunlight to help it feel a few degrees warmer!
• Amenities | Restrooms and easy parking mean even more during the cold winter months!
• Winter-Appropriate Features or Programming | Some parks host seasonal light displays that are fun to see even during the daylight hours!
• Nearby a Fav Coffee Shop or Cafe | We’re all about combining activities, and what is better than warming up with a cup of tea or coffee (and hot chocolate for the kids)!?
• Scenic Views or Body of Water | Being near the water can make it feel cooler, but it also gives kids an extra activity (throwing rocks into the lake) and something interesting to look at.
5 Tips for enjoying a local park in the winter
- BUNDLE UP IN LAYERS: Dress kids in warm, removable layers, hats, and gloves so they stay cozy but comfortable while playing.
- KEEP VISITS SHORT & SWEET: Plan shorter outings with breaks in the car or nearby café to warm up.
- BRING WARM DRINKS: Pack a thermos of cocoa or warm apple cider, or plan on hitting the nearest coffee shop for a special treat.
- PLAN ACTIVE PLAY: Choose activities like running, climbing, or exploring trails to help kids stay warm through movement.
- END WITH A COZY TRADITION: Wrap up your park trip with story time, a blanket, and a warm drink at home.
Favorite Winter Parks in Greensboro & Surrounding
Bur-Mil Park
ADDRESS: 5834 Bur-Mill Club Rd, Greensboro
WHY WE LIKE IT FOR THE WINTER: The park offers paved walking paths and scenic views over bodies of water, plus a wildlife education center (only open weekends), which provides an interesting place to warm up on cold days.
Country Park
ADDRESS: 3905 Nathaniel Green Dr., Greensboro
WHY WE LIKE IT FOR THE WINTER: This large and popular park is usually busy, but the crowds dwindle during the winter, offering brave winter patrons more freedom to explore! The carousel will be less crowded, and kids can bike and scooter the loop trail with ease.
CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF COUNTRY PARK
Keely Park
ADDRESS: 4100 Keeley Rd, McLeansville, NC 27301
WHY WE LIKE IT FOR THE WINTER: This all-inclusive playground, also known as “Up in the Air” is the largest of its kind in our area. Other features that families would enjoy during the winter include cornhole, paved walking trails, a bike pump track, and disc golf.
Hagan Stone Park
ADDRESS: 5920 Hagan-Stone Park Rd, Pleasant Garden
WHY WE LIKE IT FOR THE WINTER: This is a large regional park featuring trails and a wonderful playground that are all great for the colder months. Bradley’s Fun for All Playground offers modern climbing structures, slides, and swing sets.
CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF HAGAN-STONE STATE PARK
LeBauer Park
ADDRESS: 208 N. Davie St, Greensboro
WHY WE LIKE IT FOR THE WINTER: The huge grassy lawn, the sensory space, the ping-pong and foosball tables, the open space with plenty of sunlight – many things make this a great winter-time park.
Favorite Winter Parks in Winston-Salem & Surrounding
Quarry Park
ADDRESS: 1790 Quarry Rd, Winston-Salem
WHY WE LIKE IT FOR THE WINTER: Lots of space under the open sky — trails, a new park, an overlook into the huge quarry below, and lots of space for kids to explore.
Salem Lake Park
ADDRESS: 815 Salem Lake Road, Winston-Salem
WHY WE LIKE IT FOR THE WINTER: The playground is open to sunlight and fully fenced with restrooms and parking close by. The trails around the lake are shaded in woody areas, so that isn’t as ideal for colder days, but it’s one of the things the park is best known for.
Tanglewood Park
ADDRESS: 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons
WHY WE LIKE IT FOR THE WINTER: Tanglewood Park is one of the larger parks in the area and features two playgrounds. The one located by Shelter 4 is brand new and features a modern play structure designed to complement the natural surroundings. A nice thing about visiting during the winter (before Christmas) is getting to see the park’s famous Christmas lights during the daylight hours!
Recreation Acres
ADDRESS: 107 White Road, King
WHY WE LIKE IT FOR THE WINTER: This large all-inclusive playground offers nearby parking (although the restrooms are a bit of a walk). It’s open to the sunny skies and nearby many restaurants in King to grab a bite or drink afterwards!
READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF RECREATION ACRES IN KING
Favorite winter parks in High Point & Kernersville
City Lake Park
ADDRESS: 602 W Main Street, Jamestown
WHY WE LIKE IT FOR THE WINTER: Much of what makes this park amazing is indeed closed during the winter months, but it’s still a wonderful all-inclusive playground and network of trails that will be less crowded during the winter.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF CITY LAKE PARK
Triad Park
ADDRESS: 9652 W Market Street, Kernersville
WHY WE LIKE IT FOR THE WINTER: There are three playgrounds, including a rock climbing wall and plenty of open air space for running and playing in the sun. There are paved paths, athletic fields, and a pond to explore.
More Great Winter-time parks in the Piedmont Triad
It is hard to narrow down the list of great parks in Greensboro and beyond. The best winter-time park for you might be the one right down your street! Or maybe it’s the small, fully fenced neighborhood park with full sun and plenty of parking. Our biggest message is simply this– be sure to get outside and enjoy our area parks this winter! Visit our complete park directory here.
fAQs About Enjoying Parks in the Winter
1. Is it safe to take kids to the park in cold weather?
Yes, as long as kids are dressed in warm, layered clothing and you monitor for signs of discomfort or extreme cold.
2. What should kids wear for winter park visits?
Layered clothing, waterproof boots, hats, and gloves help keep kids warm and comfortable during outdoor play.
3. Are playgrounds open during the winter?
Most parks and playgrounds remain open year-round, though some amenities like splash pads or restrooms may be closed.
4. How cold is too cold for outdoor play?
Experts generally suggest avoiding outdoor play when temperatures or wind chills drop below 20°F.
5. Why visit a park in winter instead of staying indoors?
Outdoor play in winter boosts mood, provides exercise, and helps reduce screen time and cabin fever.
6. What types of parks are best to visit in winter?
Look for parks with paved trails, full sunlight, nearby restrooms, and easy parking to make the visit more enjoyable.
7. How can families warm up after a chilly park visit?
Plan a stop at a nearby coffee shop or café for hot drinks—or pack a thermos of cocoa to enjoy on-site.