We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Kaleideum to hidden gems like the Washington Park playground, there’s something in the Twin City for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 29 kid-friendly activities.
🌳 Great outdoors
The Quarry at Grant Park, 1790 Quarry Rd.
The whole family can safely get a look at the blue water below from several overlooks and run around in the open play area. Kids will remember adding their lock to the fence at the overlook.
Gateway Nature Preserve, 1490 S. Broad St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Discover native tree species along the forest discovery trail or use gear from the ecoEXPLORE program to take in nature around you at this environmental center dedicated to education + preservation. Kids will remember hands-on activities like bird watching, the Creek Stomp, and the Toddler Trek (in summer).
Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, 215 S. Main St., Kernersville | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Explore the garden that’s in bloom with different flowers each season and try a Kindermusik playdate. Kids six and under will remember storytime in the garden (March through November) that includes songs and activities.
Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Rd., Clemmons
There’s plenty to explore at this quiet park including swimming, tennis, and soft golf. Kids will remember exploring the outdoors from horseback after visiting Tanglewood Stables.
Salem Lake, 815 Salem Lake Rd.
Try a scavenger hunt, rent a boat or kayak and cruise around, or register for educational activities organized by Winston Salem Recreation and Parks. Kids will remember learning to fish from the pier.
👟 Get moving
Splash Pads, multiple locations
Kids can cool off at 10 splash pads around the city that are open May 1 through Sept. 30. Kids will remember dodging buckets of water and slipping down the slides.
Ice skating at the Annex Ice Rink, 414 Deacon Blvd.
Kids can get comfortable on the ice during cold weather months. The public skating schedule varies daily. Kids will remember the anticipation of stepping onto the ice after a break for the Zamboni.
Washington Park Playground, 1490 S. Broad St.
Dinosaurs make this public park a prehistoric delight for families. They’ll need plenty of energy for the two-story slide, monkey bars + a rock climbing wall. Kids will remember getting up close and personal on the back of the T-Rex.
Safari Nation, 3191 Peters Creek Pkwy.
Once kids enter this jungle gym you’ll have to get creative to get them to leave. Kids will remember making friends while exploring the maze’s nooks and crannies.
Urban Air Adventure Park, 200 Summit Square Blvd. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Challenge friends on the battle beam, strap into a harness, fly through the air, and dominate the warrior course. Kids will remember challenging themselves on the ropes course.
Incendiary Brewing Company, 486 N. Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem + 5495 Williams Rd., Lewisville
On clear days you’ll find kids playing, drawing with chalk, and riding scooters around the Coalpit in downtown Winston-Salem or tumbling around on the grass + dancing to live music at the Lewisville location. Kids will remember entertaining themselves with new friends.
🧠 Educational activities
Bookmarks, 634 W. 4th St., Ste. 110
Bookworms will love browsing the shelves of this nonprofit bookstore. Children will remember storytimes where community groups volunteer once a month to bring a book to life.
Kaleideum, 120 W. 3rd St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
The state-of-the-art experiential museum that opens Feb. 17 will allow children to engineer their dream roller coaster + explore the three phases of water in exhibits that are designed to educate and entertain. Kids will remember building their own race car.
Old Salem Museum and Gardens, 900 Old Salem Rd.
Walk the cobblestone sidewalks along the settlement to learn how Moravians lived, worked, and enjoyed life in Salem. Kids will remember trying Moravian cookies from Winker Bakery and running around in the square.
Reynolda Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Children under 18 get free admission to the museum housed in the 1917 home built by the Reynolds family. Hands-on workshops, activity cards, and discovery lessons will guide them through the grounds. Kids will remember following the clues and discovering treasures with the scavenger hunt.
Sawtooth School for Visual Art, 251 N. Spruce St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Youth programming offers something for everyone. Age-appropriate experiences include drawing, painting, digital art, mixed media, and printmaking. Kids will remember using their hands to paint, crochet, weave, sew, or draw what their imagination envisions.
Forsyth County Public Library System, multiple locations
Explore recently-released selections, take part in storytimes, and try a Music and Movement class (for children ages 2 through 6). Kids will remember finding their favorite book or author and taking them home to read together.
🎳 Indoor adventures
Bowlero, 811 Jonestown Rd.
Lace up your bowling shoes and hit the lanes until 12 a.m. on weekdays. Children under 18 can only enter the bowling alley with a guardian who is 21+ after 3 p.m. Fridays and all day Saturday. Kids will remember rolling strike after strike with bowling bumpers (upon request).
ROAR, 633 N. Liberty St.
This complex downtown includes boutique bowling, golf simulators, an arcade, and The Bunkr gaming center. Kids will remember exploring multiple floors of games and entertainment.
Camel City BBQ Factory, 701 N. Liberty St.
The restaurant doubles as a playground for families looking to stay busy with arcade games + outside space. Kids will remember playing games while the grownups finish their meals.
Rockin’ Jump, 7840 N. Point Blvd., Ste. 130 | 🎟️ Family memberships available
This amusement center offers more than trampolines — there’s dodge ball, a rock wall, an inflatable ninja course, and a new air court. Kids will remember jumping to new heights with lasers and black lights when the park transforms “after dark.”
Surge Adventure Park, 2051 Griffith Rd.
The trampoline park is just part of the fun at this center that has basketball, jousting, trapeze, and more. Kids will remember perfecting their stunts on the high dive before landing into the pit of foam squares.
🎢 Thrill-seeking fun
Total Escape, 280 Charlois Blvd.
You’ll have 60 minutes to escape from an adventure like Enchanted Forest or Yacht Heist. The themes are all family-friendly but and are most suited for kids ages 10+. Kids will remember the fast-paced fun of racing against the clock.
Adventure Landing, 1600 S. Stratford Rd.
The playground boasts three 18-hole putt-putt courses, seasonal bumper boats, and an arcade with 35+ games. Kids will remember squirting and splashing rival boats in Bumper Boat Pond.
Triad ECO Adventures, 176 YWCA Way
Best for older children, this thrilling ride allows you to see the city from a Segway or an e-bike. Kids will remember navigating city streets and leading the way for the group.
Miracle Heights Adventures, 1001 Reynolda Rd.
Located on the campus of Crossnore Communities for Children, the ropes course hosts pay-to-play days that are open to the public and hosts private groups. Kids will remember the sense of accomplishment once they complete the course.
Kersey Valley, 1615 Kersey Valley Rd., Archdale
Perfect for older kids, spend the day ziplining, axe throwing, or playing laser tag at this entertainment venue ~35 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem. Seasonal attractions include a corn maze, Christmas lights, and Spookywoods at Halloween. Kids will remember the real-life scenarios in the outdoor laser tag course.
Celebration Station, 4315 Big Tree Way, Greensboro
You can make a day of it ~25 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem with batting cages, bumper boats, arcade games, laser tag, and go karts. Kids will remember zooming around the kid-kart track where they get to be in the driver seat.
Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe, 3910 S. Holden Rd., Greensboro
This water park ~35 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem is for thrill seekers not afraid of the daredevil drop, twin twisters, and the thunder bay wave pool. There’s also a scooter run + soak zone for younger children. Kids will remember cruising around with mom and dad on the lazy river.
🧃 Be prepared
Shop some of our favorite kid-friendly essentials to keep the whole family happy, hydrated, and ready to make memories.
- Owala Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler | This tumbler has a spill-resistant straw (yes, that’s a thing) and is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Bentgo Kids 5-Compartment Lunch Box | Pack snacks for kids in a popular Bentgo box that’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
- Nintendo Switch | You just can’t beat a handheld gaming device for keepings kids quiet, happy, and entertained during car rides around town.
- Hap Tim Travel Backpack | Keep everything in a backpack that’s got good padding on the straps, plenty of compartments, a wide mouth opening, and a rain-resistant exterior.
- Kids sketch pad | Kids can sketch, take notes, and feel connected to your adventures with a sketchbook meant to inspire creativity.
- Disposable cameras | Kids will have a ton of fun + stay entertained by taking their own pictures of what they see during your adventures.
- KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids | Be prepared for minor scrapes or bruises that could slow your day down — this kit contains 60 pieces of essential first aid supplies.
- Sunscreen stick | Have a portable sunscreen stick handy for outdoor adventures.
Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured activities.
