Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, Winston-Salem features 80+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy.
Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of the Twin City’s best:
Family parks
Miller Park, 400 Leisure Ln. | Nestled in the Ardmore neighborhood, Miller Park has something for everyone. There’s a workout center, wooded walking trails, and two baseball fields. You can also play horseshoe or bocce ball in the area, or grab a racket and play tennis near the recreation center.
Hobby Park, 2301 W. Clemmonsville Rd. | The open space is perfect for enthusiasts who like to fly kites, race remote-control cars, or who want to kick around a soccer ball. There are also picnic shelters and a grill if you want to make a meal outdoors.
Washington Park, 1490 S. Broad St. | Bring your lunch and watch the kids climb on dinosaurs at the playground or let your dog off the leash in fenced-in areas. There’s a basketball court and a baseball field for groups looking for some friendly competition — and walkers can choose between a half-mile or mile trail.
Oak Summit Park, 370 Oak Summit Rd. | The playground is what childhood dreams are made of with slides, monkey bars, and spaceships. Adults can pack lunches to enjoy under picnic shelters or in a grassy area. The park also has a soccer field, tennis court, and baseball diamond.
Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Dr. | There’s a dedicated dog park so you can bring your whole family to play. You’ve got options to walk your dog on a leash on the walking trail or let them run with friends.
Spots with history
Historic Bethabara Park, 2147 Bethabara Rd. | This living museum was the first European settlement in the Piedmont, dating back to 1753. Book a guided tour to see the preserved buildings and grounds or walk through the medicinal, community, and pollinator gardens. There’s also a connection point to the 2.7-mile Bethabara Greenway. You can visit the park Tuesday through Sunday.
The Quarry at Grant Park, 1790 Quarry Rd. | The quarry was in operation for decades and is now a serene body of water below. It’s meant to be admired from above on the overlook pier, which also has breathtaking views of the Winston-Salem skyline. The city has added playgrounds and an amphitheater in recent years.
You can’t swim in the quarry but Recreation and Parks does hold Kayak the Quarry events from time to time.
Photo via City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks via @ws_recreationparks
Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Rd., Clemmons | Just a ~20-minute drive from downtown Winston-Salem, the former estate of Will and Kate Reynolds has it all. Come for the day and play two golf course, go fishing, take a dip in the aquatic center, and explore the walking trails, playgrounds, picnic tables, and the Tanglewoof dog park. There’s also an RV park and a bed and breakfast if you’re looking to stay awhile. Fees to some amenities do apply.
Downtown delights
Bailey Park, 445 Patterson Ave. | The 1.6-acre park is the heart of Innovation Quarter, hosting festivals, outdoor movies, and performances year-round. Try Sunset Salutations, a free community yoga event on the lower lawn held monthly April through September, to appreciate the green space in the heart of the city.
Second Street Park, 255 Holly Place Ct. | If you’re looking for a respite amid the hustle and bustle of urban life, sit on a park bench in this peaceful park. It sits partially on what used to be the 1778 Salem Waterworks, which supplied water to the Moravians in the town of Salem. Forsyth Audubon Society and Bashavia Gardens recently began building a new native plant garden at the park to support pollinators.
Merschel Park, 122 W. 4th St. | The park in the city’s center was completed in 2023, making it a newer space to enjoy. The upper level is concrete with an enchanting art installation — shaded tables are perfect for lunch or dinner outdoors. Musical performances are frequently held here, too. Wander to the lower level where there’s green space and sidewalks.
For the athletes
Bolton Park, 1590 Bolton St. | Popular for its swimming pool, Bolton Park also has a fitness area and a volleyball court. The park off Silas Creek Parkway also has picnic shelters and a walking trail, along with open space and a child play area.
Catch some air on the high dive at Bolton Park pool.
Photo via City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks via @ws_recreationparks
Fairgrounds Skate Park, 406 Deacon Blvd. | Practice your flips and tricks at this skate park that is partly shaded. There are 15,200 sqft of ramps, grinding rails, and quarter pipes. Riders of all abilities can bring their skateboards, roller skates, or BMX bikes to the facility but pets are not allowed and it’s best to avoid with small children.
Little Creek Park, 600 Foxcroft Dr. | A baseball diamond, basketball court, soccer field, and tennis courts are all located in the space near I-40 and Hanes Mall Boulevard. Hop on the Little Creek Greenway to walk or bike the 0.77-mile paved trail. There’s a play area for children and a splash pad where they can cool off May through September.
Reynolds Park, 2450 Reynolds Park Rd. | Take in views of downtown while cruising around the golf course. There’s also a recreation center, swimming pool, and splash pad that will keep everyone entertained, especially during warm-weather months. There’s an admission fee to play golf and take a dip in the pool but other amenities are free.
Your park grab bag
Picked your perfect park? Make the most out of your experience with our favorite items for a relaxing day outside:
- Is there anything quite like sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book? Check out our guide to books by local authors to help choose your next great read.
- The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight e-reader option that stands up to bright sunlight.
- A good water bottle keeps you hydrated — we’re big fans of the best-selling Owala FreeSip + this insulated stackable tumbler from Asheville NC-based retailer Pirani.
- Heading to the park with kids? Check out the Owala FreeSip for kids.
- Don’t forget the travel-size bug spray and sunscreen.
- These sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack are available at discount prices + have a style for everyone.
- Keep it all together in a handy tote bag — these adorable tote bags are all crafted by small businesses and local makers.
Ready to visit these local parks but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured parks.
