If you’re a parent seeking fun and educational spots for your child to play, learn, and explore, here are some reliable options. These places are perfect for a spontaneous day out with your kids, offering a blend of entertainment and discovery.
Fun Day Activities For Kids, Even Spur Of The Moment:
Kaleideum
If you’re looking for a venue that can engage all age groups, Kaleideum Downtown is the spot. Kaleideum offers captivating exhibits, interactive installations, and educational programs that integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) disciplines. Favorite areas include the Wonders of Water and Storytelling. The Rooftop Adventure will be opening Summer 2024- what’s better than a roof-top playground?
Parents have said on sites like Trip Advisor that their kids loved the combination of animal exhibits, musical activities, and big draws like the planetarium. The Kaleideum accepts school groups as well, which is a field trip that makes for a memorable day.
Kaleideum is the collaborative merger of The Children’s Museum of Winston Salem and SciWorks in 2016. The downtown location is even the location of the original Children’s Museum, which opened back in 2004.
You don’t need reservations. This is a big plus if you find yourself in a change of plans for the day and want somewhere fun to bring your child, or if you’re a Nana searching for somewhere memorable to go for part of the day.
Party rooms are available; book in advance. The private party rooms and access to the full play center are a winning combo. One of our team members booked a party room for their son’s 2nd birthday. Their outing began with exploration of the activities and animal exhibits, working their way toward the party room for Chick Fil-A and cake. Everyone had a great time, with the pictures to prove it!
Price
Adults: $15
Youth (1-19): $12
(Great Birthday Party Location, Summer Camps Available)
Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park Winston-Salem
Need a place for a high-energy, super social kid? This trampoline park is great for an indoor morning or afternoon- especially on a hot or rainy day. The facility has everything — including a dodgeball arena, rock wall, inflatable Ninja Course, dodgeball arena and parkour blox. If you are looking for a time to bring your little ones, Rockin’ Jump offers Rockin’ Tots — a dedicated time from 10:00 am- 12:00 pm for smaller children (6 and under) and their parents. Perfect for introducing your little ones to the joy of bouncing without being crowded by bigger kids.
This is another easy choice even spur of the moment. You don’t need reservations (except for parties) and you can bring a group to bounce together!
Price
General admission starts at $18.99 for 90 minutes.
Rockin’ Tots– $15 for 1 Parent and 1 Child, and each additional parent or child is $7.50
(Great Birthday Party Location)
Old Town Gymnastics – Open Play
Bring your child, aged 5 or under, to Open Play, held Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. It’s a safe environment where your little ones can burn off energy and have some quality floor time with you.
The facility has all the major gymnastics equipment, including spring floors, bars, beams, and a tumble track. They also have smaller bars, beams, and training aids tailored for younger kids. The versatility is ideal for all kids to experience gymnastics. At minimum it’s a fun one-off for the week, and if your child shows an interest in gymnastics, the facility offers gymnastics and cheer programs to join.
Price
$7 per child (adults are FREE)
Punch Card with 8 punches: $45
(Great Birthday Party Location, Summer Camps Available)
Reynolda Village & Gardens
Reynolda is a fantastic spot to enjoy the outdoors with your kids. Begin your day at Dough Joe’s, where you can grab doughnuts and coffee (for you), then head to the trails; there are paved trails leading to Wake Forest University in one direction or Graylyn Estates in the other — or you can choose to explore the dirt trails through the woods or field in front of Reynolda House.
These paths are perfect for not only walking but riding bikes, scooters, or roller skates. Another option is to stroll through Reynolda Gardens and admire the gorgeous blooms this time of year.
The front lawn by Reynolda House is ideal for picnics, kite flying, or playing under the grand magnolias. If you’re in the mood for shopping or dining before heading home, consider places like Theodore’s, Penny Path Cafe & Crepe Shop, or Village Tavern at Reynolda.
Reynolda Village has a beautiful bustle to it, kind of like a little downtown away from downtown. There’s plenty to see, but it’s just as enjoyable as a place to pull up a chair and relax for a few hours at one of the cafes or in the park the trails run throughout.
Further Away, But Totally Worth It:
Best Recurring Events:
- Home Depot Kids Workshops: First Saturday of Each Month (9:00 am- 12:00 pm)
- Reynolda Read Alouds: Monthly on the front lawn of Reynolda House
- Winston-Salem Dash Games: Spring and Summer at Truist Stadium; fireworks every Friday night and kids run the bases post games
- 2nd Saturday at SECCA: Enjoy family art activities every 2nd Saturday at SECCA.
- Bookmarks Storytime: Engaging storytime and crafts at local bookstore once a month
Always a Good Idea:
- Local Parks
- Best Places to Enjoy a Beer with Kids in Tow
- 10 Kid-Friendly Restaurants
- Top 5 Local Hikes with Kids
- A Kid-Friendly Visit to Winston-Salem
Keep up with Weekly Family-Friendly Happenings here.