Where to Eat + Drink with Kids
These restaurants are all kid-approved and kid-friendly.
- West Salem Public House – This great Pub is perfect for a caffeine or beer stop. With a large outdoor space that’s bordered by an urban farm, kids are endlessly entertained by the neighboring chickens.
- Dough Joe’s – For a sweet treat (aka bribery), take your kids to Dough Joe’s for their doughnuts. Sprinkles put everyone in a better mood, and their coffee will keep you sane.
- Louie & Honey’s Kitchen – Their cinnamon rolls are pure heaven, and adults will love how beautiful the space is.
- Midtown Cafe – If we’re going out to breakfast with the kids, this is where to go. Generally quick, they have a large patio surrounding a water fountain that gives some entertainment while you wait.
- The Loop – Perfect for a quick, delicious dinner! Pizza, salads, and even delicious shakes for dessert.
- The Porch – An absolute must for those who love Tex-Mex. A guest favorite are the Three Amigos (chips served with guac, salsa, and queso). The outdoor space is spacious and perfect for kids to run around, plus they have books inside while you wait.
- Mellow Mushroom – While a chain, it still deserves a spot on this list because it’s so good. Located on 4th Street, the only potentially tricky thing is parking, but it’s always worth the effort.
- West End Café – This cozy spot knows how to keep kids happy. They provide crayons and a coloring sheet when you sit, there are crackers while you wait, and the food is spectacular. This is a local favorite for kids and adults alike.
- Camel City BBQ – Downtown in a great location, this restaurant has arcade games for a fun evening out.
- Cugino Forno – A perennial favorite, Cugino Forno is in the coolest spot in town with the Coal Pit- a dream for kids on scooters. With delicious salads, pizza, and gelato, the kids absolutely love coming here. Incendiary Brewery is right next door so the adults can have a beer with their meal.
What To Do with Kids
- Check out Quarry Park: This park offers amazing views of downtown Winston. Drive out to Quarry Park and plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour walking around and enjoying the view. (There’s also a playground!)
- Spend the morning in Reynolda: Park in Reynolda Village, walk through the formal Reynolda Gardens (no ticket required), play in the creek on the path towards Wake Forest‘s campus, and get a doughnut at Dough Joe’s as a reward!
- Book a Trolley ride: While there are many options that Triad Trolleys offers, we think the Pocket Parks tour would be perfect with kids. See their schedule here.
- Explore Bethabara Park: A little more off the beaten-path, Bethabara Park is a Moravian establishment that’s easy to explore and welcoming to kids who want to run around. It’s free to walk the grounds, and there’s a great area for creek-ing behind the fort walls.
- Go mural-hunting on Trade Street: Take a leisurely stroll through the Arts District, and give your kids the mission of pointing out all the art they see.
- Do a lap through Old Salem: For an easy afternoon in Old Salem, park at the Visitor’s Center and begin your walk by crossing the famous Heritage Bridge into the main part of town. You can walk up Main Street with a few pit stops and circle back to your car within 1 hour, but we’d highly recommend stopping at the Book & Gift Shop and Winkler’s Bakery for souvenirs and sweets!
- Visit Kaleideum: Kaleideum in downtown Winston-Salem is an interactive children’s museum that blends play, learning, and discovery through hands-on exhibits and imaginative experiences.
Extra Family-Friendly Ideas
- Check out our list of where to grab a beer when you’re with kids here.
- When you need to use up that extra energy, here’s a roundup of local playgrounds.
- Most nearby vineyards are open to having kids on the grounds, though check with the individual establishment before you go!