My Favorite 11 Spots in Forsyth County to Take My Little Ones – Local Adventures for Tiny Explorers

Toddlers and preschoolers have an abundance of energy that feels hard to contain. This feels especially true in the summer months when preschool is out. Outside of having activities and games at home to do, getting out is a must – for everyone’s sanity!

Here are my favorite places in Forsyth County to take my two preschoolers and why. Several are free!

Kaleideum

This museum really has it all, and there is something to entertain all ages. That’s why I absolutely love this spot. From an outdoor playground to a water exhibit, kids can play and learn all in one. Plus, all summer long, they have a new Doc McStuffins exhibit that my girls absolutely loved. We have a membership, and it’s a great cost effective way to get in lots of trips.

Airbound Trampoline Park

This trampoline park is perfect for the little ones. First off, they have a dedicated Tots Time every single morning that is for ages six and under only. That’s my favorite time to go as I don’t have to worry about bigger kids jumping around my littles. Secondly, they have dedicated six and under areas all day. Thirdly, it’s perfect for extremely hot or rainy days to get energy out.

Splash Pads

Winston-Salem alone has 11 splash pads, and they are all free! I love that it’s a good way to stay cool without spending any money. They are all beside playgrounds, too, so it doubles the fun. If you pack a picnic then you can really make a morning or day of your trip. My favorite ones are Sedge Garden (pirate themed), Little Creek (walk to the shops behind the rec center) and Reynolds (pairs perfectly with Quarry Park up the hill).

Parks & Playgrounds

Outdoor time is a must during the summer months, and parks and playgrounds are free and so much fun. We have no shortage of parks in Winston-Salem. In fact, we have 82 parks in our city; not all have playgrounds though. Some of my favorite parks with playgrounds in addition to the ones with splash pads mentioned above are: Washington Park, Salem Lake, Hanes Park and Miller Park.

Forsyth County Libraries

Another great free resource are the 10 branches of the Forsyth County Library system. I’ve spent the last several issues showcasing each library because they all are unique and special. Each has play areas for little ones and encourages reading. I highly recommend visiting each one this summer. My favorite branches include: Southside, Lewisville, Rural Hall/Stanleyville, Walkertown and Central.

Cafe Lilly

This coffee shop has a dedicated play area for kids which really isn’t something you’ll find anywhere else in Forsyth County! My girls love playing here, and I love the coffee. It’s located in Clemmons, and you can easily pair it with a trip to either the Lewisville or Clemmons library branch.

Tanglewood Park

I love that this is one of those all day destinations. They have everything from multiple playgrounds, to walking trails, to seemingly all the sports areas you could want, and an aquatic center that has a pool, lazy river, zero entry water area and splash pad. My girls also love the Children’s Garden that even has a Lil’ Library.

Twin City Sweets

This spot is so much more than merely an ice cream shop. It’s a place to play, connect and relax. I love the community aspect of this place and my girls, of course, love the ice cream and play areas. They do a lot of fun themes as well for their ice creams. One thing to know before you go, they are only open Friday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..

Downtown Winston-Salem

I know most people’s first thoughts might be “why go downtown with my preschooler?” But I promise there is so much for you to both enjoy there together (outside of Kaleideum). Some of my favorite downtown spots (some are free) with my girls are: Bookmarks, Chill Nitro (they love seeing the ice cream made here), Bailey Park, Coal Pit (bring sidewalk chalk), Artivity on the Green and Mellow Mushroom.

Winston-Salem Dash

I mean is summer in Winston-Salem really complete if you don’t attend a game or two of the Winston-Salem Dash? My girls love going to these games – maybe not for the baseball, but for the play area, grassy hill to run on and the fun, delicious food. If you purchase lawn seats, it’s very reasonably priced, and they offer free parking now in certain lots. Plus, children three and under are free.

Historic Reynolda

Last, but certainly not least, is Historic Reynolda. This encompasses Reynolda Village, Reynolda Gardens and Reynolda House. It’s also another great all day destination. Within the Village and Gardens, my little ones love to go to The Bookhouse, check out the fountain behind McCalls, see all the beautiful flowers in the formal garden and walk and run by the waterfall. Our favorite food spots are Penny Path and Village Tavern. Although the coffee at Dough-Joe’s is a must for parents. Be sure to check out the Layered Looking exhibit at Reynolda House before it ends on July 19th as it’s a hands-on exhibit kids love.

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Suzy Fielders

Suzy Fielders has had a passion for writing since her days in undergraduate school at Coker University, where she majored in Communications and Psychology. She loves hearing – and sharing – other’s stories as well as letting people know all the happenings, places, and events in and around Winston-Salem. Suzy, a Winston-Salem native, has written off and on for the magazine since 2013 and is excited to have multiple articles lined up for 2024 and beyond! In addition to her B.A. from Coker she has an M.A. in Communication Studies from UNC Greensboro. When she’s not writing or working with clients for her content marketing business, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters.

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