Check out these fun and best things to do in Winston-Salem, (North Carolina) during the day and night!
Whistling over to you for your attention as an unsung hero of North Carolina’s East Coast, the charming city of Winston-Salem is worth a weekend visit for the tourist that appreciates a destination boasting an array of arts, culture, food while celebrating its unique history.
Founded by German Protestants in the 1700s and nicknamed ‘Camel City’ due to its history of textiles and tobacco industries, Winston Salem was recently ranked 56th out of 150 cities “Best Places To Live” in USA News.
Here are our handpicked things to do in Winston-Salem:
11 Things To Do In Winston-Salem During The Day
With over 80 public parks, funky street art and an array of food options this city comes to life during the day and can be enjoyed as a single wanderer or a large family. Fill your North Carolina itinerary with fun things to do in Winston-Salem during the day.
1. Triad ECO Adventures / Triad TROLLEYS
Triad ECO Adventures offers you the opportunity to have an easy core workout, while exploring the city on an eco-friendly trolley, also known as a “Segway.”
The two-wheeled Segways are very easy to use; you lean forward, hold onto the handles and follow your tour guide for the day who will teach you fun facts about the local history while providing you with some nuggets of wisdom about the city that will add layers to your trip to Winston-Salem.
Need to know
- 176 Ywca Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, United States
- Open on Monday 10am until 5pm, and from Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Closed on Sunday.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Segway tours are around $85 per person/glider, and $72 each for groups of 3-6.
2. Black Mountain Chocolate
Do you really need to find a reason to eat chocolate? We certainly don’t, but let’s call it “research” if you really want to!
Located downtown, The Black Mountain Chocolate Factory is waiting for you and your unapologetic sweet tooth. It’s more of a coffee shop attached to a factory with windows for you to peek in and see the talented staff members creating your chocolatey delights for you to enjoy. Check Black Mountain’s official website if you are interested in taking a tour, otherwise enjoy the goodies on offer; truffles, pastries, cookies or whatever your chocolate-loving heart desires on the big day.
Need to know
- 450 N Patterson Ave Suite 110, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
- Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday 12noon until 6PM, Thursday from 12noon to 8pm, and on Friday & Saturday 10am to 11pm. Closed on Monday.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Free entry.
3. Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art
You’ve already had a chance to go back in time via the world of art and now the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, affectionately known locally as (SECCA) offers you the opportunity to check out the current local talent of today.
SECCA also holds viewings for short films from local and regional artists and the grounds are an added bonus for anyone who wants to stretch their legs during their visit to the art exhibitions.
Need to know
- 750 Marguerite Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, United States
- Open Wednesday to Friday 1pm to 5pm, then Saturday & Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Closed on Monday & Tuesday.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed (excl. service animals).
- Free entry.
4. Winston Cup Museum & Special Event Center
NASCAR fans are in for another treat at The Winston Cup Museum & Special Event Centre with replicas of the most famous cars from stock car racing and interactive car racing video games for kids and adults who want to connect with their inner child.
Admittedly this place is better suited for kids and hardcore NASCAR fans who are well-versed on the history and like to take a trip down memory lane. Catering and Special Events (as the name suggests) are available at request, you can request an organized party at the venue on the Winston Cup Museum’s official website.
Need to know
- 1355 N Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
- Open Thursday & Friday from 10am to 5pm.
- Suitable for children.
- Dogs must be leashed.
- Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for children aged 7-12.
5. Quarry Park
Cyclists and hiking enthusiasts must check out the 12-acre Quarry Park boasting rock cliff walls that frame a bed of water and beautiful city views in the background. If you need a rest from all of the indoor activities suggested above then Quarry Park is a refreshing change for lovers of the outdoors.
The park offers wide open green spaces for hikers and cycle paths with a popular trail to Salem Lake for anyone who wants to really stretch their legs in nature.
Need to know
- Quarry Rd Winston-Salem, NC 27107, USA
- Open everyday from 6am to 10pm.
- Suitable for children.
- Pets must be leashed.
- No fishing allowed.
- Free entry.
6. Kaleideum North
Kaleideum North is probably right at the top of the list of the best things to do in Winston-Salem for people traveling with kids.
Their company’s tagline ‘learning reimagined’ stays true to its word as the interactive museum mixes education alongside entertainment via its exciting displays with the aim to develop literacy, motor, and social skills in the children of all ages.
If your little ones have been complaining about being bored and have some excess energy that they need to express themselves in, then Kaleideum North has drawing, painting, reading and even a larger space to play, dance and climb. Good luck getting them to leave!
Need to know
- 400 W Hanes Mill Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, United States
- Open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Closed on Monday.
- Designed for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices are $10 each for ages 1 -61, $9 for seniors (62+)and it’s free entry for 11 months and under.
7. Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Reynolda House Museum is a 20 acre mansion that holds hundreds of artifacts of American art and sculptures from three centuries.
Art lovers and history buffs can take a glimpse into how the American elite lived in the 1900s in this well-maintained estate with the added bonus of the beautiful garden that includes a Japanese cryptomeria, weeping cherry trees and a peaceful lake to walk alongside and possibly sport some local wildlife.
Need to know
- 2250 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, United States
- Open Tuesday to Saturday 9:30am to 4:30pm, and Sunday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Closed on Monday.
- Suitable for children.
- Pets must be leashed.
- Ticket prices for the general public are $18, but they offer many free admission groups.
8. Truist Stadium
Baseball fans needn’t worry about missing a game while they’re on the road in North Carolina and we won’t tell your lifelong club if you temporarily switch your allegiances to the Atlanta Braves during your Winston-Salem itinerary.
Truist Stadium is clean and modern as it’s one of the newest ballparks in the league and was even recently voted the proud accolade as the best ballpark of the year. As with most clubs there is an option for a stadium tour by request by visiting the club’s official website.
Need to know
- 951 Ballpark Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
- Open only for events.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices range from $29 to $109 per person.
9. Historic Bethabara Park
Bethabara Park is an open-air museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history of Bethabara, which was founded by Moravians in 1753.
The Moravians were German-speaking protestants with a deep sense of community and adherence to rules based upon their culture. At The Historic Park you can learn about the inception of the Moravian movement and all of the current events that took place in between then and now while enjoying their large impressive park with a historic cemetery, walking trails and ruins.
Need to know
- 2147 Bethabara Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, United States
- Open Tuesday to Saturday 10:30am to 4:30pm, and Sunday 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Closed on Monday.
- Suitable for children.
- Pets welcome.
- Ticket prices are $4 for adults and $1 for students and children aged 3-17.
10. Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA)
If you still haven’t had your museum fill then Nestled in the home of Frank L. Horton Museum Center is the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) which boasts the most exhaustive collection of early Southern decorative arts.
If antiques and old American furniture are your cup of tea then a walk in the past awaits you at MESDA, although if you are a serious antiques enthusiast then you should book an appointment beforehand as this will give you access to more rooms than just rocking up on the day.
Need to know
- 924 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
- Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Closed on Sunday, Monday & Tuesday.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices are $20 per adult and $12 for students (plus tax), children 0-3 go free!
11. Lost in Time Antique Mall
If you like shopping and like everything vintage then you’re going to love Lost in Time Antiques Mall. With a wide variety of rare and old antiques such as toys, vintage clothes/accessories, china, glassware, jewelry, furniture and even old LP records; this large mall may need at least half a day for optimal treasure hunting.
Bartering culture applies here so if you’re feeling confident (or a little bit cheeky) speak up and you might leave with a couple of bargains.
Need to know
- 2101 Peters Creek Pkwy #20-22, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, United States
- Open from Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 12 noon to 6pm.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed (excl. service animals).
- Free entry.
7 Things To Do In Winston-Salem During The Night
It doesn’t matter if your nighttime vibe is at a sports bar, cocktail bar, local brewery, a night at the theater or even a fancy Italian restaurant, there are things to do in Winston-Salem after sunset.
1. Theatre Alliance
Tastes for pretty much every preference, sometimes risque shows and a diverse cast awaits the traveling performing arts fan in this community-strong intimate theater that was founded in 1983.
Theatre Alliance is an affordable show with a passionate group of local talent and an ideal opportunity for you to support the industry. Be sure to look out for what’s showing on the night that you plan to be in Winston-Salem as loyal fans may grab them while they’re hot.
Need to know
- 650 W 6th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
- Open only for events.
- Some performances may be suitable/designed for children. Check online before booking.
- No pets allowed. (excl. service animals).
- Ticket prices are around $21 each.
2. Total Escape
If you are traveling in a large group you can team up with (or against) one another in Winston-Salem’s thriving escape room, Total Escape.
Spend one hour attempting to solve all sorts of theme-based puzzles in this family friendly atmosphere – with Then Yacht Heist Room being a firm favorite with the majority of locals and tourists who have experienced this undeniably fun thing to do in Winston-Salem.
Readers with claustrophobic tendencies needn’t worry as the rooms can always be unlocked at any given time and these particular escape rooms are on the slightly bigger side.
Need to know
- 280 Charlois Blvd #200, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States
- Open Tuesday to Thursday 3:30pm to 8:30pm, Friday from 4pm to 10:30pm, then Saturday 10:30am to 11pm, and Sunday 12noon to 7pm. Closed on Monday.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices are $35 per person for groups of 2-4, and $30 per person for groups of 5 or more. Children under 5 are free.
3. Bowman Gray Stadium Racing
Often referred to as “NASCAR’s longest-running weekly race track,” Bowman Gray Stadium has cemented itself as a legendary venue for stock car racing for a potential 19,000 people at full capacity.
The stadium was built in 1937 to combat the Great Depression by providing local employment and the first sporting venue held here was a football game. A couple of false claims by a dodgy sports promoter 10 years later resulted in the stadium’s pitch being paved over, and it holds the bragging rights as being the very first paved track that NASCAR raced on.
Now you can enjoy a rowdy atmosphere every Saturday from April to August, it’s a lot of fun but a bit of friendly advice; this is not the kind of event where you’d want to take your kids. Alcohol and foul language is in full flow here!
Need to know
- 1250 S Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27107, United States
- Open only for events.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Pets must be leashed.
- Ticket prices for adults are $12, children 6-11 only $2 and children aged 5 and under are free!
3. Lost in Time Antique Mall
If you like shopping and like everything vintage then you’re going to love Lost in Time Antiques Mall. With a wide variety of rare and old antiques such as toys, vintage clothes/accessories, china, glassware, jewelry, furniture and even old LP records; this large mall may need at least half a day for optimal treasure hunting.
Bartering culture applies here so if you’re feeling confident (or a little bit cheeky) speak up and you might leave with a couple of bargains.
Need to know
- 2101 Peters Creek Pkwy #20-22, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, United States
- Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 12noon to 6pm.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed. (excl. service animals).
- Free entry.
4. Crooked Tail Cat Cafe
We challenge even the most ardent dog-loving tourist to visit the felines at Crooked Tail Cat Cafe. The company tagline is ‘Saving Cats, Creating Smiles,’ who have teamed up with a local pet rescue center providing a welcoming environment for the animals while showcasing their personalities for any visitors who may want to adopt one.
Due to the popularity of this cat cafe and concern for the welfare of the cats, you must make a reservation for when you plan to visit the cafe and as a bonus – look out for kitty yoga at the establishment.
Need to know
- 229 W 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
- Open Tuesday to Sunday 12noon to 6pm. Closed on Monday.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Reservations cost $10.70 per adult or child.
5. Adventure Landing
Adventure Landing might be a little rough around the edges and in need of refurbishment, but it’s still an option for family/group fun with the option of 3 mini-golf courses, bumper boat rides and a gaming arcade.
Look forward to cheap and cheerful fun at this entertainment park and remember to fuel up with good old American classics available at the premises such as the mighty hotdog, burger and fries or ice cream.
Need to know
- 1600 S Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States
- Open Sunday to Thursday 12 to 8pm, Friday 12noon to 9pm and Saturday 11am to 9pm.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Adventure Golf prices and Bumper boat rides start at $8 each.
6. BATL Axe Throwing
Channel your inner lumberjack in the South’s first ever axe throwing company. For those unaware of this chest-thumping event, the clue is in the name – you simply go there with a group of friends and throw an axe at targets.
The instructors will give you all an opportunity for some practice throws before you head to battle against your friends and family. There can only be one winner, so book your appointment at BATL Winston-Salem and get ready for war.
Need to know
- 109 W 9th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
- Open Monday to Friday 5pm to 10pm, Saturday 12noon to 11pm and Sunday 12noon to 8pm.
- Not suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices start at $30 for 2 people for 2 hours.
7. Safari Nation
Another one for bored kids looking for things to do in Winston-Salem because their parents dragged them around one too many museums! Safari Nation is a clean and safe environment that encourages little ones to release their pent up energy in their indoor playground.
Children can play soccer games, inflatable slides and bouncy castles, climbing nets, bumper cars and a zipline. Adults and children can rest and refuel at the on-site Coconut Cabana.
Need to know
- 3191 Peters Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, United States
- Open from Sunday to Monday and Wednesday to Friday 12noon to 7pm, then Saturday 10am to 8pm. Closed on Tuesday.
- Designed for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices are $14.99 for children aged 2-12 and $7.50 for children under 2.
Final Thoughts On Winston-Salem
Whether you’re a solo traveler, romantic couple or traveling in a group you clearly have options for your Winston-Salem itinerary. Your daily budget will average $65 per person based upon one day and night time activity.
The budget traveler has a lot of free options with the best option being the Quarry Park hike and history buffs will feel at home here.
Children are spoiled for choice with the option of Safari Nation, Kaleidum North and Total Escape. Whatever your age group we feel that there are enough fun things to do in Winston-Salem during your visit to this historical North Carolina city.
