If you’re looking for things to do in Winston-Salem, you’ve got a lot of great options. Whether you’re on business, visiting family, or vacationing, there’s fun for all ages in the Twin Cities. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best attractions this expanding Southern city has to offer.
Winston-Salem has a fascinating history that’s on display at the Old Salem Museum and Gardens. If you’re all about the outdoors, you’ll love Pilot Mountain State Park and Reynolda Gardens. And if you’re bringing kids along, they’ll love Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park. It’s the ultimate family destination for high-flying adventures.
Old Salem
The Moravian settlement of Salem was founded in 1766, making Winston-Salem one of North Carolina’s oldest cities. Today, the original settlement is a fascinating “living history” museum. Visitors can step back in time and see how the early Moravians lived. The museum features costumed actors, craft demonstrations, shops, and restaurants that the whole family can enjoy.
Seventy percent of the buildings in Old Salem are original structures from the colonial period. Inside these beautiful buildings are cobblers, gunsmiths, blacksmiths, and more, all practicing their trades as they did in the 1700s. Stop in at Salem Tavern for a delicious home-cooked meal, and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage of the many old oaks and maples. It’s easy to spend all day here experiencing a simpler time, enjoying the gorgeous restored buildings and friendly people.
The Great Outdoors
If you like to feel the wind on your face and explore nature’s beauty, there are plenty of things to do in Winston-Salem and the surrounding area. For the best view around, Pilot Mountain State Park is the place to go. Located 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, the mountain’s huge quartzite dome is the area’s most distinctive natural feature. Its trails and overlooks provide a stunning view of Winston-Salem from afar. The park includes a variety of trails for hikers of all ability levels.
If you don’t feel like committing to a hike, Reynolda Gardens is a great way to experience nature without leaving the city. This four-acre garden set in a plot of woodland includes lots to explore. Originally a part of the Reynolds family’s estate, it includes a stream, wetlands, and beautiful historic structures. If you’re a bird watcher, Reynolda Gardens is a prime spot — it’s even part of the NC Birding Trail.
High-Flying Family Fun
If you’ve got kids of any age, then there’s one place that stands out among things to do in Winston-Salem. Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park is the kind of all-ages entertainment parents and kids alike love. Their huge trampoline arena is the perfect place for kids and adults to burn off excess energy and have a blast with high-flying stunts.
Their facility also provides a wide variety of attractions. X-Beam Jousting is a crazy-fun one-on-one contest of skill. Dodgeball courts, the Slam Dunk Zone, and foam pits are all on site and ready to rock. And of course, Rockin’ Jump has safety professionals on site at all times and employs backup nets and other safety measures.
Make sure to check out their special sessions as well. Rockin’ Tots, for the youngest jumpers, happens every Wednesday morning and gives parents a great opportunity to socialize. After Dark on Friday and Saturday nights is a bonanza of laser lights and hit music that older kids will love. If you’ve got kids (or adults) who like to run around, jump high, and bounce around, Rockin’ Jump is the place to be. Pre-booking time online is recommended since spots tend to fill up fast.
Other Things to Do in Winston-Salem
- Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art – a top-notch museum displaying cutting-edge visual and multimedia art.
- Winston Cup Museum – perfect for NASCAR fans, restored racing stock cars and exhibits from 1971-1993.
- Tanglewood Park – a huge park on the west side of town with a variety of amenities — even a BMX race trail!