12 Best Parks + Playgrounds in Winston-Salem
With 79 parks run by Winston Salem city and 9 parks run by Forsyth county, there is plenty to do if you are wanting to get outside in and around Winston Salem. The parks are more than just playgrounds, they offer areas to picnic, exercise, explore nature, play tennis, volleyball, basketball, and host community events. The parks allow you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy a moment of nature. The best part is that most of them are FREE!
WASHINGTON PARK
Ready to march with the DINOSAURS? Located in Washington Park Historic District, Washington Park is on 77 acres, and includes two nature trails (1 mile & .5 mile) and a neat Dinosaur-themed playground! Don’t forget to take a bike ride on the Salem Creek Greenway or bring your pups to the nearby dog park!
- OTHER FEATURES | Amphitheater, Basketball Court, Ball Diamond, Par Course, Picnic Shelters, & Grills
- ADDRESS | 1490 Broad St, Winston Salem, NC 27127
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
MILLER PARK
Looking for a little break from all the brick, roads, and city life? Head over to Miller park in Ardmore for a serene nature experience. It is on 39 acres and includes two nature trails (1 mile & .5 mile) as well as easy access to a creek to explore. Miller park also has an outdoor exercise area for adults so don’t forget your sweats!
- OTHER FEATURES | Playground, Recreation Center, Nature trails, Tennis Courts, Bocce Courts, Par Course, Horseshoe Pits, Ball Diamond, Picnic Shelters, & Grills
- ADDRESS | 400 Leisure Ln, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
HATHAWAY PARK
This diverting park is tucked away into a quiet neighborhood on 17 acres; you would never know it was there unless you lived in the area. It’s perfect for a hot sunny day, as it has shade from the trees and a spray ground to play in.
- OTHER FEATURES | Playground with rubber matting, Swings, Baseball Diamond, Tennis & Basketball Court, Picnic Shelter, and Grill
- ADDRESS | 301 Anita Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27104
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
HAPPY HILL PARK
Check out this COLORFUL & FUN playground close to Old Salem. It features a large splash pad right at the front of the park and a large track for those interested in running/walking laps. You have quick access to the Salem Creek Greenway and a small but endearing view of the city.
- OTHER FEATURES | Picnic Shelter, Grill, & Locker Rooms
- ADDRESS | 1230 Alder St. Winston-Salem, NC 27102
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
UNION CROSS PARK
Looking for a GIANT sand box? This is your park! It features a large sand area including a giant sand mound to climb and a sand volleyball court nearby. Don’t forget your horse shoes, there are horseshoe pits for some extra family fun!
- OTHER FEATURES | Softball Fields, Picnic Shelter, Grills, Tennis/Pickleball Courts, Basketball Court, Playground with rubber matting
- ADDRESS | 1935 Union Cross Road, Winston Salem, NC 27107
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
TANGLEWOOD PARK
Tanglewood is your One-Stop Park! It has all the amenities you can think of and hosts a variety of events. This is the only park on the list that has a fee, however, it is worth it! Tanglewood has one of the best pools and splash pads around! It also shares its location with the Little Walden Trail right outside the park. This trail is short but perfect for children to explore and it’s free!
- OTHER FEATURES | Playground, Horseback Riding, Golf course, Dog park, Event Venues, Stationary Train, Walking/Biking paths, Tennis courts, BMX Track, Lakes, Festival of Lights (Seasonal)
- ADDRESS | 4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012
- ENTRY COST |$2 per vehicle
- MORE INFO
JAMISON PARK
If you are looking for a park that provides more natural playscapes and structures, this is the place to go! It features a wooden balance beam, walking stumps, and “rocks” to climb. Don’t forget your bike if you want to take a ride on Muddy Creek Greenway or your pup if you want to stop by the dog park. There is also a nice shelter you can rent for a variety of events.
- OTHER FEATURES | Walking trails, Picnic Shelter & Grills, 36 acres
- ADDRESS | 285 Meadowlark Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
OAK SUMMIT PARK
Get ready to launch into space at this Spaceship themed playground at Oak Summit Park! This three story playground is out of this world, especially when the kids take off down the slides!
- OTHER FEATURES | Walking trails, Soccer Fields, Tennis Courts, Ball Diamonds, Picnic Shelters, and Grills.
- ADDRESS | 406 Oak Summit Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27105
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
CG HILL MEMORIAL PARK
If you love a picnic with a view, come check out this park with a beautiful fishing lake surrounded by towering trees. Don’t forget to check out the 500 year old hollow poplar tree at the edge of the lake!
- OTHER FEATURES | Two walking trails (lower-1825 ft, upper- 2337 ft), Picnic Tables, Playground with rubber matting, Swings, Gazebo Courtyard
- ADDRESS | 5600 Balsom Rd, Pfafftown, NC 27040
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
HANES PARK
Close to downtown Winston – Salem, Hanes park boasts one of the tallest playground structures in the area! Although this park is visited often for its playground, don’t forget to enjoy the mile long walking trail along Peters Creek.
- OTHER FEATURES | Playground, Baseball Diamond, Picnic Tables, Tennis Court, & Track. 34 acres.
- ADDRESS | 1404 W. Northwest Boulevard, Winston Salem, NC 27101
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
LITTLE CREEK PARK
Tucked into the back of a neighborhood, Little Creek Park has many family-friendly amenities. One of the main perks is a fully fenced-in playground providing peace of mind to parents. Also, this is another park that offers a splash pad to cool off on those hot summer days!
- OTHER FEATURES | Baseball Diamond, Basketball & Tennis Court, Picnic Shelter & Grill, Recreation Center, Soccer Field and a Walking Trail with connection to Little Creek Greenway. 34 acres.
- ADDRESS | 600 Foxcroft Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27101
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
LEINBACH PARK
Ahoy there, jump aboard the USS Leinbach for some SHIP-themed playground fun! Even more, jump on the swinging rope and set sail! if the playground doesn’t float your boat, take the half-mile walk around the park and through the trees!
- OTHER FEATURES | Picnic shelters & grill, quickstart (tennis), Tennis & Volleyball Court
- ADDRESS | 3635 Sally Kirk Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27101
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
QUARRY AT THE GRANT PARK
Quarry Park was built to resemble a quarry and mining operation, complete with a gravel pit and digging equipment. Take a trip down the 42 foot mega-slide, climb up with rock climbing wall, or play on the rope swings. No matter your favorite playground activity, this park is sure to have something you’ll love!
- OTHER FEATURES | In-ground Trampolines, Toddler Play Area, Wood Bridge
- ADDRESS | 1790 Quarry Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- ENTRY COST | Free
- MORE INFO
OTHER PARKS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
- BOLTON LAKE
- SALEM LAKE
Written By: Tiffani
Tiffani recently returned to Winston in September after 8 years away. She loves traveling, hiking, and spending time outdoors with her family. You can follow her at winstonsalem_adventures.
