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Looking for fun and engaging ways to spend time indoors? This guide offers a variety of creative, active, and relaxing indoor activities in Winston-Salem, perfect for any mood or weather.
Updated January 2026
Get Active
From beginners to pros, FirstHand Climbing has routes for everyone! Plus, monthly wall resets ensure a constantly evolving challenge for regulars. During the winter, go ice skating at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. No skates? No problem — rentals are available for just $3.
- Note: Ice skating hours vary weekly, so check the schedule before you go.
Attend a Concert
Winston-Salem hosts dozens of live music shows every weekend, from big-name acts at The Ramkat to intimate sets at local bars and breweries.
- Tune In: Check our live music guide — updated weekly — for who’s playing and where.
Visit the Bookstore
There’s nothing like perusing the shelves of a local bookstore for your next read. Bookmarks, The Bookhouse, and Mountain & Main Bookstore have comfy seating areas where you can immediately dive into your new book.
- Bonus: These bookstores also host events! Meet bestselling authors at Bookmarks, share your work at The Bookhouse’s poetry slams, or join Main & Mountain’s monthly book club.
Play Trivia or Music Bingo
Put your random knowledge to the test at local favorites like Incendiary Brewing, Fiddlin’ Fish, and Little Brother Kernersville.
- Don’t Miss: Our weekly event guides show you exactly where the fun is each day.
Watch a Movie
Did you know there’s a boutique movie theater downtown? A/perture showcases a mix of blockbuster, indie, and rereleased films!
Admire Artwork
Winston-Salem is known as the City of Arts and Innovation for a reason! Wander the halls and galleries of one of these 12+ local art galleries, including Reynolda House Museum and the Delta Arts Center.
Take a Class
Learn a New Skill
Try your hand at a wide variety of hands-on art classes at Sawtooth or stretch your mind with Mahjong lessons.
DIY Classes
Get creative with DIY classes like painting, floral arranging, and candle-making, or pick up new dance moves at these local studios and socials.
- Pro Tip: Subscribe to our newsletter to find out when classes are happening.
For the Kids
Take the kids to Kaleideum for hands-on exhibits and interactive displays where they can engineer a roller coaster, create an animation, and much more! Urban Air, Airbound, or Surge are also great options if your kids are more active. Check out even more ideas in our kids’ activities guide.
- Bonus: Both Kaleideum and Airbound also host adult-only nights!
Get Your Game On
Feeling competitive? Beat the high score at Dive Bar or Village Square Arcade, perfect your swing in Whiskey, Taps & Tails’ golf simulator, bowl a strike at ROAR or Miller’s on Robinhood, or play virtual reality games at Ctrl V.
Shop Local
Support local small business owners when you browse a boutique, pick up a gift from a local gift shop or home decor store, or search for treasures at a thrift store.
