17 Best Parks in Winston-Salem, NC

Want to visit the best parks in Winston-Salem, NC? Winston-Salem is a Forsyth County city. It lies in North Carolina, USA. Winston-Salem also serves as the county’s seat. It is the second-biggest municipality in the Piedmont Triad. 

Cities that effortlessly blend history and modernity are among the most intriguing places in the world, and Winston -Salem is undoubtedly on that list. 

This city has grown an extraordinary art and tech scene, giving it the name City of Arts and Innovation. 

People from all over America are pulled to Winston-Salem for different reasons, as there’s a lot to see and do here. 

Whether sampling new meals, checking out boutiques, or visiting parks and natural areas, you will undoubtedly have the best time. 

Here are some of the best parks in Winston- Salem, NC.

Best Parks in Winston- Salem, NC

1. Bailey Park 

Bailey Park 
Credits: lokisurina / Shutterstock

Bailey Park is a 1.6-acre public park intentionally created for every park lover in downtown Winston-Salem. It is one of the best fun parks in Winston-Salem, NC.

The park is ideal for yoga, bikes, music festivals, scooters, and a good hill roll. 

This family park also features fun food trucks, group fitness classes, and a public movie showing. 

Bailey Park is dedicated to residents, tourists, and families searching for fresh air, a place to exercise, or a bite to eat. 

Various activities take place at this park, including festivals, cultural events, wellness activities, concerts with numerous genres of music, and more. 

Address: 445 Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States

2. Hathaway Park 

Hathaway Park 
Credits: Rossario / Shutterstock

Hathaway Park is a gorgeous neighboring park off Country Club Road. It sits opposite Forsyth Country Club. It is one of the top parks in Winston-Salem, NC.

Hathaway Park offers a picnic shelter that seats nearly 88 people, water fountains, public restrooms, green space, and adjacent basketball courts. 

Hathaway Park also has a castle-themed playground, a sprayground, and a walking trail. 

Whether you have a big kid who wants to play or run on the ball court or green field or a young kid who loves spraygrounds and playgrounds, this park has it all. 

Hathaway Park is an excellent option if you are looking for a fantastic kid-friendly park in a nice neighborhood. 

Address: 301 Anita Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, United States

3. ARTivity On The Green 

ARTivity On The Green 
Credits: Susan Smith / Flickr
ARTivity On The Green 

ARTivity On The Green is an art-themed park in downtown Winston-Salem. 

The park was established as an Art For Art’s Sake project. It was designed to provide a space for residents and artists while connecting the Art District to the Innovation Quarter. 

The rolling grassy hills pay tribute to Piedmont’s foothills and offer cozy places to play and sit. 

ARTivity On The Green features a bandstand, central water misting towers, rolling grassy hills, and a mural wall. 

The bandstand has seven steel ribbons depicting a musical octave’s notes. 

“ARTivity After Dark” concerts and other concerts are held at this bandstand.

ARTivity On The Green host numerous concerts and events throughout the year in downtown Winston- Salem. 

The mural wall has area artists. It is repainted every spring during a festival known as “Concrete Canvas.”

ARTivity On The Green boasts six entrances marked by red ground lines. 

The lines curl on the city sidewalks and climb onto the buildings’ sides. These lines peak at thirteen red towers known as the “Tower Cloud” in the middle of the park. 

The towers are at various heights to imitate the shape of the R.J. Reynold building and, during warm months, discharge a water mist to honor the city’s industrial past. 

Address: 630 N Liberty St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States

4. Hanes Park 

Hanes Park 
Credits: Dan Thornberg / Shutterstock

Hanes Park is among Winston-Salem’s most beloved parks and can be easily accessed by locals and tourists. It was established in 1890.

The Park is used by different people, including young adults, families, students, pet owners, nature lovers, and bird watchers. 

It also offers playgrounds, walking trails, baseball fields, jogging tracks, slides, swings, and tennis courts. 

The slides are a bit high, so parents do not have to bend down very low to pick up the kids once they are at the bottom. 

The swings are also higher than most, so if your kids don’t know how to swing without pushing on the ground, you will have to help them. 

Address: 1404 W Northwest Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, United States

5. Leinbach Park 

Leinbach Park 
Credits: Marko Poplasen / Shutterstock

Leinbach Park is a small public park with much to offer to anyone who stops by. 

The park is located close to Jefferson Middle School. It offers a picnic shelter that can carry about 112 people, water fountains, public restrooms, sand volleyball, and adjacent tennis courts. 

Leinbach Park has a gazebo for sitting, over half a mile of walking trails, and a nautical-themed playground. 

Leinbach Park is a perfect choice if you desire an excellent kid-friendly park. 

Try this park when you come to Winston-Salem for your vacation or getaway. 

Address: 3635 Sally Kirk Rd NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, United States

6. Polo Park 

Polo Park 
Credits: noBorders – Brayden Howie / Shutterstock

Polo Park has something that can benefit everyone. It is ideally located but nearly hidden from people with vehicles.

The Park has a playground, picnic areas, a public pool, a recreation center, and a sprayground 

Its location near Wake Forest University and Spear Elementary makes it an ideal spot for families working or living nearby. 

The Park is excellent for kids who love sports and active adults. They can use the green space and the water features. 

There’s also a diving board and a wading pool for toddlers at the park. 

Address: 1850 Polo Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, United States

7. Nelson Malloy Jr. Park 

Nelson Malloy Jr. Park 
Credits: nLumena/ Shutterstock

Nelson Malloy Jr. Park is a 4.6-acre park on Bethabara Road, perfect for individuals, families, and friends. 

The Park is named after Nelson Malloy Jr, who was on the Winston-Salem City Council for about 20 years. 

Nelson Malloy Jr. Park has many features and activities for families and active kids. 

The park has dog parks, trails, a splash pad, spraygrounds, a picnic pavilion, restrooms, an accessible and modern playground, and much more. 

At this park, the picnic shelter is available for rent. The picnic shelter can carry up to 54 people, and it has a grill and electrical outlets. 

Address: 2619 Bethabara Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, United States

8. Washington Park 

Washington Park 
Credits: Maila Facchini/ Shutterstock

Washington Park is a public park that families, individuals, locals, and pals can access. It was once referred to as Sunnyside Park and Southside Park.

The initial 17 acres of designated parkland, popularly known as Washington Park, has evolved to over 75 acres with greenways, shelters, a dog park, baseball fields, and a playground. 

The park is perfect for dogs and even provides water. So if you have a four-legged furry friend, don’t hesitate to bring it along. 

The Park helps to link numerous neighborhoods and communities.

Address: 1490 S Broad St, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, United States

North Carolina holds some cool attractions and activities, check out our guides on things to do in Murphy as well as things to do in Cherokee for a memorable time here.

9. Happy Hill Park 

Happy Hill Park 
Credits: Nastuffa/ Shutterstock

Happy Hill is among the oldest African American neighborhoods in Winston-Salem. It is just opposite the creek from Salem.

Moravians initially used the park for farming activities. When Moravinas adopted slavery, Happy Hill served as a town plantation and slave quarters. 

In 1814, Dr. Frederich Schumann started his home in this area, and his plantation grew. 

Subsequently, Dr. Schumann freed all his enslaved African Americans, many of whom were among Liberia’s first American settlers. 

In its heyday, the Happy Hill neighborhood consisted of a skating rink, a playground, local schools, churches, nightspots, single-family homes, and numerous small stores. 

Now it is home to a jogging track, a section of the Salem Creek Greenway, tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelters, a community center, a playground, and a splash pad 

Address: 1230 Alder St, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, United States

10. The Winston-Salem Skate Park 

Winston-Salem Skate Park 
Credits: lzf / Shutterstock

The Winston-Salem Skate Park is one of the fun parks in Winston-Salem, NC. It contains a 325-foot-long pump track and a rolling track of dips and banks.

It aids riders in mastering the basics of how to handle and balance their skateboard and rollerblades without injuring themselves. 

The Skate Park also has a shade structure, a searing area, a water station for filling jugs and bottles, and an emergency call station. 

The Winston-Salem Skate Park is next to Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex, opposite Wake Forest Baseball Park. 

This Skate Park is not supervised. Users take responsibility for all risks involved in using the park. 

All parents and guardians should ensure that their children put on protective equipment while at the skate park. 

Address: Deacon Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, United States

11. The Quarry At The Grant Park 

Grant Park 
Credits: moreimages / Shutterstock

The Quarry At The Grant Park offers serenity and gorgeous views a few minutes from the city’s downtown skyline. 

The park’s main attraction is the overlook pier that stretches over the eastern side of the query, providing views of the dark blue quarry water, the prominent Winston-Salem, NC, skyline, and flooded treetops. 

The Park is constructed around an old quarry that functioned from the mid-1920s until the early 1970s. 

After the quarry was closed, the deep hole caused by rock mining filled with water. 

The Quarry At The Grant Park has walking and biking trails, a restroom with crushed rocks, and a platform that offers views of the quarry, nearby mountains, and downtown. 

The Park underwent construction in the past to help improve the space by adding two shelters, paved parking spaces, and more restrooms. 

Address: 1790 Quarry Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27107, United States

12. Shaffner Park 

Shaffner Park 
Credits: Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock

Shaffner Park is a public park that is perfect for all ages and for the whole family. It is one of the best parks in Winston-Salem, NC.

The Park has four tennis courts, walking trails, soccer fields, a 1.1-mile stretch of greenway, a playground, and much more. 

The Summit School’s tennis team reserves the park for afternoon practice during the tennis season. 

The court in this park is in excellent condition. It is located in a convenient place with easy and quick access to Silas Creek Parkway. 

Besides the free courts, Shaffner Park has restroom amenities and a greenway for guardians and parents to use while waiting for the sessions to finish. 

Address:900 Yorkshire Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, United States

13. Salem Lake 

Salem Lake 
Credits: sergua / Shutterstock

Scenic nature views and gentle waters under the warm sun await you at Salem Lake. 

Salem Lake, referred to as Winston-Salem’s hidden gem, is located along the road named after it. 

The area encompasses about 365 acres and includes a 7-mile trail, providing you with an expansive view throughout the path.

Cast your line at the boat or the pier and get a fresh catch of bream, hybrid, large-mouth bass, crappie, carp, white perch, and catfish. 

You can buy baits at the Salem Lake Marina Center and rent kayaks. 

Besides the policy of the Lake to limit three rods for fishing, you are required to get a North Carolina State Fishing License and pay a specific fee. Children under the age of 16 can come for free. 

Besides fishing, you can explore other sights on a kayak or boat or stroll through the wooded lake trails and absorb the more calming nature views. 

Salem Lake’s park also includes amenities like a kid’s play area, grilling areas, concession stand, and picnic shelter where you can unwind and grab a bite after all the activities. 

Address: 1001 Salem Lake Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27106, United States 

14. Piney Grove Park 

Piney Grove Park 
Credits: Pressmaster / Shutterstock

Piney Grove is one of the most crowded parks in Winston-Salem. Locals and tourists can easily access it. 

The Park has something for everyone, including ball fields, nature trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic areas, and community centers. 

The Park also has a terrific outdoor fitness gym behind the playground and under the trees, providing shelter and shade during the hot weather. 

Addictive, Piney Grove Park has different activities for kids, and there’s even a lovely slash pad for children during the sweltering days. 

Address: 4725 Indiana Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, United States

15. Forest Park

Forest Park
Credits: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock

 

Forest Park is a Winston-Salem park with three lighted tennis courts, a playground, a picnic shelter, baseball/softball diamonds, ball fields, a baseball, a fitness trail, and a restroom.

The park is suitable for Waughtown, Arcadia, and Happy Hill neighborhoods. It makes an ideal park for families looking to play sports, stay fit, and burn off some energy. 

There is a 4,774 feet long par course at Forest Park. This par course and nature trail is a partial gravel and dirt surface that meanders through trees, hills, and the park. 

This means that while you work out or golf, you can easily keep your eyes on your kids. 

Address: 1184 Tower St, Winston-Salem, NC 27107, United States

16. Historic Bethabara Park 

Historic Bethabara Park 
Credits: Ondrej Prosicky / Shutterstock

If you are fascinated by the history of the Moravian Protestants who first settled in this city in the 18th century, you should head to Historic Bethabara Park along Bethabara Road. 

This iconic attraction in Winston- Salem was among the first settlement of the Moravian Protestants before they moved to Old Salem. 

This area spans 183 acres. It serves as a wildlife preserve and historical attraction. This place is indeed intriguing, especially for wildlife lovers and history buffs. 

While exploring Historic Bethabara Park, you will encounter different renovated old buildings, including the Moravian Church. 

Additionally, you will encounter the local fauna and flora of North Carolina. 

Many people who visit this Park come to learn about its history and participate in the fun of bird watching. 

Furthermore, its guided tours allow visitors to learn about the rich heritage of the Moravian settlers. 

Address: 2147 Bethabara Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, United States

17. Tanglewood Park 

Tanglewood Park 
Credits: New Africa / Shutterstock

Tanglewood Park is a public park and recreation center in Clemmons, Forsyth County. It is situated on the Yadkin River between Bermuda Run and Clemmons. 

Tanglewood Park is a former estate that belonged to Will and Kate Reynolds. 

The park is home to the yearly “Tanglewood Festival of Lights,” a display of lights during winter that celebrates the holidays. 

Each here, from mid-November to New Year’s Day, Tanglewood is usually one of the most famous attractions in Winston-Salem. 

The park’s route is decorated with snowflakes, wreaths, and winter scenes. 

Besides being one of the largest light shows in the Southeast, Tanglewood Festival of Lights also has a Gift Village where guests can meet Santa Claus, make s’mores, and do their holiday shopping. 

Additional attractions include the Rose Garden and the Tanglewood Park, a dog park, a public pool, horse stakes, and Mallard Lake for fishing and paddleboat renting. 

Tanglewood Park has two golf courses, namely the Reynold Course and Championship Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, 

The park also offers fishing on two stocked lanes, rental venues, an aquatic center, trail systems, and lots more. 

The Arboretum and Garden at Tanglewood showcase an eclectic mix of plants worldwide. 

Additionally, Tanglewood Park offers various accommodations, from Tanglewood RV park to Manor House Bed & Breakfast. 

Spend a few hours at Tanglewood Park and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Address: 4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012, United States

Planning a road trip in North Carolina, check out our guide on things to do in Sanford, and things to do in Atlantic Beach for a fun time.

Plan a Trip to Winston-Salem

Winston- Salem is more than a quick vacation destination. You can spend days, weeks, and months exploring every intriguing place you set your eyes on. 

The city is a fun destination for everyone, regardless of what you like. Winston-Salem Parks are suited for the entire family. You will undoubtedly have fun.