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Day Trips from Winston-Salem

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Day Trips from Winston-Salem: Family Activities & Kid-Friendly Fun

The best family-friendly activities and kid-approved destinations within driving distance of Winston-Salem, NC. Zoos, amusement parks, interactive museums, and outdoor fun the whole family will enjoy. Drive times, ratings, and budget estimates included.

12 family activities near Winston-Salem

Angel Island Fun Park | Durham NC, Durham, NC 27707

Angel Island Fun Park | Durham NC

Durham, NC 27707

Just 1 hr 15 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.9 stars by 1,608 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 15 min4.9 (1,608)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Fort Chiswell Animal Park, Max Meadows, VA 24360

Fort Chiswell Animal Park

Max Meadows, VA 24360

Just 1 hr 21 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.7 stars by 798 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

1 hr 21 min4.7 (798)AdventureFamily$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia, SC 29210

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Columbia, SC 29210

Just 2 hrs 36 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.7 stars by 22,576 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

2 hrs 36 min4.7 (22,576)AdventureFamily$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro, NC 27455

Greensboro Science Center

Greensboro, NC 27455

Just 29 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.7 stars by 9,947 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

29 min4.7 (9,947)FamilyHistoryAdventure$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Desert Dome, Asheboro, NC 27205

Desert Dome

Asheboro, NC 27205

Just 55 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.7 stars by 876 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

55 min4.7 (876)Family$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Tweetsie Railroad

Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Just 1 hr 35 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.7 stars by 5,435 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

1 hr 35 min4.7 (5,435)FamilyAdventure$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Western North Carolina Nature Center, Asheville, NC 28805

Western North Carolina Nature Center

Asheville, NC 28805

Just 2 hrs 10 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.6 stars by 4,147 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 10 min4.6 (4,147)NatureAdventureFamilyFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Aloha Safari Park, Cameron, NC 28326

Aloha Safari Park

Cameron, NC 28326

Just 1 hr 31 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.6 stars by 3,548 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

1 hr 31 min4.6 (3,548)AdventureFamily$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Lazy 5 Ranch, Mooresville, NC 28115

Lazy 5 Ranch

Mooresville, NC 28115

Just 56 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.6 stars by 6,549 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

56 min4.6 (6,549)AdventureFamily$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Safari Nation Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27407

Safari Nation Greensboro

Greensboro, NC 27407

Just 28 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.5 stars by 1,490 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

28 min4.5 (1,490)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Reptile Lagoon, Hamer, SC 29547

Reptile Lagoon

Hamer, SC 29547

Just 2 hrs 21 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.5 stars by 1,093 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

2 hrs 21 min4.5 (1,093)Family$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Carowinds, USA

Carowinds

USA

Just 1 hr 24 min from Winston-Salem, rated 4.4 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

1 hr 24 min4.4 (31,898)Family$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Activities Day Trips from Winston-Salem

What are the best family activities near Winston-Salem, NC?

The best family activities near Winston-Salem include zoos, children's museums, amusement parks, state parks with easy trails, and interactive science centers. Check the cards above for top-rated spots with real drive times.

What are cheap things to do with kids near Winston-Salem?

State parks, nature preserves, and many community attractions near Winston-Salem are free or under $15 per person. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Check the budget estimates on each card above.

Are there indoor family activities near Winston-Salem for rainy days?

Yes. Children's museums, aquariums, indoor water parks, and science centers near Winston-Salem are all great rainy-day options. Look for "Family" tagged destinations above.

How far should I drive for a family day trip from Winston-Salem?

For families with young kids, 1-2 hours is the sweet spot. Longer drives (2-3 hours) work well with older kids and are worth it for standout destinations like major zoos or amusement parks.

Don't know where to go?

Tell us your interests, budget, and how far you want to drive. We'll find the perfect trip for you.

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