When Carrie Vickery takes her daughter, Patty, to Kaleideum, Patty makes a beeline to the Rooftop Playground. Here, the five-year-old balances, climbs, and swings — all on top of Winston-Salem’s interactive children’s museum in the heart of downtown. Next on Patty’s agenda: a visit to Huey, the museum’s new parrot mascot. “Every time we go, you’d think she’s never been before because she’s never bored of it. But even if the exhibit isn’t new, as she ages and learns new things, they are appealing in different ways,” Vickery says.
No trip to Kaleideum is complete without saying “hello” to Huey the Macaw. Photography courtesy of Kaleideum
Not only is a visit to Kaleideum the mother-daughter duo’s favorite way to spend a Saturday, but it’s the first thing on their list when out-of-towners come to visit. “It really is a destination,” Vickery says. “We meet lots of people there who are not from Winston-Salem.”
For those visitors, Kaleideum is the perfect pairing for a nearby destination that also reflects the city’s creative spirit, the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel. Right around the corner, the hotel boasts an artful blend of historic elegance and modern charm — much like Winston-Salem itself. Once known primarily for its deep ties to industry, the City of Arts and Innovation has evolved into a haven for creativity, where historic buildings hum with new ideas and every corner feels like part of a story still unfolding. To spend a weekend learning and exploring with loved ones, anchor your itinerary at these two mainstays.
Wander through Winston-Salem’s walkable downtown and discover winter magic for the whole family. Create unforgettable memories and spend the season together with a cozy stay in Winston-Salem. Your perfect winter weekend is waiting.
Housed inside the restored RJ Reynolds Building, the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel sets the tone for a playful yet sophisticated weekend. Built in 1929, this art deco landmark famously inspired the design of New York’s Empire State Building. From the marble tiling to the plush furnishings, the lobby is glamorous and warm, making families feel instantly at home.
In the spacious guest rooms and specialty suites, luxurious beds are topped with fluffy, white linens and stylish details like tartan finishing. After settling in, head down to the hotel’s lower level, where the family rec room offers a grand surprise: a spiral slide tucked beside a two-lane bowling alley, a hardwood basketball court, shuffleboard, and ping-pong tables. It’s a welcome reminder that fun can be as much a part of great hospitality as design itself.
Play a game of bowling or foosball in the Kimpton’s rec room. Photography courtesy of Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
During the hotel’s Social Hour, parents can unwind with a glass of wine or craft cocktail in the lounge while children play in the rec room. Then, take advantage of Kaleideum’s Kids’ Night Out program (offered on select dates), where children enjoy supervised, hands-on play while parents savor an unhurried evening to themselves in downtown Winston-Salem. Make a reservation at Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar for an elegant date night. If you prefer to keep it more casual after a day on the road, walk to Cugino Forno for wood-fired pizzas and end with an early nightcap next door at Dram & Draught.
Help little ones channel their inner architect at Kaleideum’s By Design exhibit. Photography courtesy of Kaleideum
Lace up your shoes and stroll just a few blocks to Kaleideum. As part of the North Carolina Science Trail, Kaleideum offers four floors of exhibits designed to engage curious minds of all ages.
You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the building exterior’s geometric, colorful panels — a reflection of the playful and interactive children’s museum within. Step through the doors, and the adventure begins immediately.
Learn the physics behind how things move at the In Motion exhibit. Photography courtesy of Kaleideum
On the first floor, children are greeted with open play zones filled with climbing structures, creative building stations, and interactive exhibits that invite discovery through play. Each level builds on the excitement — families can explore the In Motion exhibit to experiment with balance and momentum, then make their way to the Digital Dome, where a 360-degree projection turns science lessons into immersive journeys through space.
Finally, the climb leads upward to Patty’s favorite and North Carolina’s only rooftop playground. Families can take in sweeping views of downtown while kids climb, balance, and explore. It’s a one-of-a-kind finish that captures the museum’s spirit of curiosity and wonder.
Kids can expend their energy at Kaleideum’s rooftop playground, the only one in North Carolina. Photography courtesy of Kaleideum
If the afternoon calls for more adventure, take one of the Kimpton Cardinal’s complimentary scooters and cruise through downtown. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at Camino Bakery and stop by the Mast General Store for barrels filled with old-fashioned candy and cozy outdoor gear. In the Buena Vista neighborhood, Bobby Boy Bakeshop is known for its delectable spread of flaky pastries.
For a deeper dive into the city’s history, a short drive takes you to Old Salem Museums & Gardens. This is an entire community — complete with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and costumed interpreters — that brings the story of early Moravian settlers to life. Children love strolling through the various museums or participating in the hands-on activities, reminders that Winston-Salem’s creativity has always been rooted in tradition.
Settle in for French ambience and fare at The Katharine, the Kimpton’s on-site restaurant. Photography courtesy of Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
The soft glow of the Kimpton Cardinal welcomes families back for a comfortable evening. Plan to dine on-site at The Katharine Brasserie & Bar, one of downtown’s dining gems. The Katharine feels just as welcoming to couples on date night as it does to families sharing a cozy meal. “Patty feels fancy when we go there, and they’re always so nice to her,” Vickery says.
Direct young eaters to the chicken tenders or the fried-chicken sandwich, one of the most popular choices for adults and kids. For sandwich connoisseurs, the wait staff recommends the salmon BLT — made with seared salmon, basil aioli, arugula, applewood-smoked bacon, and tomato on a brioche bun. Vickery says not to skip the fries, Patty’s go-to menu item.
Sundays in Winston-Salem invite a slower pace. Before checkout, walk to Krankies for biscuit sandwiches and coffees. Afterward, take a final stroll through Bailey Park, or if your visit falls on the first Sunday of the month, the Trade Street Farmers Market. Here, locals gather to browse fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted goods — a fitting farewell to a weekend defined by creativity, community, and new family memories.
Ready to plan your visit? Whether you’re caravanning with the whole family or traveling solo, a hospitable welcome and inspiring experience awaits in downtown Winston-Salem. Click here to plan your stay.
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