Monday, March 23, 2009
FREE Things to Do around the Triad
By Katie M
The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer! A couple of Smarty Moms helped me compile a list of FREE things to do around the Triad with the kids. Lots of stuff on this list includes indoor fun which is still timely as I’m sure we are in store for more spring showers. So if you’ve been feeling cooped up lately either due to the weather or your budget, now there’s no excuse to find something fun to do. I’m sure there are many more things to add to this list, so please add your Smarty thoughts in the comments below. Have fun!
Winston-Salem
Hanes Mall - A great place to take the kids to window shop, ride the carousel, get the girls a pretend make-over, play on the many fifty-cent ride-on toys or in the play area outside of Sears.
Gazoodles - While it's hard not to buy something at this savvy boutique, it's always fun to look to just look around and the kids enjoy just as much thanks to the store's cute playhouse and fenced-in play area.
Confluence Coffee - We've already blogged about the wonders of this child and mommy-friendly place.
Krispy Kreme - Take the kids to watch donuts being made at the S. Stratford location, and by all means, cap the visit with a mouth-watering treat!
Salem Lake - One of my all-time favorite places to take the kids. Feed the ducks (or shall I say get bombarded by the hungry ducks) and walk, bike or Big-Wheel the scenic trails.
Greensboro
Four Seasons Mall - Much like Hanes Mall, Four Seasons offers a lot of fun without spending a dime.
Greensboro Arboretum – Walk the beautiful garden paths, participate in the tree plantings or gardening programs, or enjoy the various art shows and parties in the summer.
Farmers' Curb Market - On any Saturday morning during the summer, the Market is one of the busiest places in the city. It is a festive and friendly place where shoppers stop and chat with friends and buy fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the farmers who grow them.
High Point
High Point Museum - We wouldn't support them as a community sponsor if they weren't so great! We also blogged about this gem that is not only free, but also educational and fun!
Oak Hollow Mall - Also has a little indoor play area in the Food Court.
Any City
The Library - Always a good time, and you can look up scheduled story or craft times.
Barnes & Nobles and Borders – Story times and great play areas for the kids. Barnes & Nobles (at least the one on Hanes Mall Blvd in WS has a Thomas the Train tables too).
Toy Stores – Such as Toys R’ Us, WhistleStop Toy Station in WS, and Toys & Co. in GSO offers a fun place to go and play, look around, and have kids compile “wish lists” for birthdays and holidays.
Pet Stores, PetSmart, or Animal Shelters - Take the kids to look at, and sometimes pet, the cute little creatures.
Parks - There's a park on just about every corner in the Triad, and a sure bet for fun. TriadSmartyPants plans to review the parks in an upcoming blog, so stay tuned!
Firestations - Take a tour and climb into a firetruck. I think they will do this at any location as long as you give them a call in advance.
Indoor playground at McDonald's or Chick-Fil-A - Have lunch for a few bucks, and play, play, play!
What else? Help us grow this list!
3 comments:
We love going to Reynolda Gardens and walking through the gardens, playing under the big magnolia tree near Reynolda house, and hiking the trails. All for free!
These were some recommendations for Greensboro from Stephanie D. (Smarty Mom below!)
*The Bog Garden (right off Hobbs Rd.) They have a nice wooden walkway with some very short hiking trails off of it. We usually take bread and feed the ducks in the lake. I keep a bag in the freezer and just always save our end pieces for the ducks.
* Battleground Park. It is a historical park with some Revolutionary War statues and information. They also have a short free movie about the Revolutionary War. (Probably not good for very little kids.) The wooded trails are great for walking or for little boys to play soldiers. My sons have come up with all kinds of crazy battle scenarios based on the little bit of info that they learn on the signs and statues.
* I have also heard that Tannenbaum park is a great historical park and it is free but I have never been.
We really enjoy Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock park. They can be found online with more information!
_Jessica
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