Learning doesn’t have to stop when the school day ends. Around Winston-Salem, there are plenty of opportunities to turn an ordinary afternoon or weekend into a chance to explore, create, experiment, and discover something new.
From hands-on science and engineering to art and the natural world, these three local destinations make learning feel a lot like play.
Explore & Experiment at Kaleideum
Located in downtown Winston-Salem, Kaleideum brings science, technology, engineering, arts, and math together through hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences designed to inspire curiosity.
Young explorers can experiment and create in the Try It! Studio, discover the natural world, explore water and motion, or head into the Digital Dome for immersive experiences that can travel from outer space to inside the human body. With a variety of exhibits and programs to discover, there is always something new to spark a question or inspire an idea.
Make Something at MIXXER
For those who love figuring out how things work or turning an idea into something they can hold in their hands, MIXXER Community Makerspace offers a different kind of learning experience.
The Winston-Salem makerspace provides access to tools, technology, training, and a community of makers. Its youth programming focuses on STEAM learning, with camps and other opportunities for students in grades 6–12. Depending on current class offerings, visitors might encounter everything from sewing and woodworking to digital design and other hands-on skills. It’s a place where creativity and problem-solving come together and where learning often starts with simply asking, “What can I make?”
Discover Art & Nature at Reynolda
Learning can happen outdoors, too. Reynolda offers the opportunity to explore American art, history, and nature across the historic estate.
Inside Reynolda House, works of American art can encourage young visitors to look a little closer and discover the stories behind what they see. Step outside and the learning continues throughout Reynolda Gardens, where you can explore the landscape and natural world together. Reynolda also offers various programming throughout the year, including creative workshops and nature-focused experiences.
