Goodbye, 9-5. If you (or someone you know) recently retired, you might be looking for activities catering to older adults. Clock in to our retirement guide, and find opportunities in Winston-Salem that work for you.

Get Fit

If you’re not planning on slowing down in your retirement, keep moving with fitness classes and activities designed for older Winstonians.

Salem Creek Greenway | Walk, bike, or run the paved five-mile greenway through southern Winston-Salem that connects neighborhoods like Old Salem, Happy Hill, and Washington Park. Check out more in our local hiking guide.
YMCA programs | Check out your local Y's programs for adults 50+, ranging from pickleball to "active older adults bingo."
Recreation center programs | Look into the programs offered at your nearby rec center — some offer classes like gentle yoga (Brown & Douglas), chair volleyball (South Fork), or adult boxing (Minnie Lee Davis Harris).

Spend time with family

Whether you’re hoping to spend more time with grandkids, children, or nieces and nephews, these suggestions might help.

Kid-friendly activities in WS | Bring the grandkids to all the best spots around town, from nature preserves to playgrounds with dinosaurs.
Day trip ideas outside of Winston-Salem | Pile into the car and take a day trip with the family to one of these nearby spots worth the trip.
Kaleideum discounts | Adults ages 62+ get a discounted $13 admission to Kaleideum, so you can bring the kiddos again and again.

Instructors will guide you every step of the way at Sawtooth. | Photo by WStoday

Volunteer

Consult our full volunteer guide for 20+ opportunities, but first check out these volunteer events that can cater to older adults.

Family Services of Forsyth County | Read to children, support teachers, and serve as event volunteers to help build healthy families.
Dress for Success Winston-Salem | Empower women to achieve economic independence through providing resume feedback, networking skills, or donating business clothes.
Winston-Salem Ambassadors | Connect with others who are also passionate about our city and help plan big events like the WS Holiday Parade or plan city tours with those who are new to the community.

Take a class

It’s never too late to learn new skills while making friends. Try your hand at adult classes offering things like crafts, acting, and language lessons.

Vecino Center for Language and Culture | Choose from a range of classes and skill levels like Italian language, Spanish language, and Chinese painting.
Sawtooth Center | The center hosts plenty of adult art classes — we recommend looking into a painting or printmaking class.
Southern Home & Kitchen | These cooking classes that range from soups and paella to cookies and Italian desserts are always a hit — so much so that you should grab tickets well in advance.

The Reynolda House Museum of American Art. | *Photo by Reynolda House & Reynolda Gardens*

Explore the arts

Beat the crowds and take a weekday trip to one of Winston-Salem's many museums, and be on the lookout for special discounts.

Friends of MESDA | Take advantage of the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts' senior membership discount for $45.
a/perture Cinema | Check out the membership option for ages 65+, which gets you discounts on screenings, events, and concessions; a popcorn punchcard; merchandise coupons; and more for $35.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art | Veterans and EBT cardholders can receive free daily admission to the museum. Bank of America cardholders receive free admission during the first full weekend of each month. Note: Reynolda is currently closed for renovations through August 2026, tentatively.

Raise your glass of margarita and customize your own taco. | Photo by @theporchws

Eat out

One-hour lunch breaks are over. Now, you have ample time to enjoy the $10 lunch deals around town, plus:

Elevated Supper Club | Retired Triad foodies will love this club that gives you access to 5-6 course tasting menu dining events with Chef Brian DePaulis.
Senior Lunch Program | Forsyth County residents over the age of 60 can take part in this program that offers lunch three days a week at four different sites.
The Downtown Grille | Take advantage of weekday specials like $10 wines by the glass on Wednesdays or the $29 signature steak burger + drink deal on Thursdays.
The Porch Kitchen and Cantina | Bring your partner to this spot on Wednesday for a new menu item weekly.