# Kid-friendly places in Wake Forest

17 listed places in Wake Forest: 12 playgrounds and things to do, 3 cafés and 2 restaurants. Each lists high chairs, changing tables, kids' menus and wheelchair access where known.

Last updated 2026-10-10, from the newest confirmation among these places.

## Narrower lists

- [Kid-friendly cafés in Wake Forest](https://ourplayday.com/united-states/north-carolina/wake-forest/cafes) (3)
- [Playgrounds and things to do with kids in Wake Forest](https://ourplayday.com/united-states/north-carolina/wake-forest/playgrounds) (12)

## Places

1. [Fantasy Lake Adventure Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/fantasy-lake-adventure-park-wake-forest) (park, Wake Forest). Quarry lake with an inflatable water park for older kids, plus a small kid zone and splash area for younger ones.
2. [Holding Park Inclusive Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/holding-park-inclusive-playground-wake-forest) (playground, Wake Forest). Fenced inclusive playground with ramped structures, sensory panels, swings, spinners and slides, and shaded seats for grown-ups.
3. [Joey McCrea Wiggins Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/joey-mccrea-wiggins-park-wake-forest) (park, Wake Forest). Park with a fenced, accessible playground built for sensory needs, plus a sprayground.
4. [Ailey Young Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/ailey-young-park-wake-forest) (park, Wake Forest). Park with a playground, basketball courts, picnic tables and grills.
5. [Forest Ridge Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/forest-ridge-park-wake-forest) (park, Wake Forest). Park with playgrounds for ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12.
6. [J.B. Flaherty Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/j-b-flaherty-park-wake-forest) (park, Wake Forest). Big park with a playground with slides and swings, a fitness court, picnic areas and a dog park.
7. [Kiwanis Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/kiwanis-park-wake-forest) (park, Wake Forest). Small park next to the library with an inclusive playground and a picnic shelter.
8. [Lumpy's Ice Cream](https://ourplayday.com/places/lumpy-s-ice-cream-wake-forest) (ice cream shop, Wake Forest). Local ice cream shop downtown, started by a dad who made small batches from local milk and fresh fruit for his own kids.
9. [NC General Store](https://ourplayday.com/places/nc-general-store-wake-forest) (attraction, Wake Forest). Old-fashioned general store with jars of candy and a small shopping cart sized for kids.
10. [Over The Falls](https://ourplayday.com/places/over-the-falls-wake-forest) (restaurant, Wake Forest). Restaurant with paper-covered tables kids can color on, fresh food and friendly staff.
11. [Page 158 Books](https://ourplayday.com/places/page-158-books-wake-forest) (attraction, Wake Forest). Independent bookstore with its own kids' area and story times.
12. [Plant Cakes Bakeshop](https://ourplayday.com/places/plant-cakes-bakeshop-wake-forest) (bakery, Wake Forest). All-vegan donut shop using organic ingredients, a good fit for kids with dietary restrictions.
13. [Shorty's Famous Hot Dogs](https://ourplayday.com/places/shorty-s-famous-hot-dogs-wake-forest) (restaurant, Wake Forest). Hot dog shop downtown that generations of locals grew up on.
14. [Strike & Barrel](https://ourplayday.com/places/strike-barrel-wake-forest) (bowling alley, Wake Forest). Bowling alley with traditional and duckpin lanes, an arcade and bowling birthday parties for kids.
15. [Sweeties Candy Shop](https://ourplayday.com/places/sweeties-candy-shop-wake-forest) (attraction, Wake Forest). Candy shop with house-made fudge, every candy you can think of, a bubble machine and a mural.
16. [Wake Forest Coffee Company](https://ourplayday.com/places/wake-forest-coffee-company-wake-forest) (café, Wake Forest). Coffee shop with smoothies and hot cocoa for kids, outdoor seating and an artist loft.
17. [Wake Forest Renaissance Centre](https://ourplayday.com/places/wake-forest-renaissance-centre-wake-forest) (attraction, Wake Forest). Arts center with theater shows for young audiences and summer stage camps for kids.

## About this list

Every place here is a listing on Play Day, and a place is listed only when something positive is known about it for kids. Any page linked above is also served as markdown by adding .md to its address.

Page: https://ourplayday.com/united-states/north-carolina/wake-forest