Loch Haven Park
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
Toddlers to tweens
About
Loch Haven Park is a beloved neighborhood green space in the Northwest Virginia Beach area, built around a small lake that serves as the centerpiece for a quiet, family-friendly outdoor experience. Unlike the commercialized beach parks closer to the Oceanfront, Loch Haven has a genuine neighborhood feel — it's where local families come for evening walks, weekend picnics, and the simple pleasure of watching ducks glide across the water.
The park's open grassy fields are among its best assets for families with active kids. There's ample room for impromptu soccer games, frisbee tossing, kite flying, and the kind of free-range outdoor time that kids in this age of structured activities often miss. The terrain is mostly flat and easy to navigate with strollers, making it accessible for families with infants and toddlers alongside older siblings.
The lake is a natural draw for children. Ducks and Canada geese are resident year-round, and turtles can frequently be spotted sunning on logs at the water's edge. While the lake isn't for swimming, the combination of water, wildlife, and open space creates an engaging outdoor environment that holds kids' attention far better than a standard playground.
Loch Haven is located in the Northwest Virginia Beach neighborhood, near the Chesapeake border, which is more residential and less touristy than the beach areas. For families staying in this part of the city or visiting relatives who live nearby, the park is a reliable daily destination. The extended hours (6am to 8pm) give families flexibility for morning walks or evening outings after dinner.
There are no concessions in the park, so bring your own food and drinks. The surrounding neighborhood along Northampton Boulevard has a range of casual dining options if you want to grab food before or after your visit.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Unknown
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning for cooler temps; early summer weekdays are ideal
Wait Times
No wait
Nearby Food
The Northwest Virginia Beach area along Northampton Boulevard has a variety of casual dining options 5-10 minutes away.
Why Kids Love It
Loch Haven Park is a spacious neighborhood park in the Northwest Virginia Beach area with a lake feature that kids find irresistible for watching ducks and turtles. The wide open grassy fields are perfect for soccer, frisbee, and the kind of unstructured outdoor play that kids thrive on. Local families rely on this park for after-school energy burn sessions.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The park has extended hours (6am to 8pm) making it ideal for morning or early evening visits
- The lake attracts waterfowl year-round — bring bread for duck feeding (check current rules)
- Large open fields make this great for pickup sports like soccer or frisbee
- Located in the Northwest Virginia Beach area near the Chesapeake border
- Very low-key and crowd-free compared to Oceanfront parks
What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Snacks and drinks
- Ball or frisbee
- Blanket
- Stroller if needed
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0
Tips to Save
- Completely free neighborhood park.
- Pack your own food and drinks.
- Extended hours (opens 6am, closes 8pm) give flexibility for morning or evening visits.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Saturday
- 6AM-8PM