Red Wing Park
Family of 4
Free
Duration
1.5-2.5 hours
Best Ages
1-12 years
About
Red Wing Park is a 97-acre multi-use park in Virginia Beach that offers something for every member of the family, including the four-legged ones. Located on General Booth Boulevard near the oceanfront, the park combines a solid playground, walking trails, a dog park, sports fields, and seasonal gardens into one well-rounded destination.
The playground is a strong draw for families with young children. Equipment includes swings, slides, climbing structures, and a sandbox area. The play area is partially shaded by mature trees, which is a major advantage during the hot Virginia Beach summers. Nearby benches let parents sit and watch while kids burn off energy.
For families with dogs, Red Wing Park's off-leash dog park is one of the better ones in the city. It features separate areas for large and small dogs, water stations, and plenty of room to run. Kids often get just as much enjoyment watching the dogs play as they do on the playground.
The park's trail system winds through wooded areas and past seasonal flower gardens, including a well-known fragrance garden that blooms in spring and summer. These trails are paved and accessible, making them suitable for strollers and bikes. Red Wing Park also has multipurpose fields used for soccer and other sports, plus picnic shelters that can be reserved for birthday parties and family gatherings.
With its mix of active play, nature, and dog-friendly spaces, Red Wing Park is a strong choice for families who want variety in a single park visit. It's free to enter and rarely feels overcrowded, even on weekends.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
Not available — basic restrooms are available near the playground and picnic areas but lack dedicated changing tables.
Kid Meals
N/A — no on-site food vendors. Bring your own snacks and meals. Several restaurants are nearby on General Booth Boulevard.
Setting
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or late afternoons. Spring is the best season for the fragrance garden and comfortable temperatures.
Why Kids Love It
Between the playground, the trails, and watching dogs run wild in the dog park, kids never get bored here. The sandbox area is a particular hit with toddlers, and older kids love exploring the wooded trails on their bikes.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Visit the fragrance garden in spring for a sensory experience that younger kids find fascinating.
- If you have a dog and kids, start at the dog park to tire out the pup, then head to the playground.
- Picnic shelters fill up on weekends — reserve one through Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation if you're planning a birthday party.
- The trails are paved and flat, making this one of the better parks in VB for a family bike ride with training-wheel riders.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and hats
- Water bottles for humans and pets
- Bikes or scooters for the paved trails
- Picnic supplies
- Dog leash and waste bags if bringing a pet
Cost Info
Tips to Save
- Red Wing Park is free to visit.
- Bring your own food, water, and recreation gear.
- The dog park, trails, and playground are all free.
- Check the city's parks calendar for free seasonal events and programs.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Saturday
- 6:30AM-6PM