# Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Winter Boardwalk Nature Walk > Place to go for families in the Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–Norfolk area (VA / NC). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open on its own schedule - Where: Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Underground Railroad Pavilion & Boardwalk, 1200 Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Chesapeake, VA 23323 - Ages: All ages (accessible 1-mile elevated boardwalk loop and historic outdoor exhibits) - Price: Free admission and free parking open daily sunrise to sunset - Organizer: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Official page: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/great-dismal-swamp - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/virginia-beach/activities/great-dismal-swamp-national-wildlife-refuge-winter-boardwalk-nature-wa--listing-35a2f9de650cd4df9f38bbb4 ## About Spanning the border between Chesapeake and Suffolk, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge preserves over 112,000 acres of one of the most ecologically significant wilderness habitats in North America. Winter offers the optimal time for families to visit, as insects are completely dormant, temperatures are pleasantly cool, and fallen leaves open panoramic sightlines through towering Atlantic white cedar and bald cypress canopies. Families can stroll along the wheelchair- and stroller-accessible Dismal Swamp Boardwalk Trail, an elevated mile-long wooden pathway winding through historic peat wetlands. Interpretive panels along the route illuminate the swamp's vital role as a refuge for self-emancipated enslaved people along the Underground Railroad network, as well as its rich biodiversity of winter owls, black bears, and woodpeckers. Peaceful, mystical, and deeply educational, a winter boardwalk walk here immerses families in Virginia's living history. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Fully accessible elevated wooden boardwalk with protective side railings, providing a smooth, level surface suitable for all strollers and mobility devices. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Shaded resting pavilions with built-in benches are situated every quarter mile along the boardwalk; portable restrooms are located at the trailhead parking lot. • Age Suitability: Engaging for all generations, from infants in strollers to energetic elementary students and history-loving teenagers. • Sensory Tips: Remarkably tranquil and serene forest atmosphere; the muted winter colors and gentle sounds of rustling reeds and tapping woodpeckers create a calming nature experience. ## Similar picks in Virginia Beach - [Stumpy Lake Natural Area Winter Cypress Swamp Boardwalk & Kayak Loop](https://grassyknees.com/virginia-beach/activities/stumpy-lake-natural-area-winter-cypress-swamp-boardwalk-and-kayak-loop--listing-195be60586c7cb73f6618318) — Open on its own schedule · Stumpy Lake Natural Area · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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