# Stumpy Lake Natural Area Winter Cypress Swamp Boardwalk & Kayak Loop > 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: Stumpy Lake Natural Area, 4797 S Military Hwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23467 - Ages: All ages (elevated 1.6-mile nature trail, wooden fishing pier, and birding overlooks) - Price: Free admission and free parking - Organizer: Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation - Official page: https://parks.virginiabeach.gov/parks-trails/stumpy-lake-natural-area - 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/stumpy-lake-natural-area-winter-cypress-swamp-boardwalk-and-kayak-loop--listing-195be60586c7cb73f6618318 ## About Stumpy Lake Natural Area encompasses more than 1,400 protected acres in southwestern Virginia Beach, centered on an exquisite 278-acre lake framed by dense bald cypress trees and gum swamps. During the winter, the landscape takes on a dramatic, atmospheric beauty as the dormant cypress trees reveal their sculpted trunk shapes and reflections ripple across calm water. Families can walk the 1.6-mile soft-surface nature trail that skirts the shoreline, crossing wooden pedestrian bridges and leading out to a long wooden fishing and observation pier. The area is a designated stop on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, where young nature watchers can spot red-shouldered hawks, kingfishers, and wintering waterfowl from the boardwalk. With shaded woodland trails protected from coastal winds and serene lake vistas, Stumpy Lake provides an effortless, nature-rich family retreat. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: The elevated fishing pier and main boardwalk are fully accessible; trails feature packed dirt and pine needles, easily navigated by jogging strollers with larger wheels. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Covered picnic gazebos and wooden viewing benches are stationed near the trailhead and pier; clean portable restrooms are available at the main parking area. • Age Suitability: Wonderful for all ages from infants in carriers to toddlers and school-age children learning to fish or spot wildlife. • Sensory Tips: Deeply peaceful and quiet forest atmosphere; the gentle rustle of dry reeds and water ripples provides a soothing sensory backdrop. ## Similar picks in Virginia Beach - [Mount Trashmore Park Winter Kite Flying & Lake Walking Loops](https://grassyknees.com/virginia-beach/activities/mount-trashmore-park-winter-kite-flying-and-lake-walking-loops--listing-9e7908ef704dc49f31f3af8a) — Open on its own schedule · Mount Trashmore Park · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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