News Summary
Virginia Beach has debuted Owl Creek Landing, a new outdoor park boasting the nation’s longest steel slide, a forested playground, canopy walk, and family-friendly amenities. The park aims to provide inclusive outdoor experiences with scenic views, wildlife observation, and engaging activities for all ages. Additional features include a treehouse village, ADA access, planned evening LED lighting, and upcoming holiday events. Located at 801 General Booth Blvd., the park is set to become a popular destination for residents and visitors seeking nature-filled adventures, with future expansions connecting to the Adventure Park of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Museum.
Virginia Beach has unveiled Owl Creek Landing, a new outdoor attraction that features an expansive forested playground and the centerpiece of the park, The Whorl, which is now recognized as the longest steel slide in the United States. The grand opening of Owl Creek Landing has immediately attracted families seeking outdoor experiences and adventures.
The Whorl is housed within an impressive 65-foot-tall observation tower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Measuring 117 feet in length, this unique slide is specifically designed for riders who are at least seven years old. Safety is prioritized as riders embark down the slide using specially designed felt mats, sitting securely with straps in hand and utilizing footmuffs for added comfort during their descent. Light streams into the enclosed tube through small portholes, enhancing the excitement of the slide experience.
Owl Creek Landing connects to the Adventure Park of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Museum, broadening its appeal to visitors. The park is designed to be inclusive, offering approximately 40% of the hanging canopy walk as ADA accessible. The canopy walk itself reaches impressive heights of nearly 30 feet, winding its way around the towering loblolly pine trees, allowing families to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
For younger children, the park includes a tree house village specifically tailored for kids aged two and older. Owl Creek Landing is accessible via a bridge that crosses over Owl Creek, reinforcing the connection to nature and wildlife. The park’s design aims to create a memorable experience that welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities.
Visitors can enjoy Owl Creek Landing during designated hours, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and extending hours to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Ticket prices are set between $13 and $28, depending on the age of the visitor, with various discounts available. Plans for family day and season passes are expected to roll out in the near future.
To further enhance evening experiences, LED lighting installations are planned for Owl Creek Landing this fall. Additionally, special holiday events, such as a dinosaur-themed Halloween and a fairy-themed celebration, are being organized to engage families throughout the year. Weekly activities will include Wildlife Wednesdays, featuring guided nature walks led by park staff, along with a morning run club on Saturdays, promoting health and outdoor activity.
Nature enthusiasts can expect to observe local wildlife, including birds such as pileated woodpeckers, egrets, herons, and belted kingfishers in the surrounding area. Owl Creek Landing is strategically located at 801 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, making it a convenient destination for residents and visitors alike. Parking fees are set at $5 from April 1 to October 31, with complimentary parking available during the other months.
Looking ahead, the completion of a connecting bridge to the Adventure Park is anticipated by next summer, further expanding the offerings and accessibility of this exciting new outdoor destination. Owl Creek Landing promises to be a valuable addition to Virginia Beach, drawing residents and tourists seeking nature-filled adventures.
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online
- Wikipedia: Virginia Beach
- WAVY News
- Google Search: Virginia Beach Owl Creek Landing
- WTKR News
- Google Scholar: Owl Creek Landing Virginia Beach
- Northern Virginia Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Beach
- 13 News Now
- Google News: Owl Creek Landing
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
