Petersburg has an abundance of activities ideal for the little ones, especially if you’re visiting in the warmer months (May through September). Pack lots of snacks and sunblock and be prepared to spend a lot of time in the sun — it won’t set until far past most children’s bedtimes. Check out this list of kid-friendly activities to make a great start to your family vacation in Petersburg.
Spend a Day at Sandy Beach Park
Not far from downtown Petersburg, this day-use area will keep the kids busy all day long. Start the afternoon with a picnic lunch, then leave time for playing on the beach or playground. There’s also a volleyball court and horseshoe pits. At low tide, you can explore the many different types of creatures on the beach, as well as Tlingit petroglyphs and remnants of old fish traps if the tide is low enough. You can also access two different trails from the park, including the one-hour City Creek Trail hike — perfect for spotting whales.
Visit the Petersburg Boat Harbor
The three harbors in Petersburg are home to hundreds of commercial and sport vessels, and kids will love watching the array of boats passing by. You can often catch a glimpse of sea lions from here. Older kids might like to try their hand at fishing — go jigging for herring, or cast for Dolly Varden trout or even salmon. The harbors are just outside the downtown area, making it a convenient stop.
Play at the Aquatic Center and Gym
Kids of all ages will love this indoor facility, which includes a lap pool, warm water pool, and a water slide, as well as a gym with open play time. Adults can hit the gym too — there is a basketball court, weight room, and courts to play squash/racquetball. If you’re not visiting Petersburg during the summer, this is a great way to make sure the kids still get enough swim time during their vacation.
Blind Slough Recreation Area
This is another perfect spot to pack a picnic lunch and make a day out of. Do some fishing, check out the bird viewing area, go for a swim, or hunt for frogs and tadpoles. In the spring, this is a great place to see baby fish.
Pitch a Tent at Green’s Camp
This gem of a campground is a fun place for a family camping trip. There is a giant hammock net in the trees to play on, and kids can go beachcombing nearby. The campsite is located at Mile post 27 on the Mitkof Highway.
