Soldotna Community Playground

"Only in Alaska..."

...would the local playground come equipped with a pretend oil rig, fishing boat, and airplane!  This is by far in the top five best playgrounds we have ever been to.  Located right off the Sterling Highway, it is easy to get to for locals and makes a great pit stop for those traveling on the Kenai Peninsula.  Take a left directly past Don Jose's heading south.  

Every detail was thought of in the design, from the tunnel shaped like a salmon head to the not-too-hard but tough-enough wiggly bridges and climbing structures.  Parents will love the fence that surounds it, making it easier to keep track of kids at this park right on the river.  There is a separate area for the tots.  We have heard that this playground can get quite busy, but if you have a rain coat with you on a drizzly day you may find your family will have it all to yourselves.  

After the kids explore all of the nooks and crannies of the playground, head down the path through the trees (borrowing a life vest from the "Kids Don't Float" sign if necessary) and walk along the boardwalk on the river.  This is a great spot to observe fishermen both on shore and floating by, reeling in the salmon and trout.  There are a few spots with stairs for the fishermen that lead right into the water, so be sure to hold little hands.