Juneau has nearly 20 public playgrounds maintained by the city or the school system, each with its own collection of slides, swings, monkey bars and climbing equipment. In Douglas, there's Sandy Beach just south of the boat harbor. In the Mendenhall Valley, there's a large playground behind Glacier Valley Elementary School, at the end of Trinity Drive off Mendenhall Loop Road. Another good one is next to Mendenhall River Community School, near the river off Back Loop Road. For details or other locations, call the parks department at 586-5226.
Most kids love exploring tide pools, searching streams, viewing waterfalls and sniffing flowers.
Juneau's trail system includes several short walks designed for smaller children. They include the Dan Bishop Trail, which starts at the Auke Bay School playground, and the Richard Marriott Trail, which begins at the north end of Lund Street in Lemon Creek. You can also call the local parks department at 586-5226. Gastineau Channel, the body of water Juneau lies next to, is too cold for most swimmers. On a warm day and as the tide goes out, kids may enjoy wading at Sandy Beach in Douglas, which is shallow enough to heat up a bit.