Kenai is a great destination for families looking to spend quality time together surrounded by natural beauty. Located on the Kenai Peninsula, this scenic city provides opportunities to enjoy the outdoors through activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.

It’s also home to engaging museums, a hands-on discovery center, and fun downtown shops. Whether you enjoy active adventures or relaxing experiences, these top things to do in Kenai will create lasting memories for all ages.

Go Fishing on the Kenai River

The Kenai River is world renowned for its salmon fishing. Both king and red salmon migrate through the river each summer and fall, providing exciting fishing opportunities right in town. Families can fish from the shore or arrange a guided fishing trip on the river.

Even if no one catches a salmon, it’s a scenic way to spend the day watching eagles and other wildlife along the banks. Fishing licenses are required for those over 16 years old.

Explore Kenai Fjords National Park

Just south of Kenai is one of Alaska’s most beautiful national parks. Kenai Fjords offers stunning coastal scenery and a chance to spot whales, sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals and more marine life. Popular activities include kayaking amid towering tidewater glaciers or taking a boat tour through the fjords.

For a memorable adventure, consider spending the night at a remote park backcountry site. Even a half-day trip provides breathtaking ocean and mountain vistas to enjoy as a family.

Hike Flattop Mountain Trail

A moderate 3-mile roundtrip hike, Flattop Mountain Trail offers panoramic views of Cook Inlet and the Kenai Mountains from its open alpine summit. Along the way, look for wildflowers, berries and wildlife like ptarmigan.

The trail climbs about 1,000 feet but is well-maintained with occasional wooden steps and railings in steeper areas. It’s a great way for families to soak in nature and fresh alpine air together. Bring water, snacks and layers depending on weather. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

Discover Local History at Centennial Park

Families can immerse themselves in Kenai’s past at this downtown park and museum complex. Start at Pioneer Museum to learn about early native settlement and the gold rush era. Next door, the Boat Shop displays traditional boats and fishing equipment.

Kids will love trying their hand at gold panning too. Across the park, the Log Cabin exhibits frontier living history with period furnishings. Outdoor interpretive signs also highlight remnants of a native village site. Plan half a day to take it all in.

Tour Kenai Discovery Center

This hands-on learning center provides entertaining exhibits for all ages. Kids can climb aboard a fishing boat, operate logging equipment and try gold panning. One highlight is meeting live Alaska animals like foxes and reindeer up close.

Interactive videos show underground coal mining and glacial surges. Temporary exhibits often highlight marine science or native culture too. Allow at least two hours to fully explore plus additional time if any scheduled programs are offered during your visit.

Picnic at Jonathan Saldivar Memorial Park

For a scenic spot to relax as a family, this park on the shore of Cook Inlet is ideal. Spread a blanket on the grass and admire views of the mountains across the water during your picnic. Kids can run around its spacious lawns and playground area full of climbing structures too.

Stay into the evening to watch vibrant sunsets light up the sky. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors together in town. Be sure to pack out all trash.

Shop Downtown Kenai

Wandering through downtown boutiques is another fun family activity. Browse artisan shops for wooden toys, jewelry and Alaska souvenirs. Stop for a scoop at Crossroads Creamery, the local ice cream parlor. Bookstores stock nature guides and works by regional authors too.

More clothing and sporting goods stores also satisfy shopping needs. Consider a meal at one of the casual restaurants with outdoor seating in summer. Budget a couple hours minimum.

View Wildlife at Centennial Park Boardwalk

This half-mile elevated boardwalk through the spruce forest behind Centennial Park offers chances to spot various birds and wildlife. Scan for ducks, songbirds and even beavers along the Kenai River. Painted signs identify common trees and plants to teach kids nature.

Bears occasionally wander through too. Keep noise to a minimum and admire the scenery together at a relaxing pace. Binoculars enhance the experience but aren’t required. Plan at least an hour.

Enjoy Outdoor Fun at Funny River Motorsports Park

Located about 10 miles north of Kenai, this all-season park provides activities for adrenaline seekers and enjoyers alike. Walk or ride ATVs/UTVs on trail systems winding through forests. Watch motocross competitions in summer too.

For something gentler, try disc golf or take a driving range lesson as a family. Refresh with concessions on site. It’s a top choice when hoping to burn off energy outdoors together near Kenai.

Relax at Swanson River Beach

This beach on the North Shore of Kachemak Bay is a picturesque spot to unwind as a family. Spread a blanket under blue skies on soft sand beaches. Kids can look for critters in tidepools or skim stones across the ocean’s surface.

Bear with binoculars may also be spotted in the distance. Bring a picnic and enjoy tranquil coastal scenery and sound of waves. It’s over an hour’s drive from Kenai but worth the trip on sunny days.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for scenic outdoor adventures or relaxed indoor activities, Kenai offers options to create special memories with loved ones. Be flexible about your itinerary as weather or wildlife viewing can impact plans.

Most attractions are open seasonally too, so check dates in advance. With over a week’s worth of experiences highlighted, you’re sure to find multiple things the whole family can enjoy together in this picturesque Alaskan community.