After a devastating spring that brought flooding to Petrie Island, we are so happy to see one of the area’s go-to family beach locations is once again available to enjoy this summer.
Petrie Island boasts many offerings for families. When the summer heat is upon us, many head to the beach to splash around, put up an umbrella and play in the sand, or pass a frisbee back and forth. We love that the beachfront is an area that can be explored so readily and there’s a lot of space to play. There’s also a picnic table area perfect for your next family picnic or gathering.
By walking a bit past the traditional beach area, families can enter a more woodsy area of Petrie Island where kids can skip rocks by the water and try to find various woodland creatures. There is an information nature centre to learn more about the area as well.
Kids Activities at Petrie Island
We also love the fun activities for kids – Petrie Island offers a Junior Naturalists program that’s available twice weekly during the summer. Kids aged 2-12 get grouped by age and can participate in a session that lasts nearly 2 hours long as they walk around Petrie Island learning about the wildlife, plant species and bugs living there. Every week features a different creature or species to learn about. The cost for unlimited weeks is $20, three sessions is $10 and you can bring the kids for a drop-in session for $5. Sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer. The timing depends on which age group your child is in.
In addition to the nature program, if your child wants to give canoeing a try, they will love the Petrie Island Canoe Club. For ages 9-12, participants in the club learn how to canoe or kayak or train for a regatta. While camps are being offered at the canoe club, there is also a drop-in program on Wednesday night from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm. The first visit is free! It should be noted that next summer there are plans to introduce a kiddie canoe club for ages 4-9.
A few notes about Petrie Island that will help plan your next visit: There is a small fee for parking when you arrive and you’ll also be happy to know there are washrooms available at the main building. If you are planning a larger family gathering, some of the picnic tables can be reserved in advance.
From swimming, to playing, to picnics and wildlife education, Petrie Island is the perfect place to bring the kids this summer. Pack your bathing suits, frisbees and sand toys and get ready for an adventure.
Photo credit: Friends of Petrie Island Facebook Page
Tagged under: summer,Beach,activities for kids,summer activities,ottawa,nature,canoe club
Category: outdoor-play
