As a born and raised Alaskan living in Dallas, during summer there is nowhere I would rather be than Alaska. So that is where we go! This past summer we spent six weeks traveling throughout the state with our now 3-year-old and 1-year-old. Below are some of our favorite places in various Alaska destinations to take our kids! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
1. Alaska Sealife Center (Seward)
Not only a marine wildlife rehabilitation center, but also an aquarium, there are so many things to do including getting to watch animal feedings or touch a sea star. If you want to splurge there are animal encounters that can be booked separately.
2. Alaska Train (Denali or Seward)
Our kids love trains for long trips. This is such a fun way for kids to travel, and for parents, it's a great way to avoid a long drive. The Alaska Railroad is a bucket list experience for many people. You can check travel times here.
3. Whale Watching Tours (Seward)
A great way to see whales, otters, sea lions, and so much more! The captains are knowledgeable and provide great information plus most tours include lunch and you can touch glacier ice they pull from the water. If you are traveling with a 1- to 2-year-old, we did learn that the six-hour tour was a bit ambitious. In the future we will stick to a shorter one with smaller kids.
4. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Portage)
A beautiful and sprawling animal sanctuary providing care for orphaned and injured animals, education, and research. They care for moose, bears, bison, and so many incredible animals!
5. Virgin Creek Trail (Girdwood)
The shortest hike with the most stunning view of a waterfall. I can't recommend this enough. It is so incredibly beautiful. Some areas are steep so plan to carry younger kids or hold their hands. If you want a longer hike continue up the trail past the waterfall.
6. Exit Glacier (Seward)
One of the closest glacier viewings without a tour. The paths aren't stroller-friendly so I recommend a carrier/pack for babies or toddlers, but our almost 3-year-old at the time was able to hike the whole way.
7. Sled Dog Rides (Seward or Knik Glacier ride and Willow for dirt ride)
Depending on the age of your kids you can do a helicopter tour either out of Seward or Knik. Another option, if you travel to Willow, is to do a summer dirt ride with sled dogs. Although not the same as going on snow, it is still a unique experience!
8. The Alyeska Tram (Girdwood)
Take the tram to the top of the mountain for lunch and beautiful views. I recommend waiting for a clear day for the best views, but it's beautiful regardless.
9. Homer Spit (Homer)
Miles of rocky beach, shops, ice cream, a pier swing, and so much more.
10. Crooked Creek Campground (Kasilof River)
A great spot for salmon fishing with lots of space and room for kids to fish, play in the rocks, or explore. There are fishing tours, but if you are familiar with salmon fishing and have your own gear this is a beautiful spot to check out.
11. *Bonus* Hatcher Pass (Willow)
One of my all-time favorite places to explore in Alaska! It's an easy place to let kids roam and hike. You can visit the lodge for lunch, tour the Independence Mine State Historical Park, drive through the pass, and hike in tons of different areas.
One last tip, if you have ever traveled with little ones you know the long road trips can be exhausting. One thing I love about Alaska is anywhere you go there are great places to pull over. Where others see a scenic viewing area, I see a spot for playing tag and running off energy. We are also just moving into the ages when we look for great parks. A favorite? Before we get in the car to leave Seward and head back to Anchorage, we stop at the Waterfront Playground so they can play before the long car ride home.
Want to see more Alaska family adventures? Here's where to find the crew:
At Alaska Tour & Travel, we specialize in building custom trips for every timeline, personality, and budget...and family! If you'd like to have an Alaskan plan your Alaska trip, give us a call at 800-208-0200.
Posted in: Best Things to Do, Favorite Places, Local Advice, Alaska Life