It’s time to think big for your next family vacation. As the largest state in the country, Alaska offers great family adventures. From wildlife viewing to hiking to adventures like ziplining and kayaking, you’ll find activities throughout the state that appeal to people of all ages. Check out the top 5 family-friendly activities in Alaska.
1.Wildlife observation
Alaska is home to some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife, including brown and black bears, whales, elk, wolves and caribou. Children and parents alike will marvel at seeing Alaska’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat on a wildlife viewing tour. And be sure to keep an eye out wherever you go, whether you’re hiking, on a cruise or motorcoach tour, or just walking. dinner.
For guaranteed up-close viewing of Alaskan wildlife, visit one (or more!) of the state’s finest wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centers. These centers treat and rehabilitate injured and orphaned animals and support important research to conserve Alaska’s land and sea wildlife. From bears to birds to beluga whales, Alaska Conservation Centers are a great way to get up close and personal with Alaskan wildlife. Many centers offer behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters so you can learn more about them. Check the following points.
If that’s not enough, you can make friends with reindeer at Fairbanks’ Running Reindeer Ranch and Palmer’s Reindeer Farm, or take a musk oxen walking tour at Palmer’s Musk Ox Farm.
2. Hiking
No visit to Alaska is complete without putting on your hiking boots and exploring with your own feet. There are endless mountains to climb and plenty of family-friendly hiking trails everywhere. Here are some of our favorite family hikes that lead to great views and opportunities to see wildlife without exercising too long or strenuously.
Want ideas on how to make hiking in Alaska as fun as possible for your kids? Bring binoculars so your kids can get a better view of the wildlife and scenery. Do a scavenger hunt along the way. Looking for a cane Have the kids carry a light backpack with some of their favorite snacks. Depending on your age, don’t look too far away. Make extra time for kids to explore at their own pace and enjoy the little things. If you want an expert to lead the way, consider joining a guided hike or glacier trekking tour.
3. Winter activities
Winter or summer, Alaska offers fun for all ages. There are plenty of winter outdoor activities to keep you busy all day long. At night, snuggle up with hot chocolate and quality family time. Enjoy winter sports such as downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, sledding, ice skating, fat tire biking and snowshoeing. Don’t forget dog mashing, the official sport of Alaska. The whole family can enjoy the thrill of riding behind a team of dogs galloping through a snowy forest. Many kennels in the interior and south-central Alaska are open year-round and offer kennel tours and demonstrations before you take your dog out on the trails for a dog sledding tour.
Winter in Alaska is also the time to attend some of the best family-friendly festivals and events such as Fur Rondy, World Ice Art Championships and Iditarod. If you want to keep the kids up a little later, consider taking a Northern Lights viewing tour. Experienced guides will take you to the best spots for Northern Lights viewing. Sometimes we have a warm hut and hot drinks to keep everyone warm. and comfortable.
4. Museums and cultural centers
Alaska is home to several world-class museums and cultural centers that delight children and adults alike, with interactive exhibits and opportunities to learn about Alaska’s diverse wildlife, history, and Alaska Native cultures. A must-see is the Anchorage Museum, home to a fun interactive Discovery Center filled with hands-on exhibits and an impressive planetarium. Other family-friendly museums and cultural centers in Alaska include:
5. Tours (from ATV to zipline)
Alaska has enough tours and excursions to fill the trip of a lifetime, and you’ll find most tours offer fun options for the whole clan. From A to Z, here are some of the top tours for families.
- ATV tours take you deep into the Alaskan hinterland to see the scenery and wildlife. Especially popular in the Denali area, many operators offer multi-passenger ATVs so kids can have fun riding together.
- See whales, wildlife, and glaciers on day cruises from Seward, Whittier, Juneau, Valdez, Gustavus, and many other coastal towns in Alaska. Many cruise lines offer family-friendly half-day excursions, with educational programs and activities for children on board.
- Flightseeing to better understand the vastness of Alaska. Children and adults alike will enjoy the aerial views and the excitement of flying in a small plane. Some tours also allow you to land farther away (such as on a glacier) for further exploration.
- Kayak sheltered coves from coastal communities across Alaska. Choose a family-friendly half-day tour. Get up close to ocean wildlife and scenery on a two-person kayak. For even more thrills on the water, book a rafting day trip.
- Families love train travel on the Alaska Railroad and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. The Alaska Railroad connects from Seward to Fairbanks, with multiple stops along the way and great day trip options. Wildlife viewing, scenery, onboard snacks and meals, and entertaining narration are all part of the experience. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad departs from Skagway and explores the history of the Klondike Gold Rush, with optional hike stopovers.
- Zip line! Need I say more? Take a thrilling zipline ride through the trees in the communities of Interior, South Central and Inside Passage. This adrenaline-filled adventure is sure to bring your family closer together.
Whatever you do, a family vacation to Alaska is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
