Alaska for Families: Let the Adventure Begin!
Is Alaska on your family travel bucket list? If so, you’re far from alone. And if not, it’s time to reconsider this land of mystery and majesty! A vast expanse of wilderness, the 49th state offers countless opportunities to get off-the-beaten-path while experiencing the natural world at its most pristine. You’ll enjoy chances to observe wildlife in unspoiled habitats, go on rip-roaring frontier adventures, and much more.
After all, Alaska is twice the size of Texas and packs in incredible experiences. There’s something for every member of your family. Where to start? Let’s explore some of the best vacation spots in Alaska for families.
Savor a Coastal Classic Train Ride from Anchorage to Seward
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What’s on the best Alaska Itinerary for families? For starters, catching a Coastal Classic train ride from Anchorage to Seward, where you’ll savor spectacular views of Alaska. Depart Anchorage on railroad tracks running parallel to the Coastal Trail and pass by Westchester Lagoon. Ten miles into your journey, scope out a one-of-a-kind neighborhood filled with bush planes and short grassy strips for takeoff and landing.
As you continue, descend to sea level following the Turnagain Arm. Enjoy views of Potter’s Marsh, where migratory birds abound. Keen-eyed guests may see an occasional moose or eagle soaring overhead. Leaving the coast, the train climbs into the Kenai Mountains and the magnificent Chugach National Forest, which gives way to breathtaking views of nearly six million acres, the second-largest national forest in the US.
After traversing the picturesque Placer River Canyon, journey past rugged Bartlett Glacier. Take in the picturesque expanse known as Grandview after reaching a 1,063-foot pass in the Kenai Mountains. To say you’ll go shutter crazy on your family trip to Alaska is an understatement as you attempt to capture every angle of this marvelously scenic leg of the trip!
Go Wild in Alaska on a Sea Kayaking Adventure
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The sublime natural beauty of Alaska comes to vibrant life on a sea kayaking adventure into the heart of America’s last frontier. Imagine feeling encompassed by the Great Outdoors, from the turquoise blue waters of the bay to the snowy alpine glaciers of Alaska. During your family vacation to Alaska, explore rugged cliffs against the backdrop of periwinkle skies and protected coves, and catch glimpses of sea otters feeding on mollusks and sea urchins.
Kids will enjoy the chance to master paddling along the shoreline of Resurrection Bay, and parents will soak up the peace and serenity of wildlife observation from the water. What can you and your family expect to see during your journey? Besides sea otters, enjoy excellent views of seabirds, eagles, spawning salmon, and more.
Soak in verdant spruce forests off the coast. And keep your eyes open for humpback whales gliding by and pods of orcas breaching the water. An invigorating half-day excursion will let you see Alaska from a unique perspective while learning about the behavior and activities of local wildlife. Find out more about All Alaska Tours’ Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure Tour departing from Sitka.
Explore the Pristine Harding Icefield
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Soak in one of the most spectacular alpine locations on the planet during a hike along the Harding Icefield. This nine-mile round trip trail includes elevation gains of 1,000 feet per mile, making it a strenuous trek delivering glorious vistas.
If your family would prefer a more leisurely adventure, take the exit onto Glacier Overlook Trail. This four-mile round trip hike is great for active families, even those with small children.
No matter which trail you choose to take, get ready for views of pristine alpine vegetation. And stay on the lookout for wildlife along the hike. What might you see during your trip? Everything from mountain goats to bears and hoary marmots. An expedition on the Harding Icefield represents an unforgettable adventure.
Discover Kenai Fjords National Park
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Head out on a six-hour boat trip from Seward, Alaska, enjoying a marine perspective of Kenai Fjords National Park. The coastal town of Seward sits along Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula at the head of Resurrection Bay. There’s no better place to launch the wilderness expedition your family has always craved.
If you choose a private small boat charter, enjoy activities custom-tailored to your family’s interests. For example, you may direct the captain to head out for some whale watching, or you may request checking out the habitat of other sea mammals. Or if the open waters are rough, you can choose to stay within Resurrection Bay and sit back and relax on a comfortable cruise following its scenic coastal waters.
Learn About Wildlife at the Seward Sea Life Center
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A visit to the Seward Sea Life Center represents an excellent way to incorporate marine education into your trip to Alaska. What will your family see on a trip to the center? Located on the shores of Resurrection Bay, the institution sits at “Mile 0” of the scenic Seward Highway. Your family will enjoy encounters with sea lions, harbor seals, octopuses, and puffins. Along the way, learn about the work researchers do in laboratories and in the field.
The kids will also enjoy their “Discovery Touch Pools.” These touch tanks are open so you can touch any of the creatures inside, which include anemones, sea cucumbers, sea stars, and hermit crabs that can be found in the ocean all around Alaska.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Alaska Sea Life Center’s (ASLC) work is their rehabilitation efforts with Alaska’s stranded, abandoned, and injured animals. The only facility in Alaska authorized to help marine animals in need, the organization also plays a critical role when it comes to helping wildlife troubled by unusual events such as oil spills and natural disasters.
What’s more, the center fills many roles, from screening for conditions of concern, providing humane animal care, and training staff and partners for speedy responses. Learn more about the incredible species you’ll see during a visit.
Go on the Ultimate Northern Lights Expedition
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For the kind of quest you’d find only in the pages of a Jack London novel, head out on a Northern Lights Tour through Alaska Railroad. Begin your journey in Anchorage, where you’ll board the Aurora Winter Train heading to the quaint town of Talkeetna for two nights. There, enjoy a guided sled dog tour featuring animals from an Iditarod champion kennel and a cozy igloo experience.
Next, continue north to Fairbanks, where you’ll soak in world-class views of the Northern Lights. After a late night of aurora borealis hunting, head to the hot springs at Chena for a soak before another night of Northern Light hunting in Fairbanks. Your family will fall in love with this chance to heed the “Call of the Wild.” Or for families who’d like to throw the North Pole into the mix, check out this Northern Lights and Polar Bears experience.
Alaska for Families
Enjoy tremendous Alaska explorations while discovering the best that America’s last frontier has to offer. From spectacular train rides to private boat rides and sea kayaking, get ready for an exhilarating expedition like none other. Along the way, relish opportunities to hike icefields, revel in stunning alpine vistas, appreciate the aurora borealis, and even delight in a dog sledding excursion.
Can’t wait to start planning your Alaska family vacation? We’re here to help! Let’s schedule a phone call to discuss your family’s unique travel style and goals. We can help you craft a detailed plan sure to satisfy your wildest Alaska adventure dreams.
