Discover the top family-friendly activities in Alaska within a two-hour drive of Anchorage. Experience the best of nature and wildlife in this breathtaking destination. Start planning your unforgettable adventure today!
Exploring Alaska with kids
Last summer, my husband’s family visited us in Alaska for two weeks. They traveled from Poland, and it was their first visit to the United States. We wanted to make sure their trip was extra special, so we designed a fun and exciting daily itinerary that we knew everyone would enjoy. The age ranges were from 3 to 60, so we understood how important it was to choose specific activities to keep the little ones engaged and the older ones interested.
Here are the Top Ten activities we recommend for families visiting Alaska within an hour's drive of downtown Anchorage.
1. Westchester Lagoon
It wasn’t until much later in life that I realized how lucky I was to grow up with Westchester Lagoon in my backyard. This lagoon is located in Downtown Anchorage, but you wouldn’t even know you’re in the city! The area is full of walkers, bikers, roller skaters, and everything in between. Aside from being a popular local destination, it is also a popular spot for local wildlife, as you will find many birds nesting in the area and the occasional moose and even bear! There is a great trail system around the lagoon that connects with the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which is excellent for those looking to get out for a walk (or bike ride!) with views over the ocean, Mount Susitna (Sleeping Lady) and Downtown Anchorage. There is also a playground in the area that the little ones will enjoy.
2. Anchorage Museum
Damian and his nephew at the Anchorage Museum
The Anchorage Museum is a must-see for all travelers visiting Alaska's biggest city. This museum was redesigned and updated (a huge difference from the Anchorage Museum I grew up with) with a grant from a local foundation in 2017. The museum encompasses modern art and design, history, science, and culture, which dives deep into all aspects of life in the North. The museum has a special wing for children (and big kids, too!) called the Discovery Center. This area introduces Alaska and the Arctic through technology, interactive installations, marine life, and more. Visitors can learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, and glaciers through hands-on activities. Kids can even pick up a passport and document their science experiments. Visiting the museum was a big hit with our family, and I know yours will love it too.
3. Alyeska Aerial Tram
Riding the tram in Alyeska is something I recommend for everyone visiting Alaska. The Alyeska Tram is located in the little town of Girdwood, about a 45-minute stunning drive south of Anchorage. The famous ski resort Alyeska is in this town, and the tram takes you to the top of the mountain year-round. It is a fun form of transportation and provides big views over Girdwood and Turnagain Arm. At the top of the mountain, you can walk around the summit, throw snowballs in the summer months, visit the fun gift shop, or stop at the restaurant for a bite.
4. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a great activity to pair with visiting Girdwood. Just a short drive past the Girdwood turn-off, the center is located off to the right side of the road. This 200-acre land area is home to many Alaskan animals, including brown bears, muskoxen, moose, lynx, and more. The center is not a zoo but a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and animal care. Most animals here have been injured or orphaned, and the center has become their home. There is a one-mile loop around the center where you can view the animals. This road can be traveled either by walking or by car. The center also offers guided walking tours and educational programs.
5. Portage Glacier Cruise
Damian’s Family on the Portage Glacier cruise
As the glaciers are quickly retreating, there’s no better time to share the majestic glory of glaciers with kids. Portage Glacier is a glacier that is an hour's drive from Anchorage and easily accessible. From the parking, you can hop on a 1-hour cruise that will take you out to observe the glacier, massive icebergs, and possibly even the chance to see the glacier calving. Though there are many boat cruises in Alaska, our family enjoyed this one as it is one hour long. Many others are 3+ hours, and staying on the water that long with little kids can be challenging. If you have older kids or are interested in a longer wildlife cruise, I recommend traveling to Seward and joining one of the many wildlife tours there.
6. Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk
Boardwalk at Potter Marsh
The Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk may be one of the most accessible places to watch wildlife around Anchorage. This area is home to a freshwater marsh at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Located just off the Seward Highway, you will find a .5-mile-long boardwalk ideal for the whole family. You can view abundant birdlife from the boardwalk, including arctic terns, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, and more. Often, you will see salmon spawning in the water or muskrats swimming past. If you’re fortunate, you may even be able to spot a moose that is moseying beneath the boardwalk. Be sure to bring binoculars!
7. Alaska Railroad
Riding the Alaska Railroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All the train journeys wind through Alaska's expansive, wild, coastal, and mountainous areas. We found that kids enjoy this experience as they have space to move around and see some of the incredible sights in Alaska. There are many routes to choose from, and you can select one based on your travel itinerary or desired ride duration. If you have the time and it works into your schedule, I highly recommend taking the train between Anchorage and Seward. This trip provides the best of Alaska as you will travel along the coast and through massive mountain valleys. The Glacier Discovery Train is also an excellent roundtrip ride that travels through Alaska’s backcountry to Spencer Glacier. This is an experience I guarantee the whole family will enjoy.
Winter walking trails at the Eagle River Nature Center
8. Eagle River Nature Center
The Eagle River Nature Center is an excellent place to introduce kids to Alaskan nature. The center is located in a cozy cabin in the Chugach Mountains, surrounded by miles of endless walking, hiking, and Nordic skiing trails. The Nature Center has various resources and classes to help kids (and adults!) learn about wildlife, nature, and other exciting Alaskan topics. The volunteers working at the center are very helpful and have a wealth of knowledge about all things Alaska.
9. Eklutna Lake
Biking around Eklutna Lake
Eklutna Lake is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family. Upon arriving at the lake, you are immediately struck by massive mountain views. The lake has a great shoreline where kids can play. Otherwise, you can easily rent a kayak from the small shop located on the lake and head out on the water. A long, relatively flat trail runs alongside the lake, which is great for walking or biking with the family.
10. Crow Creek Gold Mine
Crow Creek Gold Mine is a beautiful, historic, and well-preserved gold mine in Girdwood, Alaska. The mine is located on a picturesque property in the mountains that is landscaped with lots of space for kids to move around. You can take a self-guided walking tour around the property and visit some of the historic buildings that are in great condition and filled with relics from the mining era. In addition to visiting the buildings, you can also try your hand at gold panning! They provide all of the necessary equipment and give you a few pointers and techniques along the way. This is an activity that is fun for the whole family!
Have any suggestions on other places to visit around Anchorage? Share them in the comments below! If you need help planning your family trip to Alaska, please contact us here!
Visiting the Alaska Zoo with Damian’s Family
