Anchorage is a stunning destination for families with young children, featuring majestic mountains, expansive valleys, and captivating glaciers. While many envision Anchorage as a perpetually frigid locale, it offers a wealth of breathtaking views and experiences that create unforgettable memories, regardless of the weather. If you’re fortunate enough to travel here with your little ones, you’ll find plenty of exciting activities to enjoy together. Here’s a rundown of the best things to do in Anchorage with kids.
Must-See Attractions for Families
Alaska Zoo
A visit to the Alaska Zoo is a must. Although it’s smaller than typical zoos, the cooler Alaskan climate often means the animals are more active, providing a unique experience for visitors. The zoo recently added a section for orphaned wildlife, so you’ll have the chance to see adorable baby moose and bear cubs—it’s hard to resist wanting to take one home!
Anchorage Museum
The Anchorage Museum stands out for its comprehensive exhibits on Alaskan history and art. Inside, children can explore the Imaginarium, which features interactive science experiments, touch tanks, and a play area. Keep this spot in mind for those inevitable rainy days during your visit.
Reindeer Farm
For a truly unique experience, take the family to the Reindeer Farm, located in nearby Palmer. This engaging attraction lets you get up close with reindeer, and sometimes even elk, bison, and moose. The journey there is an adventure in itself—after all, exploring Alaska is half the fun!
Alyeska Tram
If you have time, make your way south along the Seward Highway to the Alyeska Ski Resort. The tram ride to the mountain summit offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, particularly on clear days. You can enjoy dining options at the resort and explore hiking trails, so plan to take some time for sightseeing along the way.
Outdoor Adventures for Kids
Byron Glacier
For an exciting family outing, Byron Glacier is highly recommended. It’s one of the more accessible glaciers; the parking fee is minimal, and the stroll to the glacier is about a mile on a flat trail. The vibrant blue of the glacier is mesmerizing, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb closer for a better look. Just be sure to bring bear spray—after all, you never know what you might encounter!
Thunderbird Falls
Thunderbird Falls offers a fantastic hiking opportunity. The wide trail is stroller-friendly, although some steeper areas may require a bit more effort. The lookout point provides a breathtaking view of the waterfall, and for those up for a challenge, there’s a rugged trail leading down to its base—just be sure to pack some snacks for the journey back up.
Eklutna Lake
After visiting Thunderbird Falls, head over to Eklutna Lake for a delightful half-day trip. Bring a picnic and enjoy the stunning scenery while the kids play by the shore. If you’re into geocaching, this area has plenty of caches to discover.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Located conveniently along the Seward Highway, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a great stop after hiking at Byron Glacier. It’s home to various Alaskan wildlife, including bears, moose, and musk oxen. You can drive through the park, stopping to observe the animals at your leisure.
Eagle River Nature Center
Another excellent destination is the Eagle River Nature Center, where you can immerse yourself in Alaska’s natural beauty. There are trails of varying lengths suitable for strollers, and dogs are welcome (just remember to keep them bell-equipped to deter bears!). After your hike, treat the kids to ice cream at the visitor center—perfect for a summer day in Alaska.
Bear’s Tooth TheatrePub
For a fun indoor activity, consider visiting Bear’s Tooth TheatrePub. This Anchorage staple serves delicious pizza with a wide variety of toppings and has a movie theater where you can enjoy a film while you eat. If you prefer a quieter setting, you can dine in their separate restaurant or at their sister location, The Moose’s Tooth.
In conclusion, Anchorage is a fantastic destination for family adventures, offering a mix of outdoor activities and engaging attractions. Whether you’re visiting the zoo, exploring glaciers, or enjoying a delicious meal, your family is sure to create lasting memories in this incredible place.
For even more family-friendly ideas, check out our post about the benefits of home insemination kits, which can be a great resource for those considering expanding their family. Additionally, for in-depth information about pregnancy, visiting the CDC website is an excellent resource.