Everything you need to know about exploring the 49th state with children
Vacations are a cornerstone of family life, and modern travel trends are big on exposing kids to nature, adventure, and a healthy dose of education. Deciding to visit Alaska with the whole family, toddlers to teens, means determining what activities are age-appropriate, affordable, and full of fun, no matter the season.
When should you visit Alaska with kids?
Most families tend to visit Alaska between May and August over the school holiday months, and as such the bulk of activities occur in this timeframe, along with higher prices for lodging, food, and tours. Winter is also becoming a popular season for families due to access to snowy-weather fun like skiing, dog mushing, and ice skating. However, the shoulder season months (spring and fall) can be a perfect compromise for seasonal activities and lower prices, so if you can swing it, consider the months between March and May, or August through October. Crowds are fewer, too!
What activities are most popular with families?
Alaska’s proximity to the great outdoors means kids of any age can experience a variety of adventures, from kayaking to ziplining or hiking. Many family-friendly trails exist in nearly every region, along with helpful safety tips and suggestions for destinations centered around lakes, rivers, or historical sites.
Not sure which activities pair best with kids? Below are some of our favorites:
- Museums, particularly those with youth-specific exhibits and activities. Best bets include the Fairbanks Children’s Museum, Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, Juneau-Douglas City Museum, and Alaska State Museum (also in Juneau). (All ages)
- National parks offer free Junior Ranger programs, ranger-led walks and talks, and hands-on activities in each of their visitor centers. (All ages, including grownups!)
- Dog mushing is a quintessential activity and the perfect opportunity for kids to become acquainted with Alaska’s state sport. Depending on kids’ age, choose either a full kennel tour with a chance to drive your own sled dog team, or take a short spin along a snowy trail with younger children in the comfort of the sled’s basket. (All ages)
- Whale-watching and glacier tours combine the fun of boat rides to spot humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea otters, and more in the company of Alaska’s towering tidewater glacier areas. These tours range from a few hours to all day and many include lunch, snacks, and onboard naturalists for an educational and fun experience. (Best suited for ages 3 or 4 and up.)
- Flightseeing provides a birds-eye view of Alaska’s rugged landscapes and can be a hit with school-aged kids. The thrill of flying high above glaciers, mountains, and coastlines is unmatched, and the cool factor is high when kids are able to pull on a headset and talk with the pilots as they cruise above Alaska’s wild spaces. (Best suited for ages 3 and up.)
Does Greatland Adventures welcome children on tours?
Absolutely we do, and our team works hard to accommodate the needs of families traveling with kids. Some popular Greatland tours for youngsters are:
- Anchorage or Fairbanks Private Sightseeing Tour
- Winter Dogsledding Tour
- Private Chugach State Park Guided Hiking Tour
- Spencer Glacier Iceberg Kayaking Tour (ages 10+)
- Private Matanuska Glacier Tour (ages 5+)
It is also possible to turn nearly any Greatland Adventures tour (including northern lights tours) into a private experience for your family or group visiting Alaska with children. Simply call our office 1+ (907) 980-8179 to discuss with our professional and experienced staff.
Should we pack special gear for kids?
The short answer is YES. For a safe and comfortable Alaska experience, youngsters should have gear appropriate for changing conditions and suitable for the plethora of active adventures around the state.
Alaska’s car seat laws specify that all children under 4’9” and under 65 lbs be properly secured in a car seat or appropriate booster any time they are in a vehicle, and this includes our tour vans. If you did not travel with your child’s booster or car seat, please let our staff know when booking, and we’ll provide a seat for your tour.
Footwear should be waterproof, comfortable, and easily grip slippery surfaces. Clothing should be non-cotton and part of a layering plan that provides both insulation and the ability to be shed or added as weather changes (and it will). Parents and caregivers should also remember that even in the summer, Alaska can get quite a lot of rain, particularly in the southeast region, so a high-quality rain jacket, pants, and rubber boots are a good idea.
Alaska’s famous ‘midnight sun’ can also be a tough part of a summertime visit for kids whose bodies tell them to stay awake even after bedtime has passed, so consider a sleep mask for each family member to invite solid slumber.
For families visiting over the winter months, it is critical to add warm snow boots, pants, and parkas to the packing list, along with mittens (to keep fingers far toastier than gloves), and a warm hat covering the ears. Portable hand and foot warmers are a lifesaver on really cold days, as is a face mask to keep noses and chins covered. Depending upon the activity, your tour guides can also recommend specific gear if required, so don’t be afraid to ask!
If traveling with very small children, a front or back carrier can be a lifesaver on hikes and walks, and a stroller with pivoting wheels and rugged tires will be helpful on uneven terrain.
Don’t forget a small backpack for kids, and pack a journal, pens, books, or other self-guided amusements for long car or train rides and quiet times.
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