Alaska is America's final frontier — a vast wilderness state where glaciers calve into fjords, brown bears fish alongside bald eagles, and the aurora borealis paints the night sky in emerald and violet. The largest US state by area covers 1.7 million square kilometres yet holds fewer than 750,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated places on Earth. From Anchorage's urban sophistication to Denali's soaring summit, from the Inside Passage's towering rainforests to the Arctic's endless tundra, Alaska offers unmatched natural grandeur.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Drive-through and walk-through wildlife park 50 miles south of Anchorage. Children see moose, bears, caribou, bison, porcupines, and bald eagles in natural enclosures. No wilderness experience required.
Price: $20 adults / $10 ages 3-12
Alaska Railroad — Coastal Classic or Denali Star
Children love the train journey through Alaska's wilderness. The Coastal Classic to Seward (4 hours) and Denali Star to Denali (8 hours) are family favorites. Dome cars offer panoramic views.
Price: $50-154 one-way; children 2-11 50% discount
Exit Glacier Easy Trails
The outer loop trail at Exit Glacier (Kenai Fjords NP) is paved and flat — accessible for strollers and young children. Families can see historic ice markers showing glacier retreat and get close to the ice.
Price: Free
Anchorage Museum (Imaginarium Discovery Center)
The Imaginarium Discovery Center inside the Anchorage Museum is hands-on science for kids: aurora simulator, earthquake simulator, and interactive Alaska nature exhibits.
Price: $20 adults / $12 ages 3-12
Kenai Fjords Glacier Cruise
Boat tours through fjords teeming with puffins, sea otters, orcas, and calving glaciers. Children are engaged throughout the 6-9 hour journey. Book with Kenai Fjords Tours (888-478-3346).
Price: $100-200 adults; children discounts available
Alyeska Mountain Tram
Free for Alyeska Resort guests; $30 for day visitors. The tram ascends to 2,300 ft with panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains. Good beginner hike from the top.
Price: Free for resort guests; $30/adult day visitors
Dog Mushing Demonstration (summer cart rides)
Year-round dog mushing demonstrations near Fairbanks and Denali. In summer, sled dogs pull wheeled carts instead of sleds. Children can meet the dogs and learn about the Iditarod tradition.
Price: $0 (NPS demo) or $85-120 (private mushing experience)
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Alyeska Resort
Hilton Anchorage
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (nearby hotel: The Inn at Tern Lake)
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Alaska restaurants welcome children; high chairs available at all major establishments
Kid-friendly: Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria (Anchorage, 3300 Old Seward Hwy) has kids' menu and is family-oriented
The Glacier Brewhouse (Anchorage, 737 W 5th Ave) has a children's menu
Pack peanut butter, crackers, and trail mix for long drives between destinations — services stations and restaurants are sparse in rural areas
Most Alaska supermarkets (Carrs/Safeway, Fred Meyer) have fresh salmon and sandwich options at deli counters ($8-15) for budget family lunches
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Dress children in waterproof layers regardless of the weather forecast — Alaska weather changes rapidly
Book Denali park bus seats (recreation.gov) months in advance for summer; buses fill up entirely
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (907-783-2025) is the best single stop for families who want guaranteed wildlife sightings without backcountry hiking
Bug spray with DEET 10-20% (lower than adult strength) for children 2 months and older; mosquitoes are heavy in Interior Alaska June-July
Children under 15 enter all US National Parks free; the America the Beautiful Pass ($80) covers adult entry to all Alaska national parks
Pace the trip — Alaska distances are vast; don't try to cover more than one major destination per day for families with children under 10