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.
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!
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:
Absolutely we do, and our team works hard to accommodate the needs of families traveling with kids. Some popular Greatland tours for youngsters are:
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.
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.
Private Anchorage Sightseeing Tour
Get a perfect introduction to the greater Anchorage area on this 3-hour tour. Stops include Earthquake Park, Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Beluga Point, Potter's Marsh, and Flattop Mountain.
Private Turnagain Arm Summer Wildlife Tour
Travel the scenic Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm to Portage Valley. Take a scenic tram to the top of a mountain, cruise an iceberg dotted lake, view Alaska's iconic animals up close, or hike the many trails. The choice is yours!
Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer/Tour
Combine this amazing, full-day tour with a Kenai Fjords Cruise and Tour. Experience the best parts of the Seward Highway, scenic Turnagain Arm, and Anchorage with a local guide.
