Are you heading to Anchorage, Alaska on a family vacation? Let us start by saying you’ve made an excellent choice! With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, our home city is filled with attractions and activities loved by adults and kids alike.
With interactive museums, beautiful parks, iconic wildlife, Anchorage guided food tours, and so much more, it’s easy to make cherished family memories here. In this blog, we pick out just a handful of the many attractions and activities that your brood can enjoy.
So let’s get started! And if any questions come to mind as we go, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Westchester Lagoon: A Calming Oasis Near Downtown Anchorage
Located just a 15-minute walk from downtown Anchorage, Westchester Lagoon (also known as Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park) offers a serene escape for families. This freshwater lagoon boasts walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, providing the perfect setting for a leisurely day out. For the ultimate endorsement, this is an open space loved by locals.
Two of the most popular trails in Anchorage converge here — Chester Creek and Tony Knowles Coastal Trail — so it’s a bustling hub of activity. Expect to see everything from walking, running, and biking to skate-skiing and roller-skiing. For wildlife lovers, Westchester Lagoon is home to an abundance of waterfowl, and you may see moose and small mammals foraging.
Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and let the kids enjoy the playground while you soak in the stunning views of the Chugach Mountains.
Anchorage Museum: An Inspiring Mix of Fun and Fascination
For a dose of culture and hands-on exploration, head to the Anchorage Museum. This family-friendly destination features interactive exhibits, engaging displays, and a Discovery Center specifically designed for young learners. We also included it in our list of the best attractions to see and visit in Anchorage.
From Alaska’s rich Native heritage to the wonders of space in the planetarium, the Anchorage Museum inspires creativity and imagination. It’s a place of ideas, perspectives, narratives, and transformation. A trip here is a fantastic way for kids and adults to leave with a deeper appreciation for and connection to the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Pro tip: Check the museum’s event calendar for special family programs and workshops.
Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk: Anchorage’s Natural Classroom
Nature enthusiasts of all ages will be captivated by the Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk. Located south of Anchorage, this wooden boardwalk stretches for half a mile, offering panoramic views of the marsh and its stunning surroundings. It’s home to a diverse range of bird species — a staggering 130 different species have been recorded in this natural haven — and an array of other wildlife.
Equip the kids with binoculars and let them spot ducks, moose, and maybe even a bald eagle soaring above. It’s an educational and picturesque experience that showcases Alaska’s incredible biodiversity.
Check out some more fun things to do in Anchorage, Alaska when you have finished here. These picks aren’t all family-friendly, but most of them are!
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: A Scenic Stroll by the Sea
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a must for families seeking outdoor adventures. Stretching 11 miles along the coastline from 2nd Avenue in downtown to Kincaid Park, this trail passes Earthquake Park and Point Woronzoff, two of Anchorage’s best photo spots!
Bring along bikes (there are bike rentals available in downtown Anchorage) or simply enjoy a leisurely walk with the family. Along the way, keep an eye out for beluga whales in the Cook Inlet, wandering moose, and all kinds of local wildflowers. The trail’s accessibility and breathtaking scenery make it an ideal choice for a day of family bonding.
With stunning views of Denali Mountain and Mount Sustina on clear days, not to mention the beautiful sunsets, this is Anchorage’s most popular trail. When you’re on it, you’ll understand why.
Find the ideal balance for your itinerary by combining popular must-dos like Tony Knowles with some of Alaska’s best-kept secrets.
Anchorage City Tour with Alaskan Sights & Bites: A Culinary Expedition
Explore the heart of Anchorage with our very own signature City Tour. Our guides tell tales that immerse you in our city’s rich history and vibrant culture while taking in some of the best views and most interesting sights it has to offer.
And best of all, you can taste some delicious Alaskan food along the way! Head over to the Anchorage City Tour page and find out more about this family-friendly experience.
We have currently set a minimum age of 12 years old for our Anchorage guided food tours. However, the Spenard Food & True Crime Tour is only for people 21 years old and above. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent. We trust parents to know their child’s limits when it comes to length and activity level.
Read our blog Why Choose a Food Tour in Anchorage, Alaska? to find out why our food-based adventures are perfect for visitors to our city.
Kincaid Park: The Great Outdoors on Anchorage’s Doorstep
Kincaid Park is a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Located on the western tip of Anchorage, jutting out into Cook Inlet, Kincaid is easily accessible from downtown. But this proximity can be deceiving — this is no ordinary city park!
This huge natural space contains around 20 miles of single-track bike trails, 40 miles of walking trails, browsing moose, and spacious picnic areas. Kincaid Park is a haven for kids to run, play, and explore.
Take a family bike ride, go for a hike, or simply enjoy a picnic with a view of the Cook Inlet. Kincaid Park is where Alaskans go to embrace the great outdoors, and we invite you to join in the fun!
Eklutna Lake: A Day of Adventure by the Water
Around an hour’s drive from Anchorage, Eklutna Lake is a popular day trip destination for families looking to escape the city and embrace nature. The crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views create a gorgeous backdrop for family adventures.
And these adventures can take many forms! Rent a kayak and paddle out on the water. Pack a fishing rod and see what takes the bait. Embark on a scenic hike along the lake’s shores and the many trails winding through the spectacular scenery.
Eklutna Lake offers a tranquil setting for a family retreat, providing a balance of relaxation and outdoor exploration.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Encounter Alaska’s Famous Wildlife
Another popular day trip out of Anchorage is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a true haven for local animals and animal lovers. The AWCC provides a safe home for orphaned and injured animals, giving them spacious enclosures and outstanding care.
Most of the animals that arrive at the sanctuary simply can’t return to the wild, so they become permanent residents. The AWCC maintains more than 200 acres of habitats, allowing their animals to behave as they would in the wild.
Witness cow moose strutting around, wood bison roaming across pastures, bears cooling off in the water, and much more.
Supporting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center helps to preserve our state’s beautiful wildlife.
Book Your Spot on One of Our Anchorage Walking Tours
Now you know the best family-friendly attractions and activities in Anchorage, Alaska, it’s time to start planning those fun-filled days! Browsing our range of Anchorage guided food tours is the perfect place to start.
Do you have any questions for our team? Please contact us for the answers you need.
