With its breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and rich cultural experiences, Alaska is a dream vacation destination for families. And whether your brood loves outdoor adventures, exploring history, or sampling delicious local foods, our beautiful home state truly has something for everyone.
As a tour company based in Anchorage, Alaskan Sights & Bites specializes in crafting Anchorage guided tours that showcase the best of Alaska’s food, culture, history, and wildlife. And best of all, most of our tours are family-friendly!
We’re perfectly placed, then, to help you plan the ultimate Alaskan family vacation! Scroll down to find our local tips and insights. And if you have any questions as we go, please just get in touch for the answers you need.
Why Alaska is Perfect for Families
Alaska offers an unparalleled mix of adventure and education, making it the ideal destination for families. Kids will marvel at the sight of moose grazing near the roadside or eagles soaring overhead. Parents can relax, knowing there are countless opportunities to bond over shared experiences like spotting beluga whales, hiking to glaciers, or enjoying unmissable dishes that you have to try in Alaska.
Our state’s wide-open spaces provide plenty of room for kids to run, explore, and connect with nature. Families can also learn about Alaska’s rich history and the traditions of its Indigenous peoples through museums, cultural centers, and guided tours.
As Alaska’s most populous city, Anchorage is the perfect base for your family’s Alaskan escape. Some of our state’s most jaw-dropping landscapes and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters are right on our doorstep, or even in the city itself! And with all the amenities you would expect from a city of around 300,000 people, you can find the perfect balance for a family vacation here.
When to Visit Anchorage, Alaska for a Family Vacation
The best time to visit Anchorage largely depends on your family’s interests and what you want to experience. But as a year-round destination, you’re sure to find the kind of Alaskan vacation you’ve always dreamed of! Our blog What is the Best Season to Visit Alaska? takes a closer look at this topic, but we’ve provided a brief overview below to help get you started!
Summer in Alaska (June to August)
This is the most popular time for families to visit. The long days and mild weather are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and all kinds of outdoor adventures. And all those daylight hours create the Midnight Sun phenomenon — a truly unique experience! Summer is also ideal for joining our family-friendly Anchorage guided tours, where you can get to know our city and state on a more meaningful level while sampling some of the best bites our food scene has to offer.
Winter in Alaska (November to March)
If your family loves snow and winter sports, Alaska transforms into a wonderland during the colder months. Enjoy activities like dog sledding, ice fishing, and viewing the Northern Lights (conditions permitting, of course!). While some attractions close for the season, Anchorage remains a vibrant hub for winter adventures. Be sure to read our blog The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Alaska if chasing the Aurora Borealis is on your family’s bucket list!
Shoulder Seasons in Alaska (May and September)
These months offer fewer crowds and often lower prices, making them the ideal sweet spot for many families. Wildlife is still active and the fall colors in September provide stunning photo opportunities. Plus, some of our tours are available year-round to ensure your family has a memorable experience, no matter when you visit.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Anchorage
Anchorage is home to all kinds of accommodation options, many of which cater to families on Alaskan adventures. Just some of the best options available include:
- Hotels with Kid-Friendly Amenities: Many Anchorage hotels welcome families with open arms, offering perks like free breakfasts, indoor pools, and spacious suites. Look for options close to downtown to be near shops, restaurants, and central attractions.
- Vacation Rentals: Renting a cabin or house can give your family more space and a cozy, home-like feel. It’s also a great way to prepare your own meals, especially if you’ve picked up fresh ingredients inspired by one of our food tours.
- Unique Stays: For a truly Alaskan experience, consider staying in a yurt or eco-lodge just outside the city. These options let you immerse yourself in nature while staying close to Anchorage’s conveniences. However, this is perhaps an experience more suited for older children.
When you have booked your accommodation, continue planning your vacation with our picks for the best family-friendly attractions in Anchorage, AK!
Top Family Activities in Anchorage
Anchorage is bursting with family-friendly activities suitable for all ages. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Wildlife Viewing: Take a stroll through Potter Marsh, a serene wildlife refuge just minutes from downtown Anchorage. Kids will love spotting birds, fish, and maybe even moose from the boardwalk.
- Interactive Museums: The Alaska Native Heritage Center offers an engaging way to learn about Alaska’s Indigenous cultures through storytelling, crafts, and dance performances. The Anchorage Museum is another must-visit, with interactive exhibits and a discovery center designed for kids.
- Guided Tours of Anchorage: Join one of our guided tours to taste your way through Anchorage’s culinary scene. From fresh seafood to delectable desserts, there’s something to satisfy every family member’s palate. Read about our Anchorage City Tour to find out more about the kind of experiences waiting for you!
- Outdoor Adventures: Rent bikes and explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a scenic path offering stunning views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. For a more relaxed outing, visit the Alaska Botanical Garden or take a picnic to Kincaid Park.
Needless to say, the above barely scratches the surface when it comes to activities in Anchorage! Find even more inspiration in our blog What are the Most Fun Things to Do in Anchorage, AK?
Best Day Trips from Anchorage for Families
Anchorage’s central location makes it easy to explore some of Alaska’s most iconic sights on family-friendly day trips. Just some of our recommendations for adventures out of town include:
- Matanuska Glacier: Just a two-hour drive from Anchorage, this massive glacier offers guided walks suitable for older kids and teens. The journey itself is a scenic adventure, with plenty of photo stops along the way. For an incredible full-day experience, check out our Matanuska Glacier Tour.
- Turnagain Arm: Drive along this stunning stretch of highway to see dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife like beluga whales and Dall sheep. Stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to get up close with bears, bison, and other native animals. Or for a combination of both and more, look no further than our Half-Day Anchorage Wildlife Tour with Lunch!
- Portage Glacier: A short drive south of Anchorage, this glacier is accessible via a scenic boat tour on Portage Lake. The visitor center also offers interactive exhibits perfect for curious kids.
- Girdwood: This charming mountain town is home to the Alyeska Resort, where families can ride the aerial tram for panoramic views or enjoy hiking and dining. If you prefer a guided experience (minus the resort), our Half-Day Anchorage Wildlife Tour also includes a unique culinary experience in Girdwood, complete with local beer sampling (for over 21s only, of course)!
Kid-Friendly Tips for Visiting Alaska
To ensure your Alaskan family vacation goes smoothly, keep these tips in mind:
- Dress in Layers: Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers to keep everyone comfortable in all conditions. Don’t forget waterproof jackets and sturdy shoes for outdoor adventures.
- Plan for Downtime: While there’s plenty to see and do, make sure to include rest periods so kids don’t get overtired. Anchorage has plenty of parks and quiet spots for a quick break.
- Snacks and Water: Keep kids energized by bringing snacks and water bottles on your outings. Many of our tours include opportunities to try local treats, but it’s always good to have extra supplies on hand.
- Private Anchorage Tours: If you’re looking for Alaskan experiences tailored to your family’s interests and vacation style, consider our private tours in Anchorage. Our bespoke tours are designed around you, so we’ll only spend time doing exactly what your family wants to do!
Keep the planning process moving forward by reading our 10 Alaska travel tips to enhance your adventure!
Don’t Miss Out on Our Guided Anchorage Tours!
We hope you’ve found this Guide to Planning an Alaskan Family Vacation inspiring and informative! An Alaskan family vacation is a journey your kids will talk about for years to come. From wildlife encounters to cultural discoveries, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting for you here in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Let Alaskan Sights & Bites help you create a trip filled with fun, learning, and bonding. Browse our range of Anchorage guided tours and start planning the adventure of a lifetime! Our excursions tend to fill up, especially during peak season, so book early to secure the tours and times you prefer!
Do you have any pre-booking questions for our team? Please don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re here to help however we can.
