Kid-Approved Alaska: 15 Family-Friendly Things to Do

Visiting Alaska with kids isn’t just a vacation — it’s a full-body, full-heart, memory-making crash course in wilderness, culture, and wide-eyed wonder. The Last Frontier has a way of making even us grown-ups feel small in the best possible way… and for kids? It’s like stepping straight into a live-action National Geographic episode where moose cross the road like they own the place (because honestly, they do). And I used to call this beautiful state my home.

From glaciers to hot springs, wildlife encounters to hands-on cultural experiences, Alaska is one of the most family-friendly adventure destinations in the United States. And as someone who grew up for most of my life in Fairbanks, I’m here to give you the local-approved, mom-tested kid favorites — the real gems that deliver big fun without the overwhelm.

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip under the Midnight Sun or a winter escape chasing the Northern Lights, here are 15 kid-approved things to do that your family will be talking about long after you’ve shaken the last bit of tundra dust out of your shoes.

1. Visit Denali National Park

Denali is Alaska’s crown jewel — and families love it because the experience is customizable. Take a narrated bus tour (perfect for younger kids), join a junior ranger program, or simply explore the first 15 miles of the park on your own. Wildlife sightings? Almost guaranteed. Bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, oh my. Summer, Winter, Fall, or break-up season (yes, that is really what we call Spring) – there is NO bad season to visit Denali.

Tip: Book your bus tour early and choose a morning departure when animals are most active.

2. Explore the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward

If you want guaranteed wildlife without waiting on nature, this is your place. Kids can get nose-to-nose with puffins, touch sea stars, watch otters zoom around, and learn about responsible marine conservation. I love the SeaLife Center! When I was younger, I spent a week here for a Marine Biology Summer Camp – it was AWESOME!

Why it’s kid-approved: Interactive exhibits and warm indoor space (a blessing on those classic misty Southeast days).

3. Ride the Alaska Railroad — A Big Win for Kids of All Ages

Scenic trains + zero backseat meltdowns = a family travel win. The railroad offers routes from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Denali, Seward, and Talkeetna. There are day trips to Denali from both Anchorage and Fairbanks if you want to ride the train but don’t have the extra days to commit to it.

Don’t miss: The GoldStar dome car. Kids go nuts for the glass ceilings and open-air viewing deck. Watching the scenery go by, especially when you get close to Denali – the views are outstanding!

4. Gold Panning in Fairbanks or Juneau

Gold panning is basically treasure hunting, which ranks VERY high on the kid-fun hierarchy. Places like Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks offer tours where kids can try their hand at striking it rich. It helps your kids get a real hands-on experience of how many settlers came to Alaska before it became the 49th state in the Union.

Fun fact from a former Fairbanks kid: You actually keep the gold you find. Yes, really!

5. Visit Chena Hot Springs Resort

A family-friendly adventure in both summer and winter. The hot springs are perfect for parents, while kids love the onsite Ice Museum — complete with ice sculptures and a chilly “wow factor.”

Best for: Winter trips when the Northern Lights often dance overhead while you’re in the hot springs. But don’t rule out going in the summer, there is still plenty to do in every season at Chena Hot Springs.

6. Cruise to See Glaciers Up Close

Give your kids the chance to witness a glacier calving — it’s nature’s version of fireworks. Day cruises from Seward, Whittier, and Juneau glide past glaciers, sea lions, puffins, and sometimes whales. It is truly one of the magical things about visiting.

Caveat: Bring layers. Even in the summer, the wind that comes off the ice can be freezing, even in the summer…or it could be raining.

7. Visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North (Fairbanks)

Easy to explore, visually engaging, full of history, art, and wildlife specimens. Kids love the giant ancient woolly mammoths, bison, and hands-on science discovery zones. The museum was designed to look like an iceburg, and with the large bay windows, you have a great view of the city below, Fairbanks.

Local tip: Visit in the afternoon — mornings often bring school groups.

8. Meet Reindeer in Fairbanks

Reindeer aren’t just Santa’s entourage — they’re incredible animals native to the north. Reindeer ranches offer walking tours where families can feed or walk alongside these gentle creatures. Fairbanks boasts several reindeer ranches where you can interact with these gentle animals. These ranches offer guided tours, educational programs, and hands-on experiences.

1. Running Reindeer Ranch: This family-owned ranch offers guided walking tours through the forest with their friendly reindeer. Learn about reindeer behavior, diet, and history while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
2. Chena Hot Springs Resort: While known for its hot springs, this resort also features a reindeer farm. Visitors can take a tour to learn about reindeer and even feed them. The resort’s stunning natural surroundings make it a perfect spot for a day trip.

Why kids love it: It’s basically a magical meet-and-greet.

9. Take a Family-Friendly Hike in Anchorage

Anchorage is one of those rare cities where you can grab a latte and be on a wild, moose-lined trail within ten minutes. It blends urban convenience with untamed wilderness — but some stand out as especially kid-friendly thanks to their accessibility, views, variety of wildlife, and ease of navigation. Below is an expanded list including distances, difficulty levels, reasons kids love them, and tips only someone who’s lived in Alaska would think to mention.

🌿 Potter Marsh Boardwalk

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: ~0.5–1 mile, depending on how far you explore
Stroller-friendly: Yes
Best for: Toddlers, preschoolers, grandparents, quick nature experiences

🌄 Flattop Mountain: Blueberry Loop & Overlook Trail

Difficulty: Easy to moderate (choose your adventure)
Distance: 0.3 miles (overlook) to 1.75 miles (loop trail)
Stroller-friendly: No
Best for: Kids 5+, families looking for “wow” views without a full summit climb

🌲 Kincaid Park Coastal Trails

Difficulty: Easy–moderate
Distance: Mix-and-match loop options from 1 to 10+ miles
Stroller-friendly: Some trails yes, some no
Best for: Kids who love exploring, active families, and moose lovers

🏞️ Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (Segment for Families)

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Choose-your-length (the full trail is 11 miles, but you can do 1–3 miles easily with kids)
Stroller-friendly: Yes
Best for: Biking with kids, long easy strolls, wildlife spotting

Top Family Segments:

• Westchester Lagoon → Earthquake Park
• Kincaid Chalet → Coastal Viewpoints

🍃 Thunderbird Falls (30 minutes from Anchorage)

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Stroller-friendly: No
Best for: Families wanting an accessible waterfall adventure

🌞 Campbell Creek Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Up to 7.5 miles (you can choose shorter sections)
Stroller-friendly: Yes
Best for: Casual nature walks, paved paths, bike rides with younger kids

🌼 Winner Creek Trail (Girdwood — 45 minutes from Anchorage)

Difficulty: Easy–moderate
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Best for: Families looking for a lush rainforest hike

10. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

This refuge rescues injured or orphaned wildlife, giving families the chance to safely see bears, wolves, musk ox, porcupines, and more. It is an excellent way to spend the day!

Kid-approved highlight: The massive brown bears, who love putting on a show.

11. Go Dog Sledding (Summer or Winter!)

Dog sledding isn’t just a winter activity — summer kennel tours and glacier sledding experiences are just as thrilling. Kids meet the dogs, cuddle puppies, and learn about Alaska’s iconic Iditarod culture.

Pro mom tip: Bring a camera. The puppy pictures are priceless.

12. Explore Talkeetna — Alaska’s Quirky, Kid-Loved Town

Talkeetna is one of Alaska’s weird charming little towns. Think colorful shops, river views, flightseeing opportunities, and a laid-back, artsy vibe.

Must do: Get cookies from Talkeetna Spinach Bread or try a giant scoop at Shirley’s Ice Cream.

13. Visit the Anchorage Museum’s Discovery Center

Perfect for rainy days or when you need a break from the cold (depending on which season you plan your visit during). The Discovery Center is packed with interactive STEM exhibits, water play tables, and hands-on science experiments.

Parent perk: Coffee, seating, and air conditioning.

14. Whale Watching in Juneau or Seward

Seeing a humpback breach is one of those life-changing moments — this is one of the best places in the world for it. Marine tours often spot sea lions, puffins, and orcas too.

Summer bonus: Bubble-net feeding sightings are common in these areas! Alaska is famous for it’s whale season.

15. Experience the Midnight Sun (Fairbanks or Anchorage)

Kids think this is mind-blowing — the sun stays out all night. Plan a late playground visit, evening picnic, or hike at 10 p.m. just because you can. In Fairbanks, you can attend the only baseball game in the world that is played without stadium lights at night.

Local tip: Bring blackout curtains or a travel sleep mask unless you want bedtime chaos.

Final Tips for Planning a Family Trip

Before you zip up your parkas or prep your carry-on snacks, here are a few local mommy-approved pointers:

✔ Pack layers — Alaska weather is unpredictable year-round.

✔ Rent a car if you can; it’s the easiest way to explore with kids.

✔ Book popular tours early, especially in June–August.

✔ Learn wildlife safety basics (moose > you)
✔ Bring mosquito spray! Trust me, you will need it in the summer months.

✔ Leave room for slow days — Alaska is big, beautiful, and best enjoyed unrushed.

Why Alaska Is a Must for Kid Travelers

Alaska has a way of bringing families together with the simple magic of wonder — glaciers that crack like thunder, wildlife you’ll never forget, and landscapes that remind us how magnificent the world really is. And if you have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights on your trip for the first time? That’s a core memory being minted in real-time.

Whether you’re raising adventurers, nature lovers, future scientists, or simply curious little humans, Alaska hands them stories they’ll tell for the rest of their lives.