It's worth planning some extra time at the beginning or end of your Alaska adventure. Here's our family friendly suggestions:
Tour: Alaskan Wildlife- Minutes after your guide picks you
up, you will find yourself surrounded by the majestic peaks and water views of
the Turnagain Arm area. Along the way your guide will help you look for
wildlife such as sheep, moose, and beluga whales. Arrive at the Alaska Wildlife
Conservation Center and you will visit with elk, bears, moose, caribou, and the
Arctic Musk Ox.
Duration: Around 4 hours
The Alaska Zoo-Set on 25 acres of
the Anchorage Hillside, it’s smaller than most Zoo’s, but the animals tend to
be more active because of the cooler temperatures than traditional Zoo’s. The
Zoo specializes in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, many of the
animals were found orphaned or injured. Open daily, hours vary monthly.
The Anchorage Museum- Known for it’s
displays of Alaskan history and art, there is an excellent Imaginarium for kids
complete with touch tanks, science experiments, and a play area. Open 9 am to 6
pm daily from 5/1-9/30.
Reindeer Farm- Tours are guided with
information about the animals, and you will be able to enter the pen to pet and feed the reindeer, Dolly
the Bison, Rocky the Moose, and a small herd of Elk. Open 10 am to 6 pm daily
from 5/1-9/3, plus limited hours the month of September.
Byron
Glacier- The best glacier to visit with kids. The walk from
the parking lot is only a mile long on an easy, flat trail.
Thunderbird Falls and Eklutna Lake- Thunderbird Falls is a great family hike! The
trail is wide enough to push a stroller, although there are a few steep spots.
After a short climb you will arrive at the Falls. Eklutna Lake is a great place
for a picnic lunch, playing in the water and doing some geo-caching.