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.