Discover for Yourself the Best Alaska Family Adventure Vacations

Alaska is a top destination for family vacations with many of the state’s most exciting adventures, activities and attractions being family friendly. From fun fairs and festivals to active outdoor pursuits like wildlife viewing, kayaking, rafting, and fishing, visiting Alaska is just action-packed fun for kids of all ages. And with “go-go” nature centers and zoos showcasing Alaska’s most popular animals, to popular national parks and guided educational opportunities, Alaska destinations across the state captivate travelers of all ages.

Family-Friendly Alaska Festivals, Local Events and Fairs

•  The Alaska State Fair (in Palmer) is a quintessential Alaska experience and the perfect family day trip from Anchorage. Running from late August to early September, the vibrant atmosphere and diverse attractions at this state fair – monster vegetables, thrilling carnival rides, friendly farm animals, fresh Alaska cuisine, and small-town charm – ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

• The same goes for the Tanana Valley State Fair (in Fairbanks), a smaller yet beloved local event showcasing the Golden Heart of Interior Alaska life. Held in early August, this fair offers a delightful mix of agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, fair food and live entertainment.

• The Kenai Peninsula Fair (in Ninilchik) is perfect for families exploring the Kenai Peninsula during mid-August. This fun event hosts an afternoon of local culture, livestock, craft booths, games and other fair family favorites.

• The Forest Fair (in Girdwood) is another low-key, good-vibes celebration of Alaska’s natural beauty. Held in early July, the free fair features local artisans, live performances, and food stalls, all set in a picturesque forest. It’s an ideal family day trip for Anchorage-based families looking for sme local fun before or after or during their Alaska vacation.

• The 4th of July Celebration (in Seward). When Independence Day arrives, so do the masses in usually quiet Seward. The highlight of this event is the iconic Mount Marathon Race, a grueling mountain run that draws athletes from around the world. There’s also a parade, food booths, and other family-friendly activities and on the nights of July 3^rd and 4^th, there are big-time displays of fireworks.

• The Seward Mermaid Festival is another fun festival held in May and is a whimsical celebration highlighting the enchantment of the sea and Seward lifestyles. Kids will love the weekend’s parades, costume contests, and other mermaid-themed activities.

Family Fun Nature Centers in Alaska 

• The Alaska Sealife Center (in Seward) is a must-visit for all Alaska visitors and especially for families. This Center includes a state-of-the-art facility offering interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and live animal displays with a diverse array of marine wildlife. Kids can get up close to sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, octopuses, Alaska’s famous fish (salmon and halibut), and invertebrates like sea stars and anemones. You can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters (for an extra fee). Everyone leaves the Alaska Sealife Center entertained and educated about the center’s marine conservation efforts, making it a meaningful and memorable family outing.

• The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (in Portage) is a world-famous mecca is one of Alaska’s most popular destinations, dedicated to the preservation of Alaska’s wildlife and allowing visitors to get up close to Alaska’s most famous wildlife in a natural outdoor setting. Families can drive through or walk around the center to see bears, moose, bison, and so much more, and learn about the center’s wildlife conservation mission keeping these native animals thriving.

• The Alaska Zoo (in Anchorage) offers a more traditional zoo experience for families giving them access to both local Alaska-based polar bears, moose and wolverines as well as more exotic animals, from to snow leopards to Tibetan yaks. Visitors can enjoy guided zoo tours, behind-the-scenes bear encounters, educational programs, special events, and the always popular petting zoo.

• Imaginarium Discovery Center (in Anchorage) is part of the Anchorage Museum and hosts hands-on science exhibits which captivate children and adults alike. Interactive displays featuring physics, biology, and earth sciences make for a great family-focused indoor adventure on a rainy day.

• The Eagle River Nature Center is nestled in the Chugach Mountains and offers scenic trails and educational programs perfect for families. Visitors can explore the area’ s natural beauty, learn about wildlife, and participate in guided hikes. Entry is free (though parking isn’t) and donations are appreciated.

• Alaska Botanical Gardens (in Anchorage) provides a serene vacation break for families with trails and arts and crafts activities for kids. Open year-round, these gardens offer workshops, guided tours, and seasonal events that engage visitors of all ages.

• Musk Ox Farm and Alaska Reindeer Farm (in Palmer) are kid-popular destinations that allow families to get up close to fascinating Arctic animals. The Musk Ox Farm offers guided tours that provide insights into the life and conservation of these wooly residents while the Alaska Reindeer Farm is a delightful experience for families who wish to interact with reindeer and other farm animals. Guided tours, petting sessions, and pony rides are also available in the summer season.

• Exit Glacier Nature Center (in Seward) is the starting point for hiking trails and ranger-led programs focused on this fascinating glacial area. Trails vary in difficulty, so pick the right one for your family crew. The center is free to visit (donations encouraged) in the summer but is closed during the winter.

• Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center (in Seward) is a magical place showcasing marine wildlife and aquatic adventures. The Center is the gateway to the fjords and is an on-land learning spot for kids who can join the Junior Ranger program and participate in educational and entertaining activities. Entry is free.

• Center for Alaska Coastal Studies (in Homer) is a hotspot for family-friendly activities, including hiking trails at the Wynn Nature Center and tidepool fun at the Yurt on the Homer Spit. Programs provide hands-on learning about coastal ecosystems. The center operates seasonally, and most activities are free.

The Best Alaska Family Vacation Tours

With over 30 years guiding families on adventures all over Alaska, we do have our opinions about the best Alaska family vacations. Our team are statewide specialists and Alaska itinerary experts. We want to ensure that families experience Alaska just the way they want to so that they can maximize every single second of their Alaska vacation. That includes helping families see their preferred Alaska’s highlights while also having quality time together and allowing for some flexibility in their itineraries.

Here are a couple of examples of popular Alaska family vacation itineraries: 

Alaska Family Driving Vacation: This 9-day self-guided driving tour allows families to explore Alaska’s scenic highways and charming towns at their own pace. This tours itinerary includes stops at two iconic national parks, a visit to Spencer Glacier, a ride on the Alaska Railroad, meeting Iditarod sled dogs, a rafting float trip, visits to wildlife centers and cultural sites and much more. Suitable for families with children of all ages, this tour offers fun, flexibility and adventure.

Circle Alaska Family Vacation: This 12-day whirlwind of family fun by railroad and car takes families on a scenic journey through some of the state’s most iconic locations. Highlights include visits to Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Valdez, Seward and the Arctic Circle. This tour combines rides on the Alaska Railroad, a riverboat cruise, panning for gold, meeting sled dogs and lots of educational experiences at the Alaska Sealife Center, making it ideal for families looking to immerse themselves in Alaska culture and wilderness.

Bonus Tips for Travelers Planning Family Vacations in Alaska

And for families planning a visit to Alaska, our experts recommend the following travel tips:

Need a quick break from travel or a convenient spot for a picnic?

TIP: Most Alaskan communities have family friendly parks with beautiful backdrops.

Doing an Alaska self-drive tour with your crew?

TIP: Alaska campgrounds are affordable outdoor options to relax and enjoy Alaska’s landscapes.

Want to add a special twist to your Seward family adventure?

TIP: Book a trip on the Alaska Railroad out of Anchorage. A special train also runs between Anchorage and the Alaska State Fair in Palmer.

Alaska’s vast wilderness, vibrant communities and bucket-list experiences offer endless opportunities for family adventures and memories. Whether you’re exploring nature centers, attending local fairs and festivals, or embarking on scenic tours, Alaska promises unforgettable experiences for travelers of all ages. Bring your curiosity and your kiddos and let’s help you make some cherished family memories in America’s Last Frontier