20 Fun Things To Do In Anchorage With Kids – Alaska Adventure
Are you looking for the best things to do in Anchorage with kids? Anchorage is a great town to explore.
We took a family vacation to Alaska and loved visiting Anchorage. We found all the fun things to do in Anchorage with kids and made a mission to do as much as we could in the time we had. We have 4 kids ranging from 6 to 14 years old.
In this post, we are going to include Anchorage activities for kids, as well as some of the best things to do in Anchorage for everyone specifically families.
If you want to save this information for later be sure to pin this to Pinterest.
This post may contain affiliate links that will give me a commission at no additional charge to you.
1. Bike Anchorage Coastal Trail (Tony Knowles)
The 11 – mile Coast Trail is one of the most fun things to do in Anchorage with kids. We were so excited to rent bikes and explore. You can book a bike tour with a guide that will take you to the best stops along the way. Or you can head downtown and visit a bike shop and rent bikes on your own.
Our Experience
We went downtown and rented bikes from the local store. We had a large group but had called ahead and they were ready for us. One of my kiddos is not a strong bike rider. He was scared he wouldn’t be able to do this activity. We rented an e-bike for him and he loved it. There were lots of different bike sizes and types. We were able to each find a perfect match.
We rented the bikes for 1 hour. If you have more time I would suggest a longer ride. We rode for 30 minutes and then turned around and had to head back to the shop. We were not able to hit some of the best stops along the trail.
Stops Along the Coast Trail
- Kincaid Park – Cold War Missiles Silos
- Point Woronzof – A 360-degree view of Cook Inlet plus a view of Denali
- Earthquake Park – Learn About 1964 Good Friday Earthquake
- Westchester Lagoon – Lots of Salmon and Bird Sanctuary
- Cook Inlet – Watch for Moose
We thought renting bikes was one of the best things to do in Anchorage with kids. They all loved it and had such a fun time.
2. Kincaid Park
Kincaid Park is one of the best Anchorage activities for kids. This amazing park was a missile base during the Cold War. It also has panoramic views of Mt. Denali and the Coot Inlet.
Fun Things to Do in Anchorage with Kids – Kincaid Park
- Paddle on Lake
- Fish (Lake stocked with rainbow trout)
- Run, Play, Bike on Trails
- Motocross Course
- Soccer Fields
- Archery
- Search for Wildlife
Is Kincaid Park Free?
Yes, there is no parking fee
Where Do I See Wildlife at Kincaid Park?
As you drive in on Raspberry Road you might see moose and black bears. This is the best area in all of Anchorage to see wildlife. This is one of the best family things to do in Anchorage.
3. Wild Berry Products
If you are looking for fun Anchorage activities for kids, I have an idea for you. My kids loved visiting Wild Berry Products. This is a store with lots of Alaska products. It is a great place to buy souvenirs.
They have all the traditional souvenirs but also have specific Alaska products. You can even ship them as gifts.
Products We Love
We bought some fireweed jam. Fireweed is a big thing in Alaska! There are also yummy homemade products such as fudge and chocolate. My kids loved coming here and picking out souvenirs! It is a fun family thing to do in Anchorage with kids.
4. Fishing in Anchorage with Kids
My kids really wanted to fish, because let’s be honest when you are in Alaska that is the thing to do!
Our Experience
We called a few fishing outfitters along Ship Creek. We went to Alaska in June and it was a little too early for an amazing fishing experience.
In fact, the tide played a huge role in if we could even fish. Unfortunately, for us, the tide was at its best at 4:00 am. There is no way we were going to pull our kids out of bed that early. We tried to get there early but the tide was too low.
This is one of the top things to do in Anchorage with kids. However, the fishing company did say that kids under 5 would probably not enjoy this Anchorage activity as much.
5. Creek Ship Hatchery
Ship Creek Hatchery was our second option since fishing didn’t work out. It was a short drive from the fishing outfitters along Ship Creek. They are only open certain hours and days of the week. However, even if the main part is closed, it is still a great Anchorage activity for kids.
Salmon Overlook
You can walk along a path at the Hatchery. It will lead you to a small waterfall and Salmon overlook area. At certain times of the year, you will see all the fish in the creek.
Ship Creek Hatchery is one of the free things to do in Anchorage with kids. Your kids will love it!
6. Anchorage Trolley Tour
A trolley tour is a fun thing to do in Anchorage with kids. This tour is about an hour and includes a guide that will tell you the history of Anchorage including details about the Anchorage earthquake.
You can also take a deluxe trolley tour that is a little bit longer and takes you to more places around Anchorage. This is really one of the best things to do in Anchorage with kids! They will love it!
Anchorage Activities for Kids – Trolley Ride Suggestion
Being that this is an Anchorage with kids’ post, I would recommend the shorter tour. If your kiddo is obsessed with Daniel Tiger and going on a Trolley is the ultimate experience then the longer tour may be best!
7. Earthquake Park in Anchorage
We decided Earthquake park would be one of the Anchorage activities for kids we would do. Alaska has 1000’s of earthquakes each year. In 2018 a 7.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in Anchorage. Earthquake park gives a good historical and educational look into the earthquakes in Anchorage.
Anchorage Activities – Hiking
There are also some nice hiking trails and the view is incredible. I wouldn’t recommend spending a long time at Earthquake park but it is a good place to let the kids get some energy out and learn a little bit about earthquakes.
We enjoyed this adventure and would recommend it as a great Anchorage activity for kids.
8. Alaska Native Heritage Center
A museum day is one of the best things to do in Anchorage with kids. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is one of the best museums in Anchorage. It is a great place to learn about the indigenous people. There are lots of interactive cultural experiences your kids will love.
Admission and Hours
Adults: $29
Kids: $19
Summer Hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is located about 14 minutes from downtown Anchorage. The address is:
8800 Heritage Center Dr
Anchorage, AK 99504
If you have time, adding the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a great option for Anchorage activities for families. This is a great Anchorage attraction for kids and adults alike!
9. Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo is one of the most fun things to do in Anchorage with kids. The zoo is home to over 100 birds and mammals. Just think Polar Bears and animals that are native to Alaska. It is awesome!
Admission and Hours
Adults: $17
Kids: $10
Hours in Summer 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Location
The Alaska Zoo is located about 18 minutes from downtown Anchorage. The address is:
4731 O’Malley Rd
Anchorage, AK 99507
The Alaska zoo is one of the top things to do in Anchorage with kids. It is a cool anchorage experience and is great for kids!
10. Wild Scoops Ice Cream
When we went to Anchorage the number one recommendation (seriously!) was to go to Wild Scoops. We had to go! This ice cream store has some unique flavors that you can only find in Alaska.
We loved going! You actually might want to go every day you are in Anchorage! It is really that good!
If you have been following along on Planningaway, you probably know by now that we are total foodies when we travel! This was a highlight of our Anchorage trip! I love that Anchorage kids’ activities can be as simple as getting ice cream!
There are Two Locations:
530 E Benson Blvd #7
Anchorage, AK 99503
Summer Only Location
429 E St
Anchorage, AK 99501
Wild Scoops is one of the best things to do in Anchorage with kids!
Things to Do Near Anchorage with Kids
Everything listed above has been in Anchorage proper. There are many suburbs around Anchorage that are still going to be included in our Best things to do in Anchorage with kids post.
These “near Anchorage” kids activities are close enough that you could easily take a day trip and enjoy.
11. Hatcher Pass
There are a few things to do in Hatcher Pass. You can visit state parks, hike, pick blueberries, and explore a gold mining camp.
Hiking
One of the best hikes for kids is the Gold Cord Lake Trail. It is a 1.5-mile hike that is perfect for kids. There are wild blueberries all along the trail during the summer. Make sure to bring a bucket because your kids will love collecting them and eating them as you hike.
I have found that I always need incentives to get my kids hiking. Telling your kids you are going blueberry picking will go over a lot better than saying you are going on a hike. 🙂
Photography
Hatcher Pass is the perfect place to get family pictures. If you like to hire a photographer while on vacation, Hatcher Pass is the location you will love. The Talkeetna Mountains are visible and beautiful in the background.
Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass is gorgeous! You will also want to stop by Independence Mine State Park. This area offers amazing “Near” Anchorage activities for kids.
12. Reindeer Farm
There is a fantastic Reindeer Farm located just north of Anchorage. This is a unique thing to do in Anchorage. You will be able to have interactions with the reindeer and feed them snacks.
Hours and Admission
Adults: $15
Kids: $13
Open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00pm
Location
The Reindeer Farm is 49 minutes north of Anchorage. The Address is:
5561 Bodenburg Loop
Palmer, AK 99645
It is best to book online before you go. Make sure to fill out the waiver before you arrive. This is a fun thing to do in Anchorage with kids that they will remember forever!
13. Musk-Ox Farm
Along the same lines as the reindeer farm is the Musk-Ox farm. In fact, they are less than 10 miles from each other. This is an about 45-minute walking tour around the farm.
Admission and Hours
Adults: $11
Kids: $5
This is another unique thing to do in Anchorage with kids. It is fun to be near all of the wildlife in Alaska.
Location
The Musk ox farm is 51 minutes north of Anchorage. The address is:
12850 E Archie Road
Palmer, Alaska 99645
14. Eagle River Nature Center
This was hands down one of my favorite Anchorage activities we did on our vacation. The Eagle River Center is located just north of Anchorage. It is gorgeous. We hiked to a river and played for hours.
Our Experience
On our return hike, we actually saw a momma bear and 2 cubs. It was incredible! This was a perfect activity for kids. We loved it! Honestly, it was one of the best things to do in Anchorage with kids in the entire area. I highly recommend going.
Location
Eagle River Nature Center is located 36 minutes north of Anchorage. The address is:
32750 Eagle River Road
Eagle River, AK 99577
Eagle River Nature Center is one of the top things to do in Anchorage with kids. It is so fun and unbelievably beautiful.
15. Iditarod Museum
Located just north about 50 minutes from Anchorage is the Iditarod Museum. It is a small free museum.
Dog Sled
We loved it! Why you ask? Well, you can go on a dog sled ride. This is probably one of the least expensive options for dog sled rides we found. It was $10 for a ride. We rode a few times. It was awesome! You can also pet the dogs and puppies!
This was one of the most fun things to do in Anchorage with kids. (Or at least close to Anchorage.)
16. Museum of Alaska Transportation
North of Anchorage is a town called Wasilla. We stopped at the Museum of Alaska Transportation. The little kids loved it. You can explore old trains and trucks. We spent an hour having fun at the museum.
Admission and Hours
Adults: $8
Kids: $5
Opened Thursday – Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location
The Museum of Alaska Transportation is located about 55 minutes from Anchorage. The address is:
3800 W Museum Dr
Wasilla, AK 99654
This was one of our younger kids’ favorite things to do near Anchorage.
17. Beluga Point
South of Anchorage there are a few awesome options for kids. Beluga Point is about 25 minutes south of Anchorage and is a great little day trip adventure. From mid-July to August, you will see Beluga Whales. This is the road that leads you from Anchorage to Seward.
Turnagain Arm
You can also take a tour of Turnagain Arm which includes Beluga Point for a full day of fun.
18. Wildlife Conservation Center
Girdwood is another great stop south of Anchorage. My cousin who actually grew up in Anchorage highly recommends going to the Wildlife Conservation Center. The center helps injured animals and has a drive-through option to view them.
Admission and Hours
Adults: $18
Kids: $14
There are lots of fun programs such as bear encounters. Your kids will love this animal experience.
19. Alyeska Tram
Another great option near Girdwood is Alyeska Tram. You can take your kids to the top observation deck. You can have a picnic lunch and enjoy looking for wildlife such as moose and bears.
Admission and Hours
Adults: $35
Kids: $18-$25
Hours: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Alyeska is a great option for a day trip from Anchorage with kids!
20. Visit A Glacier
There are some amazing glaciers near Anchorage. If your kids are dying to see one you have a few options.
Matanuska
My friend went to Manatuska and said it was hands down her favorite part of her entire Alaska trip. She did say she would not bring little kids. It is beautiful but dangerous. Teenagers are a good age for this glacier visit. This glacier is located almost 2 hours north of Anchorage.
Portage Glacier
Portage Glacier is the most accessible glacier from Anchorage. It is located about an hour south. There are glacier cruises available to get an up-close look. You can also take a glacier cruise in Whitter and enjoy Prince William Sound.
We actually took a day trip to Seward and visited Kenai National Park. We took a boat tour to see Bear and Exit Glacier.
Fun Things to Do in Anchorage with Kids
Hopefully, this post has given you some fun things to do in Anchorage with kids as well as some of the best things to do near Anchorage with kids. The Anchorage activities are so fun! We really loved vacationing in this part of Alaska.
More Adventures in Alaska
We did an amazing road trip in Alaska. We started with all the fun things to do in Fairbanks, including a Riverboat tour, and a trip to the North Pole to visit Santa. Then headed to Denali National Park.
We stopped in Talkeetna and took a flightseeing tour that actually landed on Mt. Denali. We also spent some time in Anchorage. Our last stop was Seward. It was incredible and we loved visiting. We love Alaska and highly recommend planning a trip! You might enjoy this Alaska itinerary. If you need help packing for Alaska, I have you covered there as well.
Facebook Community
If you have any questions join my Facebook Travel Community. You can ask any questions you have about upcoming trips and everyone is happy to help you plan your trip. I also try to give exclusive travel deals that companies send me. It is a great group to join!
I find Alaska an absolutely fascinating place to visit. Whether you fly, drive or cruise there, it has so much to do no matter the age. The beauty of Alaska is one thing bu to go during Aurora Season is another. So much great information in your post.
I will have to go back in Aurora Season. We went during the summer. I would love to see that!
There are several activities I want to do with my kids in Alaska. First, I love wild berry flavored sweets so that would be my first stop. I would also like to visit the zoo and a glacier and the Iditarod museum.
The Iditarod museum was one of my kids favorites because they got to pet the puppies and go for a sled ride.
I don’t have children, but I am a big child at heart! Excited to explore basically ALL of these on my next trip to Anchorage!
These activities are great for both adults and kids. We just happen to do them with a ton of kids. My family and my nieghbors family went on this trip!
I’m loving all your Alaska posts! This looks like a fun place. I’d really be into the Wild Berry stuff, and my family would love the reindeer farm and zoo. I hope to make it one day!
It is such a cool place to visit. We loved the Wild Berry Products and even shipped some back to my parents.
So many fun and cool things to do in Anchorage, Alaska. A perfect family getaway.
It was an amazing trip!
We love hiking in Alaska! Such a beautiful place.
It is such a beautiful place to hike!
Lots to do in Anchorage! I hope to visit Alaska someday. Won’t have children with me but these are fun ideas for all ages.
They are for sure!
I hope we get to Alaska one day. It looks amazing and I’d love to take my kids to all of these, especially Beluga Point! 😍
When we went we didn’t see any but I think we were just a month early.
I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska. Maybe I’ll make it there someday. There are so many wonderful things to do in this post. I think my favorite is the Gold Cord Lake Trail. I’d love to hike the 1.5-miles.
And pick some blueberries!
I haven’t ventured to Alaska yet but it’s nice to see that there are so many outdoorsy activities to partake in. I love going on bike rides & going on conservation hikes.
The bike ride was awesome!
This is a dream vacation. Being a big kid at heart I would love this visit all of these places. Overload of fun.
Me too! I’m glad I have some kiddos to let me do all the kids stuff with them!
This is a great guide on the top things to do in Anchorage with (or without) kids. So many cool experiences!
There are so many fun experiences!
The glacier is like a dream! I haven’t been yet but this is definitely on the bucket list!
It is really cool to see!
These are great ideas and what a great place to visit!
Awesome! I totally pinned this piece for further travel plans! We LOVE hiking and the REINDEER FARM!! Yes please!!! I love just thinking of the adventures we could have as a family! And the memories!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Oh good. It is a good bucket list place!
There are so many cool things to do in Anchorage Alaska with kids! It’s definitely someplace on my bucket list but I figured I would have to go without my kids. But there are so many awesome things for them to see!
I had always thought that too! We found really cheap plane tickets and brought the whole family!
Your posts make me want to visit Alaska even more than I already do!
There is so much to do and see! It is so beautiful!
I love sampling local goods and the fireweed goods sound interesting! Great activities list!
Me too! We had to get Fireweed everything!
Wow! So many cool things to do that my kids would love! Look forward to visiting Anchorage someday soon!
It is such a great place for a family vacation!
So many nature inspired things to do in Anchorage with kids. I’d have a tough time narrowing it down.
It is so beautiful! So many fun things to do!
What a fantastic array of things to do! I would definitely have to visit the glacier and the reindeer farm.
Yes, it is so amazing!