13 Best Things To Do In Talkeetna Alaska With Kids (What To Do In Talkeetna In One Day! )
Are you thinking of making a stop in Talkeetna Alaska? Looking for all the things to do in Talkeetna? As you create your Alaska itinerary and are headed to/from Denali National Park, Talkeetna AK is a great detour.
Downtown Talkeetna is fun to explore. We recently got a chance to visit and loved looking around. You can also book amazing tours in Talkeentna.
In this post, we will plan a perfect day in Talkeetna. We will explore why visiting Talkeetna is worth it and all the fun things to do in Talkeetna. It is such a great stop!
Let’s learn a little more about Talkeetna Alaska and all the fun things to do in Talkeetna!
If you want to save this information for later be sure to pin this to Pinterest!
This post may contain affiliate links (including Amazon) that will give me a commission at no additional charge to you.
Where is Talkeenta Alaska?
Talkeetna Alaska is a halfway point if you are traveling from Anchorage to Denali. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Anchorage to Talkeetna. If you are headed from Talkeetna to Denali it is about 2 and a half hours.
Off the Beaten Path
Talkeetna, AK is off the beaten path from the main highway. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to downtown Talkeetna.
What is Talkeetna Known For?
Talkeetna is referred to as the gateway to Denali. Most people who wish to climb Denali congregate in Talkneeta before ascending to the top to the mountain. It is also a great stop before or after exploring Denali National and State Parks.
Is Talkeetna Worth Visiting?
Yes, Talkeetna is worth the extra 30 minutes to/from the main highway. Why? you ask. Well, if you want to fly over Denali this is where you can find the best flightseeing tours in the area. (we will talk more about the tour later.)
Save Money
If a white water rafting trip is on your Alaska bucket list, Talkeetna’s prices are much lower than those companies located closer to Denali National Park. (I will tell you why in a second.)
Have Fun
Talkeetna, AK is what I imagined what Alaska would be like (think 90’s show Northern Exposure) It is a little town with cute shops and fun activities. It is a great place to eat and have fun!
Fun Facts About Talkeetna
The name Talkeetna means “where the rivers meet”. This town is older than Anchorage or Wasilla. It was established as a mining town in 1896.
Another cool thing about Talkeetna is many movies and shows such as The Amazing Race have been filmed in Talkeetna Alaska.
Talkeetna is so fun to visit. There are so many things to do in Talkeetna AK!
How Many Days Do I Need in Talkeetna?
1-2 days is a good amount of time. We spent one day in Talkeetna. There are plenty of things to do in Talkeetna for a day if that is all the time you have.
If you booked a few activities such as a flight to Denali, a river rafting trip, zip lining tour, and a fishing trip, two days is the perfect amount of time.
Talkeetna Alaska is small but you could easily keep yourself busy with all of the outdoor recreation activities available in this area.
Accommodations in Talkeetna Alaska
There are a few Talkeetna Alaska lodging options. The best place to find it is through Booking.com or Priceline.
Cabins
The majority of lodging in this area is cabins. There are also lodging options above the local stores.
We decided not to spend the night in Talkeetna and planned a day trip to Talkeetna. There are some great cabin options in and around Talkeetna, AK.
Things to Do in Talkeetna AK
Talkeetna Alaska is the perfect place to do some outdoor recreation. The beautiful Susitna River is centrally located in downtown Talkeetna. There are also many great things to do in Talkeetna. The most popular activities in Talkeetna are:
- Flightseeing to Denali
- Zip Lining (Summer)
- Ice Fishing (Winter)
- Dog Sled (Summer/Fall)
- Dog Sled Mush Tour (Winter)
- River Rafting (Summer)
- Jet Boat River Adventures (Summer)
1. Shop in Talkeetna Alaska
We went to Talkeetna in the summertime. The weather was perfect around 70 degrees. There are so many fun stores to shop at in downtown Talkeetna. The vibe here is laid back and welcoming.
Honestly, if you love antique shopping or souvenir shopping this is the place. Each of these locally-owned stores has cute merchandise. You could spend a few hours exploring the fun shops in downtown Talkeetna AK!
2. Enjoy Talkeetna Riverfront Park
After you have shopped around downtown head over to Talkeetna Riverfront Park. This is one of the best things to do in Talkeetna. This is an area where you can take in the beauty of Alaska. Some people like to fish or just walk along the park.
View of Denali
The view of Denali is unbelievable. There is a Denali viewing trail you will follow. You literally walk down Mainstreet downtown and end at the Riverfront Park. The panoramic few is amazing. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon. This will give you prime photo opportunities.
3. Denali Flightseeing in Talkeetna Alaska
I 100% recommend going on a flightseeing tour in the summer. It is incredible!
Talkeetna Alaska Airport
There is a small airport in Talkeetna that offers Denali flightseeing tours. These tours are typically an hour to two hours. You can even upgrade to land on a glacier. It is an experience you will not forget and honestly if you are on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alaska……Why not!
I would recommend booking this ahead of time because these flights do sell out.
4. River Rafting in Talkeetna Alaska
Talkeetna is the point where three rivers meet: Susitna, Talkeetna, and the Chulitna. The Talkeetna River Guides have a store located downtown. You can walk in and make an apt. but I recommend calling and booking ahead of time. There are shorter 2-hour trips as well as extensive 3-day trips available.
Rapid Class Levels
There are all types of class levels of rapids. The shorter excursions are less expensive compared to those closer to Denali because the class level of rapids is not as intense. This is perfect for families with children.
Talkeetna River Guides do have class 3 and 4 rapid tours available with river guides. River rafting is at the top of the list of things to do in Talkeetna.
5. Things to Do in Talkeetna - Jet Boat Tour
A jet boat excursion is a fun thing to do in Talkeetna. There are a few different options. If you want to make a day of it there is a 5-hour Devil Canyon Tour through Mayah’s They also have 2-hour excursions.
We didn’t get to go on one of these tours but loved watching them zoom up and down the river.
6. Things to Do in Talkeetna - Fishing
The perfect time to fish in Talkeetna Alaska is mid-July. There are Trophy Rainbow Trout and Chum Salmon.
Places to Fish in Talkeetna Alaska
There are lots of different fishing locations near Talkeetna. If you have your own supplies head to Cache Creek, Larsen Creek, Prairie Creek, or Clear Creek. You could also hire a local fishing guide to take you to some of these amazing locations.
7. Things to Do in Talkeetna - Dog Sled Tour
Alaska is known for mushing and breeding these incredible Huskies. If you are a dog lover or have a desire to learn more about dog sledding and mushing. There are both summer tours and winter tours available.
These tours are so fascinating and have fantastic reviews. We did not do this in Talkeetna. But we did stop at the Iditarod Museum in Wasilla and went on a dog sled ride. It was incredible! Such a fun experience to do in Alaska!
8. Things to Do in Talkeetna - Zip Lining
The best zipline tour near Denali National Park is located in Talkeetna. This 3-hour tour has 9 ziplines and 2 suspension bridges. It is hands down one of the best things to do in Talkeetna!
Alaska is so beautiful and zip lining in this area will not disappoint!
9. Visit the Talkeetna Railroad Bridge
If you have a little extra time and want to explore outside of the downtown area. Head to the Talkeetna Railroad Bridge. This is a great area to take photos, watch speed boats, and just throw rocks in the water!
Hiking Trails
You can also hike in this area. We hiked along the Railroad Bridge Trail. It was a short hike that is great for kids!
Our Experience
This is a fun family activity in Talkeetna Alaska. Our kids spent a few hours hiking around this area and playing in the rocks and dirt. We loved watching the speedboats cruise by and make big waves. It is a great place for a picnic!
10. Playgrounds in Talkeetna Alaska
Once you have explored the railroad bridge take your kids over to the Wild Woods Park! It is a fabulous place for kids to play.
Address:
23151 Talkeetna Spur Rd.
Talkeetna, AK
Our Experience
Our trip to Alaska was a family trip and this stop was a highlight for the younger kids. They loved getting energy out and playing. It is close to the Talkeetna airport, so if you are waiting for some of your families members to get back from a flightseeing tour this is the perfect place to hang out. (This is what we did.)
11. Eat in Talkeetna Alaska
Of all the things to do in Talkeetna, eating at the cute local restaurants is a must! There are so many fun restaurants on the main street of town.
We didn’t have time to try too many places but some of the restaurants that caught my eye were:
- Shirleys Northern Lights Handmade Gourmet Ice Cream
- Conscious – Breakfast All Day Long
- Spinach Bread
- Denali Brew Pub
- The Enchanted Bowl
Help the local economy and grab a meal or snack in Talkeetna Alaska!
12. Visit Denali Brewing Mercantile
The Denali Brewing Mercantile is one of the fun shops located in downtown Talkeetna.
It is a great place to get souvenirs and explore some of the authentic Alaska gear available.
The Brewery is located next door. There is a tasting room and a brew pup. It is open from 12:00 pm. Closing times vary.
13. Downtown Talkeetna Main Street
Downtown Talkeetna Main Street is where to be. There are so many fun restaurants and locally owned businesses.
You can easily find things to do in Talkeetna as you walk down Main Street. From shopping, eating, exploring historical buildings, art galleries, and even booking Talkeetna AK tours.
A lot of these businesses are opened only seasonally, so keep that in mind!
Plan to spend a few hours exploring the local scene!
Things to Do in Talkeetna Alaska
Are you ready to visit Talkeetna Alaska? There really are so many things to do in Talkeetna. It is a great stop to explore! Did I convince you to go?
I hope so!!! Have fun exploring Talkeetna Alaska.
Comment below if you know of any other hidden gems in the area!
More Adventures in Alaska
We planned an amazing Alaska itinerary. 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. We took a road trip from Anchorage to Seward. We enjoyed all the things to do in Seward. It was incredible and we loved visiting. We love Alaska and highly recommend planning a trip! If you need help packing for Alaska, I have you covered there as well.
Facebook Community
If you have any questions be sure to join my Facebook Travel Community. This great community can help answer any questions you may have about your upcoming trips. Plus, I try to add any great deals or promotions that companies send me!
What a beautiful area! I’d love to go to Alaska one day, but I haven’t even begun to make decisions on what we’d do. I’ll keep this area in mind for sure!
We put together an Alaska trip pretty quickly! We just found a great deal and went for it!
Such a cute little town!! And lots of amazing things to do in Talkeetna!
It is such a cute town!
I’ve never been to Alaska, but if I get there, I’d love to visit Talkeetna!
I’ve never heard of Talkeetna but it looks like a gorgeous place to explore! Hope to get to Alaska someday.
Alaska is kind of a once in a life time kinda place….you should totally go!
Interesting to see Alaska in this way as more of a touristy place than the “RUGGED GREAT OUTDOORS”. New way to look at it…
Flightseeing was amazing! I like to know what I could do from point A to point B and Talkeetna was so worth the stop!
We loved Northern Exposure! So many cool things to do in Talkeetna, Alaska.
It is true Alaska!
Alaska has so much to see and do. Thanks for all the great info.
It really does!
Alaska is definitely on my bucket list. Talkeetna looks like a great place to explore with the kids.
It was a fun place to explore!
Talkeetna, Alaska looks like a great adventure. Thank you for this awesome resource.
It is a fun city to stop at!
I would love to explore Alaska one day.
It was such a cool experience!
Alaska is an amazing place to visit and live! Lisa was fortunate to live 8 years there and loved visiting Talkeetna every chance she could! Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
We loved visiting!
I’d love to visit Talkeetna and have a break from driving to Denali. Plus I know I could talk my family into a plane ride to see Denali from above.
They would love that!