7 Day Anchorage, Whittier, Talkeetna, & Denali for Families with Teenagers

Start your Alaskan adventure in Anchorage with a visit to the Anchorage Museum. This interactive museum offers exhibits on Alaskan history, art, and science, making it a great way to get acquainted with the state. Afterward, head to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a scenic bike ride or walk. This 11-mile trail offers stunning views of the coastline and is perfect for some outdoor exercise. In the evening, consider an Escape Room experience for some family bonding and mental challenges.

Photo: Downtown Anchorage

Begin your day with a drive to Whittier, a small town known for its stunning natural beauty. Start with a hike on the Portage Pass Trail, which offers breathtaking views of Portage Glacier and Passage Canal. After the hike, embark on a glacier & wildlife cruise to see marine wildlife such as sea otters, seals, and possibly even whales. The cruise also offers views of the glaciers and fjords of Prince William Sound. For a more active experience, opt for a kayak or jet ski tour. Return to Anchorage in the evening. You can do this day trip by driving to Whittier or by taking a motorcoach or train. Though if you take transportation you may not have time for the hike.

Photo: Jet SKi Tour Prince William Sound

Drive 2.5 hours to Talkeetna, a charming town known for its outdoor activities. Start your day with a Flightseeing Tour to get a bird's-eye view of Mt. Denali and the Alaska Range. Some tours even include glacier landings, which can be an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, go Ziplining through the forest canopy with Denali Zipline Tours for an adrenaline rush, or embark on a rafting or jetboat tour. There are also kayak rentals available to paddle on the local lakes.

Photo: Denali Zipline Tours

Drive 2.5 hours to Denali National Park and Preserve, one of Alaska's most iconic destinations. Start with a visit to the Denali Visitor Center to get an overview of the park's natural and cultural history. Spend the afternoon hiking one of the park's many trails, such as the Horseshoe Lake Trail or the Savage River Loop. If you're up for a challenge, the Healy Overlook offers a more strenuous hike with rewarding views.

If you’d like to get the most out of a hike in the park, consider going with a guide. Guides go beyond showing you the way. They’ll explain the local history, flora, and fauna. Older kids may especially enjoy tours that teach backcountry survival skills.

End the day with a fun and rowdy dinner theater show.

Photo: Horseshoe Lake Trail

Consider a Denali Park Road Tour to see the park's stunning scenery and wildlife. Afterward, consider an ATV tour, zipline tour or a rafting trip on the Nenana River, which offers both calm and white-water options. For a more relaxed afternoon, rent bikes and explore the paved paths near the park entrance or along the Denali Park Road.

Photo: Denali ATV Adventure

After breakfast, take a leisurely 5 hour drive back to Anchorage. There are a few ways you could break up the drive. Stop in Willow or Big Lake (90 mins from Anchorage) and raft Willow creek, or go on an ATV tour or Dog Sled Tour. In Palmer (45 minutes north of Anchorage) you can visit the Musk Ox Farm for a 45-minute guided tour that will introduce you to these unique creatures and their fascinating history. Or, visit the nearby Reindeer Farm for an hour-long tour where you can get up close and personal with reindeer and moose!

Photo: Reindeer Farm

On your final day, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center if you haven't already, or spend some time at the Anchorage Museum for any exhibits you might have missed. If you're looking for a relaxing activity, head to Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary for some last-minute bird watching. For a more adventurous end to your trip, consider a full-day Bear Viewing tour to Katmai National Park or Lake Clark to watch bears interact in their natural environment. Return to Anchorage for your flight home.

Photo: Alaska Native Heritage Center