7 Day Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna & Denali For Families with Kids Ages 5-12

Welcome to Anchorage! Start your Alaskan adventure with a visit to the Alaska Zoo, home to a variety of animals native to Alaska and other parts of the world. Afterward, head to the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center for interactive exhibits and hands-on activities in the Discovery Center. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where you can enjoy scenic views and possibly spot some wildlife.

Photo: Alaska Zoo Canada Lynx

Today, embark on a day trip to Seward. It’s a 2.5 hour drive from Anchorage, so we recommend getting an early start. Here are some options to fill your day:

• Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, where interactive exhibits and touch tanks allow kids to get up close with marine life like sea stars, anemones, and puffins. It's both educational and entertaining.

• Visit Exit Glacier. This is the one part of Kenai Fjords National Park that’s accessible by road. There’s an accessible, paved loop trail that leads to a view of the glacier and an optional short spur that gets you even closer.

• Go dogsledding! Canine athletes will pull you along fun trails, and you’ll get the chance to play with puppies.

• Take a family-friendly boat tour into Resurrection Bay. There are shorter trips (3 - 4 hours) suitable for young children and offer opportunities to see wildlife like sea otters, seals, and even whales.

Return to Anchorage in the evening where you’ll spend the night.

Photo: Alaska SeaLife Center Seal

After breakfast, take a scenic 2.5 hour drive to Talkeetna. Embark on a Mahay's Riverboat Tour. The 2-hour Wilderness Excursion will take you up the Susitna River, with a stop for a short exploration along a forest trail. The kids will love discovering the reconstructed Dena'ina dwelling and the authentic trapper's cabin. In the evening head to Wild Woods Park. The kids will love the Alaska-themed playground equipment, including the Alaska Railroad and a bush plane. Overnight in Talkeetna.

Photo: Mahay's Three River Boat Tour

Drive 2.5 hours to Denali National Park and start your visit with a stop at the Denali Visitor Center. The interactive exhibits are both educational and fun for kids. Participate in the Junior Ranger Program, where the kids can complete a series of activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge. In the afternoon, take a family-friendly hike on the Horseshoe Lake Trail or attend a sled dog demonstration at the park's working sled dog kennel. The kids will love watching the demonstrations and meeting the dogs. If the kids are up for it, an evening (6:00ish) rafting tour is a great way to end the day.

Photo: Horseshoe Lake Trail

Spend the day exploring more of Denali National Park. Start with a shorter bus tour on the Denali Park Road. These tours are designed to be more suitable for younger kids and offer stunning views of the park's landscapes and wildlife. After the tour, rent bikes near the park entrance and enjoy a family bike ride on the Bike Path. Or opt for a rowdier tour like an ATV tour or Zipline adventure.

Photo: Denali Park Ziplining

Begin your 5-hour journey back to Anchorage, perhaps with one last hike on the trails near the visitors center. To break up the drive Byers Lake is a great place for a pit stop. There’s a nature trail around the lake, or kayaks and paddleboards available for rent. Continue onto Anchorage where you’ll spend the night.

Photo: Kids Denali ATV Tours

On your final day in Anchorage, start with a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The kids will enjoy exploring the life-size outdoor replicas of Alaska Native dwellings and learning about indigenous cultures through exhibits, storytelling, and dance performances. In the afternoon, head to Kincaid Park. Explore the trails or head down to the “beach”.

Photo: Kincaid Bluff