7 Day Anchorage, Talkeetna & Denali For Families with Kids Ages 5-12
Season
May - September
Transportation
Why This Trip?
This 7-day family adventure takes your family through Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali. Activities range from thrilling adventures like the Denali Zipline Tour (for kids 10+), and wildlife encounters at the Alaska Zoo and Reindeer Farm to educational experiences at the Anchorage Museum and Denali Visitor Center. Enjoy scenic hikes, bike rides, and the Junior Ranger Program, all set against the backdrop of Alaska's stunning landscapes. Perfect for families with kids aged 5-12.
Itinerary
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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 Moose
Begin your day with a 45-minute drive to Palmer, where you can visit the Musk Ox Farm. The guided walking tour will fascinate the kids as they learn about these unique creatures. Or, head to the nearby Reindeer Farm for a one-hour tour where the kids can get up close and personal with reindeer and even a moose! After lunch, take a short but rewarding hike up the Bodenburg Butte Trail for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Knik Glacier. In the late afternoon, drive 1.5 hours to Talkeetna and settle into your accommodations.
Photo: Musk Ox Farm
Start your day in Talkeetna with a visit to the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum to learn about the town's rich history. For a thrilling adventure, take the kids on the Denali Zipline Tour (for those aged 10 and up). If ziplining isn't suitable, consider a Mahay's Riverboat Tour for a more relaxed but equally exciting experience. In the afternoon, explore the trails at Talkeetna Lakes Park for a family-friendly hike. Or the day with some playtime at Wild Woods Park, where the kids can enjoy Alaska-themed playground equipment.
Photo: View of Mt. Denali
After breakfast, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Denali National Park. Upon arrival, visit the Denali Visitor Center to get an overview of the park and participate in the Junior Ranger Program. In the afternoon, take a family-friendly hike on the Horseshoe Lake Trail or the Savage River Loop. If time permits, catch a Sled Dog Demonstration to see the park's working sled dogs in action. Settle into your accommodations for the night and prepare for more adventures tomorrow.
Photo: Denali NPS Sled Dog Demonstration
Spend the day exploring Denali National Park. Start with a shorter Denali Park Road Bus Tour to get a sense of the park's vastness and beauty. After the tour, rent bikes and explore the Bike Path near the park entrance. Or, visit the Murie Science and Learning Center for more interactive exhibits and educational activities. If available, participate in one of the Educational Workshops offered by the Denali Education Center. End the day with a ranger-led program or storytelling session.
Photo: Denali NPS Murie Science and Learning Center
After breakfast, take one last hike or nature walk in Denali before starting your 5-hour drive back to Anchorage. 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: Denali Aerial View
On your final day in Anchorage, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska's indigenous cultures through exhibits, storytelling, and dance performances. Kids will enjoy exploring the life-size outdoor replicas of native dwellings. In the afternoon, head to Kincaid Park. Explore the trails or head down to the “beach”.
Photo: Alaska Native Heritage Center