7-Day Anchorage, Whittier, Talkeetna & Denali with Kids Ages 5-12
Season
May - September
Transportation
Why This Trip?
This trip provides a diverse and immersive experience of Alaska’s unique landscapes and wildlife. Designed to be engaging for kids, the itinerary includes hands-on museum exhibits, interactive wildlife encounters, and adventurous activities such as riverboat tours, flightseeing, and hiking.
Itinerary
Show Map
Start your Alaskan adventure with a visit to the Alaska Zoo. The kids will love seeing native Alaskan animals up close and participating in the zoo's educational programs. Afterward, head to the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. The interactive exhibits and planetarium will captivate the kids, and the Discovery Center offers hands-on activities that are both fun and educational. In the late afternoon, take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy scenic views of the coastline.
Photo: Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Begin your day with a scenic 1-hour drive to Whittier. Once there, embark on a Prince William Sound Cruise. The kids will be thrilled to see glaciers, marine wildlife, and stunning landscapes. After the cruise, you could explore the Whittier Museum to learn about the town's history and its role during World War II. Or, take a short hike on the Portage Pass Trail for beautiful views of Portage Glacier. Return to Anchorage in the evening.
Photo: Portage Pass Summit
Drive 2.5 hours to Talkeetna in the morning. 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 Riverboat Three River Tour
Start your day with a Flightseeing Tour of Denali. The family-friendly flight will provide stunning views of North America's highest peak and surrounding glaciers. After the tour, drive 2.5 hours to Denali National Park. Upon arrival, visit the Denali Visitor Center and let the kids participate in the Junior Ranger Program. Explore the interactive exhibits and enjoy a ranger-led program or nature walk. If the kids are up for it, an evening (6:00ish) rafting tour is a great way to end the day. Settle into your accommodation in Denali for the night.
Photo: Talkeetna Air Taxi Flightseeing
Spend the day exploring Denali National Park. Begin with a visit to the Sled Dog Demonstrations to watch the working sled dogs in action and meet them up close. Next, take a family-friendly hike on the Horseshoe Lake Trail or the Savage River Loop. In the afternoon, consider a shorter Denali Park Road Bus Tour or use the park shuttle to explore different areas and hike at your own pace. Other fun tours include ATV’ing and ziplining. In the evening, go to a dinner theater performance! You’ll gather around a grand table and enjoy a family-style meal while being captivated by an interactive show where the area’s rich history comes alive in front of you.
Photo: Denali Park Ziplining
After breakfast, take a final hike or nature walk in Denali before starting the 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: Horseshoe Lake Trail
On your final day, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The kids will enjoy exploring life-size replicas of native dwellings and learning about Alaska's indigenous cultures through exhibits, storytelling, and dance performances. If time permits, make a quick stop at Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary for some bird watching and a walk along the boardwalks. End your Alaskan adventure with a relaxing evening in Anchorage before heading home.
Photo: Alaska Native Heritage Center