8 Day Tour of the Kenai Penisula for For Families with Kids Ages 5-12

Fly into Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. When selecting your hotel, consider the space you need for your family. Several hotels in Anchorage offer suites; you could also opt for a vacation rental home. Renting a car will give you the flexibility you need when traveling with young kids. Pick up your rental car directly from the airport or after you check in to your accommodation at an off-airport location (which may be a little less expensive). Depending on what time you arrive, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring. Go out to eat, pick up some groceries so you have snacks for the kids, and do some light exploring.

• The Alaska Zoo is a perfect place to start. Kids can see a variety of Alaskan animals, like bears, moose, and eagles.

• Stroll through downtown Anchorage to visit shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

• Kincaid Park is a scenic, child-friendly destination—kids love the sandy dunes.

• Take a short drive out to Ship Creek to see the salmon run and enjoy the scenic views.

• Visit the Anchorage Museum’s Discovery Center for hands-on activities.

• Drop by the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where kids can engage with Alaska’s diverse cultures through exhibits, performances, and interactive experiences.

• Head to Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk, where kids can see various bird species and may even spot a moose or two. It’s also a great spot for a family photo.

Seward Waterfront ParkWake up early and begin the 2- to 3-hour drive south to Seward, on the Kenai Peninsula. Here are some ideas when you arrive:

• 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.

• Head to the Seward Waterfront Park, which also has a playground where kids can burn off some energy.

Overnight in Seward.

Photo: Alaska SeaLife Center Touch Pools

Hop on a half-day (3-4 hr) cruise and venture out into Resurrection Bay. These cruises often have fun programs for kids on board. You’ll explore the coastlines and look for whales, seals, puffins, and more. There are heated cabins inside these cruises, so if it’s too chilly outside you can still enjoy the view from the large windows inside. End your day with some beachcombing around Seward, where kids can collect and throw rocks, and maybe even spot some small marine creatures.

Photo: Resurrection Bay

If you didn’t visit Exit Glacier on your first day in Seward, hit it on your way out of town. The short, easy hike to the glacier is perfect for kids, and the ranger-led walks provide educational insights. Afterward, drive to Cooper Landing, which takes about 1.5 hours. Once there, enjoy a family-friendly rafting trip on the Kenai River. The gentle rapids and beautiful scenery make it a thrilling yet safe adventure for kids. Overnight in Cooper Landing.

Photo: Alaska Wildland Adventures Rafting

Begin your day with a kid-friendly hike on the Russian River Falls Trail. The relatively easy hike offers the reward of seeing salmon jumping up the falls during the spawning season. Always be bear aware on the trail. After the hike, drive to Homer, a journey of about 2 hours. Once in Homer, visit the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. The interactive exhibits and hands-on displays will keep the kids entertained while they learn about the marine environment and wildlife of the region.

Photo: Tern Lake Cooper Landing

Here are some ideas for your full day in Homer:

• If the kids are interested in fishing you can sign up for a half-day (5-6 hour) charter. There are often two departures, one early in the morning around 7 and one later in the afternoon.

• Homer is a great spot for sea kayaking. Kids will paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult.

• Visit the Pratt Museum, where the children can learn about local history, culture, and natural history through special programs and activities designed for them.

• Take the 45-minute “Fast Ferry” from Homer to Seldovia to experience a charming and remote boardwalk community. As you cross Kachemak Bay, watch for seabirds, otters, or even humpback whales.

• Take a plane or helicopter to nearby Katmai or Lake Clark National Park to view brown bears in their natural habitat. Tours generally have a minimum age between 7 and 10.

• Go tidepooling at Bishop’s Beach. Check the tide tables in advance to make sure you go at low tide so you can see all the critters.

Photo: Lake Clark Bear Viewing

Today, it’s a 5-hour drive back to Anchorage. You’ll want to make lots of stops to break up the drive. Here are some suggestions:

• In Soldotna, stop at the Visitor Center and let kids walk along the boardwalks by the Kenai River. Or read our article about other great things for kids to to in Soldotna.

• Tern Lake near Cooper Landing is another good spot to stretch the legs, as well as the Turnagain Pass Rest Area.

• Walk a portion of the Trail of Blue Ice accessible from Portage Glacier Road about an hour south of Anchorage.

• Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage. This center offers a chance to see and learn about Alaskan wildlife like moose, musk ox, bears, wolves, porcupine and more in a natural setting.

• Stop into Girdwood, about 45-minutes south of Anchorage. Ride the scenic tram up the mountain and eat dinner at the resort or one of the local restaurants in town.

On your final day in Anchorage, do anything you didn’t have time for on the first day!

Photo: Alaska Botanical Garden