7-Day Fairbanks to Anchorage with Denali & Seward for Kids Under 5

Begin your Alaskan adventure in Fairbanks with a visit to Pioneer Park. This historic theme park is perfect for young children, featuring playgrounds, a carousel, and a mini-train ride. After exploring the park, head over to the Fairbanks Children's Museum. The museum offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed specifically for young children, making it an excellent place for kids to learn and have fun. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. The easy walking trails provide opportunities to see birds and other wildlife, making it a great spot for a family nature walk. End the day with a visit to the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska, just 20 minutes away from Fairbanks. Here, kids can sit in Santa's sleigh, see the world's tallest Santa, and even meet Santa himself!

Photo: Pioneer Park Fairbanks

Start your day with a visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in Fairbanks. The center offers kid-friendly exhibits and activities that can engage young minds while providing a wealth of information about Alaskan culture and history. Afterward, make your way to Denali National Park. Upon arrival, visit the Denali Visitor Center. The center features exhibits that are engaging for children and offers ranger-led programs that can be both educational and entertaining. Kids can also participate in the Junior Ranger Program, which involves completing a series of activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge. Spend the evening settling into your accommodations and preparing for the adventures that await in Denali.

Photo: Denali National Park Sign

Begin your day with a visit to the Murie Science and Learning Center. The center offers hands-on exhibits and activities that can captivate young minds. Afterward, take a short hike on the McKinley Station Trail, a relatively easy 1.6-mile trail that offers a chance to explore the natural surroundings without too much exertion. In the afternoon, head to the Horseshoe Lake Trail for a 2-mile round trip hike that is relatively flat and offers beautiful views of the lake and potential wildlife sightings. Don't miss the free sled dog demonstrations offered by the park during the summer months. Kids can see the dogs up close and learn about their important role in the park.

Photo: Denali NPS Sled Dog Demonstration

After breakfast, embark on your journey to Anchorage. Upon arrival, visit the Alaska Zoo. The zoo is home to a variety of animals native to Alaska and other parts of the world, providing a great opportunity for young children to see animals up close and learn about wildlife. In the afternoon, head to the Imaginarium Discovery Center at the Anchorage Museum. This hands-on science center features interactive exhibits that allow kids to explore and learn about science in a fun and engaging way. Spend the evening relaxing and exploring the local area.

Photo: Alaska Zoo Polar Bear Louie

Start your day with a scenic 2.5 hour drive to Seward. Take a family-friendly boat tour into Resurrection Bay. These shorter (3-4 hrs) trips are suitable for young children and often provide opportunities to see wildlife like sea otters, seals, and even whales. End the day with some beachcombing around Seward, where kids can collect shells, rocks, and maybe even spot some small marine creatures. Afterward, head to Seward Waterfront Park, which also has a playground where young children can burn off some energy.

Photo: Resurrection Bay

Tony Knowles Coastal TrailIn the morning, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center. The center features interactive exhibits and touch tanks where kids can get up close with marine life like sea stars, anemones, and even puffins. Then head to Exit Glacier. The nature center offers access to easy, family-friendly trails that are suitable for young children. The trails provide a great opportunity to see the glacier up close without a strenuous hike. Afterward, head back to Anchorage. If you need to get some energy out, enjoy an evening walk or bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which offers beautiful views of the coastline and is stroller-friendly.

Photo: Seward NPS Exit Glacier

On your final day in Anchorage, head to Potter Marsh, situated at the edge of town overlooking Turnagain Arm. It’s an easily accessible wildlife viewing spot with 1500 feet of family friendly boardwalk. Look for migrating birds, salmon swimming under the boardwalks, and the occasional moose out in the marsh. Then stop into one of the Anchorage Public Library locations for a storytime session, which many branches offer for young children. End your Alaskan adventure with a relaxing afternoon at one of Anchorage's beautiful parks or playgrounds, allowing the kids to play and explore before heading home.

Photo: Potter Marsh Boardwalk