Family Vacation to Alaska: What to See and Do

If you are considering a family vacation to Alaska, you probably already know about it’s natural beauty. Alaska is a huge, mostly undeveloped state. It is famous for wildlife, mountains and glaciers, with a few cities and small communities mixed in.

When is the Time to Visit Alaska?

You can’t go wrong visiting Alaska anytime between May 10 and September 15. The days are long, nature is in full bloom, and the air is alive with energy. But, for the absolute best time to visit Alaska, shoot for June 15 to July 15.

How Much Time do you Need to For a Family Vacation to Alaska?

How many days do you need for an Alaska vacation? The sweet spot for an Alaska vacation is seven to 10 days. If you’re traveling on a land tour only, in seven days you can go all the way from Kenai Fjords National Park to Denali National Park with plenty of time for day-long guided excursions along the way.

Top Family Attractions in Alaska

Kenai Fjords National Park – Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests around this vast expanse of ice
Get a chance to hang out with Reindeer at the Running Reindeer Ranch
See wildlife up close at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Take an adventure trip on the Alaska Railroad
Visit the Alaska Zoo

If you have never been to Alaska, these are also some unique tours you may be interested in taking:

Fishing

Some areas of Alaska offer fishing tours. Whether you are fishing off the bank or a boat, you are in for a unique experience. You can fish for pink salmon, chum salmon, halibut, rockfish and rainbow trout. While you are out on the water, you may see other wildlife, such as orca wales. You can search for fishing tours in the area of Alaska you will be visiting, e.g., “fishing tours Ketchikan AK.”

Ecology

Alaskans respect their state and its varied environments. They seek to protect these resources. Therefore, they are open to sharing their knowledge of these areas. Alaska’s eco tours may take you across glaciers, out to sea or up into the mountains, where you can see amazing wonders, but their purpose is to teach you about the environment so you develop an appreciation for it and understand its effect on life in Alaska. You will discover wildlife, culture, sea life and geology on these exciting tours.

Adventure

If you are looking for adventure, you may choose dog sledding, glacier, guided hiking or rafting tours. Each of these tours takes you into different parts of Alaska, and each has its own excitement. During a glacier tour, you may learn to ice climb, while dog sledding may take you through Alaska’s forests. You can even pan for gold.

Relaxation

You can also take a relaxing day cruise, where you will see coastal scenery, including large glaciers. You will view unique wildlife, including puffins, bald eagles, sea lions and seals. You could even choose a tour that stops on some of Alaska’s many small islands. You may even consider a flightseeing tour, where you navigate rural Alaska in a small plane. Railroad tours are also available.

In the evening, you could sit back and watch for the Northern Lights. Alaska’s northern lights season is between mid-September and late April, peaking in March, though it’s a season defined more by its long, dark nights than by solar activity.

5 Ways to Save Money on a Vacation to Alaska

Travel during shoulder season – May – September
Consider seeing it from a Cruise Ship where your lodging and food are included
Fly into Anchorage which has the most flights which leads to lower fares.
The Alaska Toursaver book is a great way to save money on tours and attractions in Alaska.
Buy the food and supplies you’re getting in the largest town you can where the prices will be cheaper.

If you are looking for a unique, unforgettable vacation, consider a family vacation to Alaska.

Author
Recent Posts

Travelon Jo

Travelon Jo is a mom and travel blogger who believes that taking your kids travelling is one of the best things you can do for them. As a former travel agent, she knows all about the ins and outs of planning a trip, and loves nothing more than sharing her knowledge with others.