Things to do in AK (with kiddos)

Ok so I know there are a couple of gals here stationed at Anchorage area so I figured I'd ask!

My boys and I (no hubby) will be headed there for a week's vacation in June. Mostly to visit our BFF's there but I don't want to make her feel like she has to constantly entertain us, so I was wondering what there was to do there with a 2.5 year old and a 5 year old? We have a rental car so we can drive to someplace, but nothing extravagant like whitewater rafting because I'm by myself.

My family thinks I'm crazy traveling all that way by myself, I'll let you know after I get back what I think! LOL!:thumbup::thumbdown:

You're totally not crazy! It can be a lot of fun, but try to get out of Anchorage.

One of our favorite things to do is to either drive or take the train (with the kids...I'd take the train) to Whittier. You buy your tickets in Anchorage, and if you have friends or family there, your tickets will be cheaper (you have to ask). Get a day glacier cruise out of Whittier. You'll see seals and otters, glaciers, it's very cool!

There is the little Alaska Zoo there, and we still enjoy going and my boys are grown. We've been to major zoos all over the country, but we still like to visit when we go up.

There should be some easy hiking to do with the kids. There is also some fun places to fish that would be easy to get to and fun with the kids. Go to the Walmart there (fishing headquarters) and ask. I think only you need a fishing license. They might know of places to rent equipment too if they don't do it there. We have family there that have everything we need, but we always try to do fishing in the summer there.

Go to a Glacier Pilots baseball game. It is semi pro, a very small summer league, and lots of fun. We spent a lot of summer days and nights there. It is a small stadium, so very personal and fun for kids.

Enjoy the long days! It will be daylight most of the time while you're there.

Bring mosquito repellant!!!!!!!

The Alaska zoo is nice. All artic type animals though. There is an indoor water park called H2Oasis, we haven't been, but I heard it isn't bad.

The Diamond Mall has an ice skating rink inside, that's kind of neat.

They'll enjoy the daylight. It won't be getting dark there until 11:30pm or so.

Lots of parks, but really other than those things there isn't a ton to do here with the little ones.

The Saturday Market will be going on, I love going to that and eating.

sprauncey1 said:

Ok so I know there are a couple of gals here stationed at Anchorage area so I figured I'd ask!

My boys and I (no hubby) will be headed there for a week's vacation in June. Mostly to visit our BFF's there but I don't want to make her feel like she has to constantly entertain us, so I was wondering what there was to do there with a 2.5 year old and a 5 year old? We have a rental car so we can drive to someplace, but nothing extravagant like whitewater rafting because I'm by myself.

My family thinks I'm crazy traveling all that way by myself, I'll let you know after I get back what I think! LOL!:thumbup::thumbdown:

Click to expand...

I liked this site. If you click on the different areas, it will give you info on things in that area and then feedback from different people on if it's good for kids, a rip off, or whatever.

http://attractions.uptake.com/alaska/family.html

check out the ones in Eagle River, Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, Girdwood. All of those would be close enough to do a day trip. I think most others would require a stay out of town.

H2Oasis isn't bad, but you can go to a waterpark anywhere and it's a bit small.

In Girdwood (a 45 minute drive south of Anchorage) you can take a tram to the top of the moutain at Alyeska Resort. Apparently there's a restaurant up there. You can either ride or walk back down (seasonal berries to pick on the walk down)...it's a long walk though.

There are tons of parks here if you just need to get out of the house.

We did do a glacier cruise last summer (out of Seward, not Whittier) and it was awesome. Have heard the same from those who have done the Whittier ones. Take jackets and a big lens!

I do like the downtown market that Vanessa mentioned, but don't know how much entertainment there would be for the kiddos...hit or miss. If you go, you HAVE to get a quesadilla from the Salmon Quesadilla guy (I recommend the 'Alaskan' one...it has salmon and reindeer sausage). Get it spicy. It's worth going to market just for that!!! The market's open on Saturday and Sunday from 10-4 I believe.

If your kiddos like airplanes have a picnic at Kincaid Park. You can watch all the planes at the airport take off and land. (Lots of 747s). DS thinks it's great.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head... HTH

Thanks guys! Keep them coming!

We probably won't do the waterpark thing since we are coming from FREAKIN' HOT Texas and one of the reasons we are headed there is to get away from our swimsuits for a while LOL. Plus if you've ever been to a Great Wolf Lodge, I'm sure you'd understand when I say....I doubt it would compare! And we just went for two nights this last March for my birthday.

But the glacier thing sounds cool. Ok am I total dork, but is it cold cold or just jacket cold? Evan SO wants to see snow and I had to explain that even in Alaska the snow doesn't stay all year round all places. So maybe a giant glacier would do him good. Course I'm just worried about my 2 year old...he's a trouble maker and I can just imagine him wandering off and getting eaten by a sea lion or something! I'm still contemplating one of those kiddie leash/backpacks for him, just not sure if he'd wear it or just take it off (he is Hudini reincarnated).

The baseball game sounds cool too. We've never been to a BB game before (DH isn't a sports nut) and I'm not sure if they'd make it all the way through, but even if we went for part of the game, depending on the $ of course!

My friend actually lives in Eagle River so I'm sure she's got parks there mapped out (her kiddos are the same age)!

Again, thanks guys, knew I could count on you all for the good info! Keep it coming!!!:thumbup:

Tickets for the baseball game are $5 for general admission and $7 for box seats. At that price, you can go for just a little while, have a hot dog, and have some fun...and not worry about leaving if you have to.

I wouldn't worry about going on one of the cruises with a little one, but if it makes you feel better to have something on him, by all means, bring one. You know your child best. Mine boys were always ok, and I didn't worry about them climbing the railing.

I almost always wear a sweater during the summer in Alaska, especially if you go to areas near the water. Last time we went halibut fishing in Homer, it was so warm, we all stripped to just our jeans and t-shirts. You could bring shorts if you want. My boys usually bring a pair or two, but mostly wear jeans, t-shirts and have a nice sweatshirt. I'd have a warmer jacket for the cruise if you go (and be sure if you do to take the train so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery instead of driving). You will see huge glaciers, lots of ice chunks, and it can be very cold. I had a coat, one of my boys had a sweatshirt on, and the other (just trying to be difficult I'm sure) only had a t-shirt on!

I lived in Eagle River, so I know the area well...my girlfriend still lives there and I visit her every time I go. There is a great rec center there where you can go ice skating. I know the lessons start for kids 3 and up, but I'm not sure if they have an age limit for free skate times. It's a really nice center!

Here are a few pics:



I'm sure your friend will have ideas as well. You'll have fun especially if you "get out" of town and see some of Alaska's beauty. Just driving along the Turnagain Arm on the way to the glaciers or to Girdwood is just beautiful. I've seen pods of beluga whales there before and we were able to stop and watch them. Hopefully you'll see moose...but do be careful and don't approach them! My dh actually got to see polar bears last time when he was working up there, but he was up on the North Slope. I don't think you'll be heading up there!!