Planning your family’s first visit to Anchorage? Get ready to make lasting memories with a variety of fun activities. Whether exploring the great outdoors or diving into hands-on activities at local museums, kids of all ages will have an unforgettable time. Here are seven amazing things to do in Anchorage with kids, all within an hour’s drive:
A tour we think you'll love
1) Start Your Memorable Adventure Here – Big Lake Alaska
Big Lake, Alaska, is about an hour from Anchorage and the place to go for family fun. At Big Lake Boat Rentals, we welcome the whole family, from little kids to adults. Our dedicated staff will take the time to provide training and ensure everyone’s life jacket fits just right. There is so much to do that even older kids will have a blast:
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Miss P 20’ Pontoon Boat – The perfect size for families, whether spending a few hours cruising the lake or a couple of days.
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Paddle Board Rentals – Explore the lake from the top of a paddle board; a great activity for families with older kids looking for a fun adventure.
Ready to make remarkable memories with your family in Big Lake? We can’t wait to help you create a trip the whole family will love. Visit our website to start planning your adventure today – fun and excitement await around every corner!
2) Dive Into Discovery – Explore The Anchorage Museum
The Anchorage Museum offers families an inside look at what makes Alaska so special. Everything from its art, science, and history are under one roof. It is an ideal spot for families to learn and play together:
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Anchorage Museum’s Discovery Center – Perfect for all ages, the center provides plenty of interactive fun. From the art lab and marine life tanks to the planetarium, children will have a blast while learning.
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Exhibits – The Anchorage Museum features a wide range of exhibits that cover everything from history to art, spanning from the past to the present. There is truly something to capture the interest of every visitor, no matter their age or preference.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Alaska’s flag was designed by a 13-year-old? Back in 1926, a young boy named Benny Benson created a design featuring the North Star and the Big Dipper, which has since become a proud symbol of the state.
3) Discover The Magic of Westchester Lagoon
The Westchester Lagoon is popular among the locals and offers plenty of family-friendly activities, from access to trails and water activities to wildlife watching:
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Land Activities – The lagoon sits between two popular trails: the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and the Chester Creek Trail. Visitors can enjoy biking, skating, and walking, and children can play on an on-site playground.
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Water Activities – Rent equipment from nearby sports stores for kayaking and paddleboarding on the lagoon. In the winter, ice skating and hockey are popular activities.
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Wildlife – Keep an eye out for moose, songbirds, ducks, pintails, and many other fascinating creatures that make this area their home. It’s a great spot for the whole family to enjoy nature up close.
Pro Tip: Westchester Lagoon is a great place to visit any time of year. In the summer, bring bikes or rollerblades to enjoy the trails, and in winter, don’t miss the chance to skate on the frozen lagoon. It’s a wonderful space for the whole family to rest and reconnect with nature right in the middle of Anchorage.
4) Experience Nature At Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk
Potter Marsh sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains and is easily accessible from Seward Highway. The wooden boardwalk is a half-mile long and is one of the best places for wildlife watching:
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April to September – Keep a lookout for eagle nests, Canada geese, ducks, muskrats, and a variety of other wildlife that make this marsh their home during these months.
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May through August – This is a fantastic time to observe shorebirds, gulls, Arctic terns, and even salmon as they make their way through the area.
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May and June – While moose can be spotted year-round, early summer is especially great for seeing them enjoying the marsh’s peaceful surroundings.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the wildlife. Having a couple of pairs makes it easier to share the experience with family and friends.
5) Experience A Glacier Adventure With Your Family At Spencer Glacier
Located just 60 miles south of Anchorage, Spencer Glacier is within the Chugach National Forest. The sparkling blue ice formation is surrounded by rugged mountains, making it a perfect destination for families eager to see Alaska’s natural beauty.
Things to know about Spencer Glacier:
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Getting There – For many kids, the journey there is half the fun. The glacier is only accessible by train, and the scenic route allows visitors to view the stunning landscapes. There are restrooms and information available at the outpost.
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Guided Tours – Once you arrive, you can explore on your own or join a guided tour. Whether your family wants to explore the trails, float among the icebergs, or go snowmobiling, the expert guides will ensure you have a fun and safe time.
Pro Tip: Always keep a safe distance from the glacier and follow your guide’s instructions. Glaciers are constantly moving and can be unpredictable, so paying attention helps keep your family safe while enjoying this amazing natural wonder.
6) Dive Into The Wonders Of Cook Inlet
Cook Inlet, home to the beluga whale, is a stretch of water that offers wildlife sightings and outdoor adventures. The area is surrounded by mountains and beautiful landscapes, making it a perfect destination for families who love nature. Here’s what awaits you at this stunning location:
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Wildlife – Cook Inlet is a great spot to see wildlife like beluga whales and bald eagles. Families can enjoy watching these animals from different places along the water.
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Fishing – The inlet is known for its salmon and halibut, making it a fun place where kids and adults can learn how to fish together.
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Hiking – There are many hiking trails around Cook Inlet for all skill levels. You can pick a trail that fits your family’s pace.
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Tidal Bore – A cool thing to see here is the tidal bore, a wave that moves quickly through the inlet. Kids will love watching the waves that can travel up to 10 miles per hour during high tides.
Did You Know? Did you know that there are approximately 331 Cook Inlet beluga whales left? Though the numbers are slowly improving, they are still an endangered species.
7) Explore Eagle River Nature Center And Alaska Zoo
The Eagle River Nature Center and Alaska Zoo are great things to do in Anchorage with kids that mix fun and learning. These places give kids a chance to discover Alaska’s wildlife and natural world through hands-on activities and interactive exhibits.
Eagle River Nature Center
Located 26 miles from Anchorage, the nature center offers programs for the whole family. Everyone can participate in guided nature walks, learn about Alaska’s ecosystems, and explore the surrounding area to help ignite your child’s curiosity about the outdoors.
Alaska Zoo
When visiting Alaska, a trip to the zoo needs to be at the top of the list. The zoo provides an up-close look at many different animals, including brown bears, polar bears, yaks, bald eagles, seals, and more. Families can attend educational talks, enjoy interactive exhibits, and even attend events like wildlife feeding demonstrations.
Did You Know? Did you know that the Alaskan moose is the world’s largest moose subspecies? The males weigh up to 1,600 pounds and grow antlers that are up to six feet wide.
Get Ready For A Fun Filled Time In Anchorage
Anchorage has a lot to offer families with kids of all ages and interests. Whether you want to see the glaciers and beluga whales, learn about the environment, enjoy hiking, or time on the water, Anchorage has it all.
At Big Lake Boat Rentals, we are here to make sure you have a successful adventure. Don’t wait – start planning your perfect family getaway in this vibrant city and its beautiful surroundings today!
