Fun Activities For Kids In Alaska

A trip to Alaska promises some of the most fun activities for kids. Here, the magic of nature intertwines with thrilling adventures for young explorers of all ages.

By Melissa Alvarado Sierra | Published on January 12, 2024

Alaska is a land of icy wonders, towering mountains and extraordinary wildlife. Anyone looking for fun activities for kids need look no further: You can embark on a thrilling journey with your young explorers through the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the incredible experiences that Alaska has to offer. Take it from me — you'll never run out of new and interesting things to do in Alaska during a cruise getaway.

On a cruise, you'll get closer to some of the less populated and developed areas of the state, where you'll see glaciers bigger than countries, rivers that almost snake through the whole state and king crabs the size of golden retrievers. Most things to do in Alaska are epic, including the experiences for families with children of all ages. So grab your binoculars and put on your adventurer hat, because these tips and suggestions will help your family have an unforgettable and enriching experience as the whole gang explores the untamed beauty of this beloved destination. Let the adventure begin!

Alaska Hubbard Glacier Mountain Blue Ocean

Hubbard Glacier is a highlight on many Alaska cruises.

What To Pack

Alaskan nature is rugged with shifting weather patterns, which is why you want to pack the right gear for the whole family to fully enjoy this outdoorsy destination. Whether you plan on serious adventures or a more relaxing trip, you'll want to bring summer clothes that layer well but also winter hats, gloves, socks and scarves, and a couple of day backpacks. If you plan to go for hikes, bring along sturdy hiking boots that provide good support and traction.

You really want little explorers to be able to navigate the diverse terrain with ease, so bring rain jackets for everyone, plus waterproof covers for your bags and electronics. Knowing your clothes and travel items are dry will allow you to immerse yourselves in all of the kid-friendly activities available without worrying. There's beauty in weather that can change from hour to hour, with sudden rain showers and winds that might take you by surprise. Focus on lightweight, moisture-wicking materials that can be layered easily so that you're comfortable regardless of the weather.

Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park — Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park

In Kenai Fjords National Park, you'll want to watch for humpback whales.

While Alaska's icy environs may be the first thing that comes to mind when planning activities for children during an Alaskan vacation, the sun can also shine, so bring a high-SPF sunscreen to protect everyone's skin from the rays, and don't forget about sunglasses to shield your eyes from glare. Bug repellent is also a critical item, and if you want to avoid spills you can find it as a convenient wipe that's easy to pack.

Consider also packing binoculars to help little ones spot wildlife in the distance: You might see whales breaching, bald eagles soaring and bears swimming. Animal-spotting is easily one of the best activities for kids on an Alaskan cruise.

If you're traveling with small children, don't forget to bring a few packaged snacks for offshore adventures so that a rumbling tummy doesn't interrupt your day. Finally, make sure to pack sleep masks, as the sun sets late in Alaska in the summertime.

A wild mother Southern Sea Otter and newborn pup float in the water of a quiet cove, in Monterey Bay, California.

Watch from your window or balcony for curious sea otters bobbing in the icy water alongside your ship.

Where To Watch

Once you're sailing through Alaskan waters, glaciers inevitably come into full view, along with the occasional whale or sea otter, making the large windows throughout a cruise ship feel like frames on a landscape painting. A private balcony is the perfect place for the kiddos to watch for animals, along with towering mountains and icy fjords. This is where the wonder starts, and your balcony becomes the best seat in the house to catch it all. There is no better vantage point for an uninterrupted view of nature and great sea creatures, especially the humpback whales.

Of course, if you don't have a balcony, spending time up on deck can also be one of the more fun activities for kids, especially on a sea day. I suggest dressing warmly so you don't have to head back to your stateroom for a jacket. Whether you watch for animals from your cabin's veranda or a public terrace, you'll want to keep your phone or camera ready because the views are snap-worthy, and marine critters will appear fast and submerge swiftly.

Book Now

Ready to book your next adventure? Plan a cruise and bring the whole family to Alaska!

Denali, Alaska National Park — Scenic View of Denali's National Park

Denali National Park is a spectacular place to hike and wander.

Where To Explore

Shore excursions bring the magic of this destination to life for children and include some of the best things to do with kids in Alaska. Imagine dog sledding one day and salmon fishing the next, and you'll see why an Alaskan vacation is like no other for kids and their families.

During your cruise, you can see Alaska through the cruise line's shore excursion program or plan to explore on your own. Since no two kids are alike, choosing the right activities allows you to curate your family's experiences to your own preferences and make the most out of your visit. From heli-hiking to panning for gold, kayaking and riding a train on a narrow-gauge railroad, the options are varied and exciting.

If you wish to venture out on your own, you'll find that the journey will be just as enchanting when you wander through villages and make stops at museums or join different outdoor adventures in the wild. Just be sure to make any plans in advance since the most popular options sell out during the busy summer season.

If you decide to go on a hike during your Alaskan vacation, you'll find that the sprawling public parks — with their forests, wildlife and waterfalls — offer a natural wonderland. The little ones will be jumping up and down in awe as they witness the most astonishing views and encounter different animals, such as black-tailed deer, bald eagles and otters.

In addition, consider booking a cruise with a pre- or post-cruise tour — a multi-day experience that includes a train ride to a wilderness lodge and a deeper look at the vast expanse that is Alaska, from fields of wildflowers to snow-topped mountains. The train will take you to the most popular outdoor attraction in Alaska, and one of many fun activities for kids: the celebrated Denali National Park and Preserve. Travelers who come to Denali encounter a dynamic ecosystem composed of glacially fed rivers, moving glaciers, more than 39 types of mammals and over 1,500 species of plants.

The little ones will be jumping up and down in awe as they witness the most astonishing views and encounter different animals, such as black-tailed deer, bald eagles and otters.

Venturing Outdoors

Panaroma View of Town, Ketchikan, Alaska

In summer, the sun rises early and sets late in Ketchikan.

When To Relax

If the weather takes a turn, the kids need a break from exploration or your group is just more excited about cultural activities than the great outdoors, you'll find there are plenty of indoor activities to choose from on your cruise. Look for cultural centers (such as the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center in Sitka) and museums (such as Skagway's Gold Rush Museum). You'll also find streets lined with galleries and shops. When hunger strikes, you can sample the local cuisine in each port. Kids will love Alaskan favorites such as pancakes with local birch syrup, bagels topped with cream cheese and locally smoked salmon and ice cream filled with wild local blueberries that are tiny but so, so sweet.

Your ship also offers plenty of activities, from a kids club to a fitness center and spa (with a teen menu, as well) and — depending on your ship — perhaps even a rock-climbing wall, sky diving simulator and surfing simulator. On Ovation of the Seas®, for example, you can check out glacier views from the fully enclosed North Star® capsule, which soars 300 feet above sea level.

Watch for eagles in the sky; their heads look like golf balls from a distance.

Finally, consider bringing games from home to keep the kids entertained onboard the cruise ship during long stretches of travel or downtime in between activities. Whether it's a travel-sized board game, a deck of cards, a puzzle for older kids or a coloring book and board books for younger children, these activities are sure to entertain them and provide a more restful moment when they need it. You can also choose to play the games on a table by the pool deck on a lovely day or inside on a chilly one. Just make sure your kids get enough downtime to enjoy all the activities and adventures that await onboard and onshore.

Those who are onboard during the day will likely find many of the restaurants quieter as passengers explore the exciting sites on land. From pizzerias to hot dog stands and fish and chip spots, you can order up whatever you like with few lines in the afternoon. In the evening, when everyone is back onboard and you are sailing to your next destination, prime spots tend to fill up at most dining venues, so try to make reservations in advance. You may find that older children especially enjoy trying out the different specialty restaurants onboard, which could include everything from a steakhouse to an Italian spot.

Traveling in Alaska with the whole family is one of those bucket list items many dream to check off. Cruising here can make it a comfortable reality because of the sheer amount of fun activities for kids, both onboard and onshore.

Written By
MELISSA ALVARADO SIERRA

Melissa Alvarado Sierra is a journalist, author and sailor. She's been exploring coastal destinations around the world for more than a decade, always searching for authentic experiences to share with her adventurous readers. Her work has been published or is forthcoming in The New York Times, Lonely Planet, Orion Magazine, AFAR, USA Today  and others.

Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today

First Name

Missing First Name

Last Name

Missing Last Name

Email Address

mail_outline

Missing Email Address Invalid Email Address

Sign Up

There was an error processing your request. Please try again.

Thank you for signing up!

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy.