The abundance and accessibility of unadulterated wildlife and nature in Alaska makes this an ideal destination to take kids on a vacation. Throughout the state are a variety of excursions for the entire family, such as horseback rides or kayaking trips. These excursions are designed for your family to discover Alaska while also remaining active on your trip.
Horseback Riding
In Dyea Valley, you and the kids can explore the trails that lead through the Alaskan Gold Rush area on horseback. This 3.5-hour-long excursion is lead by Chilkoot Horseback Excursion. Children must be 4 feet 10 inches tall to participate on the ride. The horses take riders past an abandoned gold mining town and through a thriving valley that used to be home to 10,000 miners. At the end of the ride, enjoy a beverage and an Alderwood-smoked salmon pate.
Rafting Adventure
Experience the Kenai River firsthand through a rafting tour with Kenai River Trips. These family friendly tours have your family floating down the river through Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Tours are available as half-day and full-day excursions. Children as young as age 5 can participate in the Kenai River Scenic Float, and children over 7 can enjoy the Kenai Canyon Raft Trips. No previous rafting experience is necessary. Expect to see eagles, bears, beavers, fish and otters while out on the trip.
Sled Dog Adventures
Head out with Premier Alaskan Mushing for a memorable experience of being pulled by a team of sled dogs. This company offers a variety of dog sled rides ranging from ½ hour- to three-hour-long trips. Children are welcome along for the rides. You and the kids will begin in the basket, but are allowed to ride the runners if you are feeling adventurous. While out on the adventure, your guide will show the kids moose, wolf and lynx tracks. At the end of the tour, warm up over a cup of hot chocolate while your children receive a certificate of accomplishment.
Sea Kayaking Trips
At Kayak Adventure in Seward, explore the waters around Resurrection Bay aboard a kayak. This company customizes trips for families with children under the age of 14. All participants must be at least 6 years old. The company offers half-, full- and multiday tours. While out on the tour, a guide will teach your family about the history of the area, the plants and the wildlife. The tour company provides the kayaks, guides, lunches, snacks, hot drinks and juice.
Train and Hiking Excursion
Take your children on an adventure along the White Pass & Yukon Railroad Route. This experience takes you and the kids along the Sourdoughs trail between Skagway and Carcross Yukon. The trail runs along the Skagway River. The family will ride a restored train up and down the mountain. The train stops for two hours at Bennett, where riders are served a hot meal and are allowed to go for a two-hour walking tour of the historic gold rush town. The trip takes a full day, and you and the kids will have views of gorges, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls throughout the train ride.
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