Planning a family vacation is a big job. There are so many things to consider from location and time of year to activities and weather. Anchorage can provide fun excursions, fine dining and beautiful scenery and you won’t have to spend all day on the road.
Looking for a place where the little ones can run and yell and get rid of the excess energy? Anchorage boasts dozens of city parks and miles of trails. Make sure you pack a good pair of shoes, and perhaps a change of clothes, before heading out.
Rouse your little one’s interest in adventure with a dog sled ride. The powerful pull of the dogs will amaze everyone, and there are usually opportunities to cuddle with the puppies. Head to a lake and rent a kayak. Paddling is easy and a two-person kayak gives a feeling of independence yet provides the safety of adult supervision.
Boost a teen’s confidence with a challenging hike that ends with a spectacular view of a glacier or the grand vista of Alaska’s tallest peaks. Sneak in a little education with a trip to one of the Anchorage's museums. When back at school it will be easy to answer the statement “what I did on my vacation.”
Dad might enjoy a day on the water. Fish are abundant in the lakes, rivers and ocean. Don’t worry about the gear, rent it here from a sporting goods store or book a fishing charter and it will be provided. Jet boat, raft or sailboat are just a few ways to explore the many waterways around Anchorage.
Pamper mom with a glacier and wildlife day cruise in Prince William Sound or the Kenai Fjords National Park. Glaciers, whales, birds and otters are just a few of the sights to be seen. She won’t put the camera down. Add a lunch or dinner of salmon and crab to complete the day.
If the weather isn’t cooperating, Anchorage has many indoor attractions that will keep everyone entertained for hours. From Alaska Native heritage sites to shopping and movies, it’s hard to pick just one.
At the end of a busy day, you will all be famished and ready to stop by one of the many great restaurants in Anchorage. From pizza and burgers to the catch-of-the-day, Anchorage has national chain restaurants and local gems that offer a wide variety of cuisine. In summer food carts dot the downtown landscape, offering a variety of street fare.
