“I’m bored.” “I miss my friends.” “I want to go home.” Those are phrases often heard on family vacations, but in Anchorage your teen or tween will get so wrapped up in the adventure, they might even stop texting.
After being cooped up in a plane, car or ship it will be good to get everyone out for a leisurely bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail; bike rentals are available at several downtown Anchorage locations. The trail is 11 miles long and hugs the coast of Cook Inlet most of the way. Keep your camera handy, you’re likely to spot moose, eagles, salmon, and a wide variety of water fowl including Sandhill Cranes, Common Loons and Red-breasted Mergansers.
Want to brag that you climbed a mountain? Anchorage has many nearby peaks that can be conquered by energetic teens, tweens and adults. Flattop Mountain is the most climbed mountain in all of Alaska. It will take most people 2 ½ hours to complete, if you don’t stop too long to enjoy the spectacular view of Anchorage. If you are looking for a more challenging climb, Wolverine, Ptarmigan and O’Malley Peaks in Chugach State Park have summits that can be reached in a day.
If a water adventure is what you’re interested in head to Eklutna Lake. It takes just a few minutes to rent a kayak, learn a few paddling strokes and push off. In no time the whole family will be paddling like pros. Don’t forget to pack a lunch for a picnic on the shore.
No matter the age or skill level, everyone can take part in geocaching or a round of disc golf. Anchorage boasts ten courses and local sporting goods stores sell discs and caches are hidden in many places around Anchorage.
There are also a variety of indoor activities that will keep everyone entertained. Feel the ground shake while watching the film on the 1964 earthquake at the Alaska Experience Theatre. Head to Bear Tooth Theatrepub, order a pizza and enjoy it while taking in a second run film or art house pic. Find the latest fashions and high tech gadgets at one of Anchorages many shopping centers.
Your time in Anchorage will go by so fast; your kids will beg to stay longer.
