A grandfather helps his grandson navigate a rocky trail on the way to a glacial-fed lake on a bright and sunny Alaska afternoon. In the distance, a slow-train whistle signals an afternoon of outdoor excitement for these two equally adventurous spirits. Emerging from the willowy underbrush, elder and younger stand for a moment, gazing upon a distant wall of opaque snow and ice, as gentle waves lap at their feet. The grandfather kneels upon the dark sand, picks up a few pebbles and allows them to slowly trickle toward the ground. “Did you know these rocks could be thousands of years old?” he asks his grandson. The young boy turns away from the water, and a timeless lesson begins.
Alaska is the perfect multigenerational vacation destination, with a wide variety of fully accessible activities suitable for every age and stage.
One winning combination involves the Alaska Railroad and its popular Glacier Discovery Train, traveling south along scenic Turnagain Arm to Spencer Glacier. This all-day journey allows for plenty of easy sightseeing as the train winds through beautiful mountains in full view of moose, bald eagles, beluga whales, and the occasional bear, on the way to the “whistle-stop” destination.
Here, passengers may disembark for a few hours of hiking, rafting, or canoeing. A level trail leads visitors along the shores of the Placer River before depositing walkers at icy Spencer Lake, where icebergs bob in the water and imposing Spencer Glacier consumes the scope of one’s vision. Return to the whistle stop in time to witness the train’s return to Portage and a motorcoach transfer to Anchorage.
The Anchorage Museum provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best in Alaskan culture, history and science in this recently renovated facility. Most notable for families is the Imaginarium Discovery Center, a 9,000 square-foot corner of the museum dedicated to science, technology and hands-on fun for every age. Try out flight mechanics, see a Moon rock or investigate the mystery behind tsunamis. Little ones and their grownups will appreciate the Totes Space, where a water table, tree house and puzzles and art projects are available for hours of indoor fun.
