8 Alaska Family Vacation Ideas

If you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation destination, visit Alaska to find glaciers, wildlife, national parks and incredible sights. A 7-day cruise itinerary is the most accessible way to experience the best of the Last Frontier in one trip — and as the family Alaskan cruise brand, Royal Caribbean brings even more all-ages thrills like rock climbing walls, surf simulators, ice skating and snacks your whole crew will love..

Alaska is a must-see by sea, but land-based excursions add depth to the experience and offer once-in-a-lifetime moments for family connections. Imagine riding the rails to the land of Northern Lights, sleeping under the stars in a transparent family igloo, spotting grizzlies in their natural element, rafting below soaring bald eagles or connecting with Native American art at cultural heritage sites. 

Read on for a list of top Alaska family vacation ideas.

Alaska Family Vacation: Cruise vs. Land Tour vs. Cruisetour

The best Alaskan adventures begin with a good plan. Here are three common options:

● Cruise: A cruise is the easiest way for families to see Alaska, allowing you to visit multiple destinations, enjoy a wide variety of dining options, choose from countless all-ages activities and simplify logistics for family trip planning. You only have to unpack once and all the essentials are included.

● Land tour: A land tour is a fun way to take advantage of inland adventures, but many of the best spots are only accessible by water (or air). It can also introduce new planning considerations that can complicate travel for younger families.

● Cruisetour: Alaska Cruisetours are the best of both worlds, allowing you to explore the Last Frontier by land before or after your family cruise.

Seward: Gateway To The Good Stuff

Seward is the gateway port to all Alaska has to offer. Unforgettable day trips, natural wonders, exciting excursions, opportunities to connect with marine wildlife in its beautiful glacial habitat — really, it’s tough to beat an Alaskan cruise vacation. 

With a location in the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park, sitting at the head of iconic Resurrection Bay, the departure port town of Seward is all about location, location, location. I've spent six or seven months sailing the Alaskan ports by cruise ship. Seeing this wild landscape by sea is simply a must if you want to truly understand its charms.

1. Wander Where the Wild Things Are

The best Alaskan family vacation includes wow-worthy sights and sounds (I hear you, calving glacier!). The classic Alaskan trip needs one more element to be complete — the wildlife. Seward-based tours take you to the heart of a habitat rich with critters by land or by sea:

● Resurrection Bay orca tours.

● Gulf of Alaska humpback and gray whale migration tours.

● Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) grizzly tours with moose spotting by Exit Glacier.

● Otters, puffins, whales, porpoises, seals and sea lions visible from the sea.

● Cruise Port: Seward Cruise Ship Terminal.

●  Distance from Port: Most are just a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk, with AWCC being 77 miles or a 1-hour and 30-minute drive.

● Ages: All ages.

2. Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords is where you'll find a rugged glacial landscape, offering habitat and refuge to whales, sea otters, mountain goats, puffins and bears. There are myriad ways to explore this park — by hiking trail, boat and even a dinner cruise from Seward. No matter how you visit, be sure to explore its tidewater glaciers, coastal rainforest and icefield charms.

● Cruise Port: Seward Cruise Ship Terminal.

● Distance from Port: 1 mile — a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive, with Harding Icefield being a 20-minute drive.

● Ages: All ages.

3. Make Tracks for These Scenic Rail Adventures

Getting around a frozen wonderland isn’t as simple as hopping in the car for a road trip. However, no one is complaining when you reach your destination on a romantic scenic railway. Much like cruising, rail travel is a great way for families to see Alaska and the key to overland adventures.

Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic train brings guests on tours through off-the-beaten-path beauties like Kenai Fjords National Park, passing Talkeetna’s bald eagle-packed river and Denali’s grizzly oasis up to Fairbanks to spot the Northern Lights. Meanwhile, the Arctic Cruise Connector invites guests to ride the rails right from the ship north through Anchorage and Denali to arrive at Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks, Alaska. This full-service resort sleeps guests in transparent igloos with barrel saunas and an adventure center for snowmachining and reindeer visits.

● Cruise Port: Seward Cruise Ship Terminal.

● Distance from Port: Alaska Railroad has a stop inside the port with daily Coastal Classic Trips to Anchorage.

● Ages: All ages.

4. Orca Island Cabins

These eight waterfront yurts are only accessible via a 1-hour boat ride from Seward through Resurrection Bay. An off-grid luxury living experience lets families disconnect (there are no televisions or Wi-Fi) to reconnect, with access to kayaks, paddle boats, SUPs and snorkel gear. Cabins have over-the-bed skylights for midnight stargazing, a futon lounger, kitchen space and private decks. 

● Cruise Port: Seward Cruise Ship Terminal.

● Distance from Port: 1-hour boat ride.

● Ages: All ages.

5. Breathtaking (and Breathholding!) Seward-Based Adventures

Seeing that Seward has a population of less than 3,000 people might give adrenaline junkie fans the impression this area would be a sleepy spot to set up for pre- or post-cruise adventure. However, being outnumbered by wildlife isn’t that bad for those wanting a wild Alaskan experience. 

Consider a snowmobile tour of Kenai Fjords, snowdog mushing across Godwin Glacier or Three Canyon Whitewater Rafting.

● Cruise Port: Seward Cruise Ship Terminal.

● Distance from Port: Tours leave from within 5 miles of the port.

● Ages: All ages, with some adventure tours being most suitable for older teens.

Let’s Go! Set Sail For Wild Alaska Port Adventures

6. Juneau Treats Families to a Capital Good Time

Juneau gives visitors options for shopping at local artists' galleries, accessing mountaintop trails and perusing a smoked fish factory mere steps from the ship.

Tracy’s Crab Shack — a port-side King Crab institution not to be missed — will fuel your King Crab fever dreams for years to come. (Try the mini crab cakes dipped in a cup of chowder — chef’s kiss!) Enjoy the boardwalk or ride a Mount Roberts Tramway gondola to hike Juneau’s mountain forest trails after watching a Native American eco-movie at the summit. Flightseeing tours of the glaciers and bear-watching excursions are splurges to remember.

● Cruise Port: Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal.

● Distance from Port: The city is walkable with activities picking up from the dock.

● Ages: All ages.

7. Skagway is the Way to Go for Train-Loving Tots

Don’t discount the tiny town of Skagway, a remote outpost where hordes of gold-seeking explorers kicked off their trips. Most visitors opt for a scenic trip right from the dock on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, but adrenaline fans love TEMSCO Helicopter tours that whir adventurers out to a glacier to not only land, but hike the craggy blue-ice landscape and sip 10,000-year-old glacial water. Early in the season, you can even heli-hop to a dogsledding glacier experience. 

Families can wander the wide, often-empty streets to try fried-dough beaver tails dipped in cinnamon sugar, take a trolley to a 10-minute hiking trail up to a gorgeous waterfall or try their hand at axe-throwing. Don’t be surprised if a painted-lady costumed interpreter serenades you from the Red Onion or an upper window on the main drag — a musical performance shares details of the gold rush days in a small theatre. 

● Cruise Port: Skagway Cruise Terminal.

● Distance from Port: The town and activities are minutes from the dock.

● Ages: All ages.

8. Catch Me If You Can in Ketchikan (Or at Least Catch a Salmon!)

This funky little fishing town spoils visitors with dockside food stalls, the infamous Tongass Trading Company for shopping, a Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show so fun it can only be topped by a post-competition all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab feast and 1937-founded Arctic Bar with waterside deck seating.  This is a perfect place to toss a line in for bottom fishing halibut or go trolling for salmon. A short walk to a totem park and salmon ladder lets kids learn about the life cycle, occasionally spotting curious bears admiring the jumping fish. 

Amp up a visit with a Ketchikan Adventure Kart Expedition on a wild ramble through old-growth forest for amazing views in a mud-loving UTV or drive your own mini-speedboat to spot wildlife on an island-filled Gorge’s Inlet. Follow up with cocoa and campfire-roasted reindeer sausages with Ketchikan AdventureVue. 

● Cruise Port: Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks.

● Distance from Port: Most activities are a 5-10 min stroll from the dock.

● Ages: All ages.

Pack, Prep And Plan For The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Vacation

Royal Caribbean offers families Alaskan adventures paired with a comfortable and fun ship packed with kid-friendly activities and experiences, making every day a great one. That means parents can choose ship time instead of shore excursions when the little ones (or the grownups!) need a break. Plus, port days can get busy, so it’s nice to be able to head back to the ship for a nap. An additional bonus is the variety of food available on board, which means even picky eaters can find something they’ll love.

Don’t forget to pack layers to wear under an outer weatherproof shell, a sleep mask for light-sensitive snoozers, good hat and gloves to weather any adventure comfortably and boots with grip for Alaska’s varied terrain.

When it comes to weather, remember that the specifics depend largely on the activity you choose. Elevation adds a snowy show at times, and there are surprisingly mild sunny days in the height of summer. Plan to spend a lot of time on outer decks, where wildlife is sure to impress.

Other packing and planning essentials include:

● Travel documents for kids and adults, particularly if you’re leaving from Vancouver.

● Sea sickness medications just in case.

● A few favorite toys and games to make the whole trip feel like home, or a fun gift or shirt for older kids.

How To Plan The Best Alaska Family Vacation

Duration and Timing

The best Alaska family cruises last between seven and 10 days. This gives you enough time to explore multiple ports, try top excursions, enjoy ship experiences and immerse yourself in Alaskan culture.

As for timing, summer is cruise season in Alaska. You’ll find the best combination of weather, activities and wildlife between May and September. The best times to visit Alaska with kids include:

● June: Long daylight; great weather and wildlife.

● July: Warmest; peak family season.

● August: Slightly cheaper; best whale watching; more rain.

Cost

Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises include everything you need as part of your fare, from meals to onboard activities. You can also purchase additional packages for dining and drinks or choose exclusive experiences like the North Star observation capsule.

Overall, family cruises to Alaska can cost between $600 and $4,000 per person depending on duration, add-ons, timing and more. Remember to budget extra for excursions, souvenirs and meals or experiences on shore.

Can’t-Miss Alaska Experiences

No family vacation to Alaska is complete without a few experiences your kids will remember for their whole lives. Plan your port days to explore:

● Mendenhall Glacier: See a world-class visitor center, waterfalls, lush forest and sparkling trails.

● Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: Visit before or after your cruise to spot wildlife, immerse yourself in Native Alaskan culture and try some hands-on science.

● Inside Passage: This network of waterways is a must-see if your crew loves glaciers, wildlife including bears and whales, or even just sightseeing from your ship. (Note that Glacier Bay is just one part of the larger Inside Passage.)

● Railroads: If your kiddos love trains, plan to visit the Alaska Railroad on a Cruisetour for history and adventure, or the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway for great views.

● Denali National Park and Preserve: Explore trails, untouched wilderness, tall mountain peaks and more.

● Icy Strait Point: Learn more about local Tlingit culture and take a ride on the world’s largest ZipRider.

● Animal experiences: Try whale watching in Juneau or learn about dog sledding with real mushers.

All-Ages Ship Activities

Royal Caribbean is a top choice for Alaska family vacations because it keeps the adventure going between port stops. Kids of all ages can enjoy onboard activities and make new friends along the way, all while parents are grabbing a drink or enjoying a show. Plan enough time for these experiences:

● Young kids (3-10): Options like the Adventure Ocean® Youth Program and Splashaway Bay℠ aqua park keep the little ones entertained on sea days.

● Tweens and teens: Royal Caribbean offers strong teen activities and larger ships including options like rock climbing, the FlowRider surf simulator, sports courts and even teens-only hangout spaces.

● Multi-generational: Families can play together on waterslides, mini golf courses, karaoke and more.

Alaska Family Vacation Itinerary

There’s no shortage of things to do on family-friendly Alaskan vacations. Here’s a sample 7-day cruise itinerary to get you started:

● Day 1: Depart from the Seattle port and start exploring your ship. Find your favorite spots to snack, watch wildlife and let the kids burn off energy.

● Day 2: Enjoy an uninterrupted day at sea to take in shows, try out the FlowRider® surf simulator, chill at the spa and make new friends in kids- and teens-only spaces.

● Day 3: Embrace Alaskan adventures in Sitka for your first port day. Spot wildlife, learn more about local culture and hike the gorgeous landscape.

● Day 4: Explore Skagway for kid-friendly adventures like railways, Alaskan sled dogs, gold rush history and more.

● Day 5: See what Juneau has to offer, from centuries-old mining trails for energetic little ones to whale watching and Jeep tours for the older and more patient kids.

● Day 6: Have another sea day and try bucket-list experiences like 360-degree Alaskan views from the North Star® observation capsule on Quantum Class ships.

● Day 7: Enjoy a few hours in Victoria, British Columbia for romantic British vibes and Victorian architecture before heading back home.

FAQs: Alaska Family Vacation Ideas

Can Toddlers Go on an Alaska Cruise?

Yes, toddlers can go on Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises. There are even toddler-specific areas and activities like the Royal Babies and Tots^SM Program.

Is a Cruise or Land Trip Better for Families in Alaska?

A cruise is the easiest way for families to see Alaska. It’s also budget-friendly because the essentials are included. However, if you want an extra land element before or after your cruise, try a Cruisetour!

Are Alaska Shore Excursions Kid-Friendly?

Yes! You can find shore excursions for all ages. Pick self-paced, high-interest options for younger kids and save the higher-intensity or slower excursions for tweens and teens with more patience.

What’s the Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary for Families?

The best Alaska cruise itinerary depends on:

● Your location (which port will you depart from?).

● Your family (how old are your kids and how much time off does everyone have?).

● Your interests (which locations and experiences are musts?).

Book Your Bucket List Alaskan Family Cruise Vacation