Family-Friendly Adventures in Ketchikan!

Mendenhall Glacier

Why Visit?

Day 1: Discovering Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Start your adventure at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, a must-see for its interactive exhibits and stunning views of the glacier. Arrive early to beat the crowds and spend your morning exploring the educational displays that explain the glacier"s history and local wildlife. Don"t miss the short film that offers breathtaking aerial views of the ice field.

Getting there: Drive or take a bus from downtown Juneau to the Visitor Center. It"s about a 20-minute ride, and parking is available on-site.

Activity Tip: Participate in a Junior Ranger program, perfect for kids to learn about the environment and earn a badge.

Day 2: Nugget Falls and Photo Point Trail

Start your second day with a hike to Nugget Falls. This easy, 2-mile roundtrip trail offers incredible views of the glacier and ends at the powerful waterfalls. It"s an ideal spot for memorable family photos.

Getting there: The trailhead starts right by the Visitor Center. Follow the signs leading to Nugget Falls.

Interesting Fact: The water cascading down Nugget Falls travels from Nugget Glacier, which is perched high above Mendenhall Glacier.

After visiting the falls, take a leisurely walk along the Photo Point Trail, a short, accessible path that provides one of the best views of Mendenhall Glacier.

Day 3: Mendenhall Lake Kayaking

Wrap up your visit with a family kayaking trip on Mendenhall Lake. This peaceful paddle offers up-close views of icebergs and the glacier face.

Getting there: Book a guided tour which includes all equipment and often transportation from the Visitor Center.

Safety Tip: Always listen to your guide’s safety briefing, as conditions on the lake can change.

This itinerary promises a mix of education, adventure, and natural beauty, tailored for family enjoyment and engagement at Mendenhall Glacier.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Mt. Roberts Tramway

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling family adventure at the Mt. Roberts Tramway in Juneau, Alaska, offering breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience. Begin your journey in downtown Juneau, where the tramway station is conveniently located just steps away from the cruise ship docks at 490 S. Franklin Street. As you board the tram, prepare for a scenic ascent that whisks you 1,800 feet above sea level to the Mountain House, presenting panoramic views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel.

Once at the top, explore the subalpine ecosystem on well-maintained trails like the Nature Trail, an easy 0.5-mile loop perfect for families, offering educational signs about local flora and fauna. For a more immersive experience, venture on the slightly more challenging Alpine Loop that rewards hikers with stunning vistas and wildlife sightings.

Visit the Mountain House, which hosts the Chilkat Theater. Here, you can watch a fascinating film about the Tlingit culture and the natural history of the area. Don’t miss the live bald eagle display at the Juneau Raptor Center’s exhibit, an educational highlight for both kids and adults.

Dining options include the Timberline Bar & Grill, where you can savor some local Alaskan seafood while enjoying the mountain views. Before descending, stop by the gift shop for unique souvenirs crafted by local artisans, perfect for remembering your journey.

The tram operates from May through September, aligning well with the cruise ship season, and runs every 5 to 10 minutes. Ticket prices are around $45 for adults and $23 for children, which includes unlimited rides throughout the day.

This engaging trip not only provides stunning natural beauty and wildlife but also a deep dive into the local culture, making it a memorable outing for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Herbert Glacier

Why Visit?

A family trip to Herbert Glacier promises a memorable adventure filled with stunning vistas and engaging experiences. Here’s a perfect itinerary to make the most of your visit:

### Day 1: Arrival and Preparation

- Where to Stay: Book a family-friendly hotel in Juneau, as this will be your base for exploring Herbert Glacier. The city offers various accommodation options ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to hotels with family amenities.

- Evening Briefing: Spend your evening gathering supplies and information from a local visitor center. Make sure to rent necessary hiking gear and gather snacks and water for the next day"s hike.

### Day 2: Hiking to Herbert Glacier

- Getting There: Start your morning by driving to the Herbert Glacier trailhead, located about 25 miles north of Juneau. The drive takes about 40 minutes and offers scenic views of the Mendenhall Valley.

- The Hike: The Herbert Glacier Trail is a 5.5-mile (one way) journey through lush forests and alongside the beautiful Herbert River. The path is well-maintained and generally flat, making it manageable for families with children.

- Picnic and Exploration: Once at the glacier, enjoy a packed lunch with the icefield as your backdrop. Take time to explore the area—look for signs of wildlife, and teach the kids about glacial movements and their impact on landscapes.

### Day 3: Educational Wrap-up

- Visitor Center: Before heading home, stop by the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Here, engage with interactive exhibits that explain the local geology and ecosystems. It’s a great way to wrap up your glacier adventure with educational insights that children and adults alike will appreciate.

### Interesting Facts:

- Herbert Glacier is part of the Juneau Icefield, which is the fifth-largest icefield in the Western Hemisphere.

- The area around Herbert Glacier is known for its wildlife, including bald eagles and black bears, making it an exciting spot for nature enthusiasts.

This itinerary combines outdoor fun, education, and relaxation to ensure a fulfilling family adventure at Herbert Glacier!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska, a treasure troast of diverse ecosystems, stunning glacial vistas, and rich wildlife. Here’s a three-day family-friendly itinerary to maximize your adventure in this pristine wilderness.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

- Getting There: Fly into Juneau, Alaska"s capital, then take a short flight or a scenic ferry ride to Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay. Settle into one of the lodges or campsites in Gustavus.

- Activity: After checking in, spend your afternoon visiting the Glacier Bay Visitor Center located by the Bartlett Cove. Join a Park Ranger for an educational talk about the local wildlife and glacial history. Kids will love becoming Junior Rangers!

Day 2: Glacier and Wildlife Tour

- Getting There: Board a tour boat right from Bartlett Cove. These tours, lasting 6 to 8 hours, are the highlight of any visit, offering up-close views of towering glaciers and opportunities to spot humpback whales, sea otters, seals, and eagles.

- Interesting Fact: Did you know Glacier Bay is home to both the tallest peak in the U.S., Mount Fairweather, and some of its fastest-moving glaciers?

- Activity: Engage in the Junior Ranger program designed for young explorers to learn about the park’s ecosystem and conservation efforts.

Day 3: Kayaking and Beachcombing

- Getting There: Rent kayaks from Bartlett Cove. Paddle in the protected waters near the shorelines—ideal and safe for families.

- Activity: After kayaking, stroll along the shores of Bartlett Cove. The beach is great for spotting animal tracks, beachcombing, and observing tide pools.

- Interesting Fact: The park is a living laboratory where you can witness ecological succession; this area was covered by ice just over 200 years ago!

Wrap up your visit by reflecting on the spectacular landscapes and biodiversity you’ve experienced, leaving Glacier Bay with lasting memories and stories to tell.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Last Chance Mining Museum

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling journey into Alaska"s rich mining history with a family-friendly visit to the Last Chance Mining Museum in Juneau. Nestled in the scenic basin of Gold Creek, this museum promises a blend of educational intrigue and natural beauty, perfect for a day"s adventure with the kids.

Getting There: The Last Chance Mining Museum is located at 1001 Basin Rd, Juneau. From downtown Junea, you can drive or take a taxi; it’s just about a 10-minute ride. For a bit of extra adventure, consider hiking the Perseverance Trail which offers stunning views and historical sites along the way.

Start Your Tour: Begin your visit by marveling at the old architectural wonder of the compressor building, which houses the museum. This building is part of the historic Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company, which operated from 1912 to 1944, and is now preserved as a National Historic Site.

Engage with Exhibits: Inside, you’ll find a fascinating collection of mining artifacts, including pneumatic machines used in the early 20th century, as well as an extensive photographic collection documenting the life of miners and their operations. Children will be particularly captivated by the large air compressors and electric locomotives.

Interactive Learning: Participate in guided tours available, where knowledgeable staff explain the mining techniques and machinery. Don’t miss the chance to pan for gold – a fun activity where kids can swirl pans in water tanks hoping to find their own tiny speck of gold, just like the prospectors of yore.

Exploring the Surrounds: Post museum, take a stroll around the area to see the remains of mine shafts and the beautiful basin landscape, offering plenty of photo opportunities and spots to picnic.

Finish your visit by stopping at the gift shop for souvenirs like replica gold nuggets or mining-themed toys, ensuring your family takes a piece of Alaskan history home. This educational outing is more than just a history lesson; it’s a chance to step back in time and experience the Gold Rush era firsthand!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.