Family-Friendly Adventures in Seward, AK!

Kenai Fjords National Park

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival in Seward, Alaska

Start your Kenai Fjords National Park adventure by arriving in Seward, accessible by car from Anchorage (about a 2.5-hour drive) or via the scenic Alaska Railroad. Check into a family-friendly hotel, then spend your afternoon exploring the quaint town. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, a public aquarium that offers encounters with marine life and insights into the local ecosystem.

Day 2: Boat Tour of Kenai Fjords

Book a guided boat tour, one of the best ways to explore the fjords and see the park’s stunning glaciers and wildlife. These tours depart from Seward and typically last 6 to 8 hours. You’ll have the chance to see glaciers calving, as well as marine wildlife like seals, sea otters, whales, and myriad seabirds. The onboard naturalists provide engaging commentary that’s both educational and fascinating for all ages.

Day 3: Exit Glacier

Drive to the Exit Glacier area, just a short trip from Seward. Start at the Exit Glacier Nature Center to pick up maps and check out the exhibits. Join a ranger-led walk to learn about the glacier’s history and retreat, a firsthand look at climate change in action. The trails here, like the Edge of the Glacier Trail, are well-suited for families and offer incredible close-up views of Exit Glacier.

Day 4: Hiking and Kayaking

Consider a guided kayaking trip in the fjords, or choose a family-friendly hike in the area, such as the Harding Icefield Trail, which offers breathtaking views and a challenging trek. For a lighter day, explore some easier trails around Seward.

Day 5: Departure

Before you head home, spend your morning picnicking by Resurrection Bay, where kids can play and adults can relax with majestic views of the mountains and ocean.

Fun Fact: Kenai Fjords National Park is home to over 38 glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States!

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

Resurrection Bay

Why Visit?

Welcome to Resurrection Bay, a stunning locale in Seward, Alaska, perfect for family exploration and adventure! Here’s a fun-filled itinerary to make the most of your visit:

Day 1: Arrival in Seward

- Start your journey with a scenic drive or train ride from Anchorage to Seward. The Alaska Railroad offers breathtaking views of the landscape.

- Check into one of Seward’s family-friendly accommodations. Options range from cozy bed and breakfasts to cabins and hotels.

Day 2: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

- Head to the Seward harbor to embark on a family cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park (book in advance). These cruises typically last 6 hours and offer incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing—whales, sea otters, and puffins!

- Learn about the local ecosystems and glacial formations from the onboard naturalists, an educational treat for both kids and adults.

Day 3: Explore Seward

- Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, a research facility and public aquarium that offers up-close encounters with marine life. It"s both fun and educational for children.

- Spend the afternoon at Waterfront Park for a picnic and relaxation while enjoying views of the bay. The park has playgrounds and is a great spot for spotting sea lions!

Day 4: Hiking and Beach Day

- Take a moderate hike to Exit Glacier, where you can witness a spectacular glacier up close. Guided tours are available and recommended for fascinating insights into the glacier"s history and geology.

- In the afternoon, relax at Lowell Point State Recreation Site, a beautiful beach area perfect for kayaking and beachcombing.

Day 5: Departure

- Enjoy a leisurely morning in Seward before heading back to Anchorage.

Throughout your stay, keep an eye out for the Northern Lights, especially during clear nights. Resurrection Bay’s unique position offers some of the best aurora viewing opportunities in the region. Safe travels and enjoy your Alaskan adventure!

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

Alaska Railroad

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Alaska Railroad, offering a unique way to explore the vast and stunning landscapes of Alaska. Here’s a family-friendly itinerary for a delightful adventure:

Day 1: Anchorage to Denali National Park

Start your tour in Anchorage. Board the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, early in the morning. Enjoy the scenic 8-hour ride north to Denali National Park. The glass-domed cars provide panoramic views of the wild landscapes and an onboard guide shares fascinating facts about the region"s history and ecology. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as moose, bears, and eagles along the way.

Day 2: Explore Denali National Park

Spend your day at Denali National Park. Take a bus tour to delve deeper into the park, where you might spot some of the Big Five: bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Engage the kids with a Junior Ranger program, offering educational and fun activities about the park’s ecosystem and conservation efforts.

Day 3: Denail to Fairbanks

Reboard the train and continue your journey north to Fairlands. This segment offers views of the expansive landscapes of Interior Alaska, crossing the stunning Hurricane Gulch bridge – the longest bridge on the Alaska Railroad at 918 feet long. Arrive in Fairbanks by evening, a city known for its gold rush history and vibrant cultural scene.

Day 4: Discover Fairbanks

Explore attractions in Fairlands like the Museum of the North, or take a riverboat cruise on the Chena River. In winter, Fairbanks is an ideal spot to view the Northern Lights.

Getting There

Alaska Railroad offers tickets and schedules on their website, with options for one-way or round trips and different levels of service to enhance your experience, including GoldStar service featuring full-dome windows and outdoor viewing decks.

This itinerary provides not just a trip but an expedition into the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, promising both adventure and educational experiences for the whole family.

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

Bear Glacier

Why Visit?

Day 1: Journey to Bear Glacier, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Morning: Arrival in Seward

Fly into Seward, Alaska, the gateway to Bear Glacier, located in Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward is approximately 2.5 hours from Anchorage by road or a scenic train ride. Upon your arrival, check into a family-friendly hotel and prepare for an adventure-packed day.

Afternoon: Kayak Adventure

Book a guided kayaking tour that departs from Seward. Your family will be taken on a boat ride adorned with views of rugged cliffs and maybe even some wildlife. Once at Bear Glacier, known for being the largest glacier off the Harding Icefield, you’ll glide in stable kayaks through pristine waters, navigating between shimmering icebergs. The glacier"s grandeur is a perfect introduction to Alaska"s natural beauty.

Interesting Fact: Bear Glacier"s icebergs sometimes feature unique blue hues, caused by the dense ice absorbing every other color of the spectrum!

Day 2: Up Close with the Glacier

Morning: Helicopter Tour

For a bird"s-eye view, splurge on a helicopter tour. Fly over the glacier and land on a nearby iceberg for a surreal experience. This aerial view also offers a chance to witness the glacier"s retreating paths and deep crevasses, illustrating the effects of climate change.

Afternoon: Hiking and Wildlife Watching

In the afternoon, explore the nearby hiking trails. One of the family-friendly trails leads to a viewpoint overlooking the glacier. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as bald eagles, sea otters, and seals.

Interesting Fact: Bear Glacier is a piedmont glacier, meaning it spreads out over a flat area upon reaching the sea, unlike most that stay confined within mountain valleys.

Conclude your visit with a relaxing evening dining on fresh, local seafood in Sown, discussing the day"s adventures and the mesmerizing natural beauty you"ve experienced.

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

Fox Island

Why Visit?

Fox Island, located in the serene waters of Puget Sound in Washington State, offers a perfect getaway for families seeking a blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Here"s a captivating itinerary for a memorable family visit:

### Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

- Getting There: Access Fox Island by driving over a bridge from Gig Harbor. The scenic drive itself is a great introduction to the picturesque landscapes you’ll experience on the island.

- Nichols Community Center: Start your visit at the community hub, where you can learn about the island’s events, pick up maps, and let the kids play at the adjoining playground. It’s a great spot to picnic and soak in views of the Sound.

### Day 2: Nature and Wildlife

- Sand Spit Nature Preserve: Begin your morning with a hike at this beautiful preserve. Accessible by a short drive from the center of the island, this location offers easy trails suitable for all ages. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy birdwatching.

- Fox Island Fishing Pier: In the afternoon, head to the fishing pier for some relaxing shore fishing or simply to watch the sunset. It’s a great way for the family to connect and enjoy the outdoors.

### Day 3: Beach Day and Historical Learning

- Fox Island Beach: Spend your day at the local beach where kids can play in the sand and explore tide pools. It’s a short drive from most places on the island and offers tranquil views and a chance to relax by the water.

- Fox Island Museum: Conclude your visit by exploring the Fox Island Museum. Learn about the island’s history, from its use by Native American tribes to its development over the years. The museum is kid-friendly, with interactive exhibits that engage young minds.

Interesting Fact: Fox Island was named by Charles Wilkes during the United States Exploring Expedition of Puget Sound in the 1840s. He named it after J.L. Fox, an assistant surgeon on the expedition.

This itinerary blends educational opportunities with plenty of chances to enjoy the natural beauty of Fox Island, making it an ideal family destination.

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