Visit Alaska In Summer with Kids and Teens (2024)

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collage image of Alaska with text overlay. Visit Alaska in the summer with kids and teens. Everything for adventurous outdoor fun & virtual family fun in the beautiful state of Alaska! Homeschool Travel Learn with www.CaptivatingCompass.com

Visit Alaska in Summer: The Best Places with Kids and Teens

Do you wish to enjoy a fun and memorable family vacation in Alaska? Alaska is one of the most visited places in the world and it can be an ideal destination for your summer vacation with kids and teens. You don’t have to worry about the activities, as there are endless choices for the whole family to enjoy! Everything you need to visit Alaska in summer with your family is here. Enjoy!

Planning a trip to Alaska? Keep up on the COVID-19 information concerning travel to Alaska here.

Experience Alaska With Kids & Teens

If you’re looking for the perfect family trip this summer, visiting Alaska with kids and teens is the way to go. Not only will your family enjoy the spectacular views of glaciers, mountains, and wild forests, but they’ll also experience thrilling adventures and develop lifelong memories. When it comes to deciding when to go, Alaska’s summer months of May through August are among the best times to visit.

During this period, one of the most popular destinations in Alaska is Denali National Park where visitors can take part in activities like glacier cruises, helicopter tours, or a 4-wheel drive excursion along the scenic parks road. Keep an eye out for amazing wildlife such as bears, foxes, and moose too! For an unforgettable experience for the whole family during their trip, plan your visit around June or July when there are more structured daylight hours and views of Northern lights become increasingly visible in far northern regions like Anchorage.

Visit Alaska in Summer: Family ed-Venture

Different activities, you can do during summer in Alaska with kids and teens vary depending on when you are other. Be sure to choose the best month for the activities you are keen on. Take advantage of this opportunity to make some fantastic family memories together at one of America’s most impressive national parks. Whether it’s sightseeing from a calmer place like Juneau or venturing off into an exciting excursion around Denali National Park; Make Alaska part of your summer plans with kids and teens It is totally worth it for everyone!

Alaska with kids and teens is packed with exciting family fun. There is so much interesting history, art and culture to be found in this beautiful US State. Let the landscape, culture, and richness of Alaska inspire you as you explore Alaska with kids and teens.

Alaska is a striking showpiece of nature at its finest: stunning forests, picturesque mountains, rivers and waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife. The season to visit is from May through September. 

The peak of the season, when the weather is considered best (and prices slightly higher), is from late June thru August. May and September can be cooler and wetter, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Visit Alaska in Summer: Activities for Kids & Teens

Take a trip to Alaska in the summertime and enjoy a vacation surrounded by some of the most iconic and spectacular landscapes in the world. With seemingly endless hours of daylight and breathtaking views, you can find many activities that both kids and teens will love during your stay. From thrilling hikes to incredible wildlife viewing, your family will be able to explore Alaska’s majestic beauty while having fun at the same time.

One of the best places to go is Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can spot several species of whales, bald eagles, and other amazing wildlife such as Dall’s porpoises. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities for seasoned adventurers or beginner hikers to explore caves or glacial peaks.

Another favorite spot for locals and visitors alike is Skagway. Here visitors can catch one of the many sightseeing tours available while learning more about Alaska’s gold rush history. Wildlife-loving families may also want to take a boat trip towards Dawes Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park for spectacular views of giant glaciers towering over smaller glaciers as well as wildlife sightings such as black bears.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for northern lights too! On clear nights with dark skies, this natural phenomenon, which locals call Aurora Borealis, will turn the sky into its own light show!

Whether it’s exploring national parks or witnessing incredible wildlife up close, there are plenty of activities that kids & teens can enjoy when visiting Alaska in the summertime!

Hiking in Alaska with Kids & Teens

The beauty of Alaska cannot be put into words. It is full of outdoor adventures. With over 1400 miles from north to south to over 2300 miles from west to east, Alaska hiking has some of the most incredible scenery to be found in the United States. Alaska has amazing trail systems for all abilities – from accessible nature paths to mountain hikes that are physically challenging. 

The Anchorage area offers over 100 miles of paved, multi-use trails and over 150 miles of wilderness trails. It is perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and skiing. South-central Alaska has the most developed hiking trails in Alaska, with Chugach National Forest and Chugach State Park as the most popular hiking areas.

Bear Viewing in Alaska with Kids & Teens

Alaska is home to over 98 percent of the North American brown bear population. It is no wonder that bear viewing is a popular visitor attraction. Bears are found in nearly every corner. Viewing a bear in the wilds of Alaska is a truly awesome experience, and often one of the highlights of the trip. 

Denali National Park is one of the most popular areas to view bears in their natural habitat. Each year tens of thousands of visitors board buses to travel all or part of the 90-mile road that travels deep into Denali Park.

Your family will be captivated by all of the exciting places to explore and learn about in Alaska. These Alaska family travel destinations are great places to add to an exciting family travel itinerary as you explore Alaska. If you are wanting to road trip or learn virtually; keep reading, because you can explore and have awesome adventures in Alaska with kids and teens

Visit Alaska in Summer: Water Activities

Alaska’s summertime season provides a wealth of opportunities to family travelers looking to immerse themselves in a coast-to-mountain adventure. From world-class fishing, kayaking, and rafting excursions to wildlife-viewing meccas and panoramic hikes, the opportunities for outdoor fun are at their peak during this time of year when long days allow for extended hours of family fun.

Heading into the waters of Alaska in the summertime offers an incredible array of marine life to behold. The glistening waters offer up the chance to spot local favorites such as brown bears from shoreline lookouts, as well as humpback whales skating by in shallow bays. In more adventurous moments, it may be possible to glimpse sea otters near the surface or observe pods of dolphins frolicking nearby. During peak season it is also common to see cruise ships steered towards each port situated around Anchorage or Juneau, adding another layer to your exploration and discovery that is unique only to Alaska. Cruises provide unique access to all kinds of opportunities for an Alaska vacation.

For all water activities families with children or teens should consider taking guided tours when going beyond their comfort zone and venturing further offshore in search of memorable experiences that will remain fresh long after returning home. From boat rentals – perfect for anglers – or transport cruises that refuel whale-watching voyages with snacks or lunch on-board or lunch at seaside restaurants. There is no shortage of ways in which families can explore waterways while making lasting memories throughout this magical season.

Fishing in Alaska with Kids & Teens

From the Southeast to the world-famous Kenai River, and into the country’s interior – Alaska offers some of the best fishing in the world. Enjoy struggling to land monster halibut or a mighty king salmon, or try your hand at fly-fishing for rainbow trout on a secluded stream. 

You can fish in Alaska from an ocean charter boat, take to a river by jet or drift boat, or fly in by bush plane to a remote lake or stream.

Kayaking in Alaska with Kids & Teens

Alaska offers a wide array of sea kayaking opportunities with spectacular locations such as:

  • Kenai Fjords National Park, 
  • Prince William Sound,
  • Glacier Bay National Park and
  • Kachemak Bay State Park near Homer. 

Here you will find an ideal kayak experience with calving glaciers, rugged mountains, calm protected coves, and waters teaming with wildlife such as whales, sea otters, puffins, and sea lions.

Rafting in Alaska with Kids & Teens

Denali National Park covers more than 6 million acres. It is home to 20,300-foot Denali Mountian (Mt. McKinley), abundant wildlife, and some of Alaska’s best rafting. 

Nearly all raft trips travel the Nenana River, which flows to the north through the Alaska Range and borders the eastern side of Denali National Park. The Nenana River offers great rafting adventures, from calm float sections to class III and IV white-water rafting.

Visit Alaska in Summer: Road Trip

Are ready to let your family experience everything Alaska has to offer? If that’s the case, then an Alaska with kids & teens road trip is the perfect way to use the world as your classroom. Road-tripping allows you to explore and experience a place just like the locals. That’s the great thing about road trips (and GPS); you can wander where ever you like. Road-tripping can be such an adventure and a great way to learn.

In our family, road-tripping is a series of car journeys from one destination to another to do a field trip. A 5-day road trip usually means at least three of those days will be filled with activities and attractions. But if you live locally or regionally, you may decide to take that road trip in smaller chunks and plan several field trips around the great state of Montana. Below are all the resources you need. Included are super fun ideas that will also super-size your child’s learning about US History, Geography, and famous people & places. So have fun using the world as your classroom with intentional family travel. Let’s explore the historical sites in Alaska!

Visit Alaska in Summer: Historical Sites and Parks

Summer is the perfect time to explore Alaska while traveling with kids and teens. With good weather, incredible historical sites, and national parks, this North American destination offers an array of activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the best places for a summer vacation in Alaska is the Kenai Peninsula. In addition to exploring this area’s breathtaking views, visitors can get up close and personal with an array of local wildlife.

Be sure to spend some time exploring Glacier Bay National Park where you can see incredible glaciers and listen as they calve and boom from afar. At an even further north stretch, consider venturing up to the Arctic Circle. The experience of traveling up there is one to be remembered. You can witness true wilderness – with colorful alpine meadows, rolling hills of tundra and whales breaching in Torres Straight just off the coast!

For those looking for a little more adventure during their visit, consider taking a boat tour around various regions like Icy Strait Point or Resurrection Bay where you’ll be able to get up close with huge humpback whales. Guaranteed fun for all ages no matter how active you want your trip to be!

No matter which activities you choose to do during your visit to Alaska in summer, there are plenty of exciting things for everyone in the family – making it a great trip for all ages!

Visit Alaska Historical Sites & Parks with Kids & Teens

Visit Alaska in Summer: Museums, Galleries, Gardens & Zoos

Heading to Alaska for a family vacation in the summer months has become increasingly popular in recent years. Because of the state’s higher elevations, many of its cities offer warmer-than-expected weather, making them ideal spots for places to visit in Alaska this summer. The best way to visit Alaska with kids and teens is to plan to stay from late August through early September when the days are longer and there are more activities available.

The Inside Passage is a great spot for families looking for whale watching, kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Southeast Alaska also has plenty of museums, galleries, gardens, and zoos worth exploring. Some popular attractions include the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council galleries, Anchorage Botanical Gardens, Imaginarium Science Discovery Center in Fairbanks, and Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center outside Juneau. These are sure to keep everyone busy while on vacation!

Family Activities Available Throughout Alaska

There are numerous activities available in multiple parts of Alaska that are suitable for all ages. Excursions by land or boat (like whale watching tours), hiking tracks (make sure you’re properly dressed!), fishing trips where you can go salmon fishing with experienced guides at local rivers or lake shores. Plus you can take a scenic train ride from Anchorage to Seward. Enjoy views of majestic mountains such as Mt McKinley – known as ‘The Great One’. Don’t forget about souvenir shopping either. Visit markets in Anchorage for locally crafted items like jewelry and Native Alaskan art pieces.

Popular destinations like Denali National Park provide an opportunity not just to explore wildlife (it’s possible to spot bears and wolves!) but also night gazing at Northern Lights. You can also enjoy dog sledding adventures which many children are excited about trying out! With so much variety available during summer vacations it’s easy enough to come up with an itinerary packed full of exciting options throughout the duration of your stay in this beautiful part of the world!

Visit Alaska Museums & Galleries, Zoos & Aquariums with Kids & Teens

Alaska–Add These To Your Itinerary

Alaska offers so many exciting things to do! Museums, outdoor activities, and exciting adventures throughout the state. Are you finding it hard to fit it all in or afford to do it all while you are visiting? Luckily, there are great online resources at many of the museums and parks so you can keep learning about Alaska.

Alaska Places To Visit For Virtual Travel & Learning

Make the most of learning about Alaska. Take a few virtual field trips and incorporating the Alaska State Study pack into your pre and post-visit activities. Your kids will enjoy hands-on activities and museums more when they have a little understanding of the people and places they will be visiting. Add in a good book, some digital activities to learn history and geography, and some super art for easy ways to inspire and educate. It’s all in these US State Study resources.

Alaska – Use The World As Your Classroom

The Alaska State Study pack makes it easy for your family to have fun learning about Alaska at home (virtually) or on the road

Learn About Alaska’s Famous People

  • Benny Benson – Creator of the State flag 
  • Vitus Jonassen Bering – Explorer
  • Susan Butcher – Sled-Dog Race Champion 
  • Molly Hootch – Activist
  • Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich – Activist 
  • Joe Redington, Sr. – Iditarod Racer
  • Libby Riddles – The first woman to win the Iditarod
  • Leonhard Seppala – Sled Dog Breeder

Learn About Alaska’s Famous Landmarks:

  • Alagnak Wild River
  • Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
  • Cape Krusenstern National Monument
  • Denali National Park And Preserve 
  • Gates Of The Arctic National Park And Preserve 
  • Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve 
  • Katmai National Park And Preserve 
  • Kenai Fjords National Park 
  • Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park 
  • Kobuk Valley National Park 
  • Sitka National Historical Park 

You will also find resources for science, art, and geography to round out a packed week (or longer) of learning resources for kids aged 4th grade to 12th grade.

The Alaska State Study has all the resources in a PDF. You and your kids can pick and choose which ones you want to complete. It is a carefully curated course for middle/high schoolers. There are exciting videos and selected lessons so your family can easily learn online.

Homeschool, Travel & Learn With The Let’s Study The Americas, the Caribbean, Australia & Oceania Bundle

No more cobbling your curriculum together and hoping it works! Everything you need is included in these World Geography bundles!

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Use The World As Your Classroom

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