Alaska Family Vacations

The Mat-Su Valley, Alaska is a HUGE playground, which kids think is a pretty cool place to explore.  Where else can they meet a dog sled team, climb on a glacier, see bear and moose, fish for king salmon, pan for gold and see America's tallest mountain?

THESE ALASKA ACTIVITIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT DISNEYLAND®

Here are just a few ideas for fun family Alaska vacation adventures.

• Walk across a glacier and stay for a picnic
• Catch king salmon that weigh more than you
• Meet Musk Ox - the Arctic's oldest living species
• Mush a dog team and cuddle with sled dog puppies
• Splash in mountain streams while panning for gold
• Take a flightseeing tour and land on Denali!
• Watch for Alaska wildlife - its everywhere!
• Pick GIANT veggies from Matanuska farms
• See the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in March

ALASKA LEARNING VACATIONS

So many books have been written on Alaska, it usually warrants its own section. Whether your interests include Alaska flora and fauna, birding or wildlife, geological or natural history, Alaska pioneers or the Alaska gold rush era, local Alaskans provide thorough knowledge and fascinating stories in a variety of means.

Most recreational activities like fishing, rafting, kayaking and dog mushing are owned and operated by local residents.  These are our experts.  At museums and local roadhouses, living pioneers tell of first-hand experiences of life in the Last Frontier.   Annual events and special festivals celebrate the heritage of each small community. There will be no test at the end of this vacation, just great memories.

INEXPENSIVE FAMILY-FRIENDLY IDEAS

Looking for some inexpensive ways to entertain the kids?  Why not try...

• Museums (Palmer, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Knik, Sutton),
• Libraries Palmer, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Big Lake, Trapper Creek, Sutton, Willow)
• Fossil hunting
• Panning for gold at Hatcher Pass
• Hiking the West Butte Trail
• Bird viewing
• Community events at the Palmer Hay Flats
• Friday Flings outdoor market
• Camping