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Alaska’s nickname is the Last Frontier, and it attracts tourists who want to enjoy its natural beauty. You can spend weeks exploring everything the state offers. Luckily, some of these activities are free or relatively cheap. If you plan a trip to Alaska with your family, check out some of the activities expert travelers recommend. Here is 15 Cheap Family Activities to Do in Alaska
1. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is a quick drive from the Juneau International Airport and a great way to spend an afternoon in Alaska. Visitors can enjoy exhibits on wildlife, history, and glacial and geological changes. Park rangers are available during the summer to answer questions about the ecosystem and wildlife. There are many free hikes, like the hour-long Nugget Falls loop, where you might glimpse a foraging porcupine or busy beaver.
2. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
If you’re a car enthusiast, check out this antique car museum in Fairbanks. The museum is fun for all ages. It has some of the coolest and rarest automobiles ever made. It has a fantastic collection of over 100 pre-World War II American-made vehicles. You can find everything from racecars to horse-drawn carriages restored to classic condition. The curators have done an astonishing job pairing the cars with entertaining displays and matching fashions of the era.
3. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Girdwood is open to the public and memorable. With over 200 acres of land, visitors can see brown bears, elk, moose, and wolves. The center is non-profit and sustains itself by booking tours and catering to visitors. For only $22, you can say you have helped the AWCC conserve the precious animals that call Alaska home.
4. Husky Homestead
At Husky Homestead in Denali Park, visitors can take a step back in time and experience the truly rustic lifestyle of an Alaskan homesteader. Owner Jeff King is a former Iditarod champion and has opened his home to show how he trains these Alaskan puppies to run sleds all over the state. Visitors will learn about the preparation and dedication it takes for a man and a pack of dogs to travel over 1,000 miles of rugged terrain. Plus, you get to play with puppies.
5. Alaska Sealife Center
Alaska is well-known for its variety of breathtaking wildlife. The Alaska Sealife Center in Seward shows you what’s under the sea. Visitors can enjoy a front-row seat to Alaska’s famous sea life, including seals, octopuses, starfish, and puffins. The Center offers tours and lessons on all of the underwater creatures of the North.
6. Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
The museum in Anchorage is the largest in the state of Alaska. Visitors can get lost in absorbing the art, history, and culture of the Alaskan natives. Alaska has only been a part of the United States since 1959, leaving many Americans unaware of the territory’s rich history. Whatever questions you have about Alaska, you can find answers here.
7. Alaska Raptor Center
How cool would it be to get up close with a bald eagle? That’s what you’ll experience at the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka. This center is a bald eagle hospital and educational site, helping as many as 200 birds annually. Many of these birds call the hospital home, allowing visitors to learn and enjoy their majestic beauty. The kids will want to check this place out.
8. Palmer Reindeer Farm
When you visit the Reindeer Farm in Palmer, you might feel like you’re at the North Pole. Your kids will love the once-in-a-lifetime experience of hand-feeding the same animals that help Santa on Christmas Eve. The farm is also home to elk, bison, moose, and alpacas. During the summer, visitors can enjoy tractor rides, petting zoos, and tours of the property.
9. Alaska Aviation Museum
The Alaska Aviation Museum in Anchorage has been preserving and displaying historical aircraft since it opened in 1988. In its restored hangar, you can see over 30 airplanes, multiple artifacts, memorabilia, two theaters, and a few flight simulators. For an entrance fee of about $15, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon and learn about Alaska’s role in World War II.
10. World Ice Championships
If you are lucky enough to be in Fairbanks in February or March, you can witness some of the best ice sculptures in the world. Artists from all over the world compete to make these lifesize sculptures. You’ll be blown away by how intricate and beautiful these art pieces are.
11. Kayaking Tours
Alaska offers endless adventures for families. The state has miles of coastline and over 3,000 lakes. Renting a kayak can be a fantastic way to explore Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife. No matter where you stay, you can find a place to rent kayaks and get out on the water.
12. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
One of the highlights for many visitors to Alaska is riding a bike on the Tony Knowles Trail. The trail provides 11 easy miles of riding and offers amazing views of downtown Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains, Denali (Mount McKinley), and Fire Island. Keep your eyes peeled because a moose might be resting along the trail.
13. Explore Homer Spit
Homer Spit is a 4-mile strip of land that juts out into Kachemak Bay. The eclectic town has a harbor and many outdoor activities. The city is a great spot to start a hike, rent a bike, enjoy fishing, or view wildlife. Homer Spit comes alive in the summer and springtime with many festivals, shops, and guided tours.
14. Denali National Park
Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, is the highest peak in Alaska. At just over 20,000 feet, it’s a sight to behold. Stop by the Denali Visitor Center to learn about the park through park rangers and interactive exhibits. Kids can become junior rangers and take in some hikes and craft workshops. You won’t want to leave Alaska without a picture of you and your family with Denali in the background.
15. Black Spruce Dog Sledding
This activity might be one of the higher-priced activities in Alaska, but it also might be one of the most memorable. It’s in Fairbanks, and for about $100 per person, you can experience the thrill of piloting your sled dog team. How cool would it be to see these dogs racing through the snow at 20 miles per hour? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an experience you don’t want to miss.
14 Coastal Towns That Offer Affordable Retirement and Quality
Retirement is not just about taking a long-deserved break; it’s about embracing a new adventure in life’s next chapter. What better way to start this journey than in a coastal town, where the sea meets the sky in a harmony of tranquil living? This post sails through the 14 most enchanting seaside towns, handpicked for retirees who dream of quality living without breaking the bank. We’ve anchored downtowns that tick all the boxes for an ideal retirement haven – affordability, rich quality of life, top-notch healthcare, and delightful weather. So, let’s dive in and explore these seaside gems where your golden years can truly shine.
14 Coastal Towns That Offer Affordable Retirement and Quality
16 Affordable Retirement Destinations Abroad
Retirement can be exciting for people who have worked hard and are ready to enjoy the good life. Many retirees want to make the most of their money and enjoy the rest of their life the best they can. For some, retiring abroad sounds like a fun adventure. Luckily, in some foreign locations, retirees can keep some of their hard-earned money in their bank accounts. Below are some of the best places for new retirees to settle down and enjoy their lives.
