Are you considering an Alaskan cruise for your family? Look no further – we have the perfect itinerary for an exciting and fun excursion for kids! Our family recently took an Alaskan cruise and we were blown away by the stunning landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife that the state has to offer.
From the beautiful glaciers of Juneau to the historic gold rush town of Skagway, our trip was filled with adventure and unforgettable experiences. We were able to explore the state's natural beauty and learn about its culture through a variety of onshore excursions, such as whale watching and hiking.
In this blog post, we will share our experiences and recommendations for an Alaskan cruise excursion with kids. We hope that our insights will help you plan the perfect vacation for your family and create lasting memories. So grab your warm jackets and get ready to explore the Great White North – it's an adventure you won't want to miss!
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is a city in southeast Alaska that is known for its rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and abundant wildlife. If you are planning a trip to Ketchikan with kids, there are a number of onshore excursions that may be of interest:
- Wildlife viewing: Ketchikan is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, bears, whales, and other species. There are several boat tours available that allow you to see these animals up close and in their natural habitat.
- Totem pole carving demonstration: At the Totem Heritage Center, you can watch a live demonstration of totem pole carving and learn about the cultural significance of these symbols. Check out details here.
- Salmon hatchery tour: The Ketchikan hatchery is home to a variety of fish, including salmon, and offers tours that explain the process of raising and releasing these species.
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: This live show features demonstrations of logging skills such as tree climbing, log rolling, and sawing, and is suitable for all ages. Check for availability here.
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to bears, wolves, and other animals, and offers guided tours that allow you to see these animals up close in a natural setting.
Our family absolutely loved just walking around the town including up to Creek Street as well as the neighborhood park. Obviously, we enjoyed going through the tourist traps. For us, we didn't do the Lumberjack Show and didn't feel like we missed out either.
More on Creek Street on TripAdvisor.
Skagway, Alaska
Skagway is a city located in southeast Alaska that is known for its rich history and beautiful natural surroundings.
If you are planning a trip to Skagway with kids, there are a number of onshore excursions that may be of interest:
- White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: This historic narrow-gauge railway takes you through the scenic White Pass and into the Yukon Territory, with stops along the way for sightseeing and photo opportunities. Check for tickets and availability here.
- Gold Rush Cemetery Tour: This guided tour takes you to the historic Gold Rush Cemetery, where you can learn about the lives of the pioneers who settled in Skagway during the gold rush.
- Dyea Flats Trail: This easy, family-friendly hike takes you through the scenic Dyea Flats area, where you can see wildlife, waterfalls, and historic ruins.
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: This park features exhibits and displays that explain the history of the gold rush, as well as guided tours of the historic Skagway streets.(More details on Tripadvisor here.)
- Chilkoot Trail: This challenging but rewarding hike takes you along the historic Chilkoot Trail, which was used by gold seekers during the gold rush.
For our family, we absolutely loved the Yukon Railroad. We had such a blast doing the full tour and seeing the beautiful scenic views! It's a definite must do in our book!
Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier
Endicott Arm is a narrow, fjord-like inlet located in southeastern Alaska, about 50 miles northwest of Juneau. The inlet is about 30 miles long and is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, whales, and seals. It is also surrounded by rugged, forested mountains and glaciers, making it a popular destination for scenic cruises and wilderness adventures.
Endicott Arm is often included on the itineraries of cruises to Alaska, as it is a beautiful and unique place to visit. Many cruise ships that visit Endicott Arm offer excursions such as whale watching, bear viewing, and other wilderness adventures. Some cruises also offer the opportunity to visit the Dawes Glacier, which is located at the head of Endicott Arm and is one of the largest and most active glaciers in Alaska.
Overall, Endicott Arm is a stunning destination that is well worth visiting on an Alaska cruise. You may need to wake up super early depending on when your cruise ship arrives. Whether you are interested in wildlife viewing, scenic cruising, or wilderness adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful and unique part of the world.
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is located in the panhandle of the state. If you are planning a trip to Juneau with kids, there are a number of onshore excursions that may be of interest:
- Mendenhall Glacier: This beautiful glacier is located just outside of Juneau and offers a variety of guided tours, including ice cave exploration, hiking, and dog sledding. (Tickets and availability can be found here.)
- Alaska State Capitol: This historic building is home to the state legislature and offers guided tours that explain the history and functions of the government.
- Mount Roberts Tramway: This tram takes you to the top of Mount Roberts, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area and visit the nature center.
- Whale watching tour: Juneau is located in an area with a high concentration of whales, and there are several boat tours available that allow you to see these animals up close.
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: This center is home to a variety of Alaskan animals, including bears, moose, and wolves, and offers guided tours that allow you to see these animals up close.
There are many other activities and attractions to choose from in Juneau, depending on your interests and the ages of your children.
We absolutely loved our whale watching tour with Harv and Marv's which we dedicated a whole YouTube video on as well.
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. If you are planning a trip to Victoria with kids, there are a number of onshore excursions that may be of interest:
- Butchart Gardens: This beautiful garden features a variety of themed areas, including a Japanese garden, a Mediterranean garden, and a rose garden.
- Victoria Bug Zoo: This unique attraction is home to a variety of insects and arachnids from around the world, and offers guided tours and hands-on exhibits.
- The Royal BC Museum: This museum features exhibits on the history and culture of British Columbia, including natural history, First Nations history, and gold rush history.
- Miniature World: This attraction features a collection of miniature dioramas and displays, including replicas of famous landmarks, historical events, and fantasy scenes.
- Victoria Harbour Ferry: This ferry takes you on a tour of the Victoria Harbour, with stops at key landmarks such as the Parliament Buildings and the Inner Harbour.
Summary About Alaska Cruise Excursion for Kids
Thank you for reading about our family's Alaskan cruise excursion! Our trip was filled with adventure, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable memories. From exploring the glaciers and wildlife of Juneau to discovering the rich history of Skagway, we were able to experience all that Alaska has to offer.
The kids particularly loved the onshore excursions, such as the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. They were able to learn about the state's history and culture while also having fun and making new friends.
Overall, our Alaskan cruise excursion was a fantastic way for our family to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. We highly recommend this type of vacation to other families looking for an exciting and educational adventure. So, if you're considering an Alaskan cruise with kids, don't hesitate – it's an experience you'll never forget!
