Best Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Ketchikan
Alaska, USA, Travel

Best Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Ketchikan

Ketchikan offers a wide range of family-friendly activities that blend cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and educational opportunities. Ketchikan does get pretty rainy, so be sure to dress warmly in layers and have your waterproof jacket handy while exploring this charming Alaskan town.
Once off the cruise and on the dock in Ketchikan, you'll be met with an abundance of souvenir shops, tourists and tours waiting to begin.

Once off the cruise and on the dock in Ketchikan, you'll be met with an abundance of souvenir shops, tourists and tours waiting to begin.

1. Saxman Native Village

Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit people at Saxman Native Village. Kids will be fascinated by the impressive totem poles and the chance to learn about traditional carving techniques. The village also offers cultural performances and storytelling that bring Alaska’s indigenous history to life.

2. Totem Bight State Historical Park

Visit Totem Bight State Historical Park to see beautifully restored totem poles and a traditional clan house. The park offers a scenic trail through the rainforest, making it a perfect outdoor adventure for families. The interpretive signs provide educational insights into the art and history of totem poles.

3. Creek Street

Stroll along the historic Creek Street, a boardwalk perched on pilings above Ketchikan Creek. This area is filled with colorful shops, museums, and galleries. Kids will enjoy spotting salmon swimming upstream during the spawning season, a spectacular natural event, and learning about the history of this former red-light district.

4. Misty Fjords National Monument

Take a family-friendly boat tour or seaplane trip to Misty Fjords National Monument. The stunning scenery of dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and serene fjords offers an unforgettable experience. These tours often include opportunities to spot wildlife such as seals, whales, and eagles.

5. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Enjoy the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, a fun and entertaining event where professional lumberjacks compete in various traditional logging events. Kids will love the thrilling competitions, and it’s a great way to learn about Ketchikan’s logging history.

6. Ketchikan Duck Tour

Hop on the Ketchikan Duck Tour, an amphibious vehicle that provides a fun and informative tour of Ketchikan by land and water. It’s an exciting way for kids to see the city’s landmarks and learn about its history while enjoying a unique ride.

7. Bugge’s Beach

Spend a relaxing day at Bugge’s Beach, a local favorite for picnicking, beachcombing, and playing in the sand. The calm waters and scenic views make it a great spot for families to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Ketchikan.

8. Salmon Run (season permitting)

Witness the incredible salmon run in Ketchikan. The best time to see the salmon run is from late July to September, with the peak occurring in August. Kids will be amazed by the sight of salmon swimming upstream to spawn. You might also get lucky and see a bear catching its meal.  This natural spectacle can be observed at various locations around the city, including Ketchikan Creek and the Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery.

9. Beaver Falls 

Beaver Falls in Ketchikan is a hidden gem that offers visitors a serene and picturesque escape into nature. Nestled in the lush rainforest, the falls cascade down a series of rocky steps. The surrounding area is rich with wildlife, towering trees, and vibrant plant life. Easily accessible by car, Beaver Falls is a great destination for the whole family. Very easy walk with the kids!

View of Beaver Falls from the bridge. Beaver Falls is a safe and easy stop to do with the kids if you are driving around Ketchikan. If you are on the east side of Ketchikan, it's definitely worth the stop.

View of Beaver Falls from the bridge. Beaver Falls is a safe and easy stop to do with the kids if you are driving around Ketchikan. If you are on the east side of Ketchikan, it's definitely worth the stop.

10. Alaska Crepe Co.

No visit to Ketchikan is complete without a stop at the Alaska Crepe Co. Treat your family to delicious, freshly-made crepes with a variety of sweet and savory fillings. It’s a delightful way to satisfy your taste buds while exploring the town.  These are hands down THE best crepes I’ve ever had.

If you are looking for a place to grab a quick bite, look no further than the Alaska Crepe Co. They have a variety of crepes sweet and savory and they were all so delicious. I got the Monte Cristo and they also put jam and sugar in it. At first I was skeptical but after the first bite, I just couldn't stop eating. Do keep in mind, there's no seating available so we just devoured our crepes standing.

If you are looking for a place to grab a quick bite, look no further than the Alaska Crepe Co. They have a variety of crepes sweet and savory and they were all so delicious. I got the Monte Cristo and they also put jam and sugar in it. At first I was skeptical but after the first bite, I just couldn't stop eating. Do keep in mind, there's no seating available so we just devoured our crepes standing.

11. Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center for a variety of activities for young visitors. It’s a short walk from the cruise terminal and a way for the kids to add to their National Parks badge collection.  

The entrance of the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center can be easily found in the Downtown area of Ketchikan inland between Berth 1 and 2. Once you arrive you'll enter what looks like a gift shop where you will then walk down the path on the right side to get to the kiosk for the Discovery Center.

The entrance of the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center can be easily found in the Downtown area of Ketchikan inland between Berth 1 and 2. Once you arrive you'll enter what looks like a gift shop where you will then walk down the path on the right side to get to the kiosk for the Discovery Center.

Kids can test their skills and knowledge with a scavenger hunt or earn their Tongass Junior Ranger patch by completing assignments in the Tongass National Forest Junior Ranger Book. The center provides engaging exhibits and hands-on learning experiences about the natural and cultural history of Southeast Alaska.
Since we didn't have much time, we didn't go through the exhibits at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. We did quickly work on three activities in the Junior Ranger Book to receive their souvenir patch

Since we didn't have much time, we didn't go through the exhibits at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. We did quickly work on three activities in the Junior Ranger Book to receive their souvenir patch

Tip:  You must pay for admission to explore the exhibits at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. However, if you are just interested in the Tongass Junior Ranger patch, you can let the attendant know and they will have your child complete 3 activities in the booklet, take a pledge and receive a free patch.
As we walked back to our cruise ship in Ketchikan, we stopped for photos in the Downtown area and window shopped-1
As we walked back to our cruise ship in Ketchikan, we stopped for photos in the Downtown area and window shopped-2

As we walked back to our cruise ship in Ketchikan, we stopped for photos in the Downtown area and window shopped.

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