Best Things to Do With Kids in Juneau, Alaska
Alaska, USA, Travel

Best Things to Do With Kids in Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, offers an enchanting blend of stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and a myriad of family-friendly exciting activities. From the majestic Mendenhall Glacier to the serene waters of Auke Bay, the city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Families have plenty of exciting activities to choose from.
Here are my favorite family-friendly options:
Tracy’s King Crab Shack
Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau, Alaska, is more than just a restaurant; it’s an institution. With its commitment to freshness, excellence, and hospitality, Tracy’s has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for seafood lovers from near and far. Whether you’re indulging in succulent king crab legs, savoring a bowl of creamy bisque, or simply enjoying the scenic waterfront views, a meal at Tracy’s Crab Shack is a family friendly experience to be cherished and remembered.
Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska, is an excellent destination for families with children. The glacier itself is a massive, 13-mile-long river of ice, its brilliant blue hues created by the dense, compacted ice reflecting light.
The view of Mendenhall Glacier from the entrance

The view of Mendenhall Glacier from the entrance

  1. Educational Opportunities:
    • The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center offers engaging exhibits that educate children about glaciers, wildlife, and the local ecosystem. Interactive displays and educational videos make learning fun and accessible.
  2. Accessible Trails:
    • The park features several trails suitable for children of all ages. The Photo Point Trail is an easy, paved path that provides stunning views of the glacier and Nugget Falls. For a slightly more adventurous hike, the Nugget Falls Trail is a 2-mile round trip with a rewarding view of the falls at the end.
  3. Wildlife Viewing:
    • Kids will love spotting the local wildlife. The area around the glacier is home to bears, mountain goats, and various bird species. The Steep Creek viewing platforms offer safe opportunities to watch salmon spawning and possibly see bears fishing (summer months).
The kid-friendly hike to Nugget Falls was worth the 2 miles walk roundtrip. Be careful of any bears that may be on the trail. Once to Nugget Falls, the trail opens into an expansive space with a pristine view of the Mendenhall Lake, powerful waterfall and glacier just behind it-1
The kid-friendly hike to Nugget Falls was worth the 2 miles walk roundtrip. Be careful of any bears that may be on the trail. Once to Nugget Falls, the trail opens into an expansive space with a pristine view of the Mendenhall Lake, powerful waterfall and glacier just behind it-2
The kid-friendly hike to Nugget Falls was worth the 2 miles walk roundtrip. Be careful of any bears that may be on the trail. Once to Nugget Falls, the trail opens into an expansive space with a pristine view of the Mendenhall Lake, powerful waterfall and glacier just behind it-3
The kid-friendly hike to Nugget Falls was worth the 2 miles walk roundtrip. Be careful of any bears that may be on the trail. Once to Nugget Falls, the trail opens into an expansive space with a pristine view of the Mendenhall Lake, powerful waterfall and glacier just behind it-4

The kid-friendly hike to Nugget Falls was worth the 2 miles walk roundtrip. Be careful of any bears that may be on the trail. Once to Nugget Falls, the trail opens into an expansive space with a pristine view of the Mendenhall Lake, powerful waterfall and glacier just behind it.

Beauty of Mendenhall Glacier
  1. Nugget Falls:
    • One of the highlights of visiting Mendenhall Glacier is the nearby Nugget Falls. This powerful waterfall cascades down a 377-foot drop and creates a misty, magical atmosphere. The falls can be easily reached by a short hike, and the view is particularly spectacular with the glacier in the background.
  2. Serene Lake:
    • Mendenhall Lake, formed by the melting glacier, adds to the serene beauty of the landscape. The calm waters often reflect the glacier and surrounding mountains, creating picturesque scenes that are perfect for family photos.
  3. Flora and Fauna:
    • The area around the glacier is rich with diverse plant life and wildlife. Wildflowers bloom in the warmer months, adding splashes of color to the landscape. The chance to see animals like beavers, porcupines, and eagles adds to the natural beauty and excitement of the visit.
The easy hike to Nugget Falls was one of my favorites. Most of it is paved and flat. It gets really busy when the cruises are in port so I recommend trying to go earlier in the morning if possible, or first thing off the cruise ship-1
The easy hike to Nugget Falls was one of my favorites. Most of it is paved and flat. It gets really busy when the cruises are in port so I recommend trying to go earlier in the morning if possible, or first thing off the cruise ship-2
The easy hike to Nugget Falls was one of my favorites. Most of it is paved and flat. It gets really busy when the cruises are in port so I recommend trying to go earlier in the morning if possible, or first thing off the cruise ship-3

The easy hike to Nugget Falls was one of my favorites. Most of it is paved and flat. It gets really busy when the cruises are in port so I recommend trying to go earlier in the morning if possible, or first thing off the cruise ship.

Whale Watching
Juneau boasts a thriving humpback whale population, with around 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters.
Whale watching in Juneau with Alaska Travel Adventures is an enriching and exhilarating experience. The company’s commitment to providing a safe, educational, and memorable tour makes it an ideal choice for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to witness the majesty of humpback whales in their natural habitat. With knowledgeable guides, guaranteed sightings, and the stunning beauty of the Inside Passage, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most spectacular settings.
Whale watching in Juneau begins in Auke Bay where you will board your watercraft for this wildlife adventure-1
Whale watching in Juneau begins in Auke Bay where you will board your watercraft for this wildlife adventure-2

Whale watching in Juneau begins in Auke Bay where you will board your watercraft for this wildlife adventure.

Juneau's Alaska Travel Adventures whale watching tour has fast and covered water crafts to get you to the whales as quickly as other boats. The large windows can be slid open to allow for better photos and views. Sea lion sightings were plentiful at this buoy-1
Juneau's Alaska Travel Adventures whale watching tour has fast and covered water crafts to get you to the whales as quickly as other boats. The large windows can be slid open to allow for better photos and views. Sea lion sightings were plentiful at this buoy-2

Juneau's Alaska Travel Adventures whale watching tour has fast and covered water crafts to get you to the whales as quickly as other boats. The large windows can be slid open to allow for better photos and views. Sea lion sightings were plentiful at this buoy.

Gold Creek Salmon Bake
Despite the name, the salmon at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake isn’t baked; it’s roasted to perfection, and it’s absolutely delicious. This all-you-can-eat buffet also includes finger-licking good BBQ ribs, Au Gratin potatoes, Chilkoot baked beans, Tongass wild-rice pilaf, clam chowder, salad and blueberry cake. Gold Creek Salmon Bake is a great place to experience the culture and natural beauty of the outdoors. Most people pair this Salmon Bake with a Whale Watching Adventure or Historic Gold Panning.
The calm outdoorsy atmosphere of the Gold Creek Salmon Bake was an experience to remember, very kid-friendly and spacious for the kids to run and explore

The calm outdoorsy atmosphere of the Gold Creek Salmon Bake was an experience to remember, very kid-friendly and spacious for the kids to run and explore

There was nothing like eating by the peaceful creek. If you come during the middle of summer, you may be able to spot some salmon here. After you finish your meal, don't forget to make it to the campfires for some roasted marshmallows-1
There was nothing like eating by the peaceful creek. If you come during the middle of summer, you may be able to spot some salmon here. After you finish your meal, don't forget to make it to the campfires for some roasted marshmallows-2

There was nothing like eating by the peaceful creek. If you come during the middle of summer, you may be able to spot some salmon here. After you finish your meal, don't forget to make it to the campfires for some roasted marshmallows

The vibrant local culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes make Juneau a must-visit destination. Whether you’re whale watching, dog sledding, or enjoying a traditional Alaskan salmon bake, Juneau provides unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of Alaska’s wilderness. Come and see why Juneau is truly a gem of the Last Frontier.
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