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What Makes a Great Hike for Kids?

When it comes to hiking with kids in Alaska, the best trails are the ones that spark curiosity and leave room for wonder—not blisters. Look for hikes that are short to moderate in length and loaded with things to discover along the way: salmon in the creeks, skipping stones on a lake, or even a patch of ripe blueberries.

Great kid hikes should also have built-in breaks: a log to sit on, a bridge to linger at, or a wide-open view to stretch out a snack break. Elevation gain can be ok as long as it’s manageable and rewarding. The goal shouldn’t be the summit, it should be exploration.

Whether you’re in a big city like Anchorage or a small coastal town, Alaska offers trails where kids can stretch their legs and fall in love with the outdoors one muddy boot at a time.

Tips for Hiking with Kids in Alaska

Pack more water than you think you’ll need. Even short hikes can feel long to little legs.
Use the trailhead bathroom if there is one. If not, a quick talk about wilderness bathroom etiquette goes a long way.
Snacks are everything. Pack something fun—maybe even something they don’t usually get. Trail mix, cookies, or gummy bears can work wonders for morale.
Layers are key. Always bring:
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat
- Bug spray
- Rain gear—even if it’s not raining. It blocks wind and can be added as an extra layer to keep kids cozy at high points.
- Hat and gloves, especially if there’s elevation gain or a breeze.

Pack for engagement. Binoculars, a camera, a small notebook, or trail guides for birds, plants, or animal tracks can turn a hike into a treasure hunt.

Anchorage Area

Trail Name	Why It's Great for Kids	Bathrooms?	Best Break Spots
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail	Paved, stroller-friendly trail with wildlife spotting, ocean views, and space to explore. Easy to adjust the distance. Be aware: cyclists can ride fast here—if you hear a bell, help your kids move aside.	Yes, at Westchester Lagoon and Kincaid Park trailheads.	Benches at Westchester Lagoon, scenic overlooks, and wide open spaces at Kincaid.
Potter Marsh Boardwalk	Elevated boardwalk teeming with birds, ducks, and salmon. Flat and safe for all ages, and great year-round!	Yes, vault toilets available at the parking area.	Viewing platforms over the marsh and benches along the boardwalk.
Flattop’s Blueberry Loop	Short loop with a gentle climb and blueberry picking in late summer. Great views at the top.	Yes, Glen Alps trailhead has toilets	Scenic viewpoint at the loop’s high point or shaded spots along the way.
Rodak Nature Loop (Eagle River Nature Center)	Flat, 0.75-mile loop with boardwalks, beaver ponds, and mountain views. Perfect for small kids and up (rugged strollers could work too!). The nature center sometimes offers guided programs for kids, check their website for current schedule.	Flush toilets at the nature center when open, vault toilets near the parking lot.	Benches along the boardwalk and the viewing deck overlooking the beaver pond.

Girdwood

Trail Name	Why It's Great for Kids	Bathrooms?	Best Break Spots
Winner Creek Trail	Lush rainforest trai with towering trees, boardwalks and a scenic gorge.	Yes, available at Alyeska Resort base area.	Small bridges and views of the creek.
Alyeska North Face Trail	A tough but rewarding 2.2-mile climb straight up the ski slope. Best for older kids (12+) with hiking experience. Ride the tram down for free after hiking up—a fun bonus!	Yes, at Alyeska Resort base area.	Grassy areas near the top with views of Turnagain Arm. The Bore Tide Bistro is a great spot to grab a snack at the top.

Talkeetna

Trail Name	Why It's Great for Kids	Bathrooms?	Best Break Spots
Talkeetna Lakes Park Trails	A network of forested trails around small lakes. Great for spotting loons and ducks, with mostly flat terrain.	Yes, vault toilets at the trailhead.	Lakeside benches and clearings — perfect for tossing rocks or having a snack.

Denali National Park

Trail Name	Why It's Great for Kids	Bathrooms?	Best Break Spots
Horseshoe Lake Trail	A 2–3 mile loop featuring a short climb to a bench, then a gradual descent around the lake. Kids love spotting beaver dams and waterfowl, with interpretive platforms available.	Available nearby at the Denali National Park Visitor Center.	Bench overlooking the lake shortly after the climb; viewing platforms & beaver dam spur.
McKinley Station Trail	Easy loop through birch forest and wildflower meadows right behind the Visitor Center—great for little legs and wildlife spotting.	Yes, restrooms at Denali National Park Visitor Center.	Creekside spots and interpretive signs make nice stop points.

Fairbanks

Trail Name	Why It's Great for Kids	Bathrooms?	Best Break Spots
Creamer’s Field Nature Trails	Flat, kid-friendly trails through boreal woods and fields, with abundant birdlife—especially sandhill cranes and waterfowl in season.	Yes, flush toilets at the visitor center (seasonal).	Viewing platforms and benches found throughout the trail network.
Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary	A peaceful 1.5-mile loop around Wander Lake with footbridges and interpretive signs—calm and scenic, ideal for curious kids.	Yes, public restrooms inside Wedgewood Resort lobby.	Lake viewpoints and footbridges provide natural pause spots.

Valdez

Trail Name	Why It's Great for Kids	Bathrooms?	Best Break Spots
Dock Point Trail	A short 0.5-mile loop with boardwalks, forest, and ocean views. Great for a stretch and some fresh air near town.	No restrooms at the trailhead — use facilities in town.	Benches along the trail overlooking the water.
Mineral Creek Trail	Gravel road that follows a scenic creek with waterfalls and wildflowers. Wide and easy for strollers or bikes.	No restrooms — use facilities in town before heading out.	Creekside pull-offs and waterfall viewpoints.

Juneau

Trail Name	Why It's Great for Kids	Bathrooms?	Best Break Spots
Mendenhall Glacier Trails (Photo Point & Nugget Falls)	Short, wide trails with stunning glacier views. Nugget Falls is a favorite for kids who love the roar of the water and splashing at the base.	Yes, at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.	Benches along the trail, lakeshore views, and the beach at Nugget Falls.
Outer Point Trail	A 1.1-mile loop through lush rainforest to a rocky beach. Perfect for tidepooling, beachcombing, and letting kids explore.	Yes, seasonal vault toilet at the trailhead.	The rocky beach at the turnaround point — bring snacks and stay awhile.

Sitka

Trail Name	Why It's Great for Kids	Bathrooms?	Best Break Spots
Totem Trail (Sitka National Historical Park)	Flat, stroller-friendly loop through a rainforest filled with totem poles and cultural history. Great for younger kids and a peaceful walk.	Yes, at the visitor center.	Benches near totems and along the river offer perfect pause points.
Indian River Trail	Follows a scenic river upstream through quiet forest. A good option for older kids or families wanting a longer outing. The entire length is close to 5 miles, so most families just walk in a short way and then back out.	No restrooms at trailhead — use facilities in town.	River access points and forest clearings make great picnic and exploration spots.

Ketchikan

Trail Name	Why It's Great for Kids	Bathrooms?	Best Break Spots
Ward Lake Trail	A flat 1.3-mile loop around a beautiful forested lake. Interpretive signs, wide path, and spots to explore make it great for all ages.	Yes, seasonal vault toilet at the trailhead.	Picnic areas and small lakeside beaches are perfect for breaks and snacks.
Carlanna Lake Trail	Gently climbing trail through lush forest leading to a scenic lake. Great for kids who enjoy a bit of adventure and elevation.	No restrooms at the trailhead — use facilities in town beforehand	Lake access at the top makes a great turnaround spot for a snack and quiet rest.

The Best Hikes for Kids in Alaska