If you’re looking for an adventurous 10-day Alaska itinerary focusing on family outdoor adventure, this itinerary fits the bill. I’ve used it several times for family and friends visiting Alaska.
It’s my go-to itinerary for Alaska first-timers that maximizes family adventure and outdoor experiences. Some adventures include fishing, hiking, fly-outs, whale watching, dog sledding, glacier tours, and cultural exhibits.
Not Your Parent’s Alaska Itinerary
Make no mistake—this is not your parents’ itinerary. This Kenai Peninsula, Alaska itinerary will likely go beyond your family’s comfort zone, but in a good way.
These aren’t dangerous Alaska adventures but will push you and your kids to do things you’ve probably never done before. My family doesn’t have many extreme adventures, but I do know from talking to most people that many people just don’t do stuff like my family does.
A Bucket List Alaska Family Adventure
Keep reading to see how you can go from turning a boring itinerary into a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list trip that will change how your family experiences life. After this trip, if your kids tell you they want to live in Alaska when they grow up, this itinerary was a success.
And don’t be surprised if they do. John Muir’s quote says, “Never go to Alaska as a young man because you’ll never be satisfied with any other place as long as you live.”
How this Adventurous Alaska Itinerary is Different
Skip Denali National Park
Most Alaska itineraries will tell you that you must see Denali National Park. Skip Denali on this itinerary. Maybe it’s just me, but I see more wildlife and just as beautiful vistas on my drive to Seward and Soldotna on the Kenai Peninsula.
I’m not saying Denali isn’t worth a trip. But, for your first visit to Alaska or for those wanting to maximize outdoor opportunities, I would forgo Denali until another vacation.
Stick to the Kenai Peninsula
I like slow travel. When I go somewhere, I typically want to spend more time there. If I stay a couple of days in a location, a local might tell me about something interesting or an opportunity I wasn’t aware of initially.
There’s a lot to do on the Kenai Peninsula, which includes Seward, Whittier, Homer, Soldotna, and Kenai. Take your time here, have fun, and enjoy the process. You can see more of Alaska, including Denali, but you’ll just check off the boxes to say you’ve been there without truly immersing yourself or your family.
The point is to have fun, right? Don’t run around as fast as you can and stress out. So, grab your gear and pick out some adventures along the way. Your family will love it.
10-Day Alaska Itinerary With A Focus on Family Adventure
This 10-day itinerary takes place on the Kenai Peninsula, with stops in Anchorage, Girdwood, Seward, Cooper Landing, Sterling, Soldotna, Homer, and Kenai.
Some adventures include cultural museums, bike riding, hiking, fishing for salmon and halibut, dog sledding, bear viewing, glacier viewing, whale watching, and flying in small planes.
Alaska can be expensive, especially if you do a lot of excursions. Budgeting accordingly and planning early are the best ways to save money. Waiting until the last minute to book trips and accommodations is the easiest way to go over budget.
How to Spend 10 Days in Alaska Adventurously
Day 1: Bike Ride the Coastal Trail, Alaska Fur Exchange
Day 2: Gold Mining at Crow Creek, Dogsledding on a Glacier
Day 3: Snag a Salmon in Resurrection Bay
Day 4: Go Whale Watching on a Glacier Tour
Day 5: Catch a Barndoor Halibut in Prince William Sound
Day 6: Floss for Sockeye Salmon on the Iconic Russian River
Day 7: Take a Float Plane to Wolverine Creek to Catch Salmon Near Bears
Day 8: Hike Skyline Trail
Day 9: Catch a Halibut in Homer
Day 10: Fly Home or Stay Longer
When Should You Use This Alaska Itinerary?
I designed this itinerary around two major salmon runs. One is in Seward, where you will snag salmon on Fourth of July Creek. The second is on the iconic Russian River, where you will fish for early-season sockeye salmon with other fishermen on the banks of this turquoise river.
Both of these runs peak around the second week of June. However, if you want to go to Alaska outside this date range, you can catch salmon and halibut throughout the summer. You’ll just need to plan accordingly and make minor adjustments to this itinerary.
When I went to Alaska for the first time as a kid, I was lucky enough to catch a salmon, even though my family didn’t plan any fishing.
With preparation, you will not only be able to see the key landmarks every other tourist goes to, but more importantly, you will be able to see and do things that not many folks can do in their lifetime.
Why You Should Take Your Family on an Alaska Adventure
Kids and Adults Crave Adventure
My wife and I have found that introducing these outdoor adventures to our kids at a young age makes them well-rounded individuals who are doing the opposite of what most kids their age are doing.
The point is to have fun, right? So, grab your gear and pick out some adventures along the way. Your family will love it.
Alaska: Adventure Capital of the World?
There are few better places to experience adventure than Alaska. Instead of watching TV and playing video games, they’re filleting salmon and hiking glaciers, and they’re better for it.
I’ve been to Queenstown, New Zealand, dubbed the world’s adventure capital. However, I want to argue that most of those adventures are man-made. I cannot think of any place I’ve been that has as many natural adventures in one location as Alaska.
So, if you’re ready to live boldly and your family is up for a real Alaska adventure, try this itinerary and take advantage of all the adventures Alaska offers.
Day 1: Bike Ride on the Coastal Trail
Accommodations: Stay overnight in Anchorage. Consider Hyatt House and Hyatt Place. These are clean hotels but not budget-oriented. Many great VRBO and Airbnb options are also available in Anchorage.
Morning: Arrive at Ted Stevens International Airport
Arrive in Anchorage. Depending on where you’re flying from, your flight could arrive later in the morning, so plan accordingly.
Once you arrive, pick up your rental car for your Alaska adventure. Consider a minivan for a small family. They are priced cheaper than SUVs and offer a lot of seating and ample luggage capacity. You will need this extra storage for fishing rods, coolers, and appropriate Alaska clothing.
On this itinerary, you will fly from Kenai (ENA) Airport to Anchorage before flying home. Therefore, you’ll need to return your car at the Kenai Airport. I like Budget, but you can also use Avis. Both rental agencies have connecting offices at ENA.
Bike Ride the Coastal Trail
Rent bikes and ride around the scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which extends from Kincaid Park Trail to downtown. This 11-mile paved path is also perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing, offering views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska mountain ranges.
It’s not uncommon to see beluga whales, moose, and, yes, even bears. The trails are usually populated, so bears aren’t a huge concern, but it never hurts to be bear-aware.
You’ll want bear protection for other hikes on this itinerary, so when you get to Anchorage, go ahead and pick up bear spray at a local hardware store.
Afternoon: Take in the Alaska Mountain Ranges
Check your hotel, relax, and enjoy the Chugach Mountains, Talkeetna Range, and Kenai Mountains. If it’s your first time in Alaska, your kids will be amazed to see the snow often present at higher elevations, even during the summer.
If you have time and energy, consider getting snacks and other food rations for your trip. At a minimum, I would suggest water, high-energy snacks, and go ahead and grab a can of bear spray.
There are two Costcos in Anchorage, which are great places to find almost everything. Fred Meyer is the leading grocery store in Alaska and has a variety of goods, but it is pricier than Costco. Stop at the Alaska Fur Exchange, which has unique Native Alaskan fur and art.
Evening: Dine on Alaska Cuisine
Enjoy a family dinner. Consider South Restaurant, but make reservations. Or, try our favorite pizzeria and brewery, Moose’s Tooth Pub.
Day 2: Dogsled on a Glacier
Accommodations: Aleyska Hotel, Aleyska
Morning: Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Alaska’s indigenous people.
Late Afternoon: Find the Turnagain Arm
Begin the scenic drive to Seward along the Seward Highway. Along the way, look for beluga whales in Cook Inlet. Near Mile Marker 80, Twentymile River dumps into the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet.
If you arrive before June 15, you might see fishermen netting for hooligan on the Twentymile River off Turnagain Arm. Alaskans catch these small fish for smoking and canning.
The section of the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm is considered one of the most scenic stretches of road in the world. There are several pull-offs to enjoy Cook Inlet and see wildlife like bald eagles, whales, and, if you’re lucky, Dall sheep and mountain goats.
Go Gold Mining at Crow Creek
Crow Creek Gold Mine is just outside of Anchorage along the way to Girdwood and past Turnagain Arm. It’s a great way to introduce your family to gold mining, an essential part of Alaska’s history.
Go Dogsledding Near Girdwood
You will take an incredible helicopter ride to a nearby glacier, where you will go dog sledding with a team of Alaskan huskies. I didn’t get a chance to go on this adventure, but the rest of my family did, and they said it was terrific.
Afternoon: Drink a Beer at Girdwood Brewing Company
Reflect on your day over a beer before tucking in for the night in Aleyska. The area offers several lodging options, including the Aleyska Hotel and several Airbnb and VRBO options.
Day 3 of this 10-Day Alaska Itinerary: Hiking and Fishing Adventures
Accommodation: Harbor 360 Hotel, Seward
Harbor 360 Hotel, pictured below, is well-maintained and offers bookings for the Kenai Fjord’s marine cruises just inside. Paid parking is across the street and can be limited. The hotel is also within walking distance to several restaurants. While you can get tickets inside, I recommend booking your trip beforehand.
Morning: Take the Seward Highway
Drive to Seward via the Seward Highway. Don’t forget to stop at Tern Lake along the way. Often, the water is still enough to see the reflection of the Chugach Mountains on the water.
You’re in bear and moose country. Slow down if you see animals on the side of the road, and be prepared to brake for moose. Moose collisions are common, so take caution.
Midday: Go on a Hiking Adventure
Go for a hike on Exit Glacier Trail. This loop trail is 2.2 miles long and easy for most families. There’s good parking and bathroom accommodations. It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to learn how some glaciers are retreating, as evidenced by several signs indicating where the glacier once stood.
Afternoon: Snag Salmon In Resurrection Bay
Visit Seward’s Alaska Sealife Center to learn more about marine life in Alaska and Prince William Sound. Seward Brewery is nearby and offers decent food and spirits.
After dinner, we took advantage of the late sunset and got more fishing on July Fourth Creek.
Day 4 of this Alaska Itinerary: Go On a Glacier Adventure
Accommodation: Harbor 360 Hotel, Seward
Morning: Major marine Kenai Fjords National Park Tour
On day 4, I recommend you book a boat trip to see Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward. I’ve been three times, and of course, each visit is unique in what you see. I’ve not been on a trip where I haven’t seen whales, puffins, bald eagles, otters, and sea lions.
To book tickets, check out Major Marine Tours. The same company operates out of Valdez, where you can see Columbia Glacier, but that’s for another glacier adventure, not this trip. Lunch is served aboard the vessel.
Midday: Get close to Aialik and Holgate Glaciers
My family has chosen the 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park trip, but they offer shorter and longer trips. I’ve seen everything possible on this length trip, including tidewater glaciers in the park and all Alaska marine animals.
You won’t see the glaciers on the shorter trip, so I recommend booking at least the 6-hour voyage. The journey is adventurous in its own right. You get relatively close to glaciers and marine wildlife. If you have good photography equipment, this is the trip to bring it on.
Early Afternoon: Watch Whale Spouts and Glaciers Calving
Seeing my family’s faces as they watched whale spouts and glaciers calving was just as incredible as the natural wonders I witnessed.
This isn’t as intense an adventure as the other activities on this itinerary. However, sitting back and observing is sometimes good, as all adventures don’t have to be physical.
Afternoon: Snag Salmon Again
You will return from the marine tour in the early afternoon. Head back to Resurrection Bay to go fishing for salmon on July Fourth Creek. Alaska is called the Land of the Midnight Sun because the sun sets very late, around 10:30 to 11 p.m., during the summer. If salmon are running, take advantage of this by fishing.
You can even use a headlamp to fish in the dark, which is also fun. If you’re successful and the salmon are running well, don’t be afraid to break away from your itinerary and stay an extra day.
Day 5 of this Alaska Itinerary: Catch a Barndoor Halibut
Accommodations: Harbor 360 Hotel, Seward
There are several fishing outfitters to take you halibut fishing out of Seward. One of the most popular fishing charters is J-Dock. Sometimes, they are booked out over a year in advance, so book early.
In Seward, your odds are usually pretty good for hooking up with a giant halibut. You’ll most certainly see fish caught on the boat. My daughter caught this fish in Prince William Sound in Valdez. As you can see, it’s bigger than her.
An alternative to a charter is renting your boat, which I’ve done several times. You’ll need your gear, and it’s a great way to have personal space while you fish. Check out my post on catching a halibut in Alaska for helpful tips on a do-it-yourself halibut fishing trip.
Day 6 of this Alaska Itinerary: Floss Salmon on the Russian River
Accommodations: Soldotna, Alaska
Morning: Drive to Cooper Landing and Fish the Russian River
It would be helpful for you to read our informational article about fishing for salmon on the Russian River in Cooper Landing. You will want to bring the right gear, including rod and reel, terminal tackle, waders, and rain gear.
Afternoon: Go Bear Viewing in Cooper Landing
Go to the Russian River Campground for parking and take the Russian River trail. At the Russian River Falls is a viewing platform where you will see salmon jumping upstream and often black and brown bears feeding on salmon.
Day 7 of this Alaska Itinerary: Fly-Out Fishing Adventure
Accommodation: VRBO or Airbnb in Soldotna (preferably on the Kenai River)
Early Morning
Depart early for a fly-out fishing trip to Wolverine Creek or Clarke Lake for salmon fishing and bear viewing.
This unforgettable experience allows you to fish for salmon while watching bears in their natural habitat. Fly-out trips typically leave early in the morning and return in the early afternoon, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the adventure.
Afternoon: Fishing Adventure in Soldotna
Try flossing for salmon on the Kenai River in Alaska. You’ll be fishing for the same salmon that made their way to the Russian River, where you fished earlier this morning.
Several good Soldotna dinner options include Kenai River Brewery, Addie Camp, and St. Elias Brewery.
Day 8 of this Alaska Itinerary: Hike the Skyline Trail
This 4.4-mile out-and-back hike is not for the faint. The grade is steep, but our kids have done it. The journey is rewarding; at the summit, you feel like you’re on top of the world.
If you get there, leave your name in the metal cache to document your success. Bring lots of water; some take hiking sticks due to the slippery terrain and rock slides.
Day 9 of the Alaska Itinerary: Catch a Halibut in Homer
Accommodation: Local hotel in Homer
Morning: Fish for Halibut or Visit Sledovia
Drive to Homer, an iconic coastal town. Homer is best known for its fishing, which has earned it the title of the halibut capital of the world, and the spit, a land mass that juts into the ocean.
Halibut fishing has decreased here over the years, and if you were to choose one place to catch a halibut on this trip, I would do so in Seward. Even better yet is halibut fishing in Valdez, but you probably won’t make it there on this trip.
Here, you’ll have a lot of halibut and rockfish charters to choose from. You can also take a ferry to the nearby village of Sledovia, which is only accessible by boat and plane.
Evening
Fat Olives is our favorite eatery in Homer. There are several other good ones, but Fat Olives is quick and a good value. Stay the night at a local hotel in Homer.
Day 10 of this Alaska Itinerary: Return to Anchorage by Plane or Car
Morning
Have breakfast in Homer and take in the sights before returning.
Afternoon
Drive back to Anchorage for your return flight, with the option to stop at scenic spots.
In my opinion, this itinerary provides families with unforgettable experiences that will not only last a lifetime but snowball into other adventures. For some, it’s the trip of a lifetime; for others, you might find a way to move to Alaska or make this trip each year. It is the ultimate family fishing and adventure experience in Alaska.