Top Family-Friendly Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park is a sight to behold – teeming with whales and marine life, cascading glaciers, and stunning coastal scenery. It’s also one of the most accessible national parks in Alaska thanks to its proximity the state’s largest city – Anchorage – and its location on the road system, making it one of the most family-friendly national parks in Alaska. 

The scenic town of Seward serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, providing a family-friendly basecamp for exploration. Beyond the national park, Seward offers a wide range of accommodations, dining options, and kid-favorite activities like the Alaska SeaLife Center and dog sled tours. Visitors of all ages will find plenty of ways to explore Kenai Fjords National Park, from hiking and kayaking to day cruises and educational kids’ programs.

Glacier and Wildlife Cruises

The massive Harding Icefield (stretching over 700 square miles), steep fjords, and rugged islands make up the majority of the park’s landscape. With few roads and designated trails, the best way to experience the Kenai Fjords National Park is on the water. Glacier and wildlife cruises depart from Seward from March through October and offer a comfortable, family-friendly day trip to explore the many wonders of the park. 

Kids will love seeing the whales, marine wildlife, and birds that are seen frequently throughout the cruise, along with the thrill of gliding through the ocean waters and taking in the sights and sounds from the outside viewing decks. Cruises range from 3.5 hours to full-day, so families can choose the cruise length that works best, depending on kids’ ages. Shorter cruises stay in the calmer waters of Resurrection Bay, making them a better option for smaller children. 

Comfort and amenities are also an important perk. Cruises feature indoor seating in heated cabins, providing a basecamp for your gear and a warm spot to take in the sights. Onboard snacks and drinks are available (including kid-favorite hot chocolate and perhaps a glacier margarita for mom and dad). Lunch or dinner is served on some longer cruises. Captains and crew provide educational narration and help you spot wildlife throughout the cruise. Some longer tours also offer interactive kids’ programs. Be sure to check with specific cruise operators on their amenities and which cruises they recommend for families. Kids under 2 cruise free with the two main cruise operators in the park. 

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Kayaking

Guided kayaking trips are another great active way for families to explore Kenai Fjords National Park by water. Kids and parents alike will enjoy up-close views of wildlife, beautiful coastline, and glaciers – along with local knowledge from experienced guides. Tours range from half-day to full-day and many include a stop at a remote beach for a snack, lunch, or a hike. Most companies offer tours geared for kids ages 6 and up, so be sure to check with operators on age restrictions and which tours are appropriate for different age groups. Some companies even offer private family tours, where your family can set the pace with your own private guide. 

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Hiking at Exit Glacier

The Exit Glacier area just outside of Seward rewards visitors with views of its namesake glacier from the only designated hiking trails within Kenai Fjords National Park. Begin your adventure at the Exit Glacier Nature Center, where you’ll find exhibits, a bookstore, and National Park Rangers ready to answer your questions. 

From the Nature Center, the Glacier View Loop Trail is a 1.2 mile paved trail over flat terrain that is both wheelchair and stroller accessible. The trail wanders through the forest to glacier views up the braided river valley and loops back through the forest. Active families can continue on for another .6 miles to Glacier Overlook for even closer views of the glacier. This section of the trail is a little more challenging, covering dirt and rock surface with a small elevation gain. Rangers also lead 1 ½ hour walks to Glacier Overlook twice a day.  

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Junior Ranger Program

Kids ages 4 – 12 can take part in the Junior Ranger Program in Kenai Fjords National Park. This fun and educational program is available at the national park visitor centers at the Seward Small Boat Harbor and the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Kids can pick up their own copy of the Junior Ranger Adventure Guide that will teach them about the park. Once they complete the guide, they can turn it in to a Park Ranger to get their official Junior Ranger Badge. Rangers at Exit Glacier also lead Junior Ranger Walks several times a week in the summer. On these 1 ½ hour walks, kids complete their guide and learn about the park alongside a Park Ranger as they make activity stops along the trail. 

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For families looking to experience Alaska’s incredible wildlife, glaciers, and national park lands, Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-see destination. Alaska’s most accessible park offers an abundance of fun activities and sights that will engage and inspire visitors of all ages.