Traveling to Alaska with Kids: Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway & More
- e barrio
- May 24
- 4 min read
When most people think about an Alaska cruise, they picture glaciers, whales, and snow-capped mountains.
And while all of those things absolutely lived up to the hype during our Alaska sailing aboard the brand-new Star Princess, what surprised me most was how family-friendly Alaska's ports actually were.
Traveling with a six-year-old means every day is an exercise in balancing adventure with energy levels, snack breaks, and realistic expectations. Some of our excursions were huge successes. Others taught us valuable lessons about over-planning.
If you're considering an Alaska cruise with children, here's what we experienced in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Endicott Arm.
Juneau: The Day We Tried to Do Too Much
Juneau was easily one of the most beautiful ports we visited. Our original plan seemed reasonable enough: visit the famous Mendenhall Glacier, hike Nugget Falls Trail and then spend time at Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure.
Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls Trail
The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center offers some incredible views and is one of Alaska's most iconic attractions.
From there, we continued on to Nugget Falls Trail. The trail itself is relatively accessible, but by the time we completed both experiences, our six-year-old was cold, tired, hungry, and completely done with hiking for the day.
Was it beautiful?
Absolutely.
Would I combine both activities again with a younger child?
Probably not.
Because after Mendenhall, we departed for the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure. As an excursion in its own right, this would have been a wonderful event, and with proper planning and expectations, it is one I'd highly recommend to families. But by this point, our son was ready to be back on the ship in the Crooners lounge with a root beer and slice from the Eatery.
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. The gift shop was fantastic, and the café became our family's unexpected hero. A warm drink, food, and a place to sit made all the difference.
The rainforest setting was beautiful, the views were spectacular, and the overall experience felt relaxed. But it was very cold, and while not overly-lengthy, combined with the days earlier activities, it pushed us and our little one too far.
One of the biggest lessons we learned in Alaska was that children often enjoy destinations differently from adults. Sometimes, slowing down and choosing one major activity is the better choice.
Juneau Sidenote
If you happen to get assigned to Rick's party bus? Congratulations.
Rick was hilarious, knowledgeable, entertaining, and genuinely one of the highlights of our day. Long after we've forgotten details of other excursions, we'll still remember Rick.
Ketchikan: A Perfect Family Day Ashore
Ketchikan immediately felt charming and approachable.
The waterfront area is easy to explore, and we found ourselves enjoying a slower-paced day that worked much better for our family after the activity-heavy schedule in Juneau.
New York Café
One of my favorite memories from the entire cruise happened here.
While my husband Michael headed off for an excursion (a story for another blog post), my parents, AJ, and I enjoyed lunch at the New York Café overlooking the pier.
The location alone is worth the visit. Watching ships come and go while enjoying lunch made for a relaxing afternoon, and it gave us a chance to simply enjoy being together without rushing to the next activity.
And then there was the coconut raspberry sour. I'm not usually dramatic about beers. But this one may have changed my life. It was refreshing, unique, and, hands down, one of the best drinks I had during the entire cruise.
For families looking for a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the waterfront, New York Café was a wonderful choice.
Skagway: Remote, Historic, and Worth Exploring
Of all the ports we visited, Skagway felt the most remote. The small-town atmosphere, historic buildings, and mountain scenery make it feel like you've stepped into another era.
Originally, our family planned to take an excursion to the Klondike Summit. However, after our ambitious day in Juneau, our son was exhausted. Rather than push through another full day of excursions, we adjusted our plans. That flexibility was one of the best decisions we made all week.
Klondike Summit Tour
Although we didn't go, my parents thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Their guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and informative throughout the trip.
The tour itself required very little physical activity, making it ideal for older travelers or families who prefer sightseeing from the comfort of a coach. The bus was warm and comfortable, which mattered given the weather conditions.
Unfortunately, visibility wasn't ideal that day, and some of the scenic views were obscured by the weather. But even with limited visibility, they still enjoyed learning about the region's history and geography. For travelers looking for a low-stress excursion option, this one earned high marks from my parents.
Endicott Arm: The Most Beautiful Day of the Cruise
If Alaska had a grand finale, Endicott Arm was ours. The scenery was simply breathtaking. Towering cliffs. Waterfalls cascading down mountainsides. Bergy bits and growlers floating through impossibly blue water. Wildlife appearing unexpectedly along the shoreline. It felt like sailing through a nature documentary.
A Viewing Note Aboard Star Princess
Star Princess uses blue-tinted glass throughout many observation areas and balcony barriers. While it may look beautiful from a design standpoint, it noticeably altered the colors of the scenery outside.
The difference between viewing Endicott Arm through the glass and stepping outside for an unobstructed view was dramatic. The glaciers, water, and mountains appeared far more vibrant and natural when viewed directly.
If you're sailing through Endicott Arm, do yourself a favor:
Spend at least part of the day outside. The experience is completely different. Or do yourself one better: book the balcony room. Worth it!
Final Thoughts on Traveling to Alaska with Kids
Alaska exceeded every expectation we had as a family destination.
The glaciers were incredible. The wildlife was unforgettable. The scenery was unlike anything we've ever experienced.
But what stood out most wasn't necessarily the excursions themselves.
It was discovering that some of the best family memories happen when you slow down, adjust expectations, and enjoy the journey at your family's pace.
Because in Alaska, there's beauty around every corner, even when your six-year-old is tired, hungry, and reminding you that glaciers are apparently less exciting than an arcade.
Interested in traveling to Alaska with family? Consider the cruise line as much as your itinerary and ports of call.
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