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Discover the best things to do in Seward Alaska with family, frfom outdoor adventure activities to some of the most beautiful scenery in Alaska. This kid-friendly guide to Seward things to do will help you plan the perfect itinerary for your stay.
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Seward Alaska With Kids
Travelling with family and kids can be overwhelming when it comes to deciding which places are a good fit. Certain Alaskan destinations are more kid-friendly than others, and kids just might be bored if you go to the wrong location.
Seward Alaska is a great family vacation spot during your time in Alaska.
Seward is a small fishing town that is actually “big” for Alaskan standards. The town is nestled in Resurrection Bay and surrounded by huge mountains.
The easiest way to get to Seward is to drive from Anchorage which is only about a 2.5-hour drive.
PLANNING RESOURCES FOR SEWARD
- Family-friendly accommodation in Seward
- Popular tours and activities in Seward
- Getting from Anchorage International Airport to Seward
- Alaska travel books to read before you go
The BEST Things To Do In Seward Alaska
Whether you want to try local Alaskan food, kayak, hike or go on a fishing excursion, Seward has everything to offer for all different types of travellers.
Here are some of the best Seward things to do that are family-friendly if visiting with kids for your Seward itinerary:
Kenai Fjords National Park
The most famous activity to do while in Seward is to join a tour from Kenai Fjords Tour company.
They offer so many different tour options to see whales, glaciers, birds, the amazing Fjords and Kenai Fjords National Park in general.
The Kenai Fjords National Park is what draws the most tourist into the small town of Seward.
The tours range anywhere from 4 hours to 9 hours on the water depending on what you want to see and how brave you are with getting seasick (we got sick on our tour).
We opted for the full day 9-hour tour which was incredibly beautiful but became miserable after we got seasick.
This is something worth considering if you are planning to do the day trip with kids. Some kids are really resilient to seasickness, while others are very sensitive to it so come prepared!
I would recommend the 8.5-hour tour which stops at Fox Island for dinner, which means you get a break from being on the boat the entire time!
Heli-Hiking in Seward
An Alaskan vacation is not complete without some sort of airplane or helicopter tours!
This is fact… not opinion, so make sure you look into some tour options during your vacation in Alaska.
Our most memorable activity in Alaska was when we took a flight from Talkeetna to Denali National Park and got to land on a glacier. It truly was an incredible experience and one that we will never forget.
This brings me back to Heli-Hiking, which is exactly what it sounds like!
You get to take a helicopter to a glacier and then hike on the glacier for around an hour. No matter what glacier or part of Alaska you end up doing this in, you certainly won’t regret it.
This would be my #1 recommendation before anything else in Alaska.
Fishing Tour in Seward Alaska
Seward is one of the most popular fishing destinations in all of Alaska, and probably the most visited destination of them all.
There are so many different companies, locals and charters that you can join to go on a fishing excursion that only Alaska can offer.
One of the cheaper family priced options comes from Alaska Northern Outfitters which starts at only $199 in the early offseason.
Regular rates during high season can range anywhere from $300 to $500 per person.
Depending on how big your group or family is, it might make sense to opt for a private fishing charter for around $2,000 instead.
Go gold Panning
With Seward being located on the Kenai Peninsula, there are a number of opportunities to try your hand at gold panning. Many companies offer tours and equipment rentals, so it’s easy to get started.
Kids will love the chance to try and find some gold!
You can even add an Exit Glacier hike to your gold panning experience for something truly memorable!
Enjoy the Alaska Railroad Scenic Journey
The Alaska Railroad offers a variety of scenic journeys for visitors to choose from, with Seward being one of the stops to start or end your journey.
The options vary in length and destination, but all offer stunning views of the state if you are planning to explore Alaska beyond beautiful Seward.
Visit The Alaska SeaLife Center
The Alaska Sea Life Center is located in the heart of Seward and is a great place for kids in Alaska. You can plan a tour or just walk right in to see some of the amazing sea animals that Alaska has to offer.
As the state’s largest public aquarium, the Alaska SeaLife Center is a must-visit for families in Seward. It is also Alaska’s only permanent marine mammal rehabilitation facility, located on the edge of Resurrection Bay.
With a variety of exhibits and programs, the centre offers something for everyone.
Here you will see seals, octopus and sea lions. The centre also offers educational programs for kids of all ages.
Seward Tours & Activities for Families
One of the main reasons that people visit Alaska is because of the wildlife and untouched nature that it offers.
You can see bears, moose, sea otters, bald eagles, and more on a wildlife tour.
This is great fun, but some families with small children can’t always go explore the “great outdoors” and backpack to find all of these animals.
The whole family will also love wilderness dog sledding. There are several Seward tours that operate dog sledding opportunities, for something unique and memorable!
Whale watching cruises are another great way to see the wildlife in Alaska if you want a specific focus on these great creatures during your visit.
For older kids and teens who enjoy more active outdoor activities, kayaking is a perfect way to see Resurrection Bay and its resident wildlife.
Or combine kayaking and jet boating for an exciting way to explore Bear Glacier together.
Hiking in Seward With Kids
There are endless trails and hiking opportunities throughout all of Alaska, and Seward is no exception.
You could easily get lost exploring the backcountry of Alaska even just a few miles away from town because of how much untouched land there is.
One of the most popular and beautiful hikes in Seward is the Lost Lake Trail.
It is located about 20 minutes drive north of Seward. The trail is 7.3 miles one way. But don’t worry, as you can only hike a portion of the trail to see some beautiful lakes and meadows.
Another beautiful and more family-friendly hike is the Tonsina Point Trail which is located on the southern tip of Seward in a town called Lowell Point.
We actually stayed at Resurrection Lodge on the Bay during our time in Seward, which is located in Lowell Point.
Tonsina Point is an old logging trail that had open meadows, salmon, and even a beach to relax and have a family picnic.
The easiest and closest “hike” in Seward is the Seward Waterfront Park.
I would not necessarily classify it as a hike because it is more or less a walk, but a beautiful one at that. Great for a midday hike or right before the sun goes down, to see the water and boats all docking for the night.
Along the waterfront park, there are multiple signs that include historical information about Seward and the surrounding areas to teach the kids something along the way.
Family-Friendly Vacation in Alaska
Alaska is one of the most beautiful destinations in North America. It is also one of the most expensive destinations to visit due to it being so remote and far from other states.
The expense is worth it though, and to experience something as amazing as Alaska with your family is something you will never forget.
There are so many ways to visit Alaska such as a cruise, road trip, plane or boat ride. No matter what way suits your needs, Seward and the surrounding towns have everything to offer to keep the little ones and big kids entertained.
Best Time To Visit Seward
Depending on what time of year you want to visit, the 4th of July is the perfect time to visit Seward.
The population goes from around 3,000 people to over 40,000 in Seward during the week of the 4th of July.
There is the famous Mt. Marathon Race and plenty of other community events going on. The entire town is blocked off which means there are parades, street vendors, souvenir shops and so much more.
Amazing Restaurants in Seward
Whether the kids love seafood or not, this is the time to test their taste buds. Alaska in general, and specifically Seward, is famous for its seafood.
This includes Alaska’s salmon, whitefish, shellfish and king crabs.
The famous TV show “Bering Sea Gold” takes places in western Alaska!
The Cookery is one of Seward’s most famous and visited restaurants. The Cookery would be great for a dinner time meal that both parents and kids can enjoy. They offer craft beer, wine, seafood and an oyster bar for seafood lovers.
If you want some comfort food and a great breakfast in Seward, Gold Rush Bistro is the way to go! If you want home fries, pie, burgers, tacos, pancakes, crab legs or salmon Gold Rush Bistro has it all!
This was the first restaurant we ate at during out stay in Seward and wanted to go back so bad but also wanted to try other places.
Zudy’s Café is a quiet little restaurant that overlooks the bay and surrounding mountains. They have an outside patio where you can eat and drink coffee at while enjoying the Alaskan air. They offer anything from bagels, coffee, breakfast sandwiches and even dessert.
How To Get From Anchorage To Seward
If you plan to travel from Anchorage to Seward, the easiest and most direct way is by car. The trip takes around 2.5 hours and the Seward Highway that follows this route is a National Scenic Byway, with some great stops.
There are also buses or trains that follow this route, with it considered the most scenic train ride from Alaska.
FAQs For Visiting Seward Alaska
Are there any family-friendly activities in Seward?
Absolutely! Seward offers several family-friendly activities. You can visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, which is an aquarium and marine research facility with interactive exhibits. The Exit Glacier area in Kenai Fjords National Park is also a great place for a family hike, and kids will love exploring the tide pools at low tide.
Is Seward, Alaska worth visiting?
Absolutely! Seward is a stunning destination with breathtaking natural beauty and a rich history. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and glacier tours. The proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
What is Seward Alaska known for?
Seward is primarily known for its scenic beauty and its close proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park. The park is famous for its stunning fjords, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Seward is also known for its vibrant fishing industry and hosts the famous Mount Marathon Race, a challenging foot race held every July 4th.
Do you need a car in Seward, Alaska?
While having a car in Seward can provide flexibility and convenience, it is not necessary for exploring the town and participating in popular activities. Seward is a compact town, and many attractions, restaurants, and accommodations are within walking distance of each other. Additionally, tour operators offer transportation services for activities like boat tours and wildlife excursions.
Depending on what type of trip you are embarking on, you might be interested in visiting other destinations in the area.
Places like Anchorage, Portage, Homer and Talkeetna are just a few of the neighbouring towns that are worth a visit.
Seward is a great place to visit with kids if you are a family who loves the great outdoors! From incredible landscapes to unique wildlife, there are plenty of opportunities for learning and having fun.
We hope these fun Seward activities help you plan the perfect Seward Alaska vacation!
Author Bio – Maddie and James from Wanderus Living are travelling around the United States and Canada full-time. They are passionate about off the beaten path destinations, overlooked spots and hidden gems. They are living out of their Jeep Wrangler and travel trailer, exploring and sharing their stories and adventures along the way.