Top 10 Things to do with Kids in Denali
If you’re coming to Denali with kids, knowing what kid-friendly activities Denali has is vital. Keeping kids engaged and entertained on any vacation is no easy task, let alone in the vast wilderness that is Denali. I mean, six million acres is almost unimaginable. And if you’re thinking about bringing kids you may be wondering: Is it worth it? Are there enough kid friendly activities in Denali National Park? Will they get bored? Will we deal with meltdowns? How will we know what to do?
All valid questions. But I am happy to report Denali is more than just doable with kids. It can be a wondrous and magical place for all ages. You just need to know what to do, where to go, and what to skip. So whether you're wrangling toddlers or debating with teenagers, this list will keep your young ones occupied, engaged, and almost guarantee a good night's sleep.
With Denali having so many options, and age restrictions/expectations not always being clear, I have gone through the tours in and around the Denali area and picked the most suitable for families with kids. I chose these while channeling my inner child and asking what a 15-year-old and 5-year-old could do and enjoy together. There are a few age restrictions that have been noted near each title. I also have added the average price for children/adults. Title links will bring you to the company website, book now links will bring you to a direct booking link!
1. Northern Epics Denali Survival Tour
No age restriction - $199 Kids/$249 Adults
Complimentary shuttle pick-ups/drop-offs
This 4 hour tour is sure to keep you and your young ones engaged. Learning survival skills can be an incredibly empowering thing for kids and adults of all ages. On this tour you will learn all about wild berries, how to build a shelter, spot game trails, the ecosystem that surrounds you, the indigenous Athabascans and how they refrigerated their food, and more. The depth of information and knowledge (along with hands-on skills and practice) provided by your guide will keep both the adults and kids wanting more!
2. DogGoneIt Sled Dog Adventure
No age restriction - $55 Kids/$65 Adults
Complimentary shuttle pick-ups/drop-offs
While this one isn’t quite as active, you will get to play with puppies and learn all about dog-sledding from Mike Santos, who has raced the famous Alaskan Iditarod Trail!
From DogGoneIt: Learn what it’s like to live with the world’s greatest athletes as you visit with our puppies, witness sled dogs in action, and virtually experience running the Iditarod. Enjoy stories of the adventures of living an ever-growing dream both on and off the trail. Discover what it takes to make it on the Last Frontier and experience the journey that is Iditarod.
3. Denali Park Zipline
Minimum 8 years old and 70+ lbs - $119 Kids/$179 Adults
Complimentary shuttle pick-ups/drop-offs
Soar through the Boreal forest with Denali Park Zipline! This tour is family-friendly, the guides are well versed in safety and fun! Your tour will start with a 3-mile ATV ride to the start of the course. There your guides will run through safety procedures, get you geared up, and onto the course. They will lead you through seven ziplines and six skybridges, you’ll even get to race the other members of your group with a dual zipline at the end! Their zipline course has hands free breaking so you don’t need to put in that extra work.
4. Denali Fly Fishing Guides
Minimum 12 years old - $250 - $450, depends on the tour chosen
Complimentary shuttle pick-ups/drop-offs
While the age restriction on this one is a little higher, this guided fishing experience is great. Professional guides will take you out and can tailor the tour to anyone, from novice fisherman to experts.
5. Northern Epics Wilderness Wonders Tour
No age restriction - $159 Kids/$199 Adults
Complimentary shuttle pick-ups/drop-offs
On this 4 hour off-trail tour you will be exploring the Alaskan woods. Adults and kids alike will be enamored with how ecosystems and other natural phenomena work together. Add the See-It-All package which includes a monoscope and microscope, with those you can see all the minutiae details of the wilderness that surrounds you.
6. Denali ATV Adventures
Minimum 1 year old + 35 lbs - $155 - $450 depends on size of ATV chosen
Drivers must be 16 with valid drivers license and parent/guardian in vehicle OR 18 + with valid drivers license
Complimentary shuttle pick-ups/drop-offs
On this ATV adventure you will navigate through rocky creek beds and even spend time splashing through the water (weather dependent). Knowledgeable guides lead you through the rugged terrain and provide opportunities for photography.
7. Denali Raft Adventure
Minimum 50 lbs (Wilderness Run $109 Kids/$149 Adults), minimum12 years old (Canyon $149 Adults and healy run $249 Adults) -
Complimentary shuttle pick-ups/drop-offs
With Denali Raft Adventures you can pick from a few rafting options. All take place on the Nenana River, which flows through the Denali canyon, and they vary in length and difficulty. Age range depends on the trip you choose, but you will not be disappointed with any option. The Nenana River is home to some of the best views in the area!
8. Take the Train
No age restriction - Price varies on location
Take a train ride from Denali to Anchorage or Fairbanks!
The train ride offers more space than a bus or car for the little ones to move around, and provides the best views for all.
If you haven’t yet figured out how you’re getting to Denali, this is a great choice! You can take the train from Anchorage or Fairbanks to Denali, and get transportation with
9. National Park Service Junior Ranger Program
Designed for ages 4-12 - Free
The Junior Ranger program is a free activities booklet that can be picked-up at the Denali National Park Visitors Center. The activity booklet will lead them through the park with lessons on history, geology, wildlife, and more. There are also fun challenges throughout the booklet. Once finished, take the book to a ranger and they will sign off, lead you in the Denali Junior Ranger pledge, and present you with an official badge.
10. Denali Jeep Excursions
No age limit for passengers, drivers must be 25 years old - $119 Kids/$189 Adults
Complimentary shuttle pick-ups/drop-offs
On the Denali Jeep Excursions adventure you will take a 4-hour trip down the Old Denali Highway, rated #2 for “Drive of a lifetime” by National Geographic. During the tour you will experience the vast views the Denali highway has to offer, your guide will be connected to your Jeep through a CB radio where they will talk about the land that surrounds you. This is a great activity for all ages, but keep in mind you will be sitting for the majority of the 4-hour trip.
Whether you’re learning survival skills in the woods, riding around on ATV’s, or spotting moose from the train, exploring Denali as a family will create memories to last a lifetime. Now there’s no guarantee that these activities will prevent tears or tantrums, but hopefully there are enough options to keep the young ones occupied and the adults entertained.
My last bit of advice is pack layers (even in July!), plan ahead, book excursions early, and never go without snacks! A hangry kiddo, or parent, is never fun. Here are a few local options for grab and go items!
We hope to see you in Denali soon!
