Welcome to Seward, Alaska! This charming seaside town is like straight out of a travel magazine. And to my pleasant surprise, it is also very kid-friendly. My daughter and I had the time of our lives on our visit. The information below, including the itinerary, is only relevant for a summer visit from May to September. Many businesses close during the winter months so make sure to check ahead if you visit in the winter. So without further ado, let’s dive in this guide to visit Seward with kids!
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Table of Contents
When is The Best Time to Visit Seward With Kids
The best time to visit Seward with your little adventurers is from May to September, when the temperatures are milder, and the days are longer. This means more time for exploring. However keep an eye on the weather, since Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Another weather-related fact: August is the wettest month in this section of Alaska, something I didn’t know when we visited. Fortunately, we were still prepared for the situation.
How to Get to Seward With Kids
Chances are you will most likely be traveling from Anchorage, and the most convenient and direct route is via car. The drive takes about 2.5 hours along Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway with fantastic stops. One of the best stops is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This animal sanctuary is home to various animals and is dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation and animal care.
Another way to get to Seward is by train. As a matter of fact, the Coastal Classic Train ride between Anchorage and Seward is regarded as the most scenic in Alaska. You’ll have the chance to admire the rugged coastline, Chugach Mountains, river canyons, glaciers, waterfalls, and backcountry wilderness from the comfort of your seats.
Photo courtesy of Viator
Where to Stay in Seward With Kids
Harbor 360 Hotel
For families seeking comfort and a prime location, Harbor 360 Hotel Seward is an excellent choice. Overlooking the picturesque Resurrection Bay, this family-friendly hotel offers spacious rooms with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. Plus, it’s within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants, making your life just a little bit easier.
For a more rustic experience that still caters to families, Seward Windsong Lodge is nestled in the midst of the Chugach National Forest. Surrounded by towering trees and scenic landscapes, this lodge offers cozy rooms and suites in an Alaska-inspired decor. The lodge has all the amenities, including an on-site restaurant called Resurrection Roadhouse, which serves breakfast and dinner.
Bear Lake Bed & Breakfast
Alaska has a fantastic bed & breakfast culture. They tend to be more economical lodging alternative when exploring the state, and the welcoming and warm hospitality from the hosts is an added bonus. Bear Lake Lodgings B&B is the ideal base for Seward family adventures. The B&B is nestled on the shores of a forested alpine lake and has several room configurations capable of accommodating families of all sizes. The hosts also provide kayaks for water fun on the lake.
Kid-Friendly Dining Options in Seward
Seward is famous for its seafood and you should definitely indulge during your visit.
Resurrection Roadhouse
As previously mentioned, Resurrection Roadhouse is a great dining option for visiting families. This family-friendly restaurant offers a delightful selection of mouthwatering dishes for both grown-ups and young ones. The seafood chowder and halibut are to die for!
Exit Glacier Salmon Bake
A little gem of a place in a rustic yet cozy setting, Exit Glacier Salmon Bake serves fresh local seafood and classic American fare. Make sure to order the salmon dinner. You won’t be disappointed.
Le Barn Appetit Inn & Creperie
Le Barn Appetit is a quaint creperie offering a selection of sweet and savory crepres, American and Belgian waffles. They are open for breakfast and lunch/brunch.
Harbor Street Creamery
For desserts, stop by Harbor Street Creamery in Downtown Seward, This ice cream parlor offers a variety of yummy ice creams, coffee, and much more. You should try their special flavors such as Fireweed or Huckleberry.
Day One in Seward With Kids
Hike Exit Glacier With Kids
On your first day in Seward, head to Exit Glacier, for an outdoor adventure with the kids. Kenai Fjords National Park and its glaciers are the main reason people come to Seward. To get up close to ever-retreating Exit Glacier, use one of the 3 hiking trails: the View Loop (1 mile loop), the Overlook Trail (2.2 miles out and back) and the Harding Icefield trail (8.2 miles, rated strenuous). Each of those hikes will lead you to stunning viewpoints of the glacier. In addition, ranger-led programs provide insights into glacier processes and the park’s unique ecosystem, making it an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
After lunch, visit IdidaRide Sled Dog Tours for a unique outing. Here, your family will be introduced to the world of mushing. On this must-do tour, you will learn about the Iditarod history, the Seavey family (6-time and reigning Iditarod champions), and you will even get to meet their enthusiastic sled dogs. After learning about the dogs’ training, you will take an exciting sled ride through a lush forest on the Seavey estate. The hands-on interaction with the dogs and mushers adds a personal touch to this Alaskan tradition.
Day Two of Our Seward Trip With Kids
Take a Wildlife and Glacier Cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park
Start your second day with a bang by hopping aboard a boat tour. Several boat tour operators in the Seward Boat Harbor provide family-friendly wildlife and/or glacier cruises to Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay, allowing you to spot sea lions, puffins, and even whales. My recommendation is to book a tour with Major Marine Tours. They offer half and full day tours and trust me, this is one experience you and your kids won’t soon forget! Prepare to gasp in amazement as you cruise past massive glaciers, marvel at the crystal blue waters, and keep a lookout for all the wildlife on land and in the water.
Pro Tip #1: swells in the Gulf of Alaska can reach several feet high, and you will definitely feel the boat rock. A great number of our fellow passengers got seasick and they were so miserable. Take seasickness medication (we swear by Dramamine), wear motion sickness wristbands and carry ginger chews. Trust me, you will thank me later.
Pro Tip #2: dress in layers, bring a waterproof jacket, and wear sturdy non-slippery shoes/boots.
Enjoy A Stroll Along Seward Waterfront Bike Path With Your Kids
After your Kenai Fjords cruise, stretch your sea legs along Seward’s Waterfront Bike Path, a 2-mile paved trail which runs alongside Resurrection Bay. You can access the path from the north end of the harbor. The trail is strewn with benches and picnic tables where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. There is a jungle-gym that will sure delight the kids. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, sea lions, and other marine life as you walk on the path. If you are really lucky, you might even spot a beluga whale.
Day Three of Kid-Friendly Trip to Seward
Explore The Town of Seward With Kids In Tow
On your last day in Seward, it’s time for a little town exploration. Did you know that Seward is known for all its murals? There are about 30 vibrant paintings all over town, each depicting unique historical characters, local events, and natural landscapes. The Seward Mural Society keeps a digital map showing the location of each murals making for a perfect scavenger hunt.
Alaska Sea Life Center
After your hunt, head to the Alaska Sealife Center. More than an aquarium, the Center is dedicated to marine research and education, and also serves as a marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility. Visitors will get close to puffins, octopus, sea lions, seals, and other enchanting marine creatures. And the best part? There are hands-on activities that will keep little kids curious minds engaged.
Ziplining or Tidepooling
Time to squeeze in one last adventure. If you have older kids (10+) you must take them to Stoney Creek Canopy Adventures. You will sail above a forest canopy through ziplines, rapยญpels and sky bridges, while enjoying panoramยญic views of Mount Marathon and Resยญurยญrecยญtion Peaks. Be aware that there are weight restrictions and if your kiddos weigh less than 80 lbs, they will not be able to participate.
Not to worry, families with young children can still have their own outdoor adventure at Lowell Point State Recreation Site. Sitting on the shores of Resurrection Bay, you can wander along the water’s edge at low tide and discover small critters and shells left behind in the tide pools.
Seward, Alaska, with its blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and family-friendly attractions, provides an ideal setting for a memorable vacation. A trip there will create priceless memories to cherish for years to come. Do you agree with this itinerary? Which experiences would you add or remove from the list? I would love to hear about it. Also please subscribe to the blog for more family travel inspiration.
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