Take a look at all the options within driving distance – you’ll be surprised at how close your next adventure is. We provide the driving directions, but the sunscreen’s on you!
(907) 770-3692
4601 Campbell Airstrip RdAnchorage, AK 99507 Directions Website
The Alaska Botanical Garden is a great way to get your family familiarized with the state's natural beauty in many different ways. The garden attraction is spread out over 110 beautiful acres and features over 900 species of perennials and 150 native plants that are as inviting as they are beautiful. Take the kids on a mile-long nature walk to the banks of Campbell Creek to see even more natural beauty. Don't miss the alpine rock garden, herb garden and wildflower walk, too. It's a big day of fun, so don't forget to pack a picnic lunch so you can relax and enjoy a meal together among the garden's relaxing environment.
(907) 783-0058
Mile 79 Seward HwyPortage, AK 99587 Directions Website
Alaska's wildlife is everywhere, but to leisurely observe some species can be a challenge. Luckily, you can relax and ease up to a moose or a young deer, maybe take a look at a herd of reindeer or snap a photo of a bull elk. All of this is possible at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
(907) 343-4355
Anchorage, AKWebsite
Serious birders and outdoor lovers will love meeting up with fellow enthusiasts at the Anchorage Audubon Society. Such offerings as a "bird hotline" is available with updated information on the latest bird sitings and where they occurred in the Anchorage bowl area. The society also presents lectures and field trips led by experts who are as equally excited about the 230 species of birds spotted in the area over the past few years.
(907) 269-8700
Anchorage, AKWebsite
Got your rod and reel but don't know where to cast your line? Two of the most popular fishing spots near Anchorage are Bird Creek and Mat-Su Valley Lakes. Bird Creek is where you may find silver and good pink salmon at the end of your line. The creek is about an hour's drive south of downtown Anchorage. The Mat-Su Valley Lakes are about 40 minutes north of town and the quiet atmosphere is a welcome getaway where you can catch trout, Arctic Char and landlocked salmon.
(907) 343-1500
12001 Business Blvd Ste 123Anchorage, AK 99577 Directions Website
Kayaking is always a challenging sport, but the adventure gets taken to the next level when you take on the Eagle River. The river offers challenging runs in its lower section or across the glacier-fed Eklutna Lake, which features strong currents that will test your command of the kayak even further.
(907) 694-2108
32750 Eagle River RdEagle River, AK 99577 Directions Website
The Eagle River Nature Center knows that nature doesn't take a break, so they don't either. The center is open year-round, so there is always something interesting happening. Take advantage of their schedule of guided nature walks, lectures and special presentations that are designed to educate visitors about Alaska's unique ecology. The main building features several exhibits and hands-on activities that are designed to tell several of nature's stories. You can plan to spend several days outdoors here, as there is great hiking available on the nearby trails and cabin rentals available as well.
(907) 279-3334
333 W 4th AveAnchorage, AK 99501 Directions Website
Flattop Mountain is Anchorage's most popular day hike. The mountain is a towering 3,510-foot formation and it proves to be the perfect hike for both veteran and beginning hikers. This is a 3-mile round trip hike that includes good views of Alaska Range, Cook Inlet and Anchorage itself.
(907) 343-6397
9401 W Raspberry RdAnchorage, AK 99502 Directions Website
Kincaid Park is an impressive 1,400-acre park that boasts over sixty kilometers of outdoor trails that wind through the hills and birch and spruce groves. This park is literally a skier's dream, as most of these trails are lit to accommodate night skiing. The park is also the host of many ski competitions, including the Olympic tryouts. There is also a visitors center that features historic photographs and other interesting items. In the summer, the trails are excellent for hiking and biking, and the small pond nearby is usually stocked with trout or salmon.
(907) 746-5000
610 S Bailey St Ste 201Palmer, AK 99645 Directions Website
If you have a motorboat, want to go jet skiing or enjoy other water sports, the Mat-Su Valley just north of Anchorage is a highly popular destination to enjoy that brand of aquatic adventure. There is also the very popular Nancy Lakes Recreation Area where you can light out on your own or perhaps take a jet boat tour of the northern and southern parts of Anchorage.
(907) 277-4321
Anchorage, AKWebsite
The Thunderbird Falls Trail is a relatively easy, 1.6 mile recreational hike through rolling terrain and a birch forest that leads to a viewing platform of the 200-foot-high Thunderbird Falls. This is an excellent choice for the novice hiker or if you want to enjoy a good hike but don't have an entire day to do it.
(907) 257-2363
Anchorage, AK 99501Website
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail was named for the Anchorage mayor and Alaska governor. This trail extends for ten miles from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. The paved thoroughfare is popular with all kinds of outdoorsmen and athletic-types like in-line skaters, bikers, and walkers. The section of the trail that stretches through Westchester Lagoon is tagged as the "fitness trail" and features chin-up bars, steps and other items that encourage cross training among the trail's visitors. Also, the trail is not without its natural beauty, as moose, whales and birds can be seen from several vantage points.
(907) 343-4355
610 W 17th AveAnchorage, AK 99501 Directions Website
Enjoy Anchorage's crisp weather by taking the family for a picnic and an afternoon of fun at Valley of the Moon Park. This is one of the city's most popular and well-used recreation areas that features excellent spots to have a picnic, inviting play areas, open fields and the city's tallest play structure, boasting a climbing tower that looks like a castle. The playground also features two slides, lots of swings, a large soccer field, a walking path and lots more. You and the kids will absolutely love this Anchorage attraction.
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