Land tour for 7 yo to 68 yo

Question

Hello! Very late start on planning for an Alaskan trip this summer, but hoping I can pull it off with your help.

Party of 6; two kids between 7 and 40; 2 parents (40yr) and 2 grandparents (65-67) who can walk flat distances but not really significant altitude.

Not doing a cruise because 2 in the party would require Canadian visas. The plan is to fly in from Texas and do DIY tours or join a pre-planned tour.

Roundtrip would be ideally no greater than 9 days. Based on what I have seen- Anchorage may be a good place to base and fly in and out of. Any ideas on how to plan would be appreciated.

Answer

Planning a 9-day Alaskan trip for a multi-generational group with ages ranging from 7 to 68 is absolutely doable, and basing in Anchorage is a practical choice for a DIY or guided itinerary. Anchorage is well-connected, offers plenty of amenities, and makes day trips to nearby attractions convenient without excessive travel or strenuous hiking.

Here’s a suggested framework for your trip, keeping accessibility and age range in mind:

Base city: Anchorage

Anchorage offers flat walking areas, accessible trails, and several museums and cultural attractions suitable for all ages.
Staying in Anchorage allows for day trips to surrounding areas such as Seward, Girdwood, and Talkeetna without needing multiple hotel changes.

Suggested 9-day itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage, settle into hotel, explore downtown, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (easy, scenic walking trail).
Day 2: Drive to Alyeska/Girdwood (~45 min), take the Alyeska Aerial Tram for panoramic views, explore easy trails around Girdwood, return to Anchorage.
Day 3: Day trip to Seward (~2.5 hours one way), visit Alaska SeaLife Center, short hikes around Exit Glacier (accessible boardwalk), optional Kenai Fjords National Park half-day boat tour if everyone is comfortable.
Day 4: Anchorage museums and cultural sites: Anchorage Museum, Alaska Native Heritage Center, or Lake Hood Seaplane Base.
Day 5: Drive to Whittier (~1.5 hours), enjoy a scenic cruise in Prince William Sound or wildlife/glacier tour suitable for kids and grandparents, return to Anchorage.
Day 6: Talkeetna day trip (~2 hours), small-town charm, optional scenic flightseeing tour (Denali flights) which is accessible for all ages.
Day 7: Wildlife viewing near Anchorage: Potter Marsh boardwalk for bird watching, potential bear/wildlife viewing tours near Portage Valley (accessible for limited walking).
Day 8: Easy day: relax, souvenir shopping, or short accessible hikes near Anchorage; consider a short Kenai Peninsula scenic drive.
Day 9: Departure from Anchorage.

Accessibility and activity tips:

Focus on scenic drives, boardwalks, and tram/boat tours rather than long or steep hikes, particularly for grandparents and young children.
Most wildlife cruises and glacier tours are family-friendly and do not require strenuous activity.
Ensure flexibility in timing; Alaskan summer days are long, so you can fit in shorter excursions without rushing.
Consider booking some pre-planned tours for busy spots like Kenai Fjords or Prince William Sound, as these can sell out quickly, especially in summer.

Transport and logistics:

Rental vans are convenient for a group of six, especially if traveling to Seward, Girdwood, or Talkeetna.
Gas stations and services are available along main routes, but plan ahead for fuel on longer drives.
Hotels in Anchorage, Seward, and Girdwood have accessible accommodations; book early to ensure availability for a larger group.

In summary, basing in Anchorage provides a manageable hub with easy day trips, a mix of scenic drives, gentle hikes, and tours suitable for all ages. This itinerary balances adventure with comfort, ensuring everyone from the 7-year-old to the grandparents can enjoy the highlights of Alaska within 9 days.

Land tour for 7 yo to 68 yo

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