Trip with family

Question

Planning on heading to Anchorage from nov 18-23 with my family (wife, son of 4 yrs and 2 babies of 1.5 yrs) main purpose is to see Auroras, looking for recommendation on what to do and if its ok to stay in Anchorage since with kids that young may limit how much we can do. I’ll appreciate any recommendation. Thanks!

Answer

Visiting Anchorage in late November with young children can be a wonderful experience, but it does come with some limitations due to cold weather and shorter daylight hours. Staying in Anchorage is actually quite practical with small children, as it reduces the need for long drives in winter conditions and keeps you close to medical facilities, restaurants, and family-friendly accommodations.

For seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), Anchorage itself can offer good viewing if you get away from city lights. However, to maximize your chances, you may want to consider a short drive to darker areas, such as:

Earthquake Park or Kincaid Park within Anchorage – these parks are accessible and have open areas for viewing the sky.
Drive north along the Glenn Highway toward Eklutna Lake or Chugach State Park – roughly 30-60 minutes from downtown Anchorage, these areas are darker and offer good aurora visibility.

Other family-friendly activities in Anchorage during November include:

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – easy to explore with young children, see native Alaskan animals such as moose, bears, and bison.
Anchorage Museum – great indoor activity with hands-on exhibits for kids.
Ice skating at local rinks, if your children are comfortable (some rinks provide toddler-friendly areas).
Short winter walks or sledding at local parks such as Delaney Park Strip or Kincaid Park.

Tips for traveling with small children in Anchorage in November:

Be prepared for very short daylight hours (~6-7 hours of light), dress warmly in layers, and bring snow gear and insulated boots for the kids.
Plan outdoor aurora viewing in the early evening after dinner, when kids are less likely to be too tired and you can combine it with nearby attractions.
Consider guided Northern Lights tours that cater to families – some operators offer heated shelters or vans for comfort.

In summary, Anchorage is a convenient and safe base for your family. While you may not be able to chase the aurora far into the backcountry, you can combine short drives to darker spots with indoor activities, making the trip enjoyable for young children.

Trip with family

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