We’ve designed this special vacation for the young and young-at-heart. The Alaska Family Adventure offers a mix of authentically Alaskan endeavors – wildlife viewing, gold panning, dog sledding, whale watching and more – for travelers 5 years of age and up, without requiring lengthy travel distances or hopping from hotel to hotel.
Your home-away-from-home for the week will be our Kenai Riverside Lodge, nestled on the banks of the beautiful Kenai River on 9 acres of private, wooded land, with abundant nature trails and access to stunning scenery. All the comforts and safety of home will surround you, with access to the backcountry and unforgettable adventuring just outside your cabin door. Join us on this intentionally small group tour (just 10 guests or less) to make memories to last a lifetime!
Family fun abounds on this active adventure, which also features built-in downtime each day to relax and bond with your loved ones. Explore North America’s northernmost rainforest areas on an engaging hike; photograph iconic wildlife; explore a glacially fed lake by catamaran and – weather permitting – paddle a kayak inside Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; pan for gold and learn about Alaska’s Gold Rush history; meet future Iditarod stars on a dog sledding adventure; explore Alaska’s coastal beauty on a day cruise to watch whales and see glaciers – and more!
Your family will be hosted at our Kenai Riverside Lodge, where you’ll only have to unpack once and will enjoy delicious, home cooked meals, snacks, fresh baked goodies and feel a true sense of home.
Download a PDF version of the day-by-day itinerary here.
Arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage.
Embark on a warm-up hike through a northernmost rainforest trail, followed by a special visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, to view bears, moose, musk ox and more!
Raft the turquoise waters of the Kenai River and enjoy an al fresco picnic lunch along the water's edge. Try your luck at gold panning and learn about Alaska's rich Gold Rush history.
The backcountry awaits! Explore the wonders of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on one of our comfortable lake vessels. Enjoy lunch at a historic 1930's hunting lodge.
Wild Alaska
Your Trip Leader will lead you on an invigorating hike inside Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
This memorable day combines a dogsledding adventure with a day cruise into Resurrection Bay, introducing you to Alaska's coastal wonders. Whale watch, view glaciers and more!
Enjoy one last morning at your home-away-from-home. We'll provide your return shuttle to Anchorage by Noon.
If you plan to schedule return flights home after this tour, please arrange for outbound flights departing after 2:30-3:00 p.m. Alaska time.
Kenai Riverside Lodge: Located right on the banks of the turquoise Kenai River. Guest cabins are nestled into the trees surrounding the main lodge and have the rustic charm of historic pioneer cabins with modern comforts like heat, lights, private bath, comfy beds and Adirondack chairs on the front porch. Our cozy cabins accommodate up to four people.
Payment Policies
All trip prices are based on double occupancy. Taxes and seasonal fuel surcharges, when applicable, are not included in trip price and are subject to change prior to trip departure. We accept personal checks and major credit cards.
| Payment Schedule: | Amount Due per Person: |
| 121+ days prior to departure: | $1,000 or 50% of trip total, whichever is less |
| 120 to 61 days: | 50% of total |
| Within 60 days: | 100% of total |
For Alaska Trip Add-Ons, additional deposits will apply in accordance with the specific Trip Add-On and operator. These deposit terms will be explained at the time of booking.
Reservations made within 60 days must be guaranteed with a credit card. Late payments may result in releasing your reservation and rebooking will be subject to availability. Cancellation fees will apply.
Upon receipt of your initial deposit, we will send you written confirmation, trip planning materials and a travel insurance application. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Cancellation Policy
Our policies go into effect at the time of book and upon receipt of deposit. Written cancellations and changes must be received in our reservations office to be valid. Non-appearance for program will result in no refund. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
If the cancellation or change occurs:
| 121+ days prior to departure: | The fee is $300 or 10% of trip total, per person, whichever is less |
| 120 to 91 days: | The fee is $600 or 20% of trip total, per person, whichever is less |
| 90 to 46 days: | 50% of total trip cost, per person |
| Within 45 days: | 100% of total trip cost, per person |
Refunds
No refunds will be made on individual features, transfers or sightseeing voluntarily omitted by the participant. No refunds for unused services will be issued. Our tours operate rain or shine. Refunds for cancelled flights or any services reserved outside of Alaska Wildland Adventures will be made in accordance with the rules of the carrier.
Travel Protection
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more.
A Note About Occupancy
In addition to our standard double occupancy, we also offer solo supplement, triple and quad pricing options for our Alaska adventure vacations. Requested solo accommodations, when available, are subject to a solo supplement fee; however, for a solo traveler interested in sharing accommodations with another same sex traveler, we will make every effort to pair you, and the solo supplement fee will be waived. Occasionally, pairing is not possible and a “forced solo” rate will apply during the Alaska vacation. If you are a solo traveler and you’d like to experience an Alaska vacation with Alaska Wildland Adventures, we will do all we can to have you join us!
A Note About Weather
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is located in pristine, remote Alaskan wilderness and is only accessible by boat. In rare circumstances, due to high winds, weather fronts or ocean conditions, we are unable to access the lodge at scheduled times. Alternative activities and accommodations have been planned for this uncommon occurrence and will be discussed with you when you check in at our Seward office if necessary.
Please visit Our Policies for additional information.
We want you to have everything you need to be comfortable during your trip with us. Plan your travel wardrobe around informal and comfortable clothing; even at mealtimes, dress is casual.
The weather in Alaska is quite variable so clothing which can be layered is ideal. Of special note is to make sure you bring a high quality rain suit so that even if it rains, you can stay comfortable outdoors and have an enjoyable experience. Items made of wool or synthetic fabric remain comfortable and warm even when wet. Cotton is not recommended for Alaska outdoor activities as the fabric does not easily dry and won’t help keep you warm once wet.
The summer in Alaskan is usually quite mild with temperatures in the fifties and sixties. We liken the Alaska summer to spring or fall in other parts of the country. The most reliable advice is to be prepared for any type of weather! We have found that when our gear and spirits are well suited, the weather is always perfect.
For a complete item-by-item list, visit our Packing List page. Please note that this packing list is designed for a trip eight to nine days in length. You will need most items on this list and we’ve provided an “Optional Items” section for other things that we find useful in Alaska’s backcountry. Also note that there are no laundry facilities available at our wilderness lodges.