These are my favorite hikes for my family and also for my forest school summer hikes. They are easily accesible from Anchorage, AK.
Parking is $5 - I suggest the Marston Trail or hiking towards the saddle.
Arctic Valley Ski Area
Blueberry Loop, run down the powerline and stop toss rocks in the river, or head up towards Little O'Malley along boardwalks and along a zig-zagging trail.
Glen Alps Trailhead and Viewpoint
Park at the Campbell Creek Science Center and go inside to get a map for some great trails.
Smoke Jumper Trailhead
This is a perfect trail - about a mile loop on a wonderful trail that is jogging stroller friendly. No parking fee.
Reflections Lake Trail
Lakeside trail is great for a walk, a wonderful camping place, and a lovely ice cream shop is nearby.
Eklutna Lake | Campground, Cabins, Trails & Scenic Drive
There are many trails - I love walking down to the beaver pond platforms and stopping by the hollow tree. Great cabins to rent and the center is a fun place to warm up or fill your water bottle.
Eagle River Nature Center
Short walk to an overlook (though slightly uphill), you can take a steep downhill trail to the river and get closer to the falls. Watch young children here - the river is fast.
Thunderbird Falls Trailhead
Fun lake for paddling, also a lovely walk around the lake and a small side trail to the inlet.
Beach Lake
Short hike - jogging stroller friendly and an amazing end near the glacier and river.
Byron Glacier Trail
Great starting point - April Bowl, Gold Cord Lake and Gold Mint Trail are perfect for families.
Hatcher Pass
Perfect trail for families - lots of huge trees, bridges over rivers, and boardwalks. Stop by the Bake Shop for a cinnamon roll or grilled cheese.
Winner Creek Trail
Steep up to the saddle, but then a downill to the lake and glacier.
Portage Pass Trail
A great alternative route up Flattop - steep, but no bouldering. You can also park here to head to Rabbit Lake.
Flattop Sunnyside Trail
This is a great place for a walk as there are side trails down to the inlet and a blind for spotting sandhill cranes. It is a popular location for birding. In the winter, you can walk out along the ice and estuary.
Campbell Creek Estuary Natural Area
There is a great trail accessed from behind Bowman Elementary. You can walk along a boardwalk to find carnivorous plants in the summer!
Tanglewood Park
My forest school loves this hike, but it is steep and there are stairs (a lot of stairs). I suggest having kiddos close to you on some sections. The top is an amazing place for a picnic!
Bodenburg Butte Trail
A LONG trail that can take you as far of a distance as you would like. My children didn't make it too far as they found trees to play in or other more interesting places to explore.
