Best Things to Do in Seward, Alaska with Kids (Without Overdoing It)
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska and wondering if Seward is worth the stop—especially with kids—the short answer is yes. Absolutely. This little harbor town checks a lot of boxes: marine wildlife, glaciers you can actually walk up to, chill playgrounds, and good food without the stress of city crowds.
Seward somehow manages to feel both adventurous and totally manageable. If you’ve got two or three days to spend here, you can squeeze in the highlights without burning out your crew. Here’s what to do (and how to pace it) so everyone actually has fun.
Welcome to Kenai Fjords National Park (Kid Edition)
One of the main reasons people come to Seward is to visit Kenai Fjords National Park, and while most of it is only accessible by boat or plane, there’s one magical exception: Exit Glacier.
The drive out to the glacier is easy and scenic. Once you get there, the hike to the overlook is just about a mile round trip. It’s mostly flat, and there are signs along the way that show where the glacier used to be. It’s a quick visual lesson in climate change that even kids can understand.
Don’t skip the little visitor center—they hand out Junior Ranger booklets and have just enough exhibits to keep things interesting.
🛳️ Why a Glacier and Wildlife Cruise Is a Must-Do in Seward with Kids
Taking a wildlife and glacier cruise from Seward is one of the best ways to experience Kenai Fjords National Park. These cruises offer a front-row seat to dramatic tidewater glaciers and incredible marine wildlife like humpback whales, orcas, puffins, and sea lions.
For families, the shorter 4–5 hour cruises are ideal—long enough to be exciting but not so long that younger kids lose interest. However, if your kids are a little older, there are some excellent 6-7 hour options that get you closer to more glaciers, as well as seeing some amazing wildlife.
Most boats have indoor seating, snacks, and naturalist guides who keep things engaging. Book early in summer, and don’t forget layers—it can be chilly on the water, even in July!
There are two main touring companies that offer wildlife and glacier cruises. We have been on three separate Kenai Fjords Tours and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Major Marine also gets really high reviews. You can read my in-depth review and tour comparison here.
🥾 Easy Hikes That Won’t Tank Your Day
Seward has a few trail gems that are easy, short, and full of that “wow, we’re really in Alaska” feeling.
- Waterfront Trail – This one’s a favorite for a reason. It’s smooth enough for strollers and has front-row views of Resurrection Bay. Bald eagles? Sea otters? Totally possible.
- Two Lakes Park – A super mellow loop near town. There’s a small waterfall and some wooden bridges, and it usually flies under the radar.
- Tonsina Point Trail – A little more effort (3.4 miles round trip) but not too tough. It ends at a beach with tidepools—bring water shoes and curiosity.
- Mount Marathon Jeep Trail – Don’t confuse this with the intense race trail. This version is less steep and forested, and it gives older kids a sense of accomplishment without going full wilderness.
Related: Want a truly epic Alaskan adventure? Why not hike out onto a huge glacier!
🍴 Where to Eat (and Refuel the Crew)
Food can make or break a travel day with kids, right? Seward has a handful of casual spots that hit the mark.
- Gold Rush Bistro – A great casual place for lunch or dinner that is literally right across the street from the SeaLife Center.
- Zudy’s Cafe – Tucked next to the harbor, it’s great for a quick lunch. Think sandwiches and soups with a view.
- Sweet Darlings – Homemade gelato and a candy shop under one roof. You’ll probably come here more than once.
- Harbor St. Creamery – This is another great place to get a sweet treat! It’s located very close to the small boat harbor, so a great option for after a wildlife and glacier cruise.
- Le Barn Appetit – A creperie that feels like a cozy escape. The menu rotates but it’s always good.
- Woody’s Thai Kitchen – Solid Thai food and surprisingly family-friendly.
- Ray’s Waterfront – A little nicer but not fancy-fancy. Great seafood and harbor views.
- Exit Glacier Salmon Bake – This is probably my personal favorite restaurant in the Seward area. As the name suggests, Exit Glacier Salmon Bake is located on the road to Exit Glacier and it specializes in, you guessed it, salmon. They also have amazing desserts!
- Resurrection Roadhouse – If you want a more elevated dining experience, or just a phenomenal meal, the Resurrection Roadhouse is fantastic.
🎡 Not-So-Secret Kid Favorites
There are a few spots in Seward that kids always seem to love—bonus points for being genuinely enjoyable for grown-ups too. Note: Seward itself is just such a cute little town. If you have time, and especially if your kids or older and like to shop, definitely carve out some time to just walk around the downtown area.
- Alaska SeaLife Center – Part aquarium, part research center. It’s interactive, hands-on, and just the right size. Puffins steal the show… or maybe the sea lion does. You will have to decide for yourselves!
- Seavey’s IdidaRide Tours – Real sled dogs, wheeled carts, and stories from Iditarod mushers. This one’s a hit with all ages. I mean, how can you argue with puppy cuddling?
- Seward Playground – Right along the water. Perfect spot to unwind while soaking in the scenery. For such a small town this is a surprisingly big playground!
- Seward Library & Museum – Great rainy-day backup. A welcoming kids’ section and a few local artifacts to poke around.
🎯 A Chill 3-Day Itinerary for Families
Personally I think the perfect amount of time to spend in Seward is two full days. That’s enough time to enjoy the town, explore Kenai Fjords National Park on the water and land, and pet some sled dog puppies. If you need a down day or you have older kids and want to try some more adventurous options, three days is plenty to do everything.
But two days in Seward as part of a 7-day or 10-day Alaskan vacation is more than plenty.
Here is a nice 3-day itinerary for families that you can easily modify for 2 days, but allows for downtime and a more chill pace!
We saw this moose (pictured above) hanging out on the side of the road. It was so cool. If you love animals and want to interact with them on another part of your Alaskan vacation, the Palmer Reindeer Farm is a must-do!
Day 1: Sea Creatures + Bay Views
Morning: Start at the Alaska SeaLife Center. It’s easy to spend an hour or two here, and the exhibits are designed to keep younger kids engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
A can’t-miss with kids! This marine research and rehabilitation center has touch tanks, puffins, seals, sea lions, and interactive exhibits perfect for all ages.
Lunch: Grab a table at Zudy’s Cafe or Gold Rush Bistro for sandwiches and a break.
Afternoon: Head to the Waterfront Playground and walk the paved trail along Resurrection Bay. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some sea otters or seals bobbing offshore.
Optional: If the weather isn’t cooperating, the Library & Museum is an easy plan B.
Day 2: Dogs + Ice
Morning: Visit Seavey’s IdidaRide. Kids will love meeting the dogs, especially the puppies. The sled ride is short and fun, and the stories are fascinating.
Afternoon: Drive out to Exit Glacier and do the overlook hike. It’s not long, but the views make it feel like a big adventure.
Post-hike treat: Pop into Sweet Darlings for a scoop (or three).
Day 3: Choose Your Own Alaskan Adventure
Option A: Kenai Fjords Cruise (4–5 hours)
These cruises are the easiest way to see the park’s wilder side—glaciers, puffins, sea lions, and maybe whales. If you’ve got younger kids, the half-day version is the sweet spot. If you have older kids, there are 6-7 hour tour options that your older kids would love! (and they might get to hold part of a glacier!)
Option B: Tidepooling or Kayaking
Low tide at Lowell Point can reveal some awesome sea critters. Tidepooling is such a fun way to explore aquatic life. For older kids (8+), consider a short kayaking tour in Resurrection Bay.
Option C: Alaska Railroad
If you’re coming to or from Anchorage, the train ride is a solid way to travel. Kids love it, and the views are nonstop.
Wrapping Up: The Best Things to Do in Seward with Kids
Seward has a magic to it—it’s small enough to explore easily, but packed with the kind of experiences that make family trips special. From glacier hikes and sea lion sightings to dog sledding and ice cream, it’s one of those places where memories come easy.
Add in flexible activities, a few good meals, and space to just wander, and you’ve got the recipe for a genuinely great Alaska experience—with kids in tow.
Related: A great travel option is to combine a road trip to Seward with a road trip to Valdez. Check out our guide for the 15 must stop places on the road from Anchorage to Valdez!
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