Juneau, Alaska is one of the most beautiful natural settings in North America, with glaciers, forests, mountains, and coastlines all within easy reach of the state capital.
As the only state capital accessible only by air or water, Juneau sees far fewer visitors than other Alaskan cities, allowing families to experience the raw natural beauty of Southeast Alaska in relative solitude. This guide covers 12 of the top things to do with kids and parents alike in Juneau during the summer months.
Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway
For panoramic views of Juneau and the surrounding coastlines, a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway is hard to top. The tram carries visitors 820 feet up the side of Mount Roberts in just four minutes, providing stunning 360-degree views of the Alaska capital below and the coastline stretching into the distance.
At the top is an interpretive center with information on the local geography, flora, and fauna. It’s a fun, educational activity for families that doesn’t require strenuous hiking.
Visit the Alaska State Museum
Located in downtown Juneau, the Alaska State Museum brings the natural and cultural history of Alaska to life through engaging exhibits. Kids will be fascinated by the life-sized dioramas of Arctic and coastal environments, and the displays exploring the traditional ways of life of Alaska’s indigenous peoples.
Temporary exhibits often focus on topics like gold mining history or Southeast Alaskan artists. The museum is also a Smithsonian Affiliate, lending additional credibility to its exhibits. Plan to spend a couple hours here at minimum.
Go Whale Watching
Nowhere else in the United States can you see gray whales, orcas, minke whales, and humpback whales all in the same body of water. Juneau makes a great home base for multi-day whale watching excursions into the surrounding waters.
For families staying in Juneau, half-day tours are available on smaller vessels through companies like Allen Marine Tours, giving you the opportunity to spot humpbacks breaching or orcas podding without committing to an overnight trip. Whale sightings are very common in summer.
Hike the Perseverance Trail
This 3.2-mile roundtrip hike near downtown Juneau provides gorgeous views of mountains, forests and waterways without requiring advanced climbing skills or equipment. Well-constructed switchbacks carry hikers up 1,800 feet of elevation gain to scenic overlooks.
You’ll pass unusual giant Alaska cedars over 1,000 years old near the trailhead. The Perseverance Trail makes for a very family-friendly hike, especially if you pace it with stops to explore side trails down to creeks or admire mountain vistas. Hike it on a sunny day for the best views.
Ride the Mount Juneau Trail
For families who prefer hiking on wheels to hiking on foot, the Mount Juneau Trail is a must. This multi-use recreational path follows a former mining road for 7 miles through old-growth forest up the side of Mount Juneau, granting increasingly grand views of Juneau, the Lynn Canal, and adjoining mountains along the way.
Bikes can be rented from local shops like Cycle Alaska to enjoy the trail. It’s a fun, low-impact cardio workout with endless natural scenery to take in along your descent back to town.
Visit Mendenhall Glacier
This stunning glacier flowing from the Juneau Icefield is one of Southeast Alaska’s premier attractions. A 13-mile scenic drive leads from Juneau to the Mendenhall Visitor Center, where hiking trails like the Glacier Spur Lead families right up to the glistening ice faces.
Peer through a viewing platform to sometimes spot seals in Mendenhall Lake. The center explains the geology of glaciation. Then watch the 75-foot-wide glacier calves crash into the lake from observation decks. Icebergs float serenely in the lake in summer.
Explore Douglas Island
Just across the Gastineau Channel from Juneau via the ferries, Douglas Island sees fewer crowds and feels more remote. Rent kayaks to paddle between calm coves and sheltered beaches. Hike short trails at Auke Lake for great views.
Take a charter fishing boat for salmon or halibut to cook on the beach later. Enjoy the quaint little community of Douglas while still being close to Juneau amenities. Its rainforest beaches make for great family picnic spots too.
Visit the Alaska State Fisheries Museum
This minor museum packs a big educational punch for families, situated right on Juneau’s waterfront. Learn about the history of commercial fishing in Alaska, from canneries to modern fleets. See historic boats and fishing equipment up close.
Watch educational films about fishing culture and techniques. The museum attractsway fewer crowds than major attractions, so it’s easy to explore at your own pace. Best of all, admission is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly break on a rainy day.
Go Gold Panning
Juneau’s original boom came from the gold rush era. Try your hand at panning for gold flakes and nuggets at claims along the Mendenhall River just outside town. Local tourism shops like Coeur Alaska rent pans and buckets and provide quick lessons for novices.
It’s a fun activity that lets families experience the thrill of the 49ers. Don’t forget your camera—the chances are good of finding at least some microscopic gold flakes with a expert panning. Pack a picnic to make a full day of it.
Picnic at Eaglecrest
Eaglecrest Ski Area operates a scenic alpine picnic area at the trailhead even in summer. Enjoy stunning views while feasting on sandwiches or a barbecue.
Consider bringing a frisbee, football, or kites to play with after eating. Then take a short hike on the Eaglecrest Ridge Trail for more alpine meadows and mountain vistas. From May through September, Eaglecrest serves as one of Juneau’s finest family picnic spots, considering its easy access yet wilderness feel.
Juneau offers unspoiled natural beauty and unique cultural experiences for families to explore. From humpback whales to centuries-old forests, this isolated capital never disappoints visitors seeking natural wonders and quality time with loved ones against a stunning coastal backdrop. With this mix of iconic sights and lesser-known activities, Juneau makes for a truly memorable Alaskan family vacation.