Located in the stunning panhandle region of southeast Alaska, Ketchikan is a picturesque coastal city surrounded by forests, mountains, and lakes. As one of the rainiest cities in the United States, Ketchikan sees over 191 inches of precipitation annually. However, its wet climate provides lush surroundings perfect for outdoor exploration with the family. From rainforests and salmon runs to totem poles and lumberjack shows, there is no shortage of unique attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.
With its charming small-town vibe and spectacular natural beauty, Ketchikan makes an excellent family vacation destination. This guide covers the top 12 things families can do together to immerse themselves in local culture and experience southern Alaska’s incredible landscapes. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, history, or hands-on activities, you’ll find plenty to fill your trip itinerary in Ketchikan.
1. Walk the Shoreline Trail
Strolling along the tranquil Shoreline Trail is one of the best ways for families to take in Ketchikan’s breathtaking scenery. This flat, paved path follows the coast for over three miles between the towns of Saxman and Ketchikan.
Along the way, you’ll pass tidal pools teeming with sea stars, anemones, and other marine life. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, river otters, and other wildlife that utilize the beaches and shoreline habitat. On a clear day, towering mountains and islands dotting the Taye Inlet come into view across the water. It’s a relaxing, scenic walk that both kids and adults will enjoy.
2. Check Out the Totem Poles
Ketchikan has one of the best collections of totem poles in Alaska. Several of these gorgeous carved cedar poles can be found in situ at the Totem Heritage Center, a small but significant cultural site right in town. Your kids can learn about Tlingit and Haida indigenous culture through interactive exhibits and guides explaining the symbolic meanings behind each pole.
Nearby Tongass Historical Museum also displays intriguing totem poles outside. For an even closer look, take a charter boat to Saxman Native Village, home to the Tom Rose Totem Park with 17 poles from various clans.
3. Go Fishing with the Family
Thanks to its location along salmon spawning routes, Ketchikan offers incredible opportunities for catching these fish with your bare hands. Many local guides offer salmon fishing excursions from mid-July through mid-September.
Wearing rubber boots, you’ll wade into nearby creeks to grab adult salmon as they swim upstream. Kids love the novelty and thrill of the experience. For those wanting a more relaxed fishing adventure, several charter boats provide prime trolling areas where families can catch other species like halibut and lingcod.
4. Visit Creek Street and the Boardwalk
A stroll through historic Creek Street is a quintessential Ketchikan activity. Built over the Ketchikan Creek waters, this picturesque boardwalk is lined with colorful buildings housing shops, galleries, restaurants, and more.
Your family will enjoy spotting salmon attempting to leap upstream as well as bald eagles hunting in the trees nearby. Take time to browse the local art, gifts, and Alaska-inspired souvenirs. Finish your walk along the half-mile Ketchikan Boardwalk for stunning vistas of the Tongass Narrows waterway and surrounding mountains on all sides.
5. Learn at the Ketchikan Museums
The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is a must-see for families wanting to gain knowledge about Ketchikan’s history and environment. Hands-on displays explore the region’s natural wonders like coastal rainforests, native wildlife including bears and whales, and indigenous cultures through centuries.
Nearby Ketchikan Visitor’s Center also showcases local art and stages puppet shows or presentations for kids. For interactive displays on mining and logging, head to Ketchikan’s Logging Museum. Best of all, combination tickets provide admission to all three museums, making it easy to spend a full educational day with the whole family.
6. View the Scenic Landscapes
With its verdant forests, mountainous terrain, and numerous surrounding islands, Ketchikan has no shortage of scenic vistas just begging to be photographed. A popular viewpoint for families is Ward Lake Overlook Park, home to trails winding through old-growth rainforest with views of emerald green hills and glacial lakes.
For a classic postcard panorama of the city and waterways, visit Tongass Avenue Overlook. The road to Settler’s Cove Historic State Park also treats travelers to staggering mountain and ocean panoramas. Be sure to pack the camera!
7. Watch a Lumberjack Show
To witness incredible logging skills from Ketchikan’s heyday, visit the Lumberman’s Museum for its continuous lumberjack shows. Kids will be amazed watching professional lumberjacks compete in feats like pole climbing, axe throwing, and log rolling. The actors share the rich history behind these traditional skills and allow kids to try their hand at some techniques.
For a full logging experience, take the family to Southeast Sawmill for a guided tour of active mills where you can see how logs are processed and turn into everyday wood products. It’s a fun way to learn about Alaska’s logging past.
8. Explore the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
For an action-packed family show, The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is not to be missed. Witness logging champions demonstrate competitive speed chopping, log rolling, axe throwing, and more in this 60-minute extravaganza. Between events, comedic commentary educates audiences about forestry in Alaska’s history.
Best of all, the whole production takes place in an outdoor arena with stunning rainforest backdrop. There’s also a petting zoo and logging-themed arcade games for younger visitors to enjoy before the main event begins. It’s highly entertaining for all ages.
9. Spot Marine Life on a Whale Watching Tour
Ketchikan’s sheltered coastal waters make it one of the top spots for whale watching tours in Alaska. Summer is prime season to spot humpback and killer whales swimming, breaching, and spyhopping while on an entertaining 2-3 hour excursion.
Even on overcast days, it’s still possible to see porpoises, sea otters, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Many tour companies have onboard naturalists who teach families about marine ecosystem through binocular lessons, making it very educational. It’s recommended to book ahead, as tours fill up quickly during high season.
10. Take a Rainforest Hike
Explore the Tongass National Forest’s unique ecosystem with your family by hiking one of several easy trails. The 1.5-mile Ketchikan Lakefront Trail meanders through cedar-hemlock groves with peekaboo views of Tongass Narrows and green mountains beyond.
Nearby Deer Mountain Trail climbs gradually for panoramas of the coastal rainforest canopy and beyond. With its canopy walkway and boardwalk trails, Saxman Totem Park offers a good introductory rainforest walk suitable for all ages. Keep an eye out for wildlife like black bears, Sitka deer, and many songbird species amid the deep emerald landscape.
11. Explore Creek Street’s Waterfront Park
Offering the perfect place for the family to spend an afternoon, picturesque Waterfront Park lines Ketchikan Creek along Creek Street Boardwalk. Your kids can let off steam on the playground while taking in views of fishing boats and eagles hunting in the waters below.
Interactive artworks like a giant orca sculpture are fun photo ops too. Nearing low tide, the creek’s floors emerge into tidal flats where kids enjoy treasure hunting for scuttled shells and stones. Several walking trails lead from the park offering scenic urban forest hikes as well. It’s a beautiful place to relax and picnic.
12. Have a Fun Family Picnic
For bonding family time in nature, packing a picnic is a great option. Several scenic spots around Ketchikan are perfect for al fresco dining with views. Ward Lake Park’s picnic tables sit amid gardens with lake views.
Another popular choice is picnic tables along the Shoreline Trail, where families can eat with mountain and water vistas. Picnicking at Saxman Totem Park blends history with a peaceful rainforest setting too. Don’t forget to try classic salmon sandwiches, berry desserts, and other local specialties on your outdoor meal. It’s a memorable way to experience Ketchikan’s beauty.
Whether you crave outdoor adventure, cultural enrichment or just quality time with loved ones, Ketchikan offers something for every family member and age group. Its combination of breathtaking scenery, array of kid-friendly activities and small-town charm create the ideal backdrop for making vacation memories together. Be sure to leave some room in your itinerary to wander quaint downtown and discover hidden gems off the beaten path too.