Palmer, Alaska is a wonderful small town located just outside of Anchorage that offers families a variety of fun activities to enjoy together. With scenic trails, parks, farms, and more, there is something for everyone in Palmer. This guide will introduce you to 12 top things to do with family in Palmer for an unforgettable trip.
Nestled against the gorgeous Chugach Mountains, Palmer is one of the sunny spots in Alaska, receiving far less rain and snow than other parts of the state. The mild four-season climate and abundance of outdoor spaces make it an ideal destination for families looking to explore Alaska’s natural beauty together.
Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, picking fresh produce, or seeing farm animals up close, Palmer has excellent options that won’t break the bank. Read on for the top family-friendly activities the town has to offer.
Meadow Gold Farms
For a fun farm experience, Meadow Gold Farms is a must-visit attraction. Located right in Palmer, this working dairy farm gives kids the unique opportunity to learn where their food comes from. Start your visit by touring the barn to see calves being bottle-fed and cows being milked. Then, head to the petting zoo area to feed and pet baby goats, bunnies, ducks, and more.
Don’t forget to stop by the country store filled with homemade goods like ice cream, fudge, and cheese made from the farm’s own milk. A highlight is riding the miniature train around the grounds—kids will be delighted! Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children.
Palmer Fish Hatchery
Want to learn all about Alaska’s fishing industry? Take a trip to the Palmer Fish Hatchery. Through informative exhibits and viewing areas with underwater windows, you’ll discover the life cycle of salmon and other fish native to Alaska’s waters.
The hatchery raises millions of young salmon and trout that are later released into local streams and rivers. Kids can observe fish swimming in the rearing containers and ponds. Tours are free and run daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM from April through September. It’s a thoroughly educational experience that leaves a lasting impression on young minds.
Matanuska Glacier Trail
For an adventurous hike with scenic glacier views, head to the easy 1.5 mile Matanuska Glacier Trail. This trail winds through a forest of cottonwood trees before opening up to sweeping panoramas of Matanuska Glacier and the Chugach Mountains. Point out ice formations, crevasses, and frozen waterfalls to kids as you walk. Along the way, stop at benches and interpretive signs explaining glacial geology.
With minimal elevation gain, even young children can enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Plus, kids will love keeping an eye out for black and grizzly bears that sometimes roam the trails. It’s a phenomenal way to directly experience Alaska’s wild beauty as a family.
Goose Lake Park
For hiking, biking, picnicking or just relaxing in nature, Goose Lake Park is a top choice. This 200-acre park features over 5 miles of wooded and lakefront trails perfect for walking or riding bikes together. Families will love observing waterfowl and other birds near the lake.
Included within the park are playgrounds, picnic areas with firepits, horseshoe pits, and public restrooms—everything needed for quality time outdoors. And best of all, it’s free to visit! Make sure to allow at least a couple hours to explore the trails and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
Colony Farm and Glacier View Alpacas
For a wholesome countryside experience, plan a stop at Colony Farm and Glacier View Alpacas. Kids will be delighted visiting the baby alpacas, donkeys, pigs, and other farm animals kept on the property. Along with feeding the baby animals, activities include wagon and sleigh rides pulled by draft horses.
Be sure to browse the farm store selling products made from their alpaca fiber like yarn, pelts, and stuffed animals. The owners are knowledgeable and love sharing with visitors. It’s the perfect way for families to spend an hour or two connecting with Alaska’s agricultural roots.
Alaska Zoo
As Alaska’s only accredited zoo, the Alaska Zoo is a top Palmer attraction that educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Home to over 130 species native to Alaska and the Arctic, kids will marvel at polar bears, sea otters, bald eagles and more in naturalistic habitats.
Some highlights include watching the bears in their lake, seeing sea otters play up close through underwater viewing areas, and visiting the splash pool with Steller sea lions. Plan on spending at least half a day here, with plenty of opportunities for learning, photos and quality bonding time. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children.
Farmers Markets
Support local growers and sample fresh Alaska treats at Palmer’s farmers markets. The Palmer Market takes place each Saturday from June through September along with smaller weekday markets. Wander through the rows together, noticing colorful produce like berries, carrots and squash.
Stop to sample samples too. Enjoy live music while kids play. It’s a fun way for the whole clan to experience Alaska’s bounty firsthand. Markets also offer homemade value-added products from soaps and lotions to baked goods—perfect for stocking up on unique gifts. Most importantly, your support helps sustain small family farms in the area.
Wasilla Creek Trail
Winding along beautiful Wasilla Creek, this 13-mile multi-use trail is a scenic spot for hiking, biking or walking together as a family. Choose your distance based on youngest member’s abilities—even a 1-mile round trip hike can feel rewarding.
Along the way, look for bear grass, fireweed and other tundra flora. Listen for birds like sandhill cranes too. While mostly flat, the trail travels through woodland, wetland and grassy spots keeping things interesting visually. And if energy levels run low, several trailside picnic areas offer perfect resting spots. A memorable way to experience Alaska’s natural wonders right in your backyard.
Winner Creek Trail
For picture-postcard views of mountain lakes plus the chance to spot wildlife, Winner Creek Trail is a trail not to miss. This moderately strenuous 4-mile lollipop loop climbs over 600 feet to Winner Lake before looping back through forest. While there is elevation gain, amazing vistas at the halfway and end points make it worthwhile—even for relatively in-shape kids.
Bring snacks and everyone’s favorite binoculars or spotting scopes. Be on the lookout for moose, bears, eagles and beavers! The panoramic valley and mountain setting alone makes it worth the drive just outside Palmer. Plan for half a day here.
Bumpers Family Fun Center
On rainy days or for evenings full of entertainment, Bumpers Family Fun Center serves up interactive fun galore in one spot. Take on bumper cars, ride go-carts around the indoor track, or play laser tag and arcade games.
Younger kids can blow off steam in the soft play area with climbing structures and ball pit before refueling with pizza, burgers and more full meals. With its central Palmer location, it’s incredibly convenient and offers budget-friendly activities. Best of all, the upbeat atmosphere means quality bonding in a way everyone enjoys. Set aside a couple hours here minimum.
Alaska Botanical Garden
End your family getaway on a peaceful note at the Alaska Botanical Garden. Wander 2 miles of trails together amongst native Alaskan arctic, subarctic, and boreal plants and flowers labeled for self-guided learning. Linger at scenic viewpoints of Mount Eielson, take photos galore, and point out unique plant species as you go.
Young kids will appreciate the kids’ garden play area too. With its calming woodland setting, this oasis in Palmer recharges mind and spirit. Make sure to cap off the visit relaxing together on the solarium deck for phenomenal mountain panoramas. It’s the perfect nature-filled finale.
Conclusion
As you can see, Palmer offers an exciting variety of family-friendly activities to suit all interests and budget needs. From farms, hiking trails and lakes to zoos, markets and attractions, there is truly something for everyone amidst the town’s vast natural beauty. Be sure to leave time to slow down and enjoy simple moments together along the way too.
By trying several items on this list during your visit, you’ll create lasting memories and fully experience everything Palmer has to offer its visitors. The scenic landscapes and wide range of things to do make it an ideal Alaska getaway destination for families seeking outdoor adventures and quality bonding time.