In short
- Children 15 and under access the Visitor Center and premium trails for free.
- The Nugget Falls Trail is a flat, 2-mile round-trip hike suitable for children.
- Whale-watching vessels feature indoor seating and easy viewing decks.
In this article
Combining a glacier visit with a boat tour is an easy day out for families. You do not need extreme hiking gear to see 377-foot waterfalls, a retreating glacier, or humpback whales. The local infrastructure accommodates young children and older relatives easily.
Is the Nugget Falls trail family-friendly?
Yes, the 2-mile round-trip trail is flat and manageable for most children.
It takes about one hour to complete the round trip. The path skirts Mendenhall Lake and ends right at the base of the 377-foot waterfall. Be aware that you will likely get misted by the falls at the end of the trail.
What are the easiest trails for young kids?
The Photo Point Trail is fully paved, accessible, and only 0.3 miles long.
This path takes about 20 minutes to walk. It provides a clear, unobstructed view of the glacier face. It is ideal for families with very young children or those short on time.
What is inside the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center?
The center features interactive glaciology exhibits and a 15-minute educational film.
Families usually spend about 45 minutes inside. Panoramic observation windows let you view the ice comfortably if the weather turns cold and rainy. It is a great spot for kids to warm up and learn about the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield.
Are whale-watching boats suitable for toddlers?
Yes, standard tour boats out of Auke Bay are safe and comfortable for all ages.
Tours typically last 3 to 4 hours. The vessels have indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks. Many operators offer prepackaged snacks and hot drinks on board. Before boarding at Auke Bay Harbor, families can often spot bald eagles and harbor seals near the docks.
Is a combo tour too long for children?
Guided combo tours usually last 4.5 to 5 hours, fitting easily within a cruise port stop.
Booking a combined excursion handles all the driving between the cruise terminal, the boat harbor, and the glacier. This prevents you from waiting on taxis or walking 1.25 miles from the public bus stop.
Can we bring snacks for the kids?
Food and flavored drinks are strictly banned on all Mendenhall Glacier trails.
To prevent attracting black bears, you may only consume food in the parking lot. Pack a reusable water bottle, as plain water is allowed on the trails. Whale-watching boats have different rules and often provide snacks during the cruise.
Questions travellers ask
Do kids need a ticket for the visitor center?
The USFS charges a $5 fee from May through September, but children aged 15 and under enter for free.
Will my kids get seasick on the whale-watching boat?
The Inside Passage waters are generally calm. If your child is highly prone to motion sickness, pack medication just in case.
Can kids touch the glacier?
No. Mendenhall Glacier sits across Mendenhall Lake. You can view the 13-mile-long river of ice from the trails, but standard tours do not walk onto the ice.
