If you have just 1 day to explore Juneau with kids, here are some family-friendly activities to make the most of your visit.
Juneau was the second stop on our unforgettable Alaskan cruise aboard the Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess, which took us on a 7-day adventure from Vancouver, Canada. We made stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and ended our journey in Whittier. Traveling with our two kids (ages 4 and 9), their grandmother, and great-grandfather, this cruise turned out to be the perfect multi-generational family adventure. For more about our journey, check out “Alaska Cruise with Kids: Our 7-Day Cruise Adventure“. Here, I’ll share our experience of exploring Juneau with kids in 1 day during our cruise port stop in Alaska.
1. Discovering Juneau
Founded during the gold rush of 1880, Juneau is Alaska’s vibrant state capital. It is nestled on the southeastern coast and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Named after prospector Joe Juneau, whose gold discovery set the city’s growth in motion, Juneau is a hidden gem accessible only by air or sea.
Juneau’s history is deeply rooted in its gold mining past. The discovery by Joe Juneau and his partner Richard Harris led to the establishment of the Juneau Gold Belt. This area became renowned for its extensive and productive gold mines. At their peak, these mines, including the famed Alaska-Juneau and Treadwell mines, were among the largest in the world. Collectively, they yielded an estimated $150 million worth of gold by the end of World War II. However, as ore quality diminished and operational costs increased, the gold rush era eventually faded.
But Juneau didn’t just fade into the past. Instead, the city reinvented itself, shifting its focus towards government and tourism. This transformation leveraged its rich history and breathtaking natural surroundings to become a prominent destination.
Among Juneau’s most notable attractions is the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier. Stretching 13 miles long, this magnificent ice formation attracts visitors with its vibrant blue hues and dramatic ice features. Just a short distance away lies the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. Spanning over 17 million acres, the forest offers a vast playground of temperate rainforests, fjords, and diverse wildlife. It’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
2. Family-friendly activities in Juneau
Downtown Juneau sits perfectly wedged between the towering, snow capped mountains of Mount Roberts and Mount Juneau, surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls. This vibrant area, with its lively atmosphere and stunning scenery, is definitely worth exploring.
The crown jewel of Juneau is undoubtedly the Mendenhall Glacier. This magnificent ice formation draws visitors with its striking blue ice and go on thrilling dog sledding adventures. Scenic hikes and boat trips also provide opportunities to get up close to the glacier.
Exploring Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier, located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska, is a stunning 13-mile-long glacier that flows from the massive Juneau Icefield. Known for its striking blue ice, the glacier is easily accessible by land or water. You can take a tour bus, a local bus or rent a car to get there.
We decided to go for a kayaking tour, but if you’re looking for a more kid-friendly option, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is a great choice if you are spending a day in Juneau with kids. From the Centre, you can get a good view of the glacier and even see some of the nearby icebergs. To save on tour transfers, take a local bus to the Visitor Center instead of booking an organized excursion. About 20-30 minutes from the Mendenhall Visitor Center, you’ll find Nugget Falls. It’s worth stopping by if you have time. The 377-foot waterfall cascades down a mountain into Mendenhall Lake. The trail to the falls is easy and well-maintained.
As we paddled out onto Mendenhall Lake, the crisp air and stunning scenery took our breath away. The immense ice face of the glacier loomed majestically on the horizon. We were fortunate with the weather—calm waters and clear skies made for a smooth 90-minute paddle. Along the way, we spotted bald eagles soaring overhead and salmon swimming in the lake. Our guide shared fascinating insights about the glacier and took photos of our group, making the experience truly memorable.
Goldbelt Tramway
After lunch, we picked up the kids from the club and walked five minutes from the port to the Goldbelt Tramway. The tram quickly whisked us 1,800 feet up to the summit of Mount Roberts in just six minutes, providing us with breathtaking panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau, and the surrounding mountain ranges as we ascended.
At the top, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, so I’d recommend setting aside 1.5 to 2 hours in Juneau with kids to fully enjoy the experience. We hiked the popular Alpine Loop Trail, a 45-minute trek that delivers stunning vistas. The trail, with steps and gravel and minimal elevation changes, was perfect for our kids, aged 4 and 9. We even encountered other families with younger children, which confirmed that the trail is suitable for all ages. Remember to bring a water bottle for the hike.
The visitor center at the summit offers additional attractions, including a short film about the Tlingit people and their rich history, and a gift shop featuring local crafts and souvenirs. Tramway tickets are available on-site at the ticket office, priced at $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 3-12. Although a bit pricey, the tickets include unlimited rides for the day. We were lucky enough to receive three free tickets from a generous group who had extras. The views from the top were absolutely spectacular, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time hiking and exploring. At the top, there is also a restaurant with panoramic mountain views where you can enjoy lunch and the scenery.
Whale watching cruises
Whale watching in Juneau, Alaska, is one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences you can have, especially when traveling with kids. Juneau is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, as its waters are home to a variety of marine life, including the magnificent humpback whales that frequent the area from May through September.
Most whale watching tours in Juneau depart from Auke Bay, located about 30 minutes from downtown Juneau. Many tours offer pick-up from the cruise port or downtown hotels. These tours typically last about 3 to 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to spot whales in the area. Once you’re out on the water, your chances of seeing humpback whales are incredibly high, and many tours guarantee a whale sighting or offer another trip for free.
As we stepped off the cruise ship, we noticed several booths offering same-day tours at prices lower than those available through the cruise line. Booking excursions onshore when you arrive can definitely save you money, but if you’re traveling with a larger group or prefer the security of knowing your schedule in advance, it’s wise to book ahead to avoid the risk of missing a departure.
Visit the Alaska State Museum
The Alaska State Museum is just a short walk from downtown and is another activity you can do in Juneau with kids. The museum offers engaging exhibits on Alaska’s history, art, and native cultures. Exhibits feature beautiful masks, tools, clothing, totems, art, and ceremonial items from the Tlingit, Haida, Aleut, Inupiat, Yup’ik, and Athabascan peoples. The displays are beautifully curated and designed to give visitors a sense of the deep cultural traditions that still thrive in Alaska today.The admission ticket costs $14 for adults and it’s free for those who are 18 and under.
I’d love to hear about your own adventures in Juneau or answer any questions you might have, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you enjoyed reading about our experience, don’t forget to share this post with fellow travelers!
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