Photo: Virginia Kelly
Photo: J Pex
Photo: chris brion
Mendenhall Glacier
★4.8(503 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. The paved trails and visitor center are perfect for elementary-aged kids who can walk a mile or two, while teenagers will appreciate the photography opportunities and more challenging Trail of Time loop. Toddlers can enjoy the shorter paved paths in strollers, though uneven terrain limits access.🧡 Saved by 14 families
About
Mendenhall Glacier offers families an unforgettable opportunity to witness a massive, 13-mile-long glacier up close without requiring technical climbing skills. The accessible paved Photo Point Trail and family-friendly Nugget Falls Trail make it easy for kids to experience Alaska's stunning ice formations, while the excellent visitor center provides interactive exhibits that help children understand glaciers and local wildlife like black bears and bald eagles.
Highlights
- ✓Nugget Falls Trail,an easy 2-mile roundtrip hike to a dramatic waterfall with glacier views that kids find thrilling
- ✓Visitor center with hands-on glacier exhibits, large viewing windows, and a relief map showing how the glacier has changed
- ✓Wildlife viewing opportunities including black bears (especially July-August), bald eagles, and spawning salmon
- ✓Photo Point Trail,a short, wheelchair-accessible paved path perfect for strollers with panoramic glacier vistas
- ✓Icebergs floating in Mendenhall Lake that kids love watching shift and change throughout the day
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (before 10am) during cruise ship season (May-September) to avoid large tour groups and secure parking at the visitor center lot
- 2.Bring layers and rain gear even on sunny days,glacier microclimates create unpredictable weather and temperatures can be 10-15 degrees cooler near the ice
- 3.Download the free Mendenhall Glacier app before visiting for offline trail maps and educational content, as cell service is limited
- 4.Pack binoculars for wildlife spotting,kids love watching for harbor seals in the lake and salmon in Steep Creek during summer months
- 5.Stop at the visitor center first to get Junior Ranger activity books (free) and check the ranger-led program schedule for family-friendly glacier talks
Best Time to Visit
Visit between May and September for best weather and full trail access, with early mornings (8-10am) or late afternoons (after 4pm) ideal for avoiding cruise ship crowds. July and August offer the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, though June provides a good balance of fewer visitors and blooming wildflowers.
What to Know
The visitor center is free to enter but parking requires a $5 day pass (purchase at self-service kiosks or online). Restrooms and water fountains are available at the visitor center, but there's no food service on-site, so pack snacks and lunch for a full day of exploring.
Seasonal Notes
Trails are typically accessible May through October, with the visitor center open year-round (reduced winter hours October-April). Winter visits offer a quieter, snow-covered experience but require careful planning for shorter daylight and icy conditions. The glacier is most photogenic in summer when blue ice is visible, while fall brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds.
Nearby Eats
Head to Breeze In (about 10 minutes away) for classic burgers, milkshakes, and a casual atmosphere kids enjoy, or try Salmon Bake (15 minutes) for family-style Alaskan seafood dining with outdoor seating during summer months.
More Activities Near Juneau
Adventure
Amalga Harbor Road
Free
Amalga Harbor Road offers families an accessible coastal adventure perfect for budding naturalists and beach explorers. This moderate trail combines the best of Alaska's shoreline with calm harbor views, fascinating tide pools teeming with sea creatures, and excellent opportunities to spot eagles, seals, and other coastal wildlife in a peaceful, less-crowded setting than many Juneau attractions.
Adventure
Twin Lakes Trail
★5.0Free❤️16
Twin Lakes Trail offers families an accessible taste of Alaska's stunning alpine wilderness with two pristine mountain lakes as rewarding destinations. This moderate 7-mile round-trip hike through Juneau's backcountry provides opportunities to spot wildlife, enjoy panoramic mountain views, and teach kids about Alaska's unique ecosystem while experiencing the beauty that makes the Last Frontier special.
Adventure
Auke Recreation Area
★4.7Free❤️82
Auke Recreation Area offers families an accessible 3-mile rainforest adventure perfect for introducing kids to Alaska's stunning natural beauty. The well-maintained trail winds through lush temperate rainforest where you'll discover fascinating cultural sites and have excellent chances of spotting bald eagles, salmon runs, and other wildlife that will captivate young explorers.
Adventure
Steep Creek
★4.7Free❤️17
Steep Creek offers families an unforgettable Alaskan wildlife experience with its easy boardwalk trail leading to a stunning waterfall and special bear viewing platform. During salmon spawning season (July-September), kids can watch bears fishing for salmon in their natural habitat while learning about Alaska's incredible ecosystem,all from a safe, elevated viewing area designed specifically for wildlife observation.