Ranger Stephen Arnold guides a tour of visitors in the Denali Visitor Center's exhibit area. NPS Photo / Emily Mesner

Things to do in Denali National Park with Kids

1. Have Fun at the Denali Visitor Center

Explore the interactive displays and learn about Denali National Park at the Visitor Center. During the summer, there are daily ranger programs designed especially for kids. Kids can also work to become Junior Rangers and borrow discovery packs with activities and tools to help them explore. In addition to the restaurant, there's a large gift shop by the Visitor Center if you want some souvenirs.

2. See the Mountain

Denali is the tallest mountain in North America and makes for an impressive sight. Be aware that it is so tall that it can have clouds surrounding its peak, so a view isn’t always guaranteed. The only way to spot the mountain from inside the park is to take a transit or tour bus beyond the Visitor Center at mile 15.

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Meet the sled dogs of Denali National Park. Photo by the author

3. Visit the Sled Dog Kennels

One of the most fun things to do in Denali National Park is to visit the sled dog kennels. You can take a free bus or hike (uphill!) from the visitor center to meet the dogs and even pet some of them. Park rangers are around to answer questions and point out which dogs welcome attention. There are also timed presentations in which the dogs demonstrate how they run with a sled on wheels. It's very cool!

4. Take a Bus Tour

You can only drive 15 miles into Denali National Park with your own vehicle. Then, to explore the park, you can take a bus tour (more expensive and with a wildlife/history guide) or transit bus (cheaper and with no guide) and spot wildlife such as moose, bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves.

Due to a landslide, buses can currently only go 43 miles into the park, and repairs are expected to take at least until 2026. However, there is still plenty to see in those first 43 miles. Be aware that bus tours require passengers to be silent when they stop to view wildlife, and that although there are screens in the bus connected to the guide’s scope, wildlife can be some distance away. Kids age 15 and younger ride free on all non-narrated transit buses, but you still should reserve a ticket for them, as the buses are often full.

5. Go Hiking

There are several great family-friendly trails near the visitor center, and ranger-led Discovery Hikes are offered daily during the summer. For toddlers, the Spruce Forest Loop Trail (0.3 miles) is a wide, flat path where you will likely see red squirrels. The Horseshoe Lake Trail (1.5 miles) is for ages 4 and up, with some hills through woods to a beautiful lake where you might see beavers. Older children can tackle the Mount Healy Overlook Trail (five miles) with beautiful viewpoints.

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Explore the wilderness on foot or by bus and you will see some incredible wildlife. Photo by Cornellana via Pexels

6. Explore the Wilderness

One unique aspect of Denali National Park compared to other national parks is that most of Denali has no trails to follow. You can hop off a transit bus and explore the wilderness if properly equipped. Consider following a river to ensure you don’t get lost. The rangers at the Visitor Center can give other great advice.

Where to Stay Near Denali National Park with Kids

If you want to stay inside Denali National Park, your only option is camping. You can camp with an RV or tents on the official campgrounds (note there are no electrical hookups) for around $50 or less per night. Reservations are made online via the park website.

These accommodations are expensive but convenient, with shuttle buses into the park:

7. Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge

This wilderness lodge is close to the park entrance, popular with cruise ship tours, and features a restaurant, lounge, cafe, and tour desk.

8. Grande Denali Lodge

Stay in rooms with one king or two queen beds in the Kodiak Lodge or the Denali Lodge. The coffee shop in the hotel serves grab-and-go lunches.

9. Denali Bluffs Hotel

This hotel has views of the Nenana River and Denali National Park. The on-site Mountaineer Grill & Bar serves burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more.

Family-Friendly Lodging in Denali National Park's Surrounding Area

These accommodations are cheaper but further away, and you will need a car to drive to the park.

10. Denali Hostel & Cabins

About a 15-minute drive south of the entrance of Denali National Park, this accommodation has cabins, tents, and shared dormitories with bathrooms and a kitchen in another building.

11. Alpine Creek Lodge

Located about 30 minutes south of the park in the town of Cantwell, this lodge has beautiful views and hiking from the parking lot.

12. EarthSong Lodge

North of the Denali National Park entrance in Healy, around a 15-minute drive, this lodge has family cabins and free parking. Healy has an excellent restaurant/brewery called 49th State Brewing, which has family-friendly dining, games, and indoor and outdoor seating.

Know Before You Go to Denali National Park with Kids

• Summer is the most popular time for families to visit. Most hotels, restaurants, the Visitor Center, and buses in the park are only available from May or June through September or October. Book early!
• There is only one restaurant in the park, the Morino Grill, located next to the Denali Visitor Center. It's big, but you may want to bring a picnic if you don’t want to stand in line.
• Plan ahead and make reservations on the transit buses or book a guided tour to ensure transport beyond the first 15 miles of the park road.
• Bears are a possibility in the park, so be prepared. However, they are usually spotted in the remote areas of the park.
• The weather is variable, so bring all sorts of clothing, sunscreen, snacks, and water.

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