AK on the GO

The thermometer is but one of the clues for McKinley Princess Lodge's new Youth Adventure Quest

It’s so refreshing when major tour operators who normally cater, unabashedly, to the older traveler pay attention to kids. I can say that because AK Fam has experienced two of the Big Boys in cruise and tour companies and wish to pay homage to one, Princess Lodges, for a new activity at McKinley Princess Lodge near Trapper Creek.

We stop by McKinley Princess, going and coming, during every road trip north. Located midway between Talkeetna and Denali, the Lodge is perched above the swift and silty Chulitna River and offers a standout view of Denali (when she is out). It also provides a lovely rest stop for a coffee or hot chocolate, or, in our case, an overnight stay.

After our fantastic Memorial weekend trip last May, during which time we consulted with manager Dave Arnott as to ways McKinley Princess could further cater to the kiddos who show up at the resort looking for fun, AK Fam is pleased to announce Arnott’s newest kid/family-friendly activity, just in time for the resort’s final weeks of operation.

Billed as “Youth Adventure Quest”, the two-page activity is part scavenger hunt, part history lesson, and sends kids and adults alike on a runabout of the expanse of Princess property. Picked up at the Front Desk, Adventure Quest begins by asking kids to use their sharp eyes to spot various figurines and characters in the vast lodge space, then moves them outdoors to the trails and statuary, hither and yon. AK Kid was in heaven, running here, there, and back there again, he was engaged, inspired, and, best of all, happy. Because we all know what happens to a vacation when the kids ain’t happy.

Adults can participate, too. A more grown-up version is available, too. But really, the kid-version is fun enough for the whole family to participate. More than one family? Make a team contest out of it, or challenge another guest, you might be surprised at how fast your kids can motivate from one spot to another. Best of all, when you are finished, turn in the Quest for a free hot drink from the espresso bar. Nice. Very, very nice.

One rainy, windy, and potentially boring afternoon, turned around by a simple scavenger hunt. Awesome.

Hey, don’t forget that through September 15 McKinley Princess is offering a $99/night special so you can take a fall trip before the resort closes. The leaves will be bright yellow, the crowds will be gone, and you just might be able to spot the mountain one last time before winter moves in. Visit the Princess Lodges listing of all lodges and special deals HERE.

Military? Know a family who is? Take advantage of FREE admission this summer to several museums around the state, beginning this weekend in celebration of Memorial Day. Sponsored by the Blue Star Families organization, a group dedicated to ensuring the emotional health and well-being of our service members and their spouses and children, Free Museum Summer is a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about the state in which they currently live, and where their parents currently work.

AK Fam loves our military; AK Dad grew up on Navy bases and Army posts, and currently works for the VA here in Anchorage. Nothing makes my little heart prouder than to watch our military men and women enjoying Alaska. So, below are the museums offering free admission to any active duty or spouse, plus up to five immediate family members. Bring ID, of course, so they know who you are. If kids have their own ID, they should bring it, too. Yes, this includes Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve.

Anchorage: Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, near Ted Stevens International Airport.

Juneau: Alaska State Museum, downtown Juneau.

Kodiak: Alutiiq Museum and Archeological Repository and the Baranov Museum.

Enjoy!