AK Kid and AK Dad pose for the annual photo last year. Almost back-to-school time, 2012!

Alaska’s children can’t possibly be going back to school next week – they just got out last Friday! At least, it seems that way. Welcome, AKontheGO’ers, to the last Fun Friday before our kids trot back to the classroom in their shiny new clothes.

We’re all shiny new, too, with the addition of Homer Chamber of Commerce to the lineup of AKontheGO sponsors. Homer is, as you all know, one of our favorite family destinations in Alaska, and we’re simply thrilled to welcome this kid-friendly community to the AKontheGO partner list.

There’s a ton of family fun going on this weekend, making it difficult to create a blog post under a million words, so do be sure and check out the Events Calendar for even more events and activities with kid-appeal. Ready? Set? GO for F.U.N!

Everyone wins at BWL Runs!

SATURDAY

It’s Big Wild Life Runs weekend, but the biggie for families is the Providence Kids’ 2k, moved to Saturday to accommodate the 800 or so youngsters and family members who will run, walk, skip, and hop around the Delaney Park Strip in Anchorage. This run is FREE for all kiddos, will feature music, games, crafts, and an appearance by our Mayor (who will be running as well). We love this event and are thrilled to be participating for the fourth year. AK Kid has relegated us to running behind him, however, since he’s “old enough to do this by myself.” Oh. Sign up with our little runner HERE. Racing begins at 10 a.m., but come early to warm up.

Birds are busy this time of year, and Bird TLC is hosting its annual Autumn Wings event from Noon – 4 at their spacious grounds south of town near Potter Marsh. Learn about the current crop of birds at the center, listen to some interesting facts, and meet some of the fabulous volunteers who give tons of time to saving our feathered friends. FREE.

The comunity of Houston, just past Wasilla in the Mat-Su Valley, welcomes everyone to their 46th annual Founders’ Day Festival, running from 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. at various locations around this Parks Highway town. Just drive past Wasilla and watch for the signs advertising a parade, crafts, games, and fireworks! Thanks for the heads up, folks!

SUNDAY

The Port of Anchorage is hosting another FREE series of Port Tours from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Show up at the Alaska Railroad HQ on First Avenue to park, then board a comfy motorcoach to tour your Port. Free hot dog lunch, great folks, and a chance to explain to the kids why ports and shipping are so critical to Alaska’s longevity. Find details HERE.  

Take a hike this weekend.

I’m hearing reports that blueberries are fantastic around the grounds of Alyeska Resort in Girdwood! Alyeska is also promoting its summertime power-list of activities, so pack up the fam, grab a bucket or two, and hit the slopes for some “berry” fun times. Try the new ski/hike trail that parallels the Winner Creek Trail, at the end of the Alyeska parking lot; we love the wide tread and delightful atmosphere. Stop in at the Hotel and grab tickets for the Tram to the top of the ski hill and take a hike down (caution: small kids will need help!).

It's Fair time!

EXTRA

The Alaska State Fair begins August 27, and admission is only $2! I know, school starts Wednesday, but hey, if you have a hankering to go sample some fried cheese or ride the Gravitron without the crowds, I’m all for it. If not, here is a complete list of Special Admission Days to tempt your family to Palmer and a day of homespun fun.

Kids These Days! Radio may be off the air, but the blogging continues – so don’t forget to keep on reading the fabulous posts by parents around the state who are committed to thoughtful posts on a variety of subjects, including family travel…of course. I’ll be switching to a new program dedicated to our rural Alaska communities, but the blog will stay the same, so stay tuned for the fabulous efforts of our  program producers and see what’s up in rural Alaska!

As always, keep tabs on AK Fam on Facebook and Twitter- it’s where I hang out all day when I’m not working on my book. (hmmm, Publisher might not like that; I’m supposed to be burning the midnight lamp oil, right?).

Cheers everyone, it was a great summer!

EK