family activities

Holiday Season Stress Relief Tip – Create Experiences not Clutter

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves overwhelmed with the pressure to buy gifts, decorate our homes, and accumulate more stuff. How many of us spend hours shopping for gifts when we could be spending quality time with loved one? This year, why not take a different approach and prioritize creating memorable experiences over clutter? By shifting our focus, we can truly embrace the spirit of the holidays and make lasting memories with our loved ones.

Material possessions often lose their value over time. The latest gadget or trendy item may bring temporary joy, but it quickly fades. Instead of exchanging material gifts, consider giving the gift of an experience. Experiences can be more fulfilling for both the giver and the receiver. They can bring people together and strengthen relationships.

 

Here are some ideas for memory making experiences with your family:

 

  • Go ice skating, gliding across the ice hand in hand and creating joyful memories that will warm your hearts for years to come.
  • Organize a game night filled with laughter and friendly competition. Enjoy board games, card games, and laughter.
  • Take your family on a magical trip to a winter wonderland, where you can build snowmen, go sledding, and have snowball fights.
  • Visit a local museum or art gallery to learn about different cultures and artistic expressions.
  • Attend a holiday concert featuring traditional music from around the world where you can all sing along to your favorite songs and create a night filled with laughter and joy.
  • Attend a theater performance.
  • Share a spa day.
  • Take a family trip.
  • Share a cooking class.
  • Baking cookies and make homemade decorations.
  • Spend a day volunteering as a family at a local charity, spreading kindness and making a positive impact in your community.
  • Treat your loved ones to a day at an amusement park, where you can all laugh and scream together on thrilling rides.
  • Plan a holiday movie night, where you can cuddle up on the couch with hot cocoa and watch your favorite festive films.
  • Organize a family hike in a nearby park, immersing yourselves in the beauty of nature and creating memories while appreciating the world around you.
  • Have a picnic in a park.
  • Take a camping trip and roast marshmallows over a campfire, tell stories under the stars, and explore nature together.

 

These activities not only create wonderful memories but also allow for genuine connections and meaningful conversations, fostering a sense of closeness and warmth. Engaging in cultural activities and experiences can provide us with unique perspectives, enrich our lives, teach us valuable life lessons, and broaden our horizons. The holiday season is the perfect time to explore new interests and expand our knowledge, creating memories that will shape us and stay with us long after the festivities are over.

 

This year let’s embrace the true spirit of the holidays and remember that the best gifts are the ones that cannot be wrapped – the gift of time, togetherness, and shared experiences.

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Thanksgiving Getaways to Enjoy with Family in Alaska

Family is one of the most important gifts that we are given and during this month featuring thankfulness and gratitude it’s one of the gifts we want to appreciate. During this time of year our families have a little extra time to get together and just enjoy each other’s company. Whether you live in Alaska or have family visiting our beautiful state there are many things that you can share with them. Here are a few things you can share in Alaska over Thanksgiving.

 

Shopping in Juneau

During Thanksgiving weekend, the city of Juneau hosts a public market that is the perfect way to browse for souvenirs or gifts for our loved ones. Juneau also holds a monthlong celebration in the Juneau Holiday Village. This celebration provides holiday-themed exhibits, music, gifts, and of course delicious food. Another bonus? They encourage charitable donations in the spirit of giving.

 

Train ride to Talkeetna

Talkeetna is a small village full of heart about 100 miles north of Anchorage. This kid-friendly village hosts the Talkeetna Roadhouse. At the Roadhouse you will enjoy family conversations, holiday celebrations, homemade meals, and fireworks. You can find your way to this adorable village by taking the train from Anchorage. This train runs through the snowy wilderness right to the center of Talkeetna!

 

Appreciate history in Seward

Seward is one of the oldest cities in Alaska and is in an incredible location. Seward is known for its historical architecture right in town. If the weather is nice, you can also take advantage of Seward’s proximity to incredible natural formations such as glaciers. You can even take a boat tour from the local harbor and see a glacier up close. The Kenai Fjords National Park is the place to do some serious sightseeing. If the weather doesn’t cooperate you can see Exit Glacier from the safety and warmth of your car.

 

Heli-Skiing at Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

This mountain is known as a hotspot for heli-skiing! If you’re up for an adrenaline-packed mountain sport, you can sign up for a lesson or book a schedule with an experienced guide or pilot. The lodge features a breakfast buffet as well as soup, sandwiches and lunch and dinner menus.

 

Family ski day at Alyeska Resort

Many family memories are made on the ski slopes. If you’re not searching for the adrenaline-packed sport of heli-skiing, this resort is the place for your family. Alyeska Resort is just outside of Juneau and offers over seven ski lifts and numerous runs at various levels for all family members. If you need a break from skiing the Pond Café offers their annual Thanksgiving buffet.  You can also explore Alyeska on one of the many well marked winter trails while snowshoeing.

 

Catch the basketball game in Anchorage

The university of Alaska Anchorage holds a basketball tournament that begins the week of Thanksgiving called the Great Alaska Shootout. Join the crowds and enjoy this tournament! If basketball isn’t your thing, you can enjoy one of the many things that Alaska’s largest city has to offer. There is a Christmas tree lighting on Friday of Thanksgiving weekend, or you can enjoy holiday shopping at the Anchorage Museum’s Crafts Weekend, a public market for handmade goods.

 

Show your family the northern lights in Fairbanks

Seeing the northern lights is on many people’s bucket lists. For a truly unique Thanksgiving experience, bring your family to the second-largest city in Alaska. You can book a viewing trip with a local company for your best chance of spotting this natural phenomenon. In Fairbanks you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at one of the many restaurants. There is also a Yuletide Lights Festival in Creamer’s Field over the long weekend.

 

These are just a few of the many things you can enjoy with your family in Alaska over this Thanksgiving weekend. Take time to be grateful for our beautiful last Frontier and for our family and friends. We are grateful for you!

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October Adventures: Exploring Alaska with Your Kids

October in Alaska presents us with breathtaking landscapes that transform into a vibrant tapestry of fall colors. The weather is cooling down, but the opportunities for family fun are endless! Alaska offers an array of exciting activities for kids of all ages. It’s time for us to get out there and explore our backyard. We’ve compiled a few ideas of things you can enjoy this fall. It’s time to bundle up and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Last Frontier with your little ones.

Wildlife Encounters:
October is an excellent time to witness Alaska’s diverse wildlife:

    • Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center near Anchorage – Your children can observe bears, moose, musk oxen, and other native animals up close.
    • Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward – Kids can marvel at sea lions, puffins, and playful otters.
    • Kenai Fjords National Park guided whale-watching tour – For the little adventures take a shot at spotting humpback whales, orca whales, and porpoises on his guided tour.

Fall Foliage Exploration:
Alaska’s vast forests burst into a kaleidoscope of colors during October.

    • Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage – Take your kids on a scenic hike where they will be surrounded by vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage.
    • Denali National Park – Visit this national park for breathtaking fall vistas. You can take a family-friendly hike along the Savage River Loop or enjoy a drive along the Denali Park Road. Have your camera ready and be prepared to capture some beautiful families memories amidst the stunning fall scenery.

Cultural Experiences:
Immerse your children in Alaska’s rich cultural heritage by visiting historical sites and museums.

    • Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage – An interactive experience, offering traditional dance performances, storytelling, and craft demonstrations.
    • The Anchorage Museum – Features exhibits that showcase Alaska’s history, art, and science.
    • Pioneer Park in Fairbanks – Give your kids a taste of Alaska’s Gold Rush era. Your little ones can pan for gold, ride a historic train, and enjoy amusement park rides.

Dog Sledding Adventures:
Alaska is famous for our dog sledding tradition. October marks the start of the mushing season, and several kennels offer family-friendly dog sledding tours. In places like Anchorage and Fairbanks, your children can meet adorable sled dogs, ride on a sled, and learn about the fascinating world of dog mushing!

October is a magical time for families to explore the wonders of our Alaskan backyard. There are amazing adventures waiting for us to enjoy with our kids. So, grab your jackets and embark on an unforgettable journey through this beautiful state with your little ones!

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