Top 10 Fun Activities in Denali

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Top Ten Fun Summer Activities for Kids in Denali

1. Ride a free bus from the Denali Visitor Center to the Sled Dog Demonstration. You can return by bus or hike the Roadside Trail back to the visitor center.
2. Enjoy a family science program and a kid's cabinet at the Murie Science and Learning Center. The facility is open 1 pm to 3 pm daily, with the program occuring at 1:30, and lasting 45 minutes. Afterward, we suggest you take a short walk to the Denali Visitor Center.
3. Tour the Denali Visitor Center, which includes kid-friendly exhibits. Stop for an ice cream cone at the nearby Morino Grill! While at the visitor center, take advantage of one of the scenic short hikes that starts immediately from the area.
4. Beginning from the Denali Visitor Center, take the McKinley Station Trail to Riley Creek. At the Creek, enjoy a picnic lunch before heading on to the Riley Creek Campground and finally back to the Visitor Center.
5. Pack a snack and some water and enjoy a hike with a ranger or on your own to Horseshoe Lake. Watch for wildlife on this 1 ½-mile round-trip hike.
6. Grab a refreshing drink at the Morino Grill and head on over to the Alaska Geographic Park Store. There are many great gifts and books (for kids and adults) to browse through.
7. Drive or ride the free bus to Savage River (mile 15). Take the time to hike the Savage River Loop. Watch for wildlife, including ground squirrels, ptarmigan, and hoary marmots. Enjoy a picnic lunch before catching the free Savage River Shuttle back.
8. Pack a lunch and some water and drive or ride the free bus to Savage River. Hike up Savage Rock and enjoy the view. Bring a camera!
9. Pick up a free Denali Discovery Pack and/or Junior Ranger Activity Guide at the Denali Visitor Center. Enjoy the activities and be sure to participate in a ranger led hike. Junior Ranger Guides are available for ages 4 and older.
10. Attend one of the evening campground programs. Check at the Denali Visitor Center for location, topics, and times.

Notes for Families

• Thinking about taking a bus into the park? Any child under the age of 4 years is required to be in a car safety seat while on park buses.
• Thinking about taking a family camping trip into the park? Consider packing up the family and driving to Riley Creek, Savage River, or Teklanika Campground (Teklanika requires a 3-night minimum if you plan on driving). All of these campgrounds are accessible by bus or personal vehicle.