Free Things To Do in Seward, Alaska With Kids

With stunning water and mountain views, Seward, Alaska, is well worth a visit for its natural beauty and wildlife. It's also a popular stop for many Alaska cruises. But the cost of activities and dining out—especially after shelling out for a pricey cruise—can strain any family's budget.

Whether you're just stopping by on an Alaskan cruise or planning a longer stay, we've got you covered with mostly free things to do in Seward, Alaska with kids, as well as affordable places to eat as a family. This handy list will help you make lasting memories without breaking the bank.

Find more places to explore in Alaska, like Sitka and Juneau, in our Alaska Family Travel Guide. 

If you're lucky you might spot a black bear or two!  

Free Things To Do in Seward, Alaska With Kids

1. Exit Glacier

You won't want to visit Alaska without seeing glaciers! The famous Exit Glacier View loop trail is a one-mile accessible trail perfect for little legs and strollers. There are other options if you want a more strenuous hike to get closer to the glacier. The Nature Center has modern displays, and kids can talk to and hike with rangers and even become a Junior Ranger.

2. Bear Creek Weir

At Bear Creek Weir, families can enjoy watching huge numbers of salmon leap and swim upstream during the summer spawning season.

3. Chugach National Forest

There are plenty of options for hiking in Chugach National Forest, the second largest national forest in the US at over 6 million acres. Visitors can spot a variety of animals, including black bears, moose, and bald eagles.

Families can spend hours combing the beach for shells, urchins, and other sea treasures. 

4. Lowell Point Beach

Lowell Point Beach is a fantastic spot where kids can explore the shingle shore, skim stones, collect seashells, and find urchins and starfish in rock pools. The chance to spot sea otters and maybe even a whale adds an exciting touch to this free outdoor adventure.

You might spot a cute little sea otter at the boat harbor. 

5. Boat Harbor

Situated close to the cruise terminal, the boat harbor has a picturesque network of boardwalks. While strolling among the boats, you will probably see sea otters and seals frolicking in the blue water. In the late afternoon, you will see anglers being photographed with their huge fish near the cleaning stations.

6. Seward’s Murals

Seward has over 30 vibrant murals that offer a free and engaging outdoor art gallery that kids will love exploring. These colorful works of art, scattered throughout the town, depict the rich history and stunning natural beauty of Alaska. Use the online map and create a free scavenger hunt for the whole family.

7. Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center

Through interactive exhibits and informative displays, kids can learn about Alaska’s stunning glaciers, wildlife, and ecosystems. The center offers free ranger-led programs, where you can ask questions and gain hands-on knowledge about the park's natural wonders. 

What To Do in Seward, Alaska with Kids on a Rainy Day

8. Seward Community Library and Museum

Enjoy story hour and other free educational activities at Seward’s community library and museum. There are computers available especially for kids. For a small fee you can also visit the museum and learn more about Seward’s history. Children’s packets are available to engage them in the displays, including one with a sled dog theme. 

Get up close to Alaska's sea life at the touch tank at Alaska SeaLife Center.

9. Alaska SeaLife Center

You can visit the Alaska SeaLife Center virtually for free on Facebook or Youtube, with new episodes released every week. But an in-person visit in Seward is absoluteluy worth the price of admission. The center is a great option for indoor fun on a bad-weather day, with a play boat, a great touch pool, seal and sea lion shows, and the chance to see puffins diving into a water tank. Additionally, you can enjoy great views of Resurrection Bay.

Where To Eat in Seward, Alaska With Kids

Keep costs down with our list of tried-and-tested, affordable-but-tasty, family-friendly places to eat in Seward, Alaska.

10. The Highliner Restaurant

This indoor option has all your Alaskan fish and seafood favorites. Kids' options like burgers, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese are available, along with a coloring sheet.

11. Red’s Burgers 

Locals recommend this unfussy burger joint, which has counter service and picnic tables or indoor seating in a school bus converted with tables. Your little ones will love “driving” the bus of diners! The burgers are tasty, too.

12. Los Chanchitos

This food truck is a stone’s throw from the SeaLife Center. You’ll enjoy fresh Mexican food, including fish and birria tacos. Picnic tables are available. It’s also next to a coffee truck if you need a caffeine boost.

13. Firebrand BBQ

This affordable barbecue spot with picnic tables is conveniently located near Seward’s boat harbor and is owned by a couple from Amarillo, Texas. Expect tasty, traditional barbecue meats and sides.

Unless noted, photos by the author