Torn about what to do with parents

[emeltee]

We are planning on arriving on 7/3/13 prior to our 7/6/13 departure on the Sapphire Princess. I was thinking staying the first two days in Anchorage, the third in Girdwood.

 

The first day, DH, DD1 (who will be 8) and I want to do a 3 hr glacier trek with MICA guides at Matanuska.

 

My concern is what to do with my parents (mom is 72, dad will be 80) and DD2 (who will be 4).

 

Originally, I was thinking of staying at the Springhill Suites in Anchorage so that my parents and daughter could walk around the park. However, I'm worried that they will get bored as we will be gone for I'm guessing at least 6 hours? Plus, I believe there aren't any restaurants onsite?

 

Then I was thinking of staying at the Hilton, as it is downtown - and it seems as if there is more to do there, but it appears that they are sold out for our dates.

 

Then I was thinking of bringing them along, but what will they do when we are on our hike? I don't think I could ask them to sit in the minivan for 3 hours. There isn't really much to do other than hike on the glacier, right?

 

I'm trying to make things simple for them since they'll have DD2. If they stay in Anchorage during our stay, things either need to be within walking distance or have a direct shuttle they could take with DD2.

 

I think they would enjoy going to the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

 

Any suggestions?

[vbmom87]

I would not take them to Manatuska Glacier with you. I would just leave them in Anchorage at the hotel. There is a free shuttle with several stops, one of which is the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Since you say you think they would enjoy that, I think that would be a good plan. Here is shuttle info from 2012. You would need to check closer to your departure for the latest times. If you don't think they would like the shuttle, they could take a cab, but I am not sure what that cost would be.

 

http://www.alaskanative.net/data/ALASKANATIVE/files/Include/pdf/shuttle_2012.pdf

[mapleleaves]

A downtown hotel would make life easier for them to get around. The Heritage Center provides a free shuttle bus from the Visitor Center downtown. (the visitor center is interesting in it's own right ... a lovely log cabin with sod roof and surrounded by beautiful flowers?

Have you considered a day tour for them? Something simple like the Grayline tour to Portage Glacier and the visitor Center?

http://portageglaciercruises.com/tours.cfm

Or one of these options: http://www.salmonberrytours.com/summer

Check out the Anchorage tourism web site for other ideas.

 

Perhaps choose a hotel with a pool so they could do a little touring, then the toddler could go for a swim to burn off some energy and everyone could take a nap before dinner.

[emeltee]

I would not take them to Manatuska Glacier with you. I would just leave them in Anchorage at the hotel. There is a free shuttle with several stops, one of which is the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Since you say you think they would enjoy that, I think that would be a good plan. Here is shuttle info from 2012. You would need to check closer to your departure for the latest times. If you don't think they would like the shuttle, they could take a cab, but I am not sure what that cost would be.

 

http://www.alaskanative.net/data/ALASKANATIVE/files/Include/pdf/shuttle_2012.pdf

 

Thanks for the shuttle link. A shuttle is preferrable to taking a cab.

 

A downtown hotel would make life easier for them to get around. The Heritage Center provides a free shuttle bus from the Visitor Center downtown. (the visitor center is interesting in it's own right ... a lovely log cabin with sod roof and surrounded by beautiful flowers?

Have you considered a day tour for them? Something simple like the Grayline tour to Portage Glacier and the visitor Center?

http://portageglaciercruises.com/tours.cfm

Or one of these options: http://www.salmonberrytours.com/summer

Check out the Anchorage tourism web site for other ideas.

 

Perhaps choose a hotel with a pool so they could do a little touring, then the toddler could go for a swim to burn off some energy and everyone could take a nap before dinner.

 

Do you have a hotel recommendation?

 

The day tour sounds like a great idea, though I do worry about my 4 yo. Maybe they could do a simple 2 hour city tour since we may hit the Portage Glacier on our driving tour down the Seward Hwy.

 

Thanks for the link to the touring company - that really opens up possibilities.

[vbmom87]

Thanks for the shuttle link. A shuttle is preferrable to taking a cab.

 

 

 

Do you have a hotel recommendation?

 

The day tour sounds like a great idea, though I do worry about my 4 yo. Maybe they could do a simple 2 hour city tour since we may hit the Portage Glacier on our driving tour down the Seward Hwy.

 

Thanks for the link to the touring company - that really opens up possibilities.

 

 

You still have several months before you decide if a city bus tour would be a good choice for your 4 year old. Below is a post I copied, pasted and saved when I was planning my first trip to Anchorage. I am sure you can find something on this list for your parents and daugther. Since this list is a few years old, it would be best to confirm anything that is more specific with times/locations.

 

1. Log Cabin Visitors Center on 4th Avenue and F Street - Start your visit here http://www.anchorage.net

2. Anchorage Museum of History and Art http://www.anchoragemuseum.org

3. Alaska Native Heritage Center http://www.alaskanative.net

4. Resolution Point and Captain Cook Monument with views of Cook Inlet and Mt. McKinley

5. Earthquake Park, West on Northern Lights Boulevard near Aircraft Drive

6. Elmendorf State Hatchery http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/hatchery/hatchery.cfm

7. Fort Richardson Hatchery http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/hatchery/hatchery.cfm

8. Far North Bicentennial Park off Tudor and Abbott Roads with miles of trails for hiking and biking

9. Kincaid Park on West end of Raspberry Road with 35 miles of hiking and biking trails http://www.muni.org/parks/index.cfm

10. Oomingmak Shop - Musk Ox wool hand knitted masterpieces by Native Alaskans http://www.qiviut.com

11. Ulu Factory at 211 W. Ship Creek Avenue

12. Music in the Park every Wednesday and Friday at noon, 4th Avenue and E Street http://www.anchoragedowntown.org

13. Summer concerts at Town Square on Thursday 5-8 PM http://www.anchoragedowntown.org

14. Music and Dance on Saturday at 2 PM at Peratrovich Park, 4th Avenue and E Street http://www.anchoragedowntown.org

15. Wild Salmon on Parade throughout downtown. See map on http://www.anchorage.net/salmon

16. Theater Thursday at noon in Peratrovich Park, 4th Avenue and E Street http://www.anchoragedowntown.org

17. Ship Creek Center at 4th Avenue and C Street with exhibits and free performances http://www.shipcreekcenter.com

18. Ship Creek near railroad tracks north of 1st Avenue where city anglers congregate to catch salmon

19. Segway Tours of Anchorage at 630 W 4th Avenue #441-1124

20. Alaska Experience Center http://www.alaskaexperiencetheatre.com

21. Alaska Public Lands Information Center at 605 W. 4th Avenue

with fascinating exhibits http://www.nps.gov/aplic

22. Anchorage City Trolley Tours start at 612 W. 4th Street between 9AM and 6 PM

23. Russian Orthodox Museum at 605 A Street

24. Oscar Anderson House Museum at 420 M Street open between noon and 5 PM

25. Play tennis, volleyballs, softball at Delaney Park Strip located between 9th and 10th Avenues and A& P Streets.

26. Aurora-Alaska Great Northern Lights http://www.thealaskacollection.com

27. Cyrano’s Playhouse http://www.cyranos.org

28. 4th Avenue Theater Building at 630 W. 4th Avenue that survived the 1964 earthquake and is listed on National Register of Historic Places

29. Wendler Building at 4th Avenue and D street is also on National Register of Historic Places

30. Iditarod Race starts at Wendler Building at 4th Avenue and D Street

31. Bronze statue of Balto, famous dog, located in front of the Wendler Building

32. Town Square Park located between 5th and 6th Avenues and E and F Streets with gorgeous flowers and Whaling Wall painted by artist Wyland

33. Alaska Botanical Garden at Tudor and Campbell Airstrip Road

www.alaskabg.org

34. Imaginarium Science Discovery Center http://www.imaginarium.com

35. Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum http://www.alaskaairmuseum.com

36. Alaska Heritage Museum at Well Fargo at 301 W Northern Lights Boulevard #265-2834

37. Alaska Museum of Natural History http://www.alaskamuseum.org

38. Alaska Railroad Depot with many fascinating historical photos http://www.alaskarairoad.com

39. Alaska State Troopers Museum http://www.alaskatroopermuseum.com

40. Anchorage Market on 3rd Avenue and E Street during summer weekends http://www.anchoragemarkets.com

41. Zoo http://www.alaskazoo.org

42. Surfing on a bore tide south of Bird Point along Seward Highway

43. University of Alaska Anchorage, visit bookstore for nice sweatshirts and other gifts http://www.uaabookstore.uaaa.alaska.edu

44. Visit any of 150 city parks right in Anchorage

45. Anchorage Symphony Orchestra http://www.anchoragesymphony.org

46. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail ideal for biking, hiking and walking

47. Visit bicycle rental shop at 4th Avenue between C&D streets http://www.alaska-bike-rentals.com

48. Go biking on Powerline Pass, to get there follow O’Malley Road and Upper Hoffman

49. Attend Greek Festival in August

50. Take a drive south along Seward Highway for many scenic stops and to visit Girdwood for outdoor activities

51. Run Mayor’s Marathon in June

52. Go to AWAIC (Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis) Summer Solstice Festival http://www.awaic.org

53. Use trailhead at Glen Alps to hike to Flattop Mountain and Little O’Malley Peak ($5.00 parking fee)

54. Use trailhead at Prospect Heights to hike to Wolverine Peak and Near Point ($5.00 parking fee)

55. Use Upper Hoffman trailhead for hikes to Powerline Pass and Little O’Malley Peak ($5.00 parking fee)

56. Use Eklutna trailhead for hikes to Twin Peaks and Bold Ridge trails ($5.00 parking fee)

57. Use Eagle River Nature Center to access Crow Pass, Albert Loop and Dew Mound trails ($5.00 parking fee)

58. Go bird watching to Potter Marsh on Seward Highway

59. Watch ducks on Goose Lake near UAA

60. Play 18 holes at O’Malley Golf Course

61. H2Oasis Indoor Water Park- great place to take kids of any age

62. Alaska Statehood Monument at 2nd Avenue and E Street

63. Fire Department Museum at 100 E. 4th Avenue

[emeltee]

Thanks vbmom! What a great list. Thanks for posting.

 

Any suggestions which hotel to stay? I am a bit picky about rooms, so I don't mind spending a bit more for a nicer place (maybe up to about $300/nt?) Of course, if there's a nicer place for less, I'd love to hear about it, but from what I understand, summer is premium time for Alaska hotels.

[vbmom87]

Thanks vbmom! What a great list. Thanks for posting.

 

Any suggestions which hotel to stay? I am a bit picky about rooms, so I don't mind spending a bit more for a nicer place (maybe up to about $300/nt?) Of course, if there's a nicer place for less, I'd love to hear about it, but from what I understand, summer is premium time for Alaska hotels.

 

We stayed in B&Bs so I do not have any first hand experience with hotels in Anchorage. I suggest you go Trip Advisor and read reviews. Also ask on their Anchorage forum. I do not recall reading about any really upscale hotels in Anchorage, but I could have missed that.

 

Just one word of warning when reading reviews on Trip Advisor. Don't even bother reading reviews unless the posters have multiple reviews. I am at the point now when I typically only read if the poster has 20 or more reviews. I prefer seeing even more than that. There are simply too many fake reviewers on TA. Truly don't bother reading something from someone who joined TA just to write their ONE scathing or glowing review. You want to see someone who has a history on the forum. Those reviews are likely to be more honest.

[mapleleaves]

Look at expedia or a similar site where you can indicate your budget, dates, number of people, and other requirements. Then map the results and read the reviews.

I hit the road as soon as I arrive so I have no personal experience with Anchorage hotels. My brother has several meetings a year in Anchorage; the office up there puts him up at the Capt Cook, Clarion Suites, or Marriott. He likes all 3.

[Italy52]

Too bad the Hilton is not available --- we usually stay there when we visit Anchorage because of its central location. If you have time, keep checking back as something just might open up --- I am speaking from experience here. Try calling Hilton central reservations direct (sometimes hotels show no room when, in fact, there is availability.)

 

The Alaska Zoo is a great little place --- there used to be a free shuttle to the zoo but I don't know if it is still available --- you might want to check with the zoo to see if this is still the case.

[Northern Aurora]

I suspect that the DD2 would enjoy the Alaska Native Heritage since you can walk outside from one area to another, and there are a number of items to touch. The Anchorage Museum at the Rasmuson Center isn't really the most child friendly for a child of that age.

[vbmom87]

 

Then I was thinking of staying at the Hilton, as it is downtown - and it seems as if there is more to do there, but it appears that they are sold out for our dates.

Any suggestions?

 

I suggest you keep checking the Hilton, if this is where you really want to stay. Book a different cancellable reservation and then keep watching the Hilton. My guess is that they currently are blocking rooms for tour groups. We have learned that at about the 30 day mark before the tours begin, any rooms not booked will be released. That is a good time to check.

[agabbymama]

We did stay at the Hilton (as we were on a HAL cruisetour and that's where they put us), but as we were walking around town, I saw the Anchorage Hotel and thought it looked lovely. Not sure what the cost would be or the availability, but check it out.

 

http://www.historicanchoragehotel.com/