What is a festive place to be in for July 4

[emeltee]

I'm about to put a deposit down on a cruise that leaves Whittier on July 6. We plan on flying in a little early to do a little touring. I'm probably going to concentrate on the Kenai Peninsula since Denali won't work for my two young children.

 

Just wondering if there are any places that would be good to visit and watch fireworks on July 4.

 

I have no idea what we will do our our land touring, so if anyone has any itineraries they can point out for a multi generation like family (4-80), I'd be most appreciative.

 

Lastly, what's the minimum amount of time I should plan for the Kenai Peninsula. Now that I have the cruise part down, I have to figure out flight info.

 

Thanks!

[mapleleaves]

Seward has a HUGE celebration ... if you don't have lodging already you probably won't find any at this date.

Keep in mind that there is only dusk, not total darkness so the fireworks aren't as spectacular. There are numerous celebrations. This listing is old but gives you some ideas/locations to explore.

 

http://www.alaskaanchorage.net/anchorage_july_4th_celebration_parade.php

 

As for how much time to alot for the Kenai Peninsula, won't that depend on the amount of activities you plan for? What do you want to see and do?

I'm partial to the Girdwood area due to the many low cost activities and they can be for people of all ages, from hiking to gold pannning. How old are the kids? There's an ice worm safari at Beggich Boggs Visitor Center they might enjoy. Since you only have a couple of days, maybe do a day trip to Seward. Homer is a good 4-5 hrs away so not possible in your short time frame.

http://alaska.org/driving/portage-valley-whittier-spur-drive.htm

[emeltee]

Seward has a HUGE celebration ... if you don't have lodging already you probably won't find any at this date.

Keep in mind that there is only dusk, not total darkness so the fireworks aren't as spectacular. There are numerous celebrations. This listing is old but gives you some ideas/locations to explore.

 

http://www.alaskaanchorage.net/anchorage_july_4th_celebration_parade.php

 

As for how much time to alot for the Kenai Peninsula, won't that depend on the amount of activities you plan for? What do you want to see and do?

I'm partial to the Girdwood area due to the many low cost activities and they can be for people of all ages, from hiking to gold pannning. How old are the kids? There's an ice worm safari at Beggich Boggs Visitor Center they might enjoy. Since you only have a couple of days, maybe do a day trip to Seward. Homer is a good 4-5 hrs away so not possible in your short time frame.

http://alaska.org/driving/portage-valley-whittier-spur-drive.htm

 

If we don't base ourselves out of Seward, where else is a good place to use as a base? I'd like to do the Kenai Fjords cruise (would that be okay for a 4 yo?) We may consider dog sledding or places to watch the salmon run in addition to the cruise.

[1025cruise]

Just keep in mind Alaska is the "Land of the Midnight Sun". You wil be there right after the solstice, it won't be dark, so don't expect much with regards to fireworks.

[mapleleaves]

Hard to know if your 4 yr old would enjoy being on a boat for 6 hrs. What do YOU think? The boats are large so it's not like they have to remain in their seat the entire time; but other people won't appreciate a kid running around the deck. Kids aren't as interested in scenery or waiting for a glacier to calve so bring books or activities to keep them occupied. There might be a JR Ranger program onboard to help out too. Check with the vendor to see if they provide Jr Ranger kits for kids. Exit Glacier has a jr ranger program also.

Would you consider splitting up the group? one day some folks go on the cruise while other folks take the toddler to the Sea Life Center, Exit Glacier and a dog cart ride. Then switch off the next day.

Seavey's Ididaride kennel is in Seward and they have cabins as well. Since they aren't right in town, maybe they still have availabilty over the 4th. Having a stove, fridge etc would be helpful with a large group for snacks and drinks. http://www.ididaride.com/

I assume you're renting cars in Anchorage to get to Seward and then to Whittier to board the ship. (Avis is the only vendor in Whittier)

For other Seward info, check out the town web site and send for their visitor guide.

http://www.seward.com/