Suggestions for Shore excursions with 6 year old?

[kittyk15]

Going to Alaska next June with siblings, their children and our parents (grandma and grandpa). My daughter will be 6 1/2 at the time- any recommendations for shore excursions for that age?

We'll be stopping in Skagway, Ketchican, and Juneau.

Thank You

[Donna]

I'd suggest some whale watching in Juneau, either book through the cruiseline or contact Orca Enterprises, capt, Larry, great excursion. In Skagway, the scenic railroad is great, a bit long for a 6 year old, but very enjoyable...

Ketchikan is a great little town, lots to do, lumber jack show, shopping. Your best bet is to go on your cruiseline web-site and go through all the excursions. They also list the age requirements as well. It will give you a good idea of all the different trours you can take, have fun.

[Kuki]

Donna's suggestions are pretty good. After whale watching in Juneau, a stroll along the main street, with a stop at the Alaska Fudge Factory would probably make the litte one (and some of the big ones) pretty happy

Skagway offers an excursion where you go panning for golf, which they might enjoy as well.

Ketchikan - as Donna said, it's a cute town to wander around. You might want to look at a Salmon Bake there, or the tour to the Totem pole park.

[MercedMike]

The thing about whale watching is that it is a longish ride on a boat, perhaps a distant sighting of a spout, some flukes going under, and then a longish ride back. Honestly I am afraid a 6 y o might find it boring. If you do try it, I would recommend the ship's excursion on Allen Marine, which will give you a big boat where the kid can move around, comfortable clean toilets, and a snack bar. All of this might keep the youngun entertained during the search for whales.

These pictures are from a sea otter trip in Sitka, but actually are the best whale sightings we have ever had ...
http://www.bully4.us/alaska2010.html
And they show the Allen Marine boat and in fact some kids aboard.

In Skagway, IMAO unless you are really big train fans, the best thing for a family to do is to pre reserve a rental car with Avis and drive over the White Pass at your own pace, stopping now and then to admire the scenery and let the kid stretch their legs, and go on to Caribou Crossing in the Yukon for the sled dog cart rides! Everybody of all ages will love this!
Check out our trip report and pictures at Driving from Skagway into the Yukon

In Ketchikan the totems are interesting, but perhaps Saxman Village would be better since it includes a nice native dance show. Also, we love the Ketchikan ducks and I bet the kid would be thrilled when they splash down into the water.
Check out our trip report and pictures at http://www.bully4.us/alaskaZ.html and Cruising HAL Volendam to Alaska

Actually I have posted a full page of excursions we enjoyed at
Alaska Excursions Guide so you might check it out. There are soooooo many choices in Alaska.

Have a GREAT cruise!

[laughing husky]

Skagway has a great excursions with a land dog sled ride. They always have puppies and most kids love puppies....The ride is not scary and it is the state sport. Many kids up here are racing with 1-2 dogs each winter......You sit in the cart....with the musher on the back of the cart....Each cart fits 6-8 people....Just don't sit in the front seat...sorta like sitting in the front seat of a roller coaster...