Family events in Anchorage, AK

Get an up close look at raptors and clever corvids while learning how each species behaves and the adaptations that help them survive. Avian trainers demonstrate and explain the positive methods they use when working with the Ambassador Birds. Depending on the program, you may meet one or more ambassadors such as Ghost and Frost, snowy owls, Echo the great horned owl, Culuk the bald eagle, Breland the peregrine falcon, Keear the red-tailed hawk, Shavila the black-billed magpie, and Zahra the American crow. The experience lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and takes place outdoors beneath a tent. Admission is 10 dollars for adults and for anyone over 12, and children 12 and under attend free.

Colorful bubbles take over Kincaid Park as the Bubble Run returns to Anchorage. This non-competitive and untimed 5K blends fitness with playful fun, sending participants through vibrant bubble bogs and foamy clouds that keep smiles going from start to finish. All ages and fitness levels are welcome, including runners, walkers, dancers, and strollers. Expect music, laughter, and plenty of foam, with comfortable clothing recommended and groups of family and friends encouraged. Free registration is available.

Northern Fluff Cotton Candy will be on site near the kids area during the Arctic Thunder 2026 Air Show at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

Celebrate creativity and color at The Workshop Community Center with a free, family friendly crafting series where kids can create, explore, and make memories together. August features hands-on projects like popsicle stick dragonflies, paper plate turtles, back to school pencils, paper dream catchers, and red beach crabs. No registration is required, it is free to attend, and donations are welcome.

Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Cranbeary and Kova, the two female polar bears at the Alaska Zoo, during a guided encounter with a zookeeper. Hear about their care, their connection to each other, and how their species lives in the wild. The experience lasts 30 minutes and includes watching a training session that is part of their daily routine. Advance online registration is required, and only one booking is available per date for a group of up to four people. The cost is $500 per group and includes admission for the day, with a small service fee added at checkout. The fee is not prorated for groups smaller than four. Participants must be age 9 or older with an adult. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early and meet the zookeeper at the zoo entrance. Cameras and phones are welcome for photos and videos, and all food and drinks should be left in your vehicle. Purchases are non-refundable, though rescheduling is available in cases of emergency or illness. Anyone feeling unwell is asked to reschedule for the safety of staff and animals.

This open-air Saturday market at the Alaska Chicks Eagle River store showcases local vendors, crafters, and bakers. It continues throughout the summer with a changing mix of participants each week. Vendor lineup details will be shared during the season.

Experience the museum in a calmer setting designed to reduce sensory input. This program welcomes both families and adults, with a focus on people with developmental or physical disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. A dedicated safe space will be available for anyone who needs it. Admission is $5 per family or group, with a 10% discount for museum members. Advance registration is strongly recommended, and limited walk-ins may be accommodated if space allows and payment is by credit card. Activities take place in the Atrium, the first floor galleries, and the Discovery Center. For more information or to request accommodations, call (907) 929-9258 or email access@anchoragemuseum.org.

Kids ages 6 to 12 can take on a youth triathlon at the Lake Otis Y that combines a swim, a bike ride, and a run. Registration is open and capacity is limited to 50 participants. Sign ups can be completed online or at the Lake Otis front desk, and questions can be directed to amanda@ymcaalaska.org. Two race options are available, each with 25 spots. Learn-To-Tri features a 50 yard swim, a 1 mile bike, and a 0.5 mile run, with beginners moving through each segment in small groups alongside an experienced coach. Transitions are not timed so participants can learn the flow at a comfortable pace. The Full Triathlon offers a 200 yard swim, a 4 mile bike, and a 2 mile run, with continuous timing for those seeking a traditional individual race experience. Each option costs $35 for members and $50 for nonmembers, and scholarships are available. Every participant receives a goodie bag and a completion certificate. A swim test is required for all participants, and lifejackets are available for anyone who needs one. Volunteers are needed for setup and takedown, to coach Learn-To-Tri groups, and to serve on a cheer squad that helps direct kids and support safety, and no experience is required.

An open-air handmade and flea market showcases local Alaskan small businesses, featuring crafters, curators, tarot readers, and more. Browse locally made goods and one-of-a-kind finds, with plenty of food and drinks available in a family-friendly setting. Prospective vendors can submit an application for consideration, and spots are offered by invitation only. Applications are reviewed promptly, and vendors should communicate and submit any payments only to the host, the Shops at the Castle on O’Malley.

Bosco's Comics Cards & Games hosts a Pokémon event that pairs a free learn to play session with an $8 Standard tournament. A Play Pokémon teacher is assigned to help players learn the official rules and build confidence before competitive rounds. Tournament decks must be Standard legal. Prize support uses BOSCO'S Bucks, with two $4 BOSCO'S Bucks per player, one returned as a participation reward and one added to the prize pool. First place receives half of the pool rounded down, capped at 36 BOSCO'S Bucks. Each subsequent place takes half of what remains, rounded down, in order.

Hands-on animal feeding sessions are led by a trained guide and last about 30 minutes, with time set aside for questions and photos. Participation is limited to 10 people. Guests must be at least 9 years old to take part, and anyone 15 or younger needs a paying parent or guardian with them. Payment is taken at the gate on the day of the experience before the feeding begins, and online reservations are not available. The price for non-members is $30 per person plus zoo admission, and members receive a $10 discount per person. Daily offerings include opportunities to feed moose and muskox, alpacas and porcupines, and black bears, and offerings are subject to change.

Follow the remarkable rescues and rehabilitations that bring animals to their homes at the Alaska Zoo on a guided, story-rich tour focused on personalities, recovery journeys, and conservation. A guide shares insider stories and fun facts while inviting you into hands-on and interactive moments, from testing your animal behavior knowledge to discovering surprising insights about species you thought you knew. Expect close-up observations and behind-the-scenes perspectives, along with tactile learning through real artifacts such as fur, bones, and enrichment items. The experience showcases the zoo’s mission in action, and each outing unfolds differently because the animals keep things unpredictable. It is well suited for families, schools, and visitors seeking a lighthearted yet in-depth learning experience. Tickets are $50 per person for ages 3 and up. Members save 50 percent when purchasing online or at the gate, and the online discount applies when logged in to a membership account. Reservations can be made online in advance, and same-day purchase at the gate is available before the tour begins.

PAWSitive Reading gives children in kindergarten through fourth grade a relaxed place to practice by reading aloud to therapy dogs, who offer calm, attentive listening. The program helps new or hesitant readers link reading with a positive experience and build confidence through gentle practice. Sessions last 15 minutes, and reservations are taken in person on the day of the program.

Campers ages 7 to 9 dive into the science of color, color theory, and art history through planetarium experiences, gallery tours, and hands-on activities that integrate science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Sessions take place in the Discovery Center, Art Lab, and CoLab, creating a lively setting for learning and creativity. The fee is $225, with a discounted rate of $202.50 for museum members.

Explore how robotics can address real challenges in Alaska and the North, including the effects of climate change, snowy travel, and extreme cold. Campers will visit museum exhibitions, take part in thoughtful discussions, and create their own robotic solutions by building and coding with LEGO Mindstorms, with no prior experience needed. Activities take place in the Discovery Center, Art Lab, and CoLab. The fee is $225, or $202.50 for museum members.

Designed especially for very young children and their accompanying adults, this guided Alaska Zoo tour spotlights some of the cutest and most engaging animals at the zoo. Playful movement and simple storytelling keep little ones interacting with the animals they meet, while the guide shares easy-to-understand facts with plenty of adorable moments along the way. Activities include hands-on elements, movement-based games, and guided discovery. The pacing and content suit short attention spans, making it a welcoming introduction to the zoo for families with young children and anyone young at heart. The experience lasts one hour and concludes at the café in the middle of the zoo, after which guests may continue exploring or return to the entrance. A paid adult must accompany participating children. Pricing is $30 per adult and $15 for youth ages 3 to 15, with zoo members receiving a 50 percent discount when purchasing online or at the gate; to apply the discount online, log in to the membership account before checkout. Online reservations are available on the day of the tour, and same-day purchase at the gate is also offered. A weekly free Community Storytime sponsored by ConocoPhillips Alaska is available as an added family-friendly option.

Live music and food trucks turn the museum lawn into a casual outdoor hangout for Lunch on the Lawn. This weekly series features performers from the local scene alongside national acts, and may also include short learning sessions, community discussions, and family-friendly games. Activities change from week to week and the outdoor programming is free to attend. If it rains, everything shifts inside the museum and regular admission will be required. Featured artists across the run include Joe Schumacher, Ginger & Ale, Fiona Rose, Santoro, Uncle Jim, and Big Tim & Tall Order, with additional performers to be announced.

This 30-minute session features stories, songs, and additional activities that nurture early literacy. It blends learning and fun for children from birth through kindergarten together with their caregivers.

This weekly Pokémon Trading Card Game gathering welcomes newcomers and seasoned players in a relaxed, supportive setting. Matches follow the Standard format and include casual play as well as competitive pairings. Deck building guidance is available, offering a chance to learn new strategies and improve skills. Players should bring a Standard format deck and plan for a $10 registration handled in store on the day of play. Prizes are awarded to top performers each week, and the focus remains on an enjoyable, beginner friendly experience for everyone.

Celebrate Cheney Lake Park being named the 2026 Park of the Year at a community get-together by the lake. Between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, you can check out what’s been accomplished through the shoreline restoration project led by the Youth Employment in Parks program, learn about the migratory birds that spend the summer at Cheney Lake, and find out how everyone can help protect them. Expect food, fun, and time outdoors, and all are welcome with friends, family, and community spirit.

Celebrate the close of summer with the final Suburban Challenge of the season, a free, family-friendly outing. Participants can run or walk to as many business checkpoints as possible, gather raffle tickets along the way, then head back to the Healthwise parking lot for a parking lot party and raffle. The list of business checkpoints will be announced at the event. Pets are welcome. Bring a canned food donation to receive an extra ticket at check-in.