Stay Active This Spring Break

For most of the country, Spring Break signals the beginning of a new season. For Alaskans, Spring Break is a slightly humorous name for 5 days without school, somewhere near the end of winter.  This year Spring Break occurs from March 13- 17. As students get a much-needed respite from the daily grind of their studies, parents are often in need of ways to stay active.  For those Alaskans who chose to stay home this year, and with winter still in full effect, sometimes you have to get a little creative to make the most of the 5-day extended break.

You might not have noticed it creeping up, but the days are getting longer. Daylight now lasts about 10.5 hours and Spring Break can afford a great chance to enjoy Alaska’s great winter recreation options. The past few years have seen lackluster snowfall, but this year we’ve got great snow coverage across Alaska.

• Girdwood:  Home to Alyeska Ski Resort, Girdwood offers a fantastic chance for outdoor exercise while glimpsing one of the best views of Turnagain Arm. If you are averse to heights, Girdwood also offers miles of cross-country trails, a large assortment of delicious dining options, and a charming ski resort vibe.
• Kincaid Park: Bring the children to South Anchorage’s Kincaid Park to enjoy miles of cross country trails and a thrilling sledding hill.
• Westchester Lagoon: Weather permitting, Alaska can be an awesome place to ice skate outdoors. West Anchorage’s Westchester Lagoon is a great option.
• Talkeetna: The Alaska railroad is a breathtaking way to view mountain vistas and glacial waters as you meander north to Talkeetna. Awesome views of Denali and the iconic Talkeetna Roadhouse are worth the trip.
• Nome: For those of you who are the adventurous travel type, see the conclusion to Alaska’s famous Iditarod race firsthand in Nome.

If indoor activities are more in your wheelhouse and you need a place to keep entertained during the day, there are many worthwhile options for exploration around Anchorage.

• Hillside: Fox Hollow Sports Dome is a fun way to spend an afternoon hitting golf balls or playing sports.
• Downtown: Experience cultural enlightenment and see how Alaska’s history has been shaped at the Anchorage Museum.
• East Anchorage: Tikahtnu Commons near Muldoon can fill an afternoon with shopping, dining, and enjoying the cinema.
• Midtown: Alaska Rock Gym recently moved into a new massive space with plenty to climb on and explore for children and adults alike.

Hopefully, Spring Break affords you the opportunity to enjoy some off time to appreciate some of our state’s more attractive destinations.  Adventure, entertainment, and excitement await for those willing to explore Alaska both near and far.