Great Springtime Activities in Alaska

Anchorage Family Entertainment Examiner : Outdoor activities suitable for spring time in Anchorage

With the snow finially melting and the temprature rising, its time to trump that cabin fever and get the kids outdoors!! Spring time in Alaska means something entirely different; chilly winds, mud, and puddles. But never fear, there are still plenty of ways to get them out in the sunshine that won't involve hip waders!

The Eagle River Nature Center offers a Jr. Naturalist program, designed for children ages 5 and up, on Saturdays at 2 pm. The programs begin indoors, and then move outdoors, so be prepared for any kind of weather. Joining the Jr. Naturalist program also gives kids a chance to earn their very own Jr. Naturalist badge, all while learning about their environment. In addition to the Jr. Naturalist program, ENRC also offers a variety of other programs, ideal for schools, scout groups, or just families who are looking for a day outing. For complete list of programs and a calander of events, visit www.ernc.org.

When is the last time you checked out the Alaska Zoo? The Sketch-n-Safari program is a monthly event held year round, regardless of the season. They are held every second Saturday, from noon to 2pm, in the coffeeshop or greenhouse. Visitors are encouraged to pop in anytime during those hours, and watch Leon Rabinovitch and Steve Carson, otherwise known as the "Sketch-n-Safari guys" teach the basics of learning to draw animals. The open attendance program welcomes visitors of all ages and provides all supplies. There is no fee, but donations are accepted. For more about Alaska Zoo programs, check out their website, www.alaskazoo.org.

And finially, why not just take a walk in the woods? The Alaskan Outdoors is a social hiking group open to the public in Anchorage AK. They offer a moderate hike for beginners or families with children on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Are you a family of more experienced hikers? Try the Thursday hike, designed for intermediate hikers often including steeper trails. The hikes are free to members of the Alaska Outdoors, and donations of $1 are suggested for non members. For information on hiking locations,or membership information, go to www.alaska-outdoors.org.

Its never to early to go play outside, so blow the dust off your sunglasses and take Anchorage up on what it has to offer this spring. Just don't forget the sunscreen.

Technorati Tags: alaska, spring, activities