Top 8 kids-friendly things to do in Sitka

1. Guided nature hike through Sitka's landscapes

A scenic walk through Sitka's 14 miles of coastal roads — guided by a local, exploring nature and ecology in small groups.

2. Marine wildlife tour in Sitka Sound

Two to three hours on the water — watch for humpback whales, sea lions, otters, and more with knowledgeable, local guides.

“Our time on the boat with Captain Matt and Sofia was fantastic. They were very welcoming, and the boat was well-maintained and spacious. The tour duration was just right, allowing us to see otters, sea lions, and whales. Thank you both for an unforgettable experience!”— mariamP4300BS

3. Kayak paddle tour around Sitka's islands

Two to three hours of kayaking around Sitka's islands led by a local guide, focusing on wildlife and history, limited to six guests for a personal experience.

“Charlie led us on an enjoyable and secure adventure filled with tales, legends, and history. He expertly navigated us across boating lanes and through the harbor. The entire team was professional, friendly, and polite. The transportation from the cruise drop-off in town was very convenient.”— Scott M

4. Self-guided Jeep tour in Sitka

Explore Sitka at your own pace in a Jeep Wrangler with GPS audio guide, perfect for a flexible adventure among historic sites and natural beauty.

5. Whale watching cruise in Sitka with a local guide

Three hours aboard the Goleta—look for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and more with a local guide. Limited to six guests for an intimate experience.

“Rick was incredibly accommodating and amazing. Although I initially didn't find available spots on his calendar for our date, he promptly responded and arranged our tour. We spotted grey whales, sea otters, puffins, seals, and various birds at 30 feet away! If you're going whale watching, make sure to choose Rick's boat; you won't regret it.”— 604starlal

6. Guided hike in Tongass National Forest

Three hours exploring Tongass National Forest with a local guide — spot eagles, seasonal salmon, and learn about Sitka’s ecology and Tlingit culture.

“This was the highlight of our Alaskan cruise. With limited time to connect with nature during our port visit, this outing was ideal. Our guide, Sadie, picked us up at the cruise terminal and took us into the Tongass National Forest. She was friendly, engaging, and very knowledgeable about both Sitka and the local environment. We hiked into a stunning mountain valley leading to Beaver Lake, which was breathtaking in every way. As a temperate rainforest, waterfalls surrounded us, alongside towering forests, muskeg bogs, and the picturesque Beaver Lake. Sadie proved to be a skilled and patient guide, sharing insights and pointing out the various waterfalls, plants, and trees, while addressing all our inquiries. Despite the rain, which is common in this part of the Alaskan rainforest, it only enhanced the area's natural beauty. We highly recommend Sitka Walking Tours and suggest booking Sadie as your guide. It was a moderately challenging and wet hike, but equipped with the right rain gear, it made for an enjoyable day in Sitka, Alaska.”— HoneymoonersOct2016

7. Whale watching and marine wildlife tour in Sitka Sound

Three hours on the water — observe Humpback whales, sea lions, eagles, and other marine wildlife with local guides sharing their insights.

“We booked a wildlife tour on the water, but the captain failed to arrive. There was no communication from anyone, and we couldn’t arrange for another captain or boat. We are very disappointed and would appreciate some credit for a future booking.”— Steve_W

8. Customizable private taxi tour in Sitka

A flexible, private taxi tour in Sitka — explore popular and lesser-known sites in clean, comfortable minivans for up to six passengers.

“The tour guide was fantastic. She provided great suggestions for stops, yet was also receptive to our requests. I would definitely recommend this tour in Sitka.”— Wayne G