We have 2000 in free airfare!I was considering touring two weeks 7/26 through 8/9 in Alaska with my husband and children ages 8 and 10. I was able to reserve a full size car through Alamo for 196 a week, which is an unbelievable price, every other major rental was at least twice the price!Before I book the air I am trying to find out if this is a good place for the kids. We just went to do general sight seeing. I was thinking of doing south central and probably also a trip up to Denali.Trying to decide between this and a San Francisco down to San Diego California tour. I know it's two different worlds and I want to choose the best one for my kids as we do not want them making us miserable. They did very well in the canadian rockies but that area was much more concentrated. Also my husband has a low tolerance for mosquitos. Are they really that bad?

The two main sightseeing trips are an 8 hour bus ride through Denali (you can't drive through it yourself) and a 6-8 hour cruise out of Seward. That might be a long time for kids that age but you know them better than I.

If they like to hike, there are trails. Salmon fishing is big but probably not for kids.

You also do a lot of driving. You will want to see the Kenai Peninsula (I would spend most my time there) and then Denali is around 5 hours one way.
I think they would do better in Alaska when they are older.

We were there about the same time you will be and had no trouble with mosquitioes.

Yes, Alaska is great for kid. we took ours a few yrs ago and they were about the same age. Of everywhere we've traveled, that was their favorite trip. we're not campers, but rented a motor home. The accomodations were wonderful and it allowed us to see so much more. Motels are few and far between and very $$$ or absolute dives...read 1950's tourist cabins. Restaurants are also scarce. we did eat out, but enjoyed having the opportunity to keep food on hand for the kids and eat when we were hungry. The motor home was completely outfitted.
Also, do the salmon fishing on the Kenai river. Our 10 yr old caught a 75 pounder and still can't stop talking about it 5 yrs later!

It's very hard to compare your alternatives. If your kids are interested in animals (most their ages are) then Alaska ought to be their cup of tea. On the other hand, as Connie says, destinations in Alaska are far apart, and the quality of accommodations and other distractions for kids is not the equal of urban settings in the lower 48.

Both alternatives will have a lot of car time, either driving across the countryside in Alaska, or driving around urban areas in California. In California, of course, you'll have access to Disneyland or other amusement parks, Hollywood, fun things in SF, LA or SD. In Alaska you'll be much more engaged with the natural world. You'll have to be the judge.

The time frame you're contemplating is just about the peak time in Alaska for tourists, so if you decide to head north, start the process of booking your time now. The bug situation will be moderating, but there will still be some near water.

Coastal Calif. in July/Aug. ought to be warm and pleasant, following the "June gloom" and most likely too early for the dog days of late Aug/September when LA in particular can sizzle.

With that much free airfare, let me pose an interesting alternative. Fly to Seattle and take the Alaska State Ferry north to Juneau (3 days), then fly to Anchorage from there, rent a car and tour for 10 days, then return home. The kids would enjoy the boat, probably see whales and other cool things, and you'd see the Southeast coastal area of Alaska (very different from Southcentral) in addition to Denali, Kenai etc. Airfare aside, this might be less expensive and would offer more variety.

We visited AK during the same time of year you are planning and traveled via ferry from Bellingham to Skagway. Skagway was my favorite stop but it's about 800 miles from Anchorage! Have the whole family read about gold mining days. On our next visit we would take a boat tour out of Seward or Homer. On the way to Seward you can take the tram at Alyeska. There will be snow at the top and incredible views. The whole drive from Anchorage to Seward is beautiful but when you go, check the tide schedule so that you might have the opportunity of seeing whales. It would be great if every one in the family could have their own binoculars. I think your kids would enjoy the farmers market in Anchorage on Saturdays. It's more of a craft fair and a great place to pick up some souveniers. I recall some musicians there as well. Also a great place to try some local food. Check the Anchorage Daily News (website www.adn.com) for events that will be taking place during your visit. You can visit the Iditarod Museum in Knik and take a short ride in a wheeled gig pulled by sled dogs. There were puppies when we visited and your children might get to talk with the young boy, a grandson of the Iditarod founder, about caring and training dogs. The Milepost magazine might give you some ideas, too, about places to see and things to do that your children will enjoy. Mosquitoes were not a problem when we visited. Have a great vacation. Family time is so important!

We did a family trip flying into San Francisco, stayed there four days, drove to Yosemite, stayed four days, drove to Tahoe, three days, back through wine country and to SF airport for home. Our kids were 8 and 10 at the time and they loved it. The driving times were tolerable, and the types of sightseeing were varied enough that they didn't get bored (i.e., Alcatraz, waterfront, cable cars, etc., then back to nature in Yosemite with bike riding -- our favorite -- hiking, etc. then to Tahoe, where we stayed at Harrah's and the kids loved having TVs in each bathroom and the huge gameroom under the casino. They even enjoyed touring a winery, because it was something different.)
Now, I haven't been to Alaska, but my husband really wants to do that trip, too, but I'll probably go for an Alaskan cruise, rather than doing all that driving.
Pam B.

Thanks so much to everyone for your informed replies!