My family is taking a cruise from Anchorage in late July. We arrive in Anchorage late, Monday night, and leave on Wednesday. Any recommendations for hotels or kids activities for a family with two girls (ages 2 and 5)?

Dear Adam:

I can't give any specific hotel recs. For that matter, I can't give any recs, since I've only flown into Anchorage and drove out to Seward. BUT... I would check out the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a living museum:

www.alaskanative.net

We didn't get to check this out. We ran out of time, so maybe on the next visit.

Have fun and bring your eye masks for sleeping.

MY

Topping for AdamPaz!!

The Alaska native Heritage Center is a good suggestion. Another idea that may appeal to your small children is the Alaska Zoo <http://www.alaskazoo.org/>, also in Anchorage. You will need a rental car for this. However, if you do rent a car, you can use it to get to the Alaska native Heritage Center quickly and easily.

I really liked (and sometimes I like the same things as 2- and 5-year olds) the Musk Ox farm north of Anchorage. You'd definitely need a rental car for that.

For other fodorites: are there places in July to see dog sled teams (on wheels?).

You aren't cruising to "Anchorage", are you coming into Whittier or Seward?? If Seward, I highly recommend you spend a day/night there and take advantage of this gem.

Out of Whittier, I would get to Anchorage as early as possible and rent a car, plenty to see and do. Request their visitor guide. www.anchorage.net

Just a reverse- I see you are leaving from Anchorage- Although costly, you might want to get a one way rental with Avis if cruising out of Whittier, or Hertz if Seward. Makes better use of your short time.