And Why Families Love Flying with Alpine Air Alaska
When people imagine helicopter tours in Alaska, they often picture extreme adventure or bucket-list experiences for adults only. In reality, helicopter tours are one of the most family-friendly ways to explore Alaska—especially for families traveling with different ages, from babies and toddlers to teens, grandparents, and everyone in between.
At Alpine Air Alaska, we design our tours with families in mind. Whether you’re traveling with young children, teenagers craving adventure, or planning an unforgettable multigenerational trip, helicopter sightseeing offers comfort, flexibility, and unforgettable moments that work for everyone.
Helicopter Tours: Big Adventure, Minimal Effort
One of the biggest reasons helicopter tours are so family-friendly is how easy and comfortable they are. There’s no long hiking required, no cold hours waiting outdoors, and no physical barriers that limit who can participate. Families simply hop aboard, lift off, and experience Alaska from above.
For parents, that means:
- No exhausting logistics with strollers or tired kids
- A warm, comfortable aircraft with short flight times
- Access to remote glaciers and wildlife that would otherwise be impossible to reach
For kids, it means instant excitement—taking off vertically, soaring over mountains, and landing on real glacier ice feels like stepping into a real-life adventure movie. Kids of all ages love meeting the pilots, learning about the physics of flight and even taking photos in the pilot seat.
Babies & Toddlers Fly Free (Under 24 Months)
Traveling with little ones? We’ve got you covered.
Babies and toddlers under 24 months of age at the time of the tour can fly for free as a lap child on Alpine Air Alaska helicopter tours. This makes helicopter sightseeing one of the most accessible premium experiences for families with young children.
Parents love that they can share an epic Alaska experience without needing an extra seat, while little ones often nap comfortably during the smooth, scenic flight.
Glacier Dogsledding: A Family Favorite
If there’s one experience that consistently lights up kids’ faces, it’s glacier dogsledding.
Dogsledding is incredibly family-friendly because it’s:
- Interactive
- Educational
- Hands-on (and paws-on!)
Kids love meeting the dogs, learning how sled teams work, playing with energetic puppies, and hopping on the sled for a thrilling ride across real glacier snow—even in summer. Teens enjoy the adventure and photo opportunities, while adults appreciate learning about Alaska’s rich mushing culture directly from professional mushers.
And after the ride? Families warm up with complimentary hot coffee, tea and cocoa on the glacier, while they wait for their return flight back to base.
Flightseeing: Wildlife, Glaciers & Learning From Above
Helicopter flightseeing tours are a hit with curious kids and teens because there’s always something to see. From the air, families can spot:
- Moose moving through valleys
- Mountain goats and Dall sheep perched on steep cliffs
- Bears navigating the rugged backcountry
- Vast glaciers, blue ice, crevasses, and meltwater pools
Our expert pilot-guides don’t just fly the helicopter—they act as storytellers and educators. Kids and adults alike learn about:
- Alaska’s geology and how glaciers shape the landscape
- Local wildlife habitats and behaviors
- Indigenous history and Alaska’s pioneering past
It’s like a flying classroom, except way more exciting.
Perfect for Intergenerational Travel
Helicopter tours are ideal for intergenerational family trips, where everyone wants to experience Alaska together without compromising comfort or accessibility.
Grandparents love the smooth ride and minimal physical strain. Parents appreciate the efficiency and safety. Kids and teens are thrilled by the adventure and novelty. Everyone gets the same jaw-dropping views—together.
Few activities allow three or four generations to share the same unforgettable experience in such an effortless way.
A Safe, Comfortable Way to Explore Alaska Together
Families choose Alpine Air Alaska because we prioritize:
- Experienced, knowledgeable pilot-guides
- Well-maintained aircraft
- Thoughtful tour design that keeps all ages engaged
From glacier landings to dogsledding to wildlife viewing, our tours are crafted to be adventurous without being overwhelming—making them ideal for families exploring Alaska for the first time.
Make It a Core Memory
A helicopter tour isn’t just another activity on your itinerary—it’s often the moment kids talk about long after the trip is over. Watching their eyes light up as they step onto a glacier, meet sled dogs, or spot wildlife from above is something families never forget.
If you’re planning a family trip to Alaska and want an experience that truly works for young kids, teens, parents, and grandparents alike, a helicopter tour with Alpine Air Alaska will be the highlight of your entire vacation.
Ready to plan your family adventure? Our reservations team is always happy to help you choose the perfect tour for your crew.