Alaska.com: Alaska's Travel Website

There are many ways in Alaska to prove to your kids that life is more than video games, "reality" television and instant messaging. For example, you could take them on a forced-march, weeklong backpacking trip into the wilderness. Alternatively, you might hole up in your hotel room and subject them to hours of documentary DVDs about such Alaska topics as the winter migration habits of the red-necked phalarope.

Luckily, other options exist. Many destinations in and near Anchorage allow, even encourage, kids to participate in fun activities from panning for gold to watching blue-white icebergs float in a lake, to safely seeing a moose up close. They also might learn a little something while enjoying themselves, but don't tell them that. No need to spoil it.

For starters, there are those magnificent men in their flying machines. Alaska has long been known for its bush pilots, who seem able to land on just about anything bigger than a handkerchief.

The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum is located at Lake Hood, which one government Web site calls "the largest and most active seaplane facility in the world." On a nice day, hang out at the picnic area just outside the museum and watch the constant flow of small planes landing and taking off from the lake. If it's raining, head to the viewing area inside the museum, with its large picture windows.

After seeing how busy Lake Hood is during the long summer days, wander through the museum to see Alaska aircraft up close, many restored to pristine condition. A theater shows films centered on Alaska's rich aviation history, such as the stories of famous Alaska bush pilots and the role of the Aleutians in World War II.

Hook up with a narrated tour if you can; according to education coordinator Sue Brownfield, adults and children alike enjoy the stories told by museum staff, "especially if they like history and trivia." For example, many Alaskans know the story of Benny Benson, who won a contest to design the Alaska flag when he was 13 years old. But Brownfield says Benson has a connection to Alaska's aviation history that most people don't realize. She loves to tell visitors the popular and lesser known stories of Alaska's aviation heritage.

The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum is at 4721 Aircraft Drive, on the south side of Lake Hood. Follow International Airport Road west, taking a right on Satellite Drive. Take another right to reach Aircraft Drive, which circles Lake Hood. For more information, call 248-5325.

If you'd like to get out of town, head on down the Seward Highway for three more family outings.

Indian Valley Mine is big on two of the major factors on a child's fun meter: adventure and discovery. Parents and children will enjoy the unique array of historic artifacts from Gold Rush days, "but the main attraction is the gold panning," said Arlene Cowles, who runs the operation with her husband, Roger.

And of course there are the fabulous views of Turnagain Arm, along with occasional sightings of whales, bald eagles flying overhead and other wildlife in the area. In fact, feel free to bring a lunch and sit at one of the nearby picnic tables.

One of the main attractions of Indian Valley Mine is, of course, the opportunity to pan for gold. For a fee (ranging from nominal to gung-ho), visitors receive a bucket filled with "paydirt." The Cowleses demonstrate how to sift the gold from the dirt. Even their three children act as gold-panning tutors on occasion.

"We call this Gold Panning School," Arlene Cowles said. "We give them those secrets that the miners won't tell you." The key, she added, is having gravity and patience, even when "gold fever starts kicking in."

The Cowleses do more than run a mine and gift shop, however. They live in a small cabin -- "we still have an outhouse," Arlene Cowles said -- and the owners are happy to share their stories of Alaska living and outdoor pursuits, such as Roger's adventure climbing Denali.

To reach Indian Valley Mine, head south on the Seward Highway from Anchorage, about a 20-minute drive, to Mile 104. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, and admission is just $1 per person, child or adult. For more information, call 653-1120.

Once you've taken in Bush planes and gold mining, it might be time to turn to Alaska's natural wonders.

The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is unique. It was built with an indoor area for viewing Portage Glacier; however, the glacier has receded so much that it can no longer be seen from the visitor center. It is still well worth a visit. From the center and parking area, icebergs can be seen bobbing in the lake. Portage Glacier Cruises makes several trips to view the glacier each day; a Forest Service employee gives an interpretive talk on these trips and answers questions.

The center also offers a film, "Voices From the Ice," and a variety of family-oriented programs.

Lezlie Murray, visitor center director, especially touts the Ice Worm Safari.

"Twice a week we have a 'catch and release' program at the foot of Byron Glacier," Murray said. Participants can help find ice worms, which are brought back to the visitor center and housed temporarily in a display. Visitors get to hang out at the foot of a glacier and learn about the local ecosystem.

This year, the visitor center will offer a new Summer Explorers program on Saturdays, geared toward children. They also offer a variety of other programs throughout the summer. Center hours during the summer are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. For additional information on programs and upcoming events, call 783-2326.

To get there, drive south from Anchorage approximately 50 miles. The turnoff to Portage Valley Road is well signed; turn left there and go to the end, which is about five miles. Signs will lead you to the visitor center, the lodge or the boat dock if you want to take the cruise.

Finally, what is a family trip to Alaska without large animals? The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization. The center educates visitors by allowing them to see Alaska's unique mix of wildlife up close, while taking in orphaned, injured or sick animals that cannot care for themselves in the wild. Look for moose, elk, musk oxen, black bears, Adonis the bald eagle and Hugo the grizzly bear.

It is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer, and are located at Mile 79 Seward Highway.

Freelance writer Karen Benning lives in Anchorage.