Let's be up front; the Alaska Native Heritage Center is expensive for families. The choice to visit ANHC for a few hours at the rate of $24/adults, $17 kids as opposed to say, a day at the Alaska Zoo for half that, may deter some from making the trek to the Heritage Center's east Anchorage facility. But in this case, don't let price be your guide.
The Alaska Native connection is strong here in the 49th state with a rich cultural connection dating back tens of thousands of years and providing some of the best in archeological information and artifacts to be found, anywhere.
Sitting on 26 wooded acres on the fringe of Anchorage, ANHC has developed a comprehensive and hands-on opportunity for visitors and residents to become immersed in the traditions of Alaska Native peoples in a most engaging way. From the indoor Hall of Cultures describing the diversity of each geographical Native tribe to the outdoor (and very authentic) Native dwellings surrounding an enchanting little lake, the Heritage Center strives (and is succeeding) to meet both the desire of visitors to understand this oft-misunderstood population, and the continuation of traditions among its youngest members.
Try the newest activity, "Qipmigaq," meaning "Traveling with dogs," an hour-long presentation by none other than Team Baker and 2011 Iditarod winner John Baker, who will inform and delight dog fans with tales of the Alaskan husky, then to now. The tour/presentation is extra, but package deals do exist for families and residents of Alaska. Not the usual "dog and pony" show of most mushing outfits, this presentation focuses on the truly valuable aspects of the sled dog, and their contributions over Alaska's history. Take a ride at the end and feel the power of a 16-dog team as you loop around the back of the Heritage Center property.
Allow the kids time to roam in each of the particular dwellings, listening to the elders of each tribe explain their own remembrances of growing up Native. I am always surprised at our son's willingness to listen to an elder; their mannerisms and obvious enjoyment of children mean the world to tired, frazzled moms and dads.
To alleviate cost, purchase an Alaskan TourSaver coupon book at www.toursaver.com, or upon arrival in Alaska at any Carrs/Safeway store. The two-for-one admission helps at least a bit. Bring a lunch, plan for any weather, and plan to spend at least a few hours of Native Alaskan wonder.

The Alaska Zoo, while not large on the scale of critter-fabulousness, is perfectly dialed in to the needs of families, especially those visiting Alaska for the first time.
With a variety of animals whose natural habitats lie in northern climates (no chimps or bats, here), the Alaska Zoo is an arctic an sub-arctic walk in the forest. From Musk Ox to Wolverine, and Polar Bear to Bactrian Camel, the Zoo provides insight into the year-round lives of the animals who live at this woodsy facility in south Anchorage.
Open year round during daylight hours, and featuring the cool ZooLights exhibits during the holidays, the Alaska Zoo is a wild experience right in town. AND, visitors can catch a free shuttle from downtown Anchorage (4th Avenue) during the summer months.
The zoo has a small cafe in the middle of the park; but don't expect fancy food or a wide expanse of seating; we usually bring our own goodies and hang out near the moose enclosure. Food is expensive and not all that great, so be aware.
Our favorite animals are the wolves; a pack of eight siblings who are known to set up a crazy howling chorus if kids give them a little inspirational, howl themselves. I tell ya, nothing beats a little singing with the pack.
The Alaska Zoo is a must-do when visiting Anchorage, if for no other reason than to capture those photo ops you missed during the rest of your trip! Find their website at http://www.alaskazoo.org

First time to Alaska? Live here but want a little getaway? Winter, spring, summer, or fall, recreation abounds at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, about 50 miles south of Anchorage and a favorite place with locals.
Skiing is steep and deep, but full of flavor for beginner/intermediate/ kids, and the Mountain Learning Center staff are top notch; our son had a blast skiing with his instructor. Lift tix range from $40-$60/day, and some night skiing is available. Look for special stay/ski deals on the resort's web site.
Non-winter seasons (that's partly an Alaskan joke) are great, too, with lower rates in shoulder seasons and plenty of hiking, mountain biking, and glacier dog sledding available. Kids will love running along the paved trails surrounding the resort, and an aerial Tram takes visitors to the tippy-top where views are incredible.
Restaurants abound in the resort and in little Girdwood, where locals mix with visitors and everybody gets along just fine.
Be sure to ask the concierge about tours to Crow Creek Mine, Portage Valley, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. They can help arrange transportation and/or tour companies.
The resort has worked hard to bolster up its family-friendliness; I think it's working.

Our family enjoys Hotel Alyeska at least once a year, mostly because their European-style grandness appeals to this Alaskan crew who sometimes needs a little penache in its everyday world.
Winter, summer, and every season in between, Hotel Alyeska (and the Resort as a whole) caters to families through innovative package deals and programs to soothe winter blues, excite summertime adventures, and generally amuse everybody, toddler to grandparent. Swimming pool, spa, fitness room, cozy beds and ample running room all make for a worthy spot to get away from it all.
It is expensive, but then, everything in Alaska is, but keeping tabs on web sites like AKontheGO.com or the resort's own web site can help offset some of the cost.
Don't forget to take the Tram up to the top of the mountain and look out over Turnagain Arm!