Fairbanks in 1 Day for Families - Meet Santa & reindeer at the Santa Claus House (North Pole)
In Collaboration with AK Bucket List Tours. Updated on January 28, 2026.
A relaxed, family-focused half-day tour that brings Fairbanks' highlights to life: meet Santa and his reindeer in North Pole, snap photos at a pipeline viewpoint, explore local culture at the Morris Thompson Center, and finish with handcrafted souvenirs at the Great Alaska Bowl Company. Designed for families with strollers and young children — pacing includes short drives, snack/restroom breaks, &
This itinerary was created in collaboration with AK Bucket List Tours, inspired by the tour Heart of Fairbanks Tour Culture, Food, History and Fun. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Meet Santa & reindeer at the Santa Claus House (North Pole)
- Photo stop & short walk by the Trans‑Alaska Pipeline (Steese Highway)
- Hands-on exhibits and visitor info at Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
- Locally made wooden bowls, jams & Alaska souvenirs at the Great Alaska Bowl Company
Itinerary
Day 1
5‑hour family-friendly loop around Fairbanks and nearby North Pole — stroller accessible, frequent restroom/snack stops, and short transfers between sites.
Hotel pickup / Welcome & safety briefing (Downtown Fairbanks area)
We pick up families in the downtown Fairbanks area (or nearby agreed meeting point). Quick introductions, safety briefing, and overview of the day's plan. Please be in the lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have a stroller, please leave it folded in the vehicle during drives; our guide will help with quick fold/unfolds.
- Restrooms available at most hotels — use them before boarding; guide will also point out the next public restroom.
- Tell the guide about any food allergies or dietary needs so they can recommend suitable snack stops during the tour.
Drive to Santa Claus House, North Pole (transfer)
Short scenic drive (roughly 25–35 minutes depending on pickup location) to North Pole — kids will enjoy watching local scenery and spotting roadside attractions on the way.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small activity (coloring, tablet with headphones) for younger children during the drive.
- This stretch is easy in summer; in July expect long daylight and mild temperatures — sunscreen and hats for kids are useful.
- If anyone needs a quick diaper or restroom break before arrival, tell the driver; there are convenient stops en route.
Santa Claus House — meet Santa, reindeer & fudge (North Pole)
Classic family stop: visit Santa, see his reindeer (seasonal/onsite availability permitting), try hot cocoa and local fudge (purchases optional), and take photos under festive displays.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for ages 1+; toddlers love the decorations — bring a lightweight stroller for quick rests (site is stroller-friendly but may have busy shop aisles).
- Buy fudge or hot cocoa on-site as an easy snack; the gift shop lines move steadily in summer but can get busy midday — morning visits are quieter.
- There are indoor restrooms and bench seating for quick diaper changes or child breaks; ask staff for the quiet corner if a child needs a calmer space.
Drive / transfer to the Trans‑Alaska Pipeline viewpoint (Steese Highway)
Short drive back toward Fairbanks to a safe pullout / overlook on Steese Highway for a family-friendly photo stop and a quick explanation of the pipeline and Alaska's history.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep cameras ready — children often spot wildlife along the roadside; supervise kids closely at the pullout for safety.
- Summer temperatures are pleasant but can change quickly; pack a light jacket for kids in the car just in case.
- The viewing area is outdoors with uneven ground in parts — stroller users may prefer to remain on the vehicle side and step out for photos.
Alaska Pipeline viewpoint — photos & short walk
Learn about the Trans‑Alaska Pipeline with kid-friendly stories from your guide, take family photos, and — with luck — spot local birds or other wildlife from the overlook.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep kids close near the pipeline overlook; there may be gravel or grassy edges — comfortable shoes recommended.
- Use this stop for a quick snack or water break; the guide can hand out small snacks to keep energy up for the next museum stop.
- Explain the pipeline with simple analogies (a giant 'river' of oil in a pipe) for younger children — guides tailor the story by age.
Drive to Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center (Dunkel St)
Short drive to downtown Fairbanks and the Morris Thompson Center — a welcoming, family-friendly visitor center with exhibits, helpful staff, and nearby restrooms.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a good spot to use restrooms and let kids stretch — Morris Thompson has benches and a calm public area.
- Ask the visitor desk for family-friendly exhibit suggestions and any temporary kids' activities or maps.
- Stroller access: the building is accessible with ramps and elevators; staff are used to families and can suggest the easiest paths.
Explore Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center — exhibits & snack
Spend relaxed time exploring Alaskan culture displays, local art, and visitor information. This stop includes time for coffee, small snacks, and rest — snacks not included in tour price.
Tips from local experts:
- Exhibits are family-friendly and stroller‑accessible; allow about 45–75 minutes depending on kids' interest levels.
- There are clean restrooms and space for feeding or changing infants — ideal mid-tour break for families.
- Try a local coffee or pastry from the center's gift area or nearby café; many nearby cafés offer kids' portions and high chairs — ask the guide for suggestions.
Short transfer to Great Alaska Bowl Company (local souvenir shopping)
A short drive or walk to the Great Alaska Bowl Company — discover handcrafted wooden bowls, mugs, smoked salmon, jams and family-friendly souvenirs.
Tips from local experts:
- This shop is a sensory delight — the smell of fresh-cut wood is strong; if someone in the family is sensitive, plan a quick visit or stay near the entrance.
- Many items are kid‑safe, like small wooden cups and magnets; set a small souvenir budget with kids before entering to avoid meltdowns.
- Ask staff about small, durable items that travel well and are toddler-safe (no small choking pieces) — they’re used to helping families pick souvenirs.
Shop at Great Alaska Bowl Company — choose a handmade keepsake
Browse local craftsmanship and Alaska-made food items. Guide can help carry purchases and point out family-friendly mementos.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask about lightweight items for easier packing at the end of your trip — wooden spurtles, small bowls, and local jams are excellent choices.
- If buying perishable items (smoked salmon, jams), bring a small cooler in the vehicle or plan to ship them home — staff can advise on shipping options.
- Take a final restroom and water break here before the return transfer; staff and the guide will help load souvenirs safely.
Return drive & dropoff (Downtown Fairbanks)
Drive back to downtown Fairbanks or your hotel. Wrap-up with local tips for the rest of your stay and recommendations for family dining or evening activities.
Tips from local experts:
- If someone naps on the way back, ask the guide to provide a quiet dropoff; guides will help get strollers and purchases to your room.
- Before leaving the vehicle, confirm any follow-up questions with your guide — they can recommend family-friendly dinner spots and evening attractions.
- Remember the tour’s infant-seat note: infants must not sit on laps and infant seats are unavailable — plan transfers outside the tour if you require car seats for infants.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Outdoor, Culture, Shopping |
