Dog Sledding with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Book
- Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
- Aug 30
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Dog sledding is a magical Alaskan experience — and sharing it with your kids can make it even more unforgettable. Watching their faces light up as the dogs start to run, hearing their laughter echo across snowy trails, and seeing them bond with the huskies are moments you’ll cherish forever.
But before you book, it’s important to understand how family dog sledding works — from age requirements and safety policies to the difference between day tours and multi-day expeditions. Here’s everything you need to know about dog sledding with kids in Alaska.
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Dog Sledding Day Tours with Kids
Dog sledding offers an unparalleled adventure that families can enjoy together, creating lasting memories amidst snowy landscapes. It’s not just the thrill of gliding over snow that makes it special; it’s also about bonding with the sled dogs and learning about their care, which instills a sense of responsibility and teamwork in children.
Age Requirements for Arctic Dog Adventure Co. Day Tours
Children 12+ can typically drive their own sled dog team — pending guide approval and trail conditions.
Children under 12 are welcome on Private Tours only. This allows our guides to give families the flexibility and attention they need for a safe, fun experience.
Children 11 and under will ride in the guide’s sled, not with a parent or guardian. This is for safety reasons: managing a sled with children in the basket requires a larger team and a high level of skill, awareness, and experience to safely handle both excited dogs and young passengers. (Please note that kids riding in the guide’s sled are still full price.)
Why Private Tours Are Best for Families
Private tours allow your guide to adjust pacing, routes, and stops based on your child’s comfort level and curiosity. Families often enjoy extra time with the dogs, more photo opportunities, and the ability to warm up, snack, or play in the snow between runs.
Can I Bring My Kids on a Dog Sledding Expedition?
Yes and no. We'll explain.
Our group expeditions are designed for adults. They’re physically and mentally challenging adventure travel experiences best suited for people who have reached the age of majority (18+). Participants often join these trips as a once-in-a-lifetime experience — many leaving their own kids at home to fully immerse themselves in the adventure.
Kids are wonderful companions, but anyone who’s traveled with them knows that they require different pacing, care, and flexibility. On a group trip, that changes the dynamic for everyone. For that reason, minors are not allowed on group expeditions.
That said — we love dog sledding with kids and teens!
We’ve safely and successfully guided families with children as young as 6 on overnight adventures and 11 on multi-day trips. Traveling through Alaska’s winter wilderness with your family is a fun and refreshing way to experience the landscape, the dogs, and the spirit of adventure together. Do enjoy this experience together, we ask that you book a private trip.
Why Private Expeditions Work for Families
Private trips allow us to:
Customize daily mileage and activities around your family’s pace.
Choose routes with cozy cabins and warm wood stoves for the evenings.
Adjust the itinerary if your child needs a rest day or shorter travel distance.
Focus on safety and learning — letting kids help feed the dogs, fetch water, and join in the daily routine.
Trip Recommendations for Families
We recommend our:
Cabin Overnight Adventures — great for families with younger children (ages 6+).
Hut to Hut Dog Sledding Adventures — best suited for families with older kids (ages 11+).
The rustic cabins provide cozy comfort after a day of adventure. Each has a large wood stove for drying wet gear, space for card games and puzzles, and a fun sleeping loft accessed by ladder — always a huge hit with younger adventurers!
A family adventure with kids ranging in age from 6 to 13.
Booking a Private Family Dog Sledding Trip
Private expeditions require a minimum of four participants (or the monetary equivalent). To book, you’ll need to choose an existing trip date that doesn’t yet have registrations.
Because our trips fill up quickly as winter approaches, we recommend reserving your private trip as early as possible — we can only guarantee dates once a deposit has been received.
Important Details for Families
Children’s Gear: Arctic Dog Adventure Co. does not provide cold-weather clothing for children. Our smallest boot size is Women’s 5 and our smallest parka/snowpant size is Adult XS.
Driving Policy: Minors 12+ may drive their own sled, pending guide approval.
Riding Policy: Children 11 and under ride in the guide’s sled — not that of a parent or guardian.
Trip Safety: All of our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) and carry well-stocked first aid kits, satellite communication devices, and have emergency evacuation plans in place.
Our daughter Story mushing with Ruby.
Final Thoughts: Why We Love Family Dog Sledding
Adventuring with kids changes everything — in the best way. They notice the small things: the sparkle of snow on a dog’s fur, the warmth of the cabin stove, the way sled runners whisper through powder.
We love sharing this experience with families because it helps children connect deeply with nature, animals, and adventure — and gives parents the chance to see Alaska through their eyes.
If you have questions about whether a trip is right for your family, we’re happy to help you choose the best fit.
👉 Reach out anytime — we love helping families plan unforgettable Arctic adventures!
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