It takes a village- for your family to have a great time in Alaska. Denali Park Village is a sprawling complex of buildings that include hotel rooms, cabins, restaurants, and shops, all set on 20 acres of prime riverfront property. For a small family, the Village Lodge Riverview room, with two queen beds and a rollaway or crib, is ideal. These clean, contemporary rooms have unimpeded views of the Nenana River and the mountains in the distance. Kids will love hanging out in the main lodge, with its high timbers, huge stone fireplaces and comfy couches. The game room has board games, puzzles, foosball and air hockey. Add in a few snack bars and coffee stands, and your kids might not want to leave. There are many dining options on the grounds, including the Gold Rush Dining Room, Lucky Miss Saloon and the Cabin Nite Dinner Theater, where you’ll enjoy an all-you-can-eat family-style dinner and a fun musical about the Alaskan Gold Rush.

Denali Park Village is surrounded by the looping Nenana River about 7 miles south of the Denali Park Visitor Center. There’s plenty to do right around the village, including several light hiking trails along the river, a large outdoor deck with fire pit and a small shopping center. The main lodge serves as a pick-up point for local wildlife tours, rafting adventures and guided nature hikes. When you’re ready to leave the property, free shuttle busses can take you to the park entrance, train depot or other local shops. If you’re looking for an all-in-one type of hotel that has easy access to the national park, then the Denali Park Village is worth looking at for your family vacation to Alaska.