I’ve been guiding Arctic expeditions for over a decade now, my camera always slung over my shoulder, trying to capture slivers of this immense place. And the most frequent question I get from parents is not about the cold or the cost. It’s this: "Is this really a place for my kids?"
My answer is always a resounding, thoughtful yes. But it’s a yes that comes with some crucial advice. An Arctic journey with your family is less of a vacation and more of an expedition. It’s a shared investment in awe, and with the right preparation, it can be the most meaningful trip you ever take together.
The Call of the Wild: Why Bring Your Family Here?
This is not a theme park. It's so much deeper and you'll soon realise that it's sharing an experience that feels genuinely real.
A Shared Adventure Story
Imagine the stories your family will tell during and after the adventure. That morning you all stood silently on the deck, watching a massive walrus. Or the time you kayaked together through an endless lake. These are the moments that become part of your family’s folklore.
The World’s Most Dramatic Classroom
I’ve seen kids’ eyes glaze over at textbook descriptions of climate change. But here, it’s different.
You and your entire family will get to see the glaciers I’ve photographed for years but maybe now slightly reduced. It’s education you can feel. They come away with a genuine, heartfelt understanding of why this place matters. On my tours, our naturalists are storytellers, turning every whale sighting and bird colony into a captivating lesson that sticks.
Forging Bonds in the Midnight Sun
Being present and sharing a huge and panoramic view together brings people closer than ever. Stripped of daily distractions, you share the focus on the horizon, the collective hope for a bear sighting, the warmth of huddling together with a mug of hot chocolate as the midnight sun paints the sky peach. You’re not just observing; you’re participating in the adventure as a team.
Is Your Family Ready for Arctic Expeditions?
The Arctic demands respect. It starts with knowing if your children are ready for its rhythm. Its because of this that expedition operators set a minimum age for kids for good reason. The days can be long, the weather can turn in an instant, and there’s a need for periods of quiet patience. It’s less about physical strength and more about attention span and the ability to listen carefully to safety briefings.
Age is a number, but maturity is everything. Is your child curious about nature? Can they handle a few hours on a boat ride without needing constant digital entertainment? The child who collects rocks, who loves animal documentaries, who is thrilled by a good snowstorm? They are the perfect Arctic traveller, regardless of their exact age.
The rhythm here is dictated by nature, not a clock. Meals might be interrupted for a whale sighting. A planned landing might be swapped for a cruise along a bird cliff because a bear is nearby. Families who can lean into this flexibility, who see a change in plans as part of the adventure, thrive here.
Packing for Your Little Explorers: It’s All About Layers
When it's your first time, packing for Arctic expeditions will feel like an art form. The key to happiness here is a balance between warmth and dryness.
Forget bulky, single items. Think layers. Start with a soft, moisture-wicking thermal base layer. Avoid cotton, which holds cold sweat against the skin. Next, an insulating mid-layer, like fleece or wool. The outer layer is your fortress: a quality, waterproof and windproof jacket and pants. Doing this will let you add or remove layers as your kids run around on deck or settle in to watch the world go by.
Accessories are non-negotiable. Warm, waterproof mittens (better than gloves for little hands), a thick wooly hat that covers the ears, and a neck gaiter or scarf. I always tell parents to pack extras. Mittens have a funny way of getting wet.
Footwear is critical. Nothing will end an onshore excursion faster than cold, wet feet. Make sure they’re well broken-in before you come.
The Magic in the Details: Family-Friendly Activities
A great family Arctic expeditions are woven with moments both grand and intimate.
The Thrill of the Hunt (With a Camera): Wildlife watching is the headline act. The gasp of your child seeing their first polar bear is a sound you'll never tire of.
We practice responsible viewing, keeping a safe and respectful distance, but with powerful binoculars and the long lens of my camera, it will feel incredibly close. It’s about searching the landscape together, learning to spot the yellow-white of a bear against the white of the snow.
Paddling Together: For older children, kayaking is a sublime way to connect with the Arctic ocean. The silence is profound, broken only by your paddle and the sound of your own breathing. You experience the scale of the icebergs from water level, a perspective that is truly humbling and unforgettable.
Onshore Explorations: Guided landings are where you get to touch the Arctic. We lead families on gentle hikes across tundra surprisingly bursting with tiny, resilient wildflowers in the summer. Kids love to learn about the geology, picking up (and putting back) ancient fossils, and simply running free in a landscape with no paths or fences.
Safety First, Always: Our Shared Responsibility
My number one job is to bring your family home safe filled with stories.
This is why you choose a guided expedition. Our team includes seasoned captains, guides, and naturalists who have spent their lives in these waters. We read the ice, the weather, the animal behaviour. When we say to stay close on a landing, it’s not to be restrictive; it’s because we are constantly assessing the environment for your safety.
We brief families thoroughly. The kids get their own versions sometimes, from our crew who are brilliant at making serious rules engaging and memorable. It’s about teamwork. We are your scouts in the field, and trusting our judgement is key to a smooth and secure journey.
Leaving Only Footprints: Teaching the Next Generation
Perhaps the greatest gift you can give your children on one of these Arctic expeditions is a sense of stewardship. We are visitors in this fragile world. We talk about the importance of staying on paths to protect the delicate tundra, of keeping a respectful distance from wildlife so we don’t alter their natural behaviour, and of our policy of leaving nothing behind.
Seeing a polar bear in its world changes you. It makes the news about a warming planet feel personal. Kids get this and they become the most passionate advocates for its protection.
Making It Happen: A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Do your research. Look for operators like ours that explicitly welcome families and have a track record of creating engaging experiences for all ages. Look for ships that have family-friendly cabins and common areas that aren’t overly formal.
Yes, this is an investment. But it’s an investment in memory and perspective. Many operators offer discounts for children, and booking well in advance helps.
So, are Arctic expeditions right for your family? If your idea of a perfect family holiday involves more wonder than wifi, if you feel that pull to stand together at the very edge of the map and show your kids a world that is wild, powerful, and raw, then I already know your answer. This is what we’re built for.
Arctic expeditions is more than photographic opportunities or entries for an album. It becomes the story they’ll tell for years. Let's go!
Learn more about our tours and get in touch with our Arctic guides today.