With modern adoption, you have many choices and rights. One of those choices is the ability to select just the right adoptive parents for your baby. Lifetime provides access to hundreds of profiles of hopeful adoptive families across the United States.
You can learn more about an adoptive couple by reading their adoption website. There, you’ll be able to check out their photos and watch their adoption video.
As you look at adoptive family profiles, you may want a family that lives in a particular region or state. But a state that you may have yet to think about is Alaska. Alaska is a great place to raise a child! Even though it is nicknamed “The Last Frontier,” many resources are available in the state. Although it is vast in area, Alaska is still a “small” place when it comes to the people and community. It’s for this reason that some birth mothers choose to place their babies with adoptive families in Alaska!
Adoptive Families in Alaska
Children growing up in Alaska often have a variety of experiences that children growing up in the lower 48 may not. Here are 9 reasons why adoptive families in Alaska can provide your child a great place to grow up!
#1: The Great Outdoors
Growing up in Alaska, your child will experience the great outdoors in a way that you never have before. They’ll have an idyllic childhood filled with the unspoiled outdoors.
The Alaskan wilderness is perfect for families who like to spend a lot of quality time outdoors. With the vast variety of opportunities for adventures out in the wild, your child certainly won’t be bored!
The outdoors are a huge part of Alaskan life, with hundreds of miles of trails to explore. In winter, there is skiing, snowshoeing, and even dog sledding. The long days of summer are perfect for even more outdoor activity.
“Growing up in Alaska is a unique opportunity. From long summer days to all kinds of accessible outdoor activities, growing up in Alaska allows children to have a connection with and appreciation of God’s creation in ways that few other places can. It’s always an adventure when we head outside, and we never know what treasures or lessons we’ll learn along the way,” share Derrick and Jenny, hopeful adoptive parents in Alaska.
Click to see waiting adoptive families in Alaska!
#2: Fun Outdoor Activities Year-round
Outdoor activities in Alaska are limitless, so your child would have plenty of opportunities for fun.
Summers in Alaska are filled with plenty to do! In the summer, there are opportunities for hunting and fishing trips, hiking through Denali National Park, camping, kayaking, whitewater rafting, swimming, riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes, harvesting berries and plants, and of course, enjoying near-endless hours of sunlight.
Winter adventures may include cross-country skiing, dog sledding with huskies, exploring ice caves, downhill skiing, catching the Northern Lights, or snowshoeing.
Rob, a hopeful adoptive father, shares that in Alaska, “there is much to learn and enjoy all that God created. We enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, snowshoeing and skiing, snow machining, and four-wheeling. The mountains are a stone’s throw away from our home, and there are many trails to hike and explore within 30 minutes from our house.”
Alaska’s mountain trails offer a multitude of opportunities for kid-friendly hiking and cycling. Activities like these bring a multitude of benefits for your children’s physical and mental health: a five-minute walk in nature will both improve their mood and self-esteem and show them the wonders of the great outdoors.
#3: Plentiful Wildlife
With its endless recreational opportunities, spectacular natural beauty, and abundance of wildlife, your child will enjoy plenty of adventure in America’s last frontier.
You’re unlikely to find wildlife as varied and as rich as that in Alaska. A child’s love for animals can be encouraged by a trip for bear or whale watching or by visiting a reindeer farm. You can also see a lot of sea creatures and salmon in Alaska. Your child is sure to remember the experience of seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats!
Besides experiencing a lot more of the outdoors, you will see a lot more wildlife than you can on the mainland. Living in Alaska can mean watching bald eagles soar overhead as you hike, braking for moose crossing the road, or seeing beluga whales from a bike trail.
Hopeful adoptive mom, Ruth, says, “We are a few hours’ drive from the ocean. This allows us to fish. My favorite is observing the sea life around me as we fish. I often see harbor seals, sea lions, and sea otters, as well as eagles and sea birds. Our home is on a lake, and in the summer, it is full of various types of birds. In the winter, we have snow for riding and get to watch dog mushing races, like the Iditarod.”
#4: Quality Healthcare
Alaska is ranked #2 out of all 50 states for healthcare quality by U.S. News & World Report. Few factors act as heavily on the well-being of citizens as their overall quality of health. Access to preventive medical and dental treatment for children was a key consideration in this #2 ranking.
Children are dependent on their parents to promote a safe and healthy environment and to obtain proper medical care and treatment. If you choose an adoptive couple in Alaska to raise your baby, you can be sure they’ll receive quality health care throughout their childhood and beyond.
#5: Breathtaking Natural Beauty
You’d have a hard time finding anywhere as uniquely beautiful as the State of Alaska. From the awe-inspiring Aleutian Islands which house dozens of volcanoes, to the snow-covered mountain peaks of Denali National Park, the natural beauty of Alaska is breathtaking. Citizens see and experience the world’s most beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena regularly.
Do you remember what it was like to have a sense of wonder when you were a child? Luckily, in Alaska, keeping the sense of wonder alive isn’t difficult. Residents of Alaska just make an effort to slow down and explore the extraordinary beauty that lies in plain sight everywhere. Taking the time to notice the little things will help your child develop an awareness and appreciation for the wonderful state they live in.
Derrick and Jenny agree, saying, “The beauty of God’s creation is on full display in Alaska. We have majestic snow-covered mountains just outside our city; oceans and rivers; and lots of wildlife, including moose, bears, and caribou. We particularly love the long summer days and access to all kinds of outdoor activities (in the summer and winter). The sun doesn’t set until very late in the summer and comes up very early. All the daylight means lots of time for gardening, hiking trails, fishing, playing in the yard, and other adventures.”
#6: Unique Attractions
When asked what they’re excited to share with a child that’s unique to Alaska, adoptive couple Derrick and Jenny share, “We are excited to share with our child the unique activities in Alaska such as viewing of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), salmon fishing and dip-netting, hiking and berry picking, camping, playing summer baseball at midnight, visiting Denali National Park, train and airplane spotting, and attending the start of the Iditarod sled-dog race and annual festival.”
“Jenny loves getting to visit the Sealife center and see animals from around the state, such as otters and puffins. Derrick enjoys going camping in the late summer and seeing the Northern Lights dance above us, like when we camped near Denali National Park.”
#7: Family First
Life in Alaska is ideal for nurturing healthy family relationships. The slower, uncomplicated pace of life allows citizens to focus on spending quality time with their loved ones.
One key to raising a happy family is living in a place perfect for nurturing the free spirit and inquisitive nature of children. Alaska is the perfect state for just that. Taking advantage of all the incredible sights and activities Alaska has to offer will create joyful memories your child will cherish for a lifetime.
“According to our community, it takes a village to raise a child. There are many benefits to having multiple people influence a child’s upbringing providing many different perspectives. The views of peers, adults, and elders allow a child to have a more rounded view of life and how to lead the next generation,” shares Rob.
#8: A small-town atmosphere
The population of the largest city, Anchorage, is around 300,000 people. The next two largest cities, Juneau and Fairbanks, have around 30,000. Towns are about 10,000 people or less.
“The cities are more community oriented. We help each other. It is not uncommon to barter for food or tools that are needed. When in need, we share meat/fish,” says hopeful adoptive father, Rob. “We enjoy the freedom of the rich nature we call home to snow-machine, four-wheel, hunt, fish, and live off the land. The communities are small, and people are friendly and helpful to anyone in need.” Shares his wife, Ruth, “We live with nature and learn self-sufficiency. So, we harvest fruits and herbs for canning and drying. Also, we hunt and fish for our food.”
“Although it is vast in area, Alaska is still a “small” place when it comes to the people and community,” agree hopeful adoptive parents Derrick and Jenny. “We have many friends across the state and enjoy getting to visit them as we explore our state. There are lots of extracurricular opportunities available right in our own town, such as cross-country ski, downhill skiing, hiking trails, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and more.”
#9: Diversity
If you want your child to grow up in a diverse area, Alaska has one of the most diverse populations in the country. According to the Anchorage Daily News, new census data shows that the state is becoming more diverse, as a growing number of Alaskans are identifying themselves as multiracial or nonwhite.
As hopeful adoptive father, Rob, puts it, “Alaska is a culture-rich state with a vast number of cultures from native Alaskan, Russian, Philippines, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and Southeast Asian to provide many different cultural experiences to a growing child.”
Growing Up in Alaska
Growing up in Alaska is a unique opportunity. From long summer days to all kinds of accessible outdoor activities, growing up in Alaska allows children to connect with and appreciate God’s creation in ways that few other places can.
It’s always an adventure when you head outside in Alaska, and you never know what treasures or lessons your child will learn along the way.
Click to see waiting adoptive families in Alaska!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on March 17, 2023, and has since been updated.
Learn more about these and other Alaska couples hoping to adopt:
#2: Fun Outdoor Activities Year-round
Outdoor activities in Alaska are limitless, so your child would have plenty of opportunities for fun.
Summers in Alaska are filled with plenty to do! In the summer, there are opportunities for hunting and fishing trips, hiking through Denali National Park, camping, kayaking, whitewater rafting, swimming, riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes, harvesting berries and plants, and of course, enjoying near-endless hours of sunlight.
Winter adventures may include cross-country skiing, dog sledding with huskies, exploring ice caves, downhill skiing, catching the Northern Lights, or snowshoeing.
Rob, a hopeful adoptive father, shares that in Alaska, “there is much to learn and enjoy all that God created. We enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, snowshoeing and skiing, snow machining, and four-wheeling. The mountains are a stone’s throw away from our home, and there are many trails to hike and explore within 30 minutes from our house.”
Alaska’s mountain trails offer a multitude of opportunities for kid-friendly hiking and cycling. Activities like these bring a multitude of benefits for your children’s physical and mental health: a five-minute walk in nature will both improve their mood and self-esteem and show them the wonders of the great outdoors.
#3: Plentiful Wildlife
With its endless recreational opportunities, spectacular natural beauty, and abundance of wildlife, your child will enjoy plenty of adventure in America’s last frontier.
You’re unlikely to find wildlife as varied and as rich as that in Alaska. A child’s love for animals can be encouraged by a trip for bear or whale watching or by visiting a reindeer farm. You can also see a lot of sea creatures and salmon in Alaska. Your child is sure to remember the experience of seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats!
Besides experiencing a lot more of the outdoors, you will see a lot more wildlife than you can on the mainland. Living in Alaska can mean watching bald eagles soar overhead as you hike, braking for moose crossing the road, or seeing beluga whales from a bike trail.
Hopeful adoptive mom, Ruth, says, “We are a few hours’ drive from the ocean. This allows us to fish. My favorite is observing the sea life around me as we fish. I often see harbor seals, sea lions, and sea otters, as well as eagles and sea birds. Our home is on a lake, and in the summer, it is full of various types of birds. In the winter, we have snow for riding and get to watch dog mushing races, like the Iditarod.”
#4: Quality Healthcare
Alaska is ranked #2 out of all 50 states for healthcare quality by U.S. News & World Report. Few factors act as heavily on the well-being of citizens as their overall quality of health. Access to preventive medical and dental treatment for children was a key consideration in this #2 ranking.
Children are dependent on their parents to promote a safe and healthy environment and to obtain proper medical care and treatment. If you choose an adoptive couple in Alaska to raise your baby, you can be sure they’ll receive quality health care throughout their childhood and beyond.
#5: Breathtaking Natural Beauty
You’d have a hard time finding anywhere as uniquely beautiful as the State of Alaska. From the awe-inspiring Aleutian Islands which house dozens of volcanoes, to the snow-covered mountain peaks of Denali National Park, the natural beauty of Alaska is breathtaking. Citizens see and experience the world’s most beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomena regularly.
Do you remember what it was like to have a sense of wonder when you were a child? Luckily, in Alaska, keeping the sense of wonder alive isn’t difficult. Residents of Alaska just make an effort to slow down and explore the extraordinary beauty that lies in plain sight everywhere. Taking the time to notice the little things will help your child develop an awareness and appreciation for the wonderful state they live in.
Derrick and Jenny agree, saying, “The beauty of God’s creation is on full display in Alaska. We have majestic snow-covered mountains just outside our city; oceans and rivers; and lots of wildlife, including moose, bears, and caribou. We particularly love the long summer days and access to all kinds of outdoor activities (in the summer and winter). The sun doesn’t set until very late in the summer and comes up very early. All the daylight means lots of time for gardening, hiking trails, fishing, playing in the yard, and other adventures.”
#6: Unique Attractions
When asked what they’re excited to share with a child that’s unique to Alaska, adoptive couple Derrick and Jenny share, “We are excited to share with our child the unique activities in Alaska such as viewing of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), salmon fishing and dip-netting, hiking and berry picking, camping, playing summer baseball at midnight, visiting Denali National Park, train and airplane spotting, and attending the start of the Iditarod sled-dog race and annual festival.”
“Jenny loves getting to visit the Sealife center and see animals from around the state, such as otters and puffins. Derrick enjoys going camping in the late summer and seeing the Northern Lights dance above us, like when we camped near Denali National Park.”
#7: Family First
Life in Alaska is ideal for nurturing healthy family relationships. The slower, uncomplicated pace of life allows citizens to focus on spending quality time with their loved ones.
One key to raising a happy family is living in a place perfect for nurturing the free spirit and inquisitive nature of children. Alaska is the perfect state for just that. Taking advantage of all the incredible sights and activities Alaska has to offer will create joyful memories your child will cherish for a lifetime.
“According to our community, it takes a village to raise a child. There are many benefits to having multiple people influence a child’s upbringing providing many different perspectives. The views of peers, adults, and elders allow a child to have a more rounded view of life and how to lead the next generation,” shares Rob.
#8: A small-town atmosphere
The population of the largest city, Anchorage, is around 300,000 people. The next two largest cities, Juneau and Fairbanks, have around 30,000. Towns are about 10,000 people or less.
“The cities are more community oriented. We help each other. It is not uncommon to barter for food or tools that are needed. When in need, we share meat/fish,” says hopeful adoptive father, Rob. “We enjoy the freedom of the rich nature we call home to snow-machine, four-wheel, hunt, fish, and live off the land. The communities are small, and people are friendly and helpful to anyone in need.” Shares his wife, Ruth, We live with nature and learn self-sufficiency. So, we harvest fruits and herbs for canning and drying. Also, we hunt and fish for our food.”
“Although it is vast in area, Alaska is still a “small” place when it comes to the people and community,” agree hopeful adoptive parents Derrick and Jenny. “We have many friends across the state and enjoy getting to visit them as we explore our state. There are lots of extracurricular opportunities available right in our own town, such as cross-country ski, downhill skiing, hiking trails, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and more.”
#9: Diversity
If you want your child to grow up in a diverse area, Alaska has one of the most diverse populations in the country. According to the Anchorage Daily News, new census data shows that the state is becoming more diverse, as a growing number of Alaskans are identifying themselves as multiracial or nonwhite.
As hopeful adoptive father, Rob, puts it, “Alaska is a culture-rich state with a vast number of cultures from native Alaskan, Russian, Philippines, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and Southeast Asian to provide many different cultural experiences to a growing child.”
Growing Up in Alaska
Growing up in Alaska is a unique opportunity. From long summer days to all kinds of accessible outdoor activities, growing up in Alaska allows children to connect with and appreciate God’s creation in ways that few other places can.
It’s always an adventure when you head outside in Alaska, and you never know what treasures or lessons your child will learn along the way.
Click to see waiting adoptive families in Alaska!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on March 17, 2023, and has since been updated.
Heidi Keefer is a Content Creator for Lifetime Adoption and has over 15 years of experience in the field of adoption. An author of thousands of articles and social media posts over the years, Heidi enjoys finding new ways to educate and captivate Lifetime’s ever-growing list of subscribers.
Heidi has a keen eye for misplaced apostrophes, comma splices, and well-turned sentences, which she has put to good use as a contributor to Lifetime’s award-winning blogs. She has written and published hundreds of adoption articles which explore the various facets of domestic infant adoption today.
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