Alaska bouldering

My husband and I will be traveling in Alaska mid August to September. We're looking for bouldering sites that can be suitable for toddlers. I mean, short walking distance and no cliffs to fall off. Is there such a place around Anchorage/Denali/Kenai/Mc Carthy?
Where can we rent a crash pad?

As far as anchorage bouldering, there are a few choices you may find suitable. I don't know exactly how short a short walking distance is, but many approaches are going to be at least a mile. The biggest exceptions are bouldering spots along the Seward Highway(Pivot point area, McHugh Creek area, and Bird Creek area).

Climbing at areas along the Seward Highway often means climbing right next to the highway, which means very easy approaches but at the same time, you will be right on the highway. The Pivot point and Bird Creek areas are a bit up trail off the highway, but should not be too much of a hike at all. just enough to get you in the trees and away from the highway.

The Service High School boulder is another spot that doesn't have an epic approach. I don't have any exact distances to give you, but the boulder is located along the ski trails that wind through the forest behind Service High School.

If you have time, I would personally recommend doing some bouldering out in Hatcher pass (which is north of Anchorage, next to Palmer and Wasilla), specifically around independence mine. The boulders behind Independence Mine are probably the easiest to access in Hatcher pass. I have seen many groups with kids of all ages exploring behind the mine. In addition, Hatcher pass is beautiful and should be visited by anyone traveling through Alaska anyways.

There is bouldering behind the Eagle River Nature Center in Eagle River, but accessing those boulders requires a 2 mile hike on backcountry trails. Its a safe, fun, and easy hike, but i don't know if it's what you will be looking for.

The same goes for the boulders near Ptarmigan peak in anchorage. The Powerline trail (which is used to access this area) is wide and well kept, but the approach is a few miles long. However I believe this area has the most problems close to anchorage. Hatcher Pass has more but Hatcher pass is also further north and very spread out.

None of these areas have significant cliff dangers, but I would be very careful doing anything along the seward highway. Most Independance mine boulders are all in the middle of a boulder field (who would have thought) so it would probably be good to keep in mind the treacherous footing and hundreds of nooks and crannys a toddler could potentially fall into.

Pads can be rented from AK Climber. Just visit akclimber.com or call (907-632-9986)

Also, the new Alaska Rock Gym just opened in Anchorage. That place is pretty toddler friendly.

I don't know much about Kenai climbing, just that there is climbing, and I haven't managed to get down there.As Ive probably made a fool of myself already with this long response, Ill leave anything else to more competent people.

I know multiple people who routinely bring their newborns and toddlers bouldering in Hatcher. There are hundreds of problems with an approach under 30 min and can be done with 2ish pads (I am assuming one person will be toting a kid pack?)

South of Anchorage I would check out the Anchor Point boulder and Captain Cook State Rec Area.
mountainproject.com/v/ancho…
mountainproject.com/v/capt-…
Both areas are going to be fantastic for small children.

Thanks a lot! It's much more that I could've expected. Better than reading a guidebook :)

Hit me up if y'all are heading to the Anchor Point boulder!