Our Story
Alaska's first Friendship Circle — built from the ground up.
Alaska Friendship Circle is the first chapter in the state, and one of the few in the country with a dedicated early childhood focus. We believe children thrive when given the chance to play alongside each other.
- For Families
You deserve a space that gets it.
Every child experiences the world differently. Alaska Friendship Circle is built around that truth — not as an afterthought, but as the foundation of everything we do.
- Accessible pathways and surfaces throughout
- Sensory-friendly environments and quiet retreat areas
- Collaborative play spaces that invite — not exclude
- Family hours for exploring at your own pace
- Volunteer-supported programming for extra connection
- Community hours for schools and support programs
Explore the Play Center
Six spaces.
Endless ways to play.
Each zone gives children different ways to move, discover, create, and connect — with room for every ability, pace, and personality.
Imagination Zone
Open-ended creative play — building, storytelling, and collaboration for every kind of mind.
Tike & City Track
Wide pathways for side-by-side movement, confidence-building, and spatial exploration.
Boulder Hill
Climbing, balancing, and a quiet retreat for children who need a peaceful moment.
Sand & Water
Hands-on sensory play — experimenting, discovering, and building together.
Art & Nature Garden
A calming space for creativity, sensory discovery, nature exploration, and quiet wonder.
Toddler Exploration
Gentle first adventures for the youngest explorers — curiosity, movement, and safe sensory play.
"
Every family deserves a space where they feel welcomed, understood, and genuinely supported.
Alaska Friendship Circle · Founding Vision
What We Believe
The values that make this place what it is.
Six commitments that aren’t words on a wall — they’re why every pathway, zone, and program is designed the way it is.
Belonging
01Every child deserves to feel at home. We design for belonging first — everything else follows.
Inclusion by Design
02Accessibility isn't a checkbox. Every pathway, zone, and program starts with every child in mind.
Community
03Friendship grows between children, families, volunteers, and neighbors. This place is stronger because of everyone in it.
Play as Connection
04Play is how children discover themselves, build confidence, and form the friendships that shape them.
Family First
05Caregivers are part of this community too. We create space for parents and families to connect, rest, and feel supported.
Open to All
06No matter how your child experiences the world, there is a place here for them — and for you. That is a promise.
Volunteers & Community
Every person who shows up makes this place what it is.
Friendship Circle is more than a playground. It’s a space where relationships grow — between children, families, volunteers, and the wider community.
From teens lending a hand to educators, therapists, artists, and neighbors — everyone who joins helps build the belonging at the heart of this place.
The Vision
This is just the beginning.
Our outdoor play center opens June 7, 2026. The vision goes further — a year-round indoor gathering space where Alaska families can connect through every season.
Six inclusive zones, accessible pathways, sensory-friendly environments — open to all Alaska families.
Inclusive indoor play, family gathering areas, and community programming through every Alaska season.
June 7, 2026
Opening Soon
Support
Help build belonging.
Your gift helps create and sustain an inclusive space where every Alaska child can play, connect, and belong.
Get Involved
Become part of the circle.
Volunteers are the heart of Alaska Friendship Circle. Whether you have an hour or a whole season to give, there’s a place for you here.
Join
the circle.
Whether you're a parent, a volunteer, a donor, or a partner — there's a spot for you. Bring yourself into the circle.
Alaska Friendship Circle
Where little friendships grow.
Building belonging through friendship, inclusive play, and community — one child, one family, one circle at a time. Opening June 7, 2026 in Anchorage, Alaska.
Explore
- About us
- Play center
- For families
- Accessibility & inclusion
- The vision
Get Involved
- Volunteer
- Community partnerships
- Support the Circle
- Register a child
Visit
- Hours & directions
- 1117 E 35th Ave, Anchorage
- 907-279-1200
- Donate ♥
© 2026 Alaska Friendship Circle. All rights reserved.