If you are planning a trip to Acadia National Park with children, you are probably wondering what you can do at the Park that is Kid-friendly. Fear not, Acadia Dreamscape can help! We have compiled together a list of tried and true activities from years of our own experiences here in Acadia. Our guide is by far the most comprehensive compared to others. Visit the Links Tab on our site and you will find a link to Kids Activities at the bottom. Or Scroll down to see all our suggestions!
Stay at Acadia Dreamscape during your visit to the Park. We have a large yard for children to play in. We are 1 mile from a playground and less than 3 miles from many Acadia National Park attractions and hiking trails that are fun for families. https://acadiadreamscape.wixsite.com/website
Acadia National Park Children Activities-All ages
(Some may good for older children only)
Suggestions by Acadia Dreamscape
Echo Lake-Sand beach is great for beach toys, water guns, and burying people in the sand. The water is @ 15 degrees warmer for swimming than Sand beach on the park loop road. There are Lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can also kayak on the lake away from the swimming area at Ikes Point. Across from Acadia Mountain is a parking area. If you go down through the woods to the water, there is a bluff that children love jumping off.
Acadia Repertory Theater Children’s Play- (207) 244-7260 Children’s play is every Wednesday and Saturday morning at 10:30 AM. This air conditioned, quaint theater seats 148 in a relaxed, informal atmosphere where actors interact with the audience as they perform. Some shows done where Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Thumbelina, Charlotte’s Webb, Snow White and Rose Red.
Tidal Pools -kids love exploring the tidal pools at low tide for treasure. They may find small periwinkles, crabs, lobsters, shells, along with various plants like kelp and seaweed. Just be sure to put everything back where you found it and leave no trace behind (Park Motto).
Hiking- Two very easy hiking trails are the Ship Harbor Nature Trail and Wonderland Nature Trail near the Bass Harbor Lighthouse. Both trails are about 1.5 miles roundtrip. They are fairly level paths that start inland, going through the woods, and ending at the ocean where they can explore the tidal pools at low tide. Flying Mountain is 1.5 mile loop and is more challenging but a good family trail with great views of Somes Sound here. Older children enjoy the Beech Mountain Fire Tower Trail.
Seawall and nearby Picnic Area- this is a natural seawall made of stones. The scenery is spectacular. Enjoy listening to the waves, watching lobster boats/sail boats, or playing in the tidal pools. Picnic tables with Bar-B-Q grills are nearby at the picnic ground, so bring a lunch and visit for a while. At night, if it is not cloudy, you usually see shooting stars.
Bass Harbor Lighthouse- one of the most visited and photographed lighthouses in New England. It is land-accessible and the only one to be reached without a boat. Children love exploring all over the rocks. This is a beautiful place to get Sunset pictures.
Diver Ed- Experience Scuba diving sights, sounds, and touching without getting in the water. Ed uses high tech equipment to project audio video to a screen on the boat. He brings some of the sea creatures aboard the boat for close up inspection, with a comical narrative about each, before releasing them back to the sea. We can promise you will laugh many times and have a great time. Reservations required. (207) 288-3483
Acadia Carriage Rides- at Wildwood Stables(207) 276-3622 (Reservations required) https://www.acadiahorses.com/ Several tours to choose from. Views are amazing and children love looking at the horses. Oceanarium- Visit the Lobster Hatchery, do a salt water marsh walk, and learn about Maine Sea life and the lobster industry. There are hands-on exhibits and touch tank for inquisitive children. This is a good thing to do on a rainy day. http://www.theoceanarium.com/
Pirates Cove Miniature Golf- Enter the world of 18th century pirates where adventures and legends come to life. Learn tidbits about Black Beard, Captain Kid, Calico Jack, and many more. There are two 18-hole courses, one easy and one challenging. Try them both. Equally fun. Reasonably priced. Near the Oceanarium.
Sand Bar to Bar Island- This trail is accessible only 1 ½ hrs before and after low tide, so plan accordingly. Trail is a sand bar to a forested island with views of Bar Harbor. Children love exploring the bar for sea cucumbers, shells, sea stars, and so much more.
Island Cruises-located in Bass Harbor, this boat tour is sure to bring smiles as children love seeing lobsters and seals up close, not to mention riding a lobster boat. You even get to see Bass Harbor Lighthouse. Be sure to bring jackets as the wind is very cold.
Ranger Programs for children/family-These are often missed by visitors to Acadia and are one of the Best Values because most are free. Learn about the different habitats, animals of Acadia, and games played by pioneer children, just for starters. https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/ranger_programs_descriptions. htm#CP_JUMP_6150187
Become a Junior Ranger- Pick up a ranger activity booklet at the visitor’s center, nature center, or any campground ranger station. After attending ranger programs, promising to take care of Acadia, completing activities in the workbook and having a ranger sign it; your child will receive a badge and a picture with the ranger. It is a great way to have fun and learn about the park too.
Jordan Pond Shore Hike & Popovers- If you go left around Jordan Pond; you will encounter a raised, wooden plank boardwalk over the vegetation to preserve the ecosystem. Children just love walking on these. This side is a little rocky, but manageable for most people. The other side’s terrain is more flat. Entire trail around the pond is a little over 3 miles, though you don’t have to do the entire pond. Once you are done exploring/hiking, you can enjoy Jordan Pond House’s famous Popovers on the lawn overlooking the pond. It’s not cheap but one of those traditions you don’t want to miss out on.
Bicycling- The carriage roads are great places to bike because there are no cars, just other bikers, walkers, and hikers. Sometimes you may see horse(s) and carriages. Eagle Lake carriage road is popular.
Kayaking/Canoeing- The National Park Service rents kayaks on Lond Pong. No need to haul anywhere. https://www.nationalparkcanoerental.com/
Maine Sea Kayak is located nearby in Southwest Harbor. There are many half day excursions to choose from. https://www.mainestatekayak.com/
Charlotte Rhoades Garden and Butterfly Park-Located in Southwest Harbor, this coastal butterfly habitat protects butterflies. This is a great place for a quiet picnic, enjoyment of the gardens, viewing Somes Sound and nature.
Evening Amphitheaters Programs at Seawall/Blackwood Campgrounds- Stop in at the ranger station and see what movies or programs are playing each night. Starts at 8:00 PM and they are FREE. Last about 1 hour.
Star Gazing- Fantastic! No light pollution here so the view of the stars are amazing without a telescope. (Of course, if you have one, bring it) There are so many. And you can even see the white wisp of the Milky Way. We always see shooting stars. In August, you can watch the Perseid Meteor showers. Seawall and Sand Beach are good viewing spots. But we enjoy them right here at the house.
George B Dorr Museum of Natural History- This is a great museum to bring kids to. Interactive activities including a scavenger hunt. Show cases multiple dioramas of Maine wildlife. Also has a tide pool with sea stars, snails, hermit crabs, and other marine animals that visitors can watch and touch.
Sherman’s Book/Toy Store-Located at 56 Main St, Bar Harbor. Has a large variety of books and toys. This is what our kids looked forward to the most each year we vacationed here. Hands down, this was their favorite vacation activity, coming to the store, looking around, and choosing the perfect toy/game to spend their souvenir money on. Check it out.
Reel Pizza Cinerama-Located in Bar Harbor. Order pizza and watch a movie. There are chairs and sofas to sit on as well as theater seats. (A great rainy day activity)
Geddy’s-Located at 19 Main St, Bar Harbor. Great place to eat and children love going to the gift shop “downunder”. Have a live CAM.
Southwest Harbor Public Library- (207) 244-7065 –has story times, games, and music on Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Balance Rock-Located in Bar Harbor along the Bar Harbor Shore Path. About ¾ mile walk. If you want to see a glacier erratic but don’t want to hike to Bubble Rock, this is the hike for you. Easy walk for small children.
Bubble Rock-Located on the South Bubble Trail (1 mile moderate), this large glacial erratic was left during the last ice age. It is perched on the very edge of a steep cliff looking down on the Park Loop Road and looks as if you could just push it off. This is a great place for pictures of you trying as well as view of Eagle Lake on the left side and Jordan Pond on the right.
Wild Blueberry Picking- Usually available from Mid-July through Early September. Kids love picking and eating these really sweet wild blueberries. These wild blueberries grow all over the island naturally. Pick a handful while you hike. Or go nearby to Ben’s Berry Patch. (207) 2443944. 67 Long Pond Road, Southwest Harbor. Payment is on the honor system. https://www.facebook.com/bensberrypatch/
I Spy/Scavenger Hunt- look for different kinds of wildlife like birds, squirrels, chipmunks, salamanders, sea stars, crabs, periwinkles, sea cucumbers, sand dollars, or beaver lodges. Find shells, pebbles, pinecones, flowers, or even a tree chewed by a beaver. Create your own game. What you can find?
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory- (207) 288-3147- Renowned research institution. Monday & Wednesday mornings are great for children. They can play with Legos and see how DNA divides and mutates. There is also an aquarium and touch tanks.
Fishing-Kids love to fish. Freshwater fishing requires a permit for anyone 12 or older. Licenses are available at town office above the fire department or at Southwest Harbor Hardware. Saltwater fishing does not require a license. Most park lakes and ponds allow fishing. Or charter a boat in Southwest Harbor. http://www.acadiafishingtours.com/
Explore the Park Loop Road- While on the Park Loop Road, you children will enjoy:
Sand Beach- Children love playing in the sand. Some brave the cold ocean water to swim and frolic. Older children may enjoy nearby hiking trails. Ocean Path is a favorite for families. 2 miles each way.
Thunder Hole- It is a small crevice, naturally carved out of the rocks, where the waves roll into. At the end of this crevice, down low, is a small cavern where the water rushes in trapping air which is forced out like a clap of thunder. Water may spout as high as 40 feet with a thunderous BOOM! Hence the name “Thunder Hole.” Best seen on a stormy day around the rising mid-tide. Children are in awe of the water as it spouts upward. Use precautions when visiting as Mother Nature can be unpredictable at times.
Little Hunters Beach- Located off the Park Loop Road about 2 miles past Otter Cliffs is a beach of “talking stones”. Or at least it seems like that as you hear the little cobble stones clinking against each other as the waves wash over them. Children love tossing stones into the ocean. Look for a stone bridge that has a wooden staircase on the left. It can be tricky to spot, but the staircase leads down to a cobblestone beach. (Not sand)
Cadillac Mountain-is the highest point along the North Atlantic Coast (1,532 feet). Sometimes this is the 1st place to see the sunrise. Panoramic 360° views of Porcupine Islands, Bar Harbor, Frenchmen’s Bay, & Eagle Lake, just to name a few. Adults and children love exploring here.
Nearby Acadia:
Bangor Discovery Museum, Bangor-https://www.mainediscoverymuseum.org/ This museum is one your children will enjoy. It will appeal to their sense of wonder and need to explore. The exhibits are interactive and encourage them to join in, all while making education fun.
Downeast Scenic Railroad, Ellsworth- https://www.downeastscenicrail.org/downeast-scenic-railroad/ This train ride is about about 1 hr and 45 mins long and will take you back in time. Your trip will begin at Washington Junction rail yard platform. You can listen to whistle blow as you go over crossings and the clicky- clacky of the train on the rails as you ride over covered bridges, go through the forest, and past marshlands. Wave at the engineer as they pass from the front to the back of the train to take you back home.
The Great Maine Lumberjack Show, Ellsworth- https://mainelumberjack.com/ Located just outside of Ellsworth, this lumberjack experience showcases times of past with 12 exciting events lasting over 1 hour. Watch events such as Log rolling, Axe throwing, Pole climbing, and 2 Man Sawing Team, plus many more.
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