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Family Vacations

Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor offer families endless activities, plus the summer weather is typically warm and dry, always cooler than the mainland. The Park is a popular family destination, but it doesn’t feel as crowded or hectic as the larger parks.

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Acadia National Park Tours - Specializing in sightseeing tours of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We also provide private group tours of Acadia, bus transportation services, & step-on guide services.
Specializing in sightseeing tours of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We also provide private group tours of Acadia, bus transportation services, & step-on guide services.
Acadian Nature Cruises - Come aboard the Acadian or M/V Islander. Nature Cruises, Fishing Trips, and Puffin/Seabird Trips & Lighthouse Tours. These trips are ideal for families and kids! Book today!
Acadian Nature CruisesBar Harbor, ME
Come aboard the Acadian or M/V Islander. Nature Cruises, Fishing Trips, and Puffin/Seabird Trips & Lighthouse Tours. These trips are ideal for families and kids! Book today!
Asticou Inn - Bed & Breakfast resort overlooking Northeast Harbor, just outside of Acadia National Park. Amenities include restaurant, outdoor heated pool, free shuttle service, wi-fi.
Asticou InnNortheast Harbor, ME
Bed & Breakfast resort overlooking Northeast Harbor, just outside of Acadia National Park. Amenities include restaurant, outdoor heated pool, free shuttle service, wi-fi.
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center - Situated on 12 oceanfront acres of Maine's rugged coastline, just 1 mile from Acadia National Park! Ocean view accommodations, modern amenities, & special vacation packages!
Situated on 12 oceanfront acres of Maine's rugged coastline, just 1 mile from Acadia National Park! Ocean view accommodations, modern amenities, & special vacation packages!
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa - Waterfront Hotel & Spa overlooking Frenchman Bay near the heart of downtown Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park. Oceanfront lodging, spa, & dining with outstanding ocean views!
Bar Harbor Inn & SpaBar Harbor, ME
Waterfront Hotel & Spa overlooking Frenchman Bay near the heart of downtown Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park. Oceanfront lodging, spa, & dining with outstanding ocean views!
Bar Harbor Motel - Conveniently located 1 mile from downtown Bar Harbor and beside Acadia National Park. AAA 3 Diamond rated! Outdoor pool and family friendly. Friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Bar Harbor MotelBar Harbor, ME
Conveniently located 1 mile from downtown Bar Harbor and beside Acadia National Park. AAA 3 Diamond rated! Outdoor pool and family friendly. Friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company - Offering several distinct whale watching, sightseeing, light house & nature trips which sail daily throughout the summer season. A must do when visiting Acadia National Park!
Offering several distinct whale watching, sightseeing, light house & nature trips which sail daily throughout the summer season. A must do when visiting Acadia National Park!
Best Western - Acadia Park Inn - The ideal place to stay when visiting Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park! Amenities include daily breakfast, heated outdoor pool, & free wifi. Book online or call today!
The ideal place to stay when visiting Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park! Amenities include daily breakfast, heated outdoor pool, & free wifi. Book online or call today!
Downeast Windjammer Cruises - Join us for a 1-1/2 hour to 2 hour windjammer cruise aboard the 151' schooner The Margaret Todd! Morning, Afternoon, & Sunset cruises. Fishing trips on Frenchman's Bay too!
Join us for a 1-1/2 hour to 2 hour windjammer cruise aboard the 151' schooner The Margaret Todd! Morning, Afternoon, & Sunset cruises. Fishing trips on Frenchman's Bay too!
Hutchins Cottages at Acadia - 6 rustic cottages on a wooded ridge above the village of Southwest Harbor. 5 minute walk to shops, post office, library, restaurants, playground, & Island Explorer Bus Stop.
Hutchins Cottages at AcadiaSouthwest Harbor, ME
6 rustic cottages on a wooded ridge above the village of Southwest Harbor. 5 minute walk to shops, post office, library, restaurants, playground, & Island Explorer Bus Stop.
Island Cruises - Long running cruises to see wildlife. Morning and afternoon cruises are daily. Boat seats 49. Explore Bass Harbor, and surrounding islands all nearby Acadia National Park.
Island CruisesBass Harbor, ME
Long running cruises to see wildlife. Morning and afternoon cruises are daily. Boat seats 49. Explore Bass Harbor, and surrounding islands all nearby Acadia National Park.
National Park Canoe & Kayak Rentals - We rent top quality Old Town Canoes Kayaks and Riot Kayaks. Conveniently located at the north end of Long Pond, the largest lake in Acadia National Park. Call today!
We rent top quality Old Town Canoes Kayaks and Riot Kayaks. Conveniently located at the north end of Long Pond, the largest lake in Acadia National Park. Call today!
Scenic Flights of Acadia - The best way to see the island! You will get a birds eye view of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Coastal Lighthouses, & other attractions. 5 popular flights to choose from!
The best way to see the island! You will get a birds eye view of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Coastal Lighthouses, & other attractions. 5 popular flights to choose from!
Somes Sound View Campground - On the shores of Somes Sound alongside Acadia National Park. Cabins, tent sites, & small RV sites. Heated outdoor pool! Quiet family camping with breathtaking ocean views!
On the shores of Somes Sound alongside Acadia National Park. Cabins, tent sites, & small RV sites. Heated outdoor pool! Quiet family camping with breathtaking ocean views!
Scheduled on 18-22 August, the festival venues are Reel Pizza, Rupununi and other places. Artists participating include Aurora Jazz Project, Sam..
Dive-In TheaterBar Harbor, ME
Explore Frenchman Bay with a scenic boat trip! See underwater as divers film. Touch the animals in a touch tank. Come enjoy the show!..
Boat tours of Cranberry Islands and Somes Sound. Day and overnight trips. Private charters. Go lobster fishing on a traditional Maine lobster boat...
Family Nature CampBar Harbor, ME
Family Nature Camp in Bar Harbor offers a comprehensive adventure tour of the great wilderness of Maine. Enjoy the great outdoors with your entire..
For celebrations, family photo shoots, or just commercial interest, Riverside Studio Photography provides a dedicated and award winning photo service...

In Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor children can have fun learning about and experiencing nature.

Biking and Hiking
With 45 miles of car-free carriage trails, Acadia is a great place to bike. Visitors can bring their own bikes or rent them at several locations on Mount Desert Island. Acadia National Park has 125 miles of hiking trails. Trail maps and Park rangers can help direct families to the trails that match their skill levels.

Museums
The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor is the place to learn about Maine Native American culture. Kids can participate in hands-on workshops—great for rainy days.

Learn about the marine world, especially the whales and seals of the Gulf of Maine, at the Bar Harbor Whale Museum.

Boating
Whale watching boats leave from Bar Harbor. In addition to seeing whales and other sea creatures, children get the feel of the ocean. You can also ride a ferry to an offshore island. Take your bikes or go for a walk. Park rangers lead narrated boat cruises into the waters surrounding Mount Desert Island. Guests see seals, porpoises, and sea birds and learn about island life.

Enjoying the Water
Of the many places to swim in and around the Park, Sand Beach (saltwater) and Echo Lake (fresh water) are among the favorites.
Children love to explore tide pools, where they can watch mussels, clams, starfish, and small sea creatures up close.

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