Acadia National Park Kids Activities by Acadia Dreamscape
1) 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.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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 round-trip. 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.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) 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
8) 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/
9) 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.
10) 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.
11) Acadia Carriage Rides- at Wildwood Stables-(207) 276-3622 https://www.acadiahorses.com/ (Reservations required). Several tours to choose from. Views are amazing and children love looking at the horses.
12) 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. Be sure to bring jackets as the wind is very cold.
13) 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
14) 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.
15) 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.
16) 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.
17) 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.
While on the Park Loop Road, you children will enjoy:
18) 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.
19) 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.
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