There is so much to see and do in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park that it can sometimes be overwhelming and time consuming to sort through all the options and find activities the whole family can enjoy. We've put together this list to help you get started. While it doesn't include everything the island has to offer, it highlights many family-friendly / kid favorites and provides a great starting point for planning your adventures. Be sure to check out the Baycliff Guest Guidebook for even more ideas, recommendations, and hidden gems to explore during your stay.

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Do You Have a 4th Grader?

Be sure to check out The Every Kid Outdoors program. Eligible 4th-grade students can receive a free pass that provides access to national parks and many other federal recreation areas for an entire year. The pass often covers accompanying family members as well, making it a great way to save on your visit to Acadia.

Learn more and get your pass here: https://everykidoutdoors.gov/pass.htm

 

Want to become a Junior Ranger Night Explorer from home? 

Check out how here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nightskies/juniorrangernight.htm

 

 

 

Acadia National Park Adventures

 

Bar Island Sandbar: 

Located right off downtown Bar Harbor, a land bridge appears at low tide. Kids can walk safely across to Bar Island for an hour before and after low tide, exploring tide pools and looking for sea glass.

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Sand Beach: 

Kids will love playing in the sand and wading in the brisk Atlantic Ocean. It is nestled right into the Park Loop Road.

 

Thunder Hole & Ocean Path: 

Let little legs scramble over the massive, safe rocks near the water, and listen for the booming ocean waves. 

 

Oli's Trolley: 

Ideal for relaxing little legs while seeing the sights. This classic trolley offers 2.5-hour tours of Acadia National Park, making four scenic stops. Visit the Oli's Trolley Inc site to check daily tour hours and book a spot.

 

Cadillac Mountain
Drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding islands. It's one of Acadia's most iconic destinations and a popular spot for watching the sunrise, especially from early October through early March when it is among the first places in the United States to see the sun. On clear nights, the summit is also excellent for stargazing. Just be mindful of the winding road after dark.

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Look Up at the Stars
Acadia is known for its dark skies, making it a wonderful place for stargazing. One of the park's most popular ranger-led programs is an evening of guided stargazing at Sand Beach, where visitors can learn about constellations, planets, and other celestial wonders visible above Mount Desert Island.

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Visit Sand Beach.

Acadia's only sandy ocean beach. Nestled between granite mountains and rocky cliffs, it's a beautiful spot to relax, explore the shoreline, build sandcastles, or simply enjoy the coastal scenery. Just be prepared—the water is usually quite cold, even in summer!

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Tide Pooling & Beach Exploring

Some of the best family memories come from simply exploring the shoreline. Bring water shoes and be prepared to get a little wet and sandy.

Good spots include:

• Bar Island

• Wonderland Trail

• Ship Harbor

• Little Hunters Beach

• Seawall

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Enjoy A Carriage Road Bike Ride.

Enjoy a bike ride on Acadia's historic carriage roads, a network of scenic, car-free gravel roads that wind through forests, around lakes and ponds, and across beautifully crafted stone bridges. With routes suitable for a variety of ages and abilities, it's one of the best ways for families to experience the park.

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Take A Nature Cruise or Whale Watch.

Take a nature cruise or whale watch to experience Maine's spectacular coastline from the water. Depending on the tour and the season, you may spot seals, porpoises, seabirds, lighthouses, and even whales while learning more about the region's marine wildlife, fishing heritage, and coastal history.

 

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf: 

Located in Bar Harbor (on Route 3), this pirate-themed minigolf course features lavish landscaping, cascading waterfalls, and an authentic pirate ship. Check availability and rates on the Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf page. 

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Ranger Programs & Junior Ranger Activities
Acadia National Park offers a diverse array of seasonal ranger-led programs from June through October. These educational activities explore the park's natural landscapes, local wildlife, night skies, and rich cultural history. Most programs are scheduled in the early morning or late evening to help minimize parking congestion.

 

Children can also participate in the Junior Ranger Program and earn an official Junior Ranger badge by completing fun educational activities and attending select ranger programs. Be sure to check the park calendar during your visit for current offerings, including guided stargazing and Junior Ranger Night Explorer activities.

 

National Park Scavenger Hunts 

Acadia National Park offers four distinct, self-guided scavenger hunts structured as interactive BINGO sheets, designed to get families and students exploring the park's rich history, geology, and wildlife. Participants complete three activities to earn a printable certificate.

• Compass Harbor Scavenger Hunt: Features easy-to-do bingo activities along the historical trail of Acadia's first superintendent.

• The Great Acadia National Park Scavenger Hunt: A general grid perfect for upper elementary kids exploring accessible sights.

• Jordan Pond Scavenger Hunt: Provides a Bingo sheet tailored to the popular Jordan Pond area.

• Sieur de Monts Scavenger Hunt: Challenges families to find specific historical and nature-based features at the Sieur de Monts spring and nature center. 

 

INDOOR FUN FOR RAINY DAYS

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Indoor Rock Climbing
If your family is looking for a rainy-day adventure, consider a visit to Volta Climbing Gym. This unique indoor facility features rope climbing walls, bouldering areas, and a Kilter Board, with routes designed for a wide range of ages and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned climber or trying it for the first time, it's a fun and active way for the whole family to spend a few hours indoors.

 

Visit The Naturalist's Notebook (Seal Harbor)
Located in Seal Harbor,  The Naturalist’s Notebook is a favorite stop for families and nature lovers. In addition to books, gifts, and nature-themed souvenirs, it features hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and creative learning spaces that encourage exploration and discovery. It's a fun stop for children and adults alike, especially on a rainy day or after exploring nearby Acadia attractions.

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Museums & Educational Attractions 

For families with children, the Oceanarium and the George B. Dorr Museum typically offer the most hands-on experiences, especially the touch tanks and interactive exhibits. The Abbe Museum is more focused on culture and history, while the Wendell Gilley Museum appeals to visitors interested in wildlife, birds, art, and conservation.

 

Oceanarium and Education Center 

• Touch tanks with local marine creatures such as sea stars, crabs, and other tidepool animals

• Learn about Maine's lobster industry and aquaculture

• Educational exhibits on Gulf of Maine marine life

• Interactive demonstrations focused on fishing traditions and ocean ecology

 

George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History.

• Hands-on touch tank featuring local marine species

• Interactive exhibits on Maine wildlife, geology, and marine ecosystems

• Observe skeletons, taxidermy specimens, and natural history displays

• Family-friendly discovery activities and educational programs

 

 Abbe Museum

• Interactive exhibits on Wabanaki culture and history

• Hands-on educational activities and special programs

• Rotating exhibits, lectures, and cultural demonstrations

 

Wendell Gilley Museum

• View intricate bird carvings and wildlife artwork

• Family-friendly scavenger hunts and nature activities

• Seasonal workshops, classes, and conservation programs

 

 

 

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