Acadia National Park is a family-friendly destination that offers a range of activities for kids of all ages.
From stunning hikes to boat rides and everything in between, there’s something for everyone in Acadia National Park.
Visitor Center & Junior Ranger Program
The Hulls Cove Visitor Center is the main welcome center to Acadia National Park. It is a great first stop which includes ranger stations, information, a park store, junior ranger programs, and ranger-led programming guides.
For more park exhibits, consider visiting the Sieur de Monts Nature Center, a little further into the park. During summer months, it often includes fun, child-friendly activities and exhibits.
Hiking
Acadia National Park has over 120 miles of hiking trails, making it the perfect place to explore the great outdoors with your family.
There are trails for all skill levels, so whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Acadia National Park. This is actually one of our favorite hiking parks due to the variety of trails and views.
Acadia is the perfect park for family hikes!
We do suggest Precipice and the Beehive for tweens and teens that are strong, capable, and careful. These two trails are real adventures full of adrenaline rushes for all who traverse them!
Boat Rides & Paddles
Take a scenic boat tour of Acadia National Park and see the park from a whole new perspective.
There are a variety of boat tours to choose from, including wildlife watching tours, sunset cruises, and lighthouse tours.
Acadia offers numerous lakes, ponds and tours full of adventure for those who crave water fun. For a great, family-friendly kayaking tour, check out THIS option.
Rock Climbing
Acadia National Park offers a variety of rock climbing opportunities, including some of the most challenging climbs on the east coast.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly climb, try one of the park’s non-technical climbs like the Precipice Trail. The park service calls it a hike, but the climbing involved definitely makes it more of a “climb!”
If your family love to climb, consider hiring a guide. It is a special way to enjoy the scenery while also challenging your fitness and skills.
Remember that guides are great for groups with diverse skill levels. In our experiences, they facilitate long-lasting memories for the kids.
Carriage Tours
If you love horses or you just want to experience the nostalgia (and adventure) of a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic cobbled roads of Acadia, consider booking a tour through Carriages of Acadia.
You will get all of the stunning scenery from rides that will make the trip a true experience for your kids! Be sure to book early, as this is a true Acadia gem that books far in advance.
Biking
Acadia National Park offers bike trails for all skill levels, including the scenic Park Loop Road and the historic carriage roads. For those families that love cycling but are not into the challenges of mountain biking, Acadia is the perfect park.
The many miles of carriage roads are reserved for cyclists, horses, and pedestrians. Thus, taking a ride through these paths takes you into the heart of the park while avoiding most of the crowds!
The pavement also ensures an easier experience than the obstacles that mountain biking presents.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a challenging ride, there’s something for everyone in Acadia.
Beach Fun & Tide-Pooling
Acadia National Park has several beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games. The water may be cool, but that sand and sea guarantee fun for children of all ages.
Another grand adventure in Acadia is to explore the tide pools. There is so much excitement surrounding this activity due to its time-sensitivity and the opportunity to explore unique marine life.
Tide pooling is best from 90 minutes before low tide until 90 minuts after low tide. Tidal charts are based on your location in and around the park. Check these charts here:
For an extra special touch of adventure, visit Bar Island.
At low tide, the sea offers visitors a natural, half-mile bridge out to this island. You can explore it, but you have to get back across the sand to Bar Harbor before the tide rises!
Set your timer, and head out for an adrenaline-filled adventure!
Nature Centers & Abbe Museum
Visit one of Acadia National Park’s nature centers to learn about the park’s history, wildlife, and ecosystems.
The last time we visited, we explored a life-sized wigwam exhibit! The park’s nature centers offer a variety of activities and educational programs for kids of all ages.
Light Houses & Fire Tower
Acadia National Park manages three lighthouses that are all important parts of the island’s history. Take the family to see the Baker Island Light Station, the Bass Harbor Head Light Station, and the Bear Island Light Station.
While the two former are accessible by land, the Bear Island Light Station is on a coastal island only viawable by boat.
Another great adventure is to explore the Beech Mountain Fire Tower, an historic structure that still stands today. During summer months, families can ascend the tower to enjoy sunset or just spectacular views.
Campgrounds
Acadia National Park has numerous, family friendly campgrounds. Sometimes, as witnessed in the photo above, the best memories come from the freedom to explore during “down” time.
Campgrounds within Acadia National Park include:
- Blackwoods Campground – This seasonal campground is $30 per night and can be reserved up to two months in advance HERE.
- Seawall Campground – For a more coastal experience, reserve this campground up to two months in advance for $30 per night HERE.
- Schoodic Woods Campground – For those who prefer electric and/or water hook-ups, reserve this campground for $30-$40 per night up to two months in advance HERE.
- Duck Harbor Campground – For a more remote, island camping experience, reserve this campground HERE. There are no vehicles on this island, so you will need to schedule ferry service.
Whatever you choose to do and wherever you choose to stay, Acadia National Park is a family-friendly destination with stunning hikes to boat rides and everything in between.
So pack your bags, grab your family, and head to Acadia National Park for a fun-filled adventure that the whole family will love!
One response to “Discover the Most Fun Activities for Kids in Acadia National Park”