In this episode, we’re heading north from Boston to Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful, family-friendly national parks in the U.S. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Maine or looking for new ways to explore the great outdoors with your kids, this trip is full of kid-friendly hikes, amazing food, and practical travel tips for families.

Be sure to listen to the full episode and read on below for links to our favorite recommendations, kid gear, and how to spell those cute New England town names (Looking at you, Ogunquit!)

On the Drive From Boston to Bar Harbor:

After exploring Boston (check out our Boston episode if you missed it!), we rented a car and began our drive north to Acadia National Park. We made this four-and-a-half-hour drive a full-day adventure as we made fun stops along the way:

  • Ogunquit & Portland, Maine – Classic New England coastal charm, both worthy of overnight stays if you have time!
  • Millie’s Skillet in Falmouth – A cozy farmhouse café with ducks, chickens, and flowers — the perfect unexpected lunch stop.
  • Freeport, Maine – Explore the LL Bean flagship campus with tents, gear, and home goods galore.
  • Belfast, Maine – Beautiful harbor views, Out on a Whimsey toy store, the gorgeous Fiddleheads Artisan Supply, and Chase's Daily for farm-fresh vegetarian food.

Where to Stay:

There are so many wonderful places to stay in the area and we loved the Bar Harbor Motel.
It’s not fancy, but it’s perfect!

  • Two-room suites so kids and parents can have separate sleeping spaces.
  • Fridge and microwave for snacks and quick meals.
  • Free breakfast (with to-go boxes for trail snacks!).
  • Pool, playground, on-site laundry, and even movie nights and trivia events.
  • Its own Island Explorer Shuttle stop - the free shuttle that connects to trails and downtown Bar Harbor.

Since our stay, the rooms have been renovated — if you visit, let me know how it looks now!

Favorite Family Hikes in Acadia National Park

Bar Island Trail

This magical trail appears only at low tide, revealing a natural land bridge to Bar Island. It’s covered in tidepools filled with crabs, snails, barnacles, and seaweed - a paradise for curious kids! Just make sure to check tide times and leave the island before the water rises again.

Sand Beach to Thunder Hole

Ride the Island Explorer Shuttle and walk the scenic Ocean Path. Watch the waves crash into Thunder Hole for a dramatic splash (though it’s just as beautiful even when calm!).

Jordan Pond

Don’t miss the famous popovers! You can skip the wait at the restaurant by grabbing snacks from the rooftop café — we recommend blueberry lemonade and popovers with ice cream while taking in views of the Bubbles.

Bubble Rock Hike

A family favorite! The Bubbles Divide Trail leads to an epic glacial boulder perched at the mountain’s edge. It’s a bit steep but full of fun rock scrambling and wild blueberry bushes — perfect for little adventurers.

Wonderland Trail

An easy, short trail that leads to tidepools and ocean views. Our kids loved exploring the rocky beach, many tidepools, and creating their own imaginary games.

Jesup Path & Wild Gardens of Acadia

A peaceful boardwalk surrounded by trees and a nearby garden - both ideal for a slower-paced stroll.

Don’t Miss These Acadia Experiences

  • Sea Princess Cruise: A family-friendly, ranger-narrated boat tour featuring history, seals, porpoises, birdwatching, and a stop at Little Cranberry Island.
  • Carroll Homestead Farm: Step back in time with hands-on activities like sawing wood, hoop rolling, and stilt walking.
  • Abbe Museum: Learn about the Native Wabanaki people through interactive exhibits and art.
  • Special Ranger Programs: Check the Acadia website for ranger programs during your trip. We loved the free Touch Tank Tour at the College of the Atlantic. They have a variety of others, including guided hikes and night sky talks if your kids can stay up late to watch the stars.

Where to Eat in Bar Harbor

Maine is full of delicious surprises and these restaurants made our trip extra special:

  • Peekytoe Provisions: Fresh fish, smoked fish chowder without shellfish, local seaweed salad, and homemade blueberry pie.
  • Siam Orchid: Thai comfort food with kid-approved mango sticky rice.
  • Royal Indian: Warm hospitality and flavorful dishes.
  • Sweet Pea Café: Farm-to-table gem with pizzas, salads, and dreamy desserts like rhubarb custard tart.
  • Lompoc Café: Relaxed garden dining with bocce ball and an inventive menu.
  • Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream: Small-batch ice cream to end your night sweetly.

Parent Tip: Pick up a local bottle of wine during the day and enjoy a quiet moment outside your room after the kids are asleep.

Family Travel Tips from This Trip

  • Plan around the tides: Use a tide chart to know when trails like Bar Island or Wonderland are accessible.
  • Use the Island Explorer Shuttle: Free, easy, and saves kid energy for the trails.
  • Sprinkle in simple meals: Supplement leftovers with a trip to a grocery store for simple, budget-friendly dinners at the hotel. We find everyone needs a calm night in every few days.
  • Bring mini games: Spot It, Uno, (I prefer the versions of these in the metal tins so they hold up in my bag) Story Cubes, brain puzzles, and simple blank notebooks for pen and paper games make restaurant waits easier. @Tabletopfamily on IG has awesome pen/paper game recs!
  • Try the Junior Ranger Program: Kids complete fun educational park activity books, take an oath to protect the parks, and earn badges you can collect. Stop at one of the Visitors Centers to get started!
  • Use museum memberships: Many museums offer reciprocal entry discounts when traveling. Check out the ASTC passport program and the Children's museums reciprocal network.
  • Bring gear that promotes independence: Our kids loved having their own backpacks to carry water bottles, sunglasses, a favorite game, nature treasures, and kid-friendly (read: durable!) binoculars.
  • Pack gear that lets you be laid back: You found a perfect spot for a picnic 3 miles down the trail? The toddler is crying and wants to sit but the ground it wet? You'll be grateful for a tiny packable picnic blanket! You find a gorgeous creek or surprise splash pad in the city? A packable towel will be handy. These items let me roll with whatever we discover.
  • Use the National Park Trail Guide app available on the Apple App Store and GooglePlay to help plan. You can sort by recommended family routes and park gems.

Listen to the Full Episode

Adventures with Kids: Exploring Acadia National Park
→ Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you enjoyed this episode, please:
Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss our next adventure!
Leave a review, it helps other families find us :)
Follow along on Instagram: @AdventuresWithKidsPod
DM or email your travel questions and destination requests for future episodes!
Buy me a coffee to support my work - thanks!