Best Places to Visit in Maine with Kids in the Summer

Maine is an ideal destination for families who appreciate nature, adventure, culture and seafood. The state offers a variety of attractions and activities that will cater to children of all ages and interests. Whether families want to relax on a sandy beach, explore a national park, observe some wildlife or learn some history, they will find something to enjoy in Maine. The following are some of the best places to visit in Maine with kids in the summer:

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a stunning park on the coast of Maine that features scenic views, hiking trails, beaches, wildlife and more. It is one of the best places to visit in Maine with kids in the summer because it offers a variety of fun and exciting activities for all ages. Some of the highlights of Acadia National Park are:

Watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain: Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the North Atlantic coast and one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise. You can drive or hike to the summit and enjoy the spectacular views of the ocean, the islands and the forest.
Biking on the carriage roads: Acadia National Park has 45 miles of carriage roads that were built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the early 20th century. These roads are closed to motor vehicles and are ideal for biking, walking or horseback riding. You can admire the stone bridges, the lakes and the mountains along the way.
Eating popovers at Jordan Pond House: Jordan Pond House is a historic restaurant that has been serving popovers since 1890. Popovers are light and airy pastries that are served with butter and jam. You can enjoy them with tea or coffee while overlooking Jordan Pond and the Bubbles, two rounded mountains.
Seeing the Thunder Hole and the Sand Beach: Thunder Hole is a natural phenomenon where waves crash into a small inlet and create a loud thundering sound. Sand Beach is a rare sandy beach on the rocky coast of Maine. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.
Taking a ranger-led program or a boat tour: Acadia National Park offers many ranger-led programs that cover topics such as wildlife, history, geology and astronomy. You can join hikes, walks, talks or night sky programs. You can also take a boat tour to see puffins, seals, whales and other marine life.

Acadia National Park is a wonderful destination for families who love nature, adventure, culture and relaxation. You can choose from many activities and attractions that suit your preferences and interests. You can also combine your Acadia National Park visit with other places in Maine such as Bar Harbor, Schoodic Peninsula or Isle au Haut.

Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach is a popular beach town that has a 7-mile sandy beach, a boardwalk, an amusement park, an arcade and numerous restaurants and shops. It is one of the best places to visit in Maine with kids in the summer because it offers a variety of fun and exciting activities for all ages. Some of the highlights of Old Orchard Beach are:

Palace Playland: This is the only beachfront amusement park in New England and one of the last remaining oceanfront amusement parks in the country. It has more than 25 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides and kiddie rides. It also has an arcade with games, a gift shop and food outlets.
Old Orchard Beach Pier: This is a historic pier that extends 500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. It has shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. It also hosts fireworks shows every Thursday night during the summer.
Marginal Way: This is a scenic cliff walk that connects Old Orchard Beach with the neighboring town of Ogunquit. It is a mile-long path that offers stunning views of the ocean, the coast and the islands. It also passes by historic mansions and private beaches.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf: This is a mini-golf course that features two 18-hole courses with pirate-themed obstacles and decorations. It is fun for the whole family and also has a snack bar and a gift shop.
Cape Neddick Lighthouse: This is a lighthouse that is located on a small island near Old Orchard Beach. It was built in 1879 and is still operational today. It is also known as Nubble Light and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine.

Puffin Cruise

A puffin cruise is a boat trip that takes you to see puffins and other seabirds on the islands where they nest. It is one of the best things to do in Maine with kids in the summer because it offers a unique opportunity to observe these adorable and colorful birds in their natural habitat. You can also learn about the conservation efforts to protect the puffins and their environment. Some of the highlights of a puffin cruise are:

puffins cruise — Photo By Brian W. Schaller (wikipedia)

Seeing puffins, razorbills, guillemots and other marine life on Eastern Egg Rock, Machias Seal Island or Petit Manan Island.
Learning about the history and technology of public transportation at the Seashore Trolley Museum.
Enjoying the views of the ocean and the coast, as well as lighthouses, islands and wildlife along the way.
Bringing binoculars, a camera and warm clothes to enhance your experience.
Having a narrated tour by the National Audubon’s Project Puffin or other experts who are involved in the puffin restoration projects.

A puffin cruise is a fun and educational adventure for the whole family. You can choose from different companies and locations that offer puffin cruises in Maine. You can also combine your puffin cruise with other attractions and activities nearby, such as hiking, biking, camping or visiting museums.

Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine and a great place for outdoor adventures. You can canoe, kayak, paddleboard, swim or fish on the lake. You can also hike, bike or take an ATV tour on land. It is one of the best places to visit in Maine with kids in the summer because it offers a variety of fun and exciting activities for all ages. Some of the highlights of Moosehead Lake are:

Spotting a moose or a bear: Moosehead Lake is home to many moose and bears, as well as other wildlife such as deer, foxes, eagles and loons. You can try to spot them on your own or join a moose safari with a guide who knows where to find them.
Visiting Lily Bay State Park: This is a state park that offers camping, picnicking, swimming and boating facilities on the shore of Moosehead Lake. You can enjoy the views of the lake and the mountains, as well as the trails and wildlife.
Taking a scenic flight over the lake: You can experience the beauty of Moosehead Lake from above by taking a scenic flight with a seaplane or a helicopter. You can see the islands, the coastline, the forests and the mountains from a different perspective.
Staying at a cozy cabin or lodge: You can find many options for lodging around Moosehead Lake, from rustic cabins and campsites to luxury lodges and resorts. You can enjoy the comfort and convenience of these accommodations, as well as the amenities and services they offer.
Exploring the nearby towns of Greenville and Rockwood: These are two towns that are located on the southern and northern ends of Moosehead Lake respectively. They offer shops, restaurants, museums and other attractions for visitors to enjoy. You can also find access points to other activities such as hiking, biking, skiing and snowmobiling.

Moosehead Lake is a wonderful destination for families who love nature, adventure, culture and relaxation. You can choose from many activities and attractions that suit your preferences and interests. You can also combine your Moosehead Lake visit with other places in Maine such as Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park or Bangor.

Bangor

Bangor is the hometown of Stephen King and Paul Bunyan. It is a city that offers a mix of history, culture, entertainment and nature. It is one of the best places to visit in Maine with kids in the summer because it offers a variety of fun and exciting activities for all ages. Some of the highlights of Bangor are:

Seeing the Paul Bunyan statue and his birth certificate: Bangor is said to be where this mythical and legendary lumberjack is from. The Paul Bunyan statue marks the birthplace of the familiar woodsman and has been an iconic Main Street sight since its construction in 1959. The statue stands 31 feet tall and is touted as the “tallest Paul Bunyan statue in the world.” You can also see his birth certificate at City Hall.
Visiting Stephen King’s house and other landmarks from his books: Bangor is also the home of horror master Stephen King and some of the locations that inspired his novels. You can see his house with a wrought iron fence and a long stairway to the top. You can also visit other landmarks such as Mount Hope Cemetery, Thomas Hill Standpipe, Penobscot River Walkway and more.
Exploring the Maine Discovery Museum for hands-on exhibits: This is a museum and theatre that offers interactive exhibits and programs for children and families. You can play and learn at exhibits such as Our Town, Space Shuttle, Camera Obscura and more. You can also watch or participate in live theatre shows for children by children .
Enjoying the parks, trails and festivals in Bangor: Bangor has many parks, trails and festivals to enjoy in the summer. You can visit Cascade Park for its waterfall, fountain and picnic area. You can bike or walk on the Bangor City Forest or the Kenduskeag Stream Trail. You can also attend special events such as the American Folk Festival, the KahBang Music Festival or the Bangor State Fair .
Taking a day trip to nearby Fort Knox State Park: This is a state park that features a historic fort that was built in 1844 to protect the Penobscot River from British invasion. You can tour the fort and see its cannons, barracks, dungeons and more. You can also cross the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory for panoramic views of the river and the park .

Bangor is a wonderful destination for families who want to have a memorable summer vacation. It has many attractions and activities that suit children of different ages and interests. Families can choose from seeing statues and houses, visiting museums and theaters, enjoying parks and trails or taking day trips.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park

The Pemaquid Point Light is a historic U.S. lighthouse located in Bristol, Lincoln County, Maine, at the tip of the Pemaquid Neck. The park features a historic lighthouse, a museum, an art gallery and a picnic area.

See the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse that was built in 1827 and is still operational today
Learn about the history of the lighthouse and its keepers at the museum
Admire local art works at the Pemaquid Art Gallery
Picnic on the grounds with views of the ocean and the rocks
Climb to the top of the lighthouse tower for panoramic views

Maine is a wonderful state for families who want to have a memorable summer vacation. It has many attractions and activities that suit children of different ages and interests. When visiting Maine with kids, families can choose from relaxing on beaches, exploring national parks, seeing wildlife or learning history.