Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Acadia National Park

"Nestled among the islands, waterways, marshes, and dunes on Maine’s rugged coast, Acadia National Park is comprised of nearly 50,000 acres of almost pristine habitat that’s been inspiring artists, writers, and visitors for decades. The park is home to Cadillac Mountain – the largest mountain on the United State’s Atlantic Coast – and offers a variety of recreation options too extensive to list in its entirety. For lovers of Mother Nature and national parks, you could spend days here and never get bored."

"Location: 44.374922, -68.191748 Distance to Acadia East Campground: 37.5 Miles, 56 Minutes. Just steps away from the site where father of Acadia, George B. Dorr’s Old Farm home once stood is what locals refer to as “George’s Beach.” This quiet, secluded rocky beach is close to downtown Bar Harbor, while feeling like its miles away."

"The nearly 250-kilometer drive northeast on Route 1 from Portland to Maine’s beloved Acadia National Park is nothing short of enjoyable. Out the window, you’ll see the state’s jagged coastline, the rocky beaches lapped by rhythmic waves of the Atlantic."

"Random review: "Truly unique flavors. Pleasant attentive staff. Homemade, small batch buckets of delight. We had the Salted Caramel, the Malted Milk and the cinnamon ice cream. Each fresh, delicious and exploding with flavor. A shouldn't miss when you're in Bar Harbor!". **Mount Desert Island Ice Cream does have a second location on Firefly Ln in Bar Harbor."

"There are ice cream and candy shops all over Bar Harbor, but these two locations offer very fresh and unique flavors."

"One of Acadia's most surprising features is this beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline tucked between mountains on the east side of Mount Desert Island. The beach is around 300m long and attracts sunbathers, strollers and a few intrepid souls willing to brave the 55ºF/12.7ºC (summertime) water temperatures for a dip. A beautiful hiking trail starts from here."

"Maine has some gorgeous beaches, and Acadia National’s golden jewel is the popular Sand Beach. Nestled on the east side of Mount Desert Island, this idyllic shoreline perfectly sums up Maine’s natural beauty. Evergreen forest encircles the wide, sandy shores and granite mountains rise above the inlet."

"Sand Beach, the most sought-after destination in the park is a gorgeous beach nestled between the rocky cliffs and mountains. It is beautiful and perfect to spend a day there relaxing. The clear blue waters and sparkling sand are inviting and soothing."

"On clear days, the glassy waters of this 176-acre pond reflect the image of Penobscot Mountain like a mirror. A stroll around the pond and its surrounding forests and flower meadows is one of Acadia's most popular and family-friendly activities. (Sorry, no swimming allowed.) Follow the 3-mile self-guided nature trail around the pond before stopping for a cuppa at the Jordan Pond House."

"The crystal clear water, the reflection of trees, rocks shining through the waters just wants you to gaze at the beauty. Just take a stroll around the lake or sit down and appreciate the beauty. Jordon Pond House is the only restaurant inside the park and is set overlooking the pond."

"This iconic body of water currently graces the cover of Acadia National Park’s map. You know it has to be a must stop attraction. Jordan Pond is the park’s second largest body of water at 187 acres."

"Start your day at the Lighthouse on Cape d’Or. There’s a beautiful lighthouse with sweeping views of the Bay of Fundy and a lighthouse keeper’s residence-turned-inn where you can stay or enjoy a homecooked meal. They serve breakfast from 8-9 am, but if you start your day a bit later, lunch is available as of about 11:30, and you’ll definitely enjoy their chowders and fishcakes."

"Perched on a sea cliff in the southwest section of Mount Desert Island, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is one of Acadia’s historic landmarks. Built in 1858, the charming lighthouse marks the entrance to Bass Harbor and offers gorgeous seaside views. This is one of my favorite sunset spots in Acadia National Park, and I always have my camera ready here."

"It is the iconic lighthouse that is visible on every pic of the national park making it is the most photographed location. Located on the cliffside, it is a picture-perfect location for mesmerizing views of the ocean. Built way back in 1858, it is situated on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island."

"Echo Lake Beach is between Somesville and Southwest Harbor on the “quietside” of Mount Desert Island. You can access the lake from a few points: one being at the official beach and one being from the boat landing (which is ‘before’ the beach driving towards Southwest Harbor.) In both places, the water remains shallow for a good distance from the shore so it’s easy for kids or others wanting to ease in to get in. The official beach has sand, is roped off for safety/children, and has  a lifeguard from Memorial Day until Labor Day."

"Location: 44.315067, -68.336025 Distance to Acadia East Campground: 34.4 Miles, 48 Minutes. The best freshwater beach, within Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, is Echo Lake Beach. Located on the quieter, west side of the island, Echo Lake Beach was recently given a new spacious parking area and green Island Explorer shuttle bus stop: Route 7 Southwest Harbor."

"This beach is a bit of a drive from Bar Harbor, but the water is warmer and children will be able to stay in a bit longer. It also features a roped off swim area with a lifeguard. There are bathrooms and changing areas for the little ones."

"Never question your allegiance to a Bar Harbor ice cream shop again; Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium has them all beat. The family-owned shop makes their own candies, chocolates, and ice cream, so you'll have a difficult time leaving the shop with just one dessert. If you want a taste of Maine, order their blueberry ice cream (or if you're feeling adventurous, their lobster ice cream)."

"Random review: "The employees were friendly, the prices reasonable and the serving sizes good as well. It's a cute little store and right on the main strip, definitely worth a visit to cure your ice cream or chocolate craving after a day of hiking at Acadia."

"The Mount Desert Oceanarium was recently renovated after a fire, and now includes more options for those interested in learning about the natural world and experiencing it up close and personally. The Oceanarium includes a lobster hatchery which helps to maintain a healthy population of the large crustaceans that call the cold Atlantic waters off Maine’s coast home. There’s an area to walk near the marsh and dune habitats, as well as a museum full of interesting, interactive exhibits that are big hits with children and adults alike."

"It is a great place to educate your kids about a life of lobsters. Their own lobster hatchery gives you an opportunity to see and learn the process of hatching. You can talk the marsh walk around the museum which is important in creating awareness about the significant ecological principle."

"Spend an afternoon at the hands-on exhibits, learn about the life of a lobster fisherman, and take a guided tour of their Salt Marsh."

"If you want a hotel on the water, but don’t really need a private beach, this is the spot. The Harborside Hotel juts out into the waters providing stunning views of Frenchman Bay. The rooms are impeccably designed and they even have a few rooms that have private jacuzzis on the balcony."

"When looking for a Bar Harbor, Maine hotel, look no further than The Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina. Nestled in downtown Bar Harbor, our hotel offers breathtaking views of Frenchman's Bay and the ocean beyond."

"There are a couple benches where you can sit with your dog at the pet-friendly Morning Glory Bakery. Morning Glory offers a variety of baked goods, from cupcakes to danishes, and also serves a small selection of egg sandwiches and bagels for breakfast. Check the bakery's Facebook page for their daily specials, like focaccia or churros."

"Copita is a small Mediterranean inspired restaurant seeking to bring the freshest local and imported ingredients from our kitchen to your table."

"357 Main St, Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04679-4404American, Bar, SeafoodLunch, DinnerReservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Live Music[email protected]+1 207-244-5842http://www.cafedrydockinn.com/"

"Galyn's is a traditional Downeast-style restaurant housed within a former Victorian-era boarding house since 1986, offering up a delectable menu of fresh seafood entrees and hand-cut steaks. The family-owned restaurant, which is operated by married duo Gail and Rick Leiser, is overseen by executive chef Larry Jones and showcases five separate dining room spaces, which are all decked out in eclectic artwork and decor elements. Fresh Maine lobster dishes include lobster enchiladas, fisherman's feast platters, and whole boiled lobsters, while creative seafood fare ranges from Maine-style crab cakes and shrimp Lafayette to daily fresh fish catches prepared with rice and seasonal vegetables."