Family with two kids ages 5 and 10

Question

Hello we’re coming with two kids ages 5 and 10 the week of July 4th staying a couple of nights in Undercanvas and need to spend four more nights somewhere. Any recommendations for which other towns on the water to visit and things to do with kids? Thank you!

Answer

That sounds like an amazing trip! Maine offers a ton of family-friendly activities, especially along the coast. Given that you'll be staying at Undercanvas (which I assume is near Acadia or Bar Harbor), I recommend a few more towns to consider for your four additional nights, all offering beautiful waterfront views and plenty of things to do with kids.

1. Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park (if you're not already staying here):
This is a classic choice for families, especially those with young kids. Acadia National Park offers stunning views and kid-friendly hiking trails. There are also a number of activities the whole family can enjoy:

Cadillac Mountain: The highest point on the East Coast, offering panoramic views. You can either hike or drive up to the top. Kids will love the views and the chance to explore.
Sand Beach: A beautiful, sandy beach with shallow water perfect for young swimmers.
Ranger-led Programs: Acadia offers a variety of programs for children, like nature walks and tide pool explorations. This is an excellent way for your kids to learn about the environment.
Bar Harbor: The town itself is quaint, with shops and restaurants, plus a lovely waterfront to explore. You can take a boat tour to see lighthouses, seals, and possibly even puffins!

2. Camden:
Camden is another great coastal town, offering a charming village atmosphere with a beautiful harbor. It's perfect for a more relaxed experience with the kids.

Camden Hills State Park: This park offers gentle hikes with stunning views of the Penobscot Bay. The Mount Battie trail is an easy hike for kids and has a great view at the top.
Camden Harbor: Take a scenic boat tour around the harbor or rent kayaks. Kids love watching the boats and exploring the waterfront.
Beaches: While Camden’s beach is smaller, it’s very family-friendly, with shallow water that’s perfect for younger kids to splash around in.

3. Boothbay Harbor:
A picturesque town that’s a little quieter but full of family-friendly activities. The harbor is beautiful, and the area is known for its nature and marine life.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: This is a magical place for kids, with lots of interactive exhibits and beautiful walking trails. The children’s garden is especially fun for younger kids.
Boat Tours: Take a boat tour to see the lighthouses, islands, and wildlife in the area. Some tours even offer opportunities to see seals and dolphins!
Waterfront Park: A small park by the harbor where kids can run around, and you can enjoy the views. There’s also a playground nearby.

4. Freeport:
Known for L.L. Bean, Freeport is also a lovely place to spend a day or two, especially for families looking for some shopping and outdoor adventures.

L.L. Bean Flagship Store: This iconic store is open 24 hours a day and offers tons of outdoor gear. There’s also an indoor ice rink and an outdoor discovery park, where kids can enjoy some fun activities.
Winslow Park and Campground: A perfect spot for a picnic by the water, with easy access to trails and beautiful views of the bay.
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park: Great for nature walks, especially for families with younger kids. There are several easy trails, plus opportunities for tide-pooling along the shore.

5. Ogunquit:
A popular beach town that is known for its stunning coastal scenery and kid-friendly activities.

Ogunquit Beach: This beach is known for its soft sand and gentle waves, perfect for kids to play in the water.
The Marginal Way: A scenic, easy walking path along the coastline with amazing views of the ocean and cliffs. It’s an easy walk with kids, and they’ll love the ocean views.
Perkins Cove: This picturesque spot is great for strolling along the waterfront and watching the boats. There are also shops and places to eat.

For the best family-friendly experiences, make sure to also look into activities like boat tours, tide-pooling, and visits to local parks. Maine’s coast offers an abundance of beautiful scenery, natural wonders, and charming coastal towns. Whether you're looking for beaches, outdoor adventures, or delicious local food, you'll find plenty to do with your kids!

Family with two kids ages 5 and 10

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