Suggestion on a 9-10day road trip itinerary

Question

Hello,

am planning to make a road trip from NYC to Maine area. We will be 2 families traveling with 3 kids (8 year, 3 year and a 1 year). We enjoy sight seeing, and fun activities for adults or kids. As am the only one who drink, brewery/winery would be less of a preference. However, if it's something that is a must do then can definitely put it up in the list. We are planning to travel from July 31 to August 8th-9th approximately. Haven't booked or made any reservations yet as we are still trying to plan it out.

So far, I have come up with a plan of driving straight from NYC to ogunquit, kennebunport area and stay put for 2-3 days. Do let me know if we should spend more time there or this will be enough.

From there on, planning to move on to Acadia National park area and spend about 3-4 nights there. Would love suggestion as to what should be the must see/ must do things up here that is enjoyable for everyone.

After the Acadia, planning to head back home and in between make a stop over in Providence, RI for 2-3 days.

Please do let me know if this itinerary looks good or should i add/delete anything. Any particular area we should focus or spend more time at? Any events/festivals happening around this time of the year that we can take an opportunity to be a part of.

Thank you for your time and suggestions.

Answer

Planning a 9-10 day road trip from NYC to Maine with two families and young children sounds exciting! Your proposed itinerary is a good start, balancing driving time with several stops. Here’s a detailed suggestion to optimize your trip for sightseeing, kid-friendly activities, and manageable travel days.

Days 1–3: Ogunquit / Kennebunkport Area

Driving straight from NYC to southern Maine, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport are excellent choices. These towns offer scenic beaches, small-town charm, and easy walking paths. With kids, 2-3 days here is enough to enjoy the main highlights without feeling rushed.

Ogunquit Beach & Marginal Way: Great for walks along the rocky coast with safe beach areas for kids to play.
Perkins Cove: Cute harbor area with shops and casual dining. Fun for short boat rides or exploring tide pools.
Kennebunkport Dock Square: Charming streets, local shops, and the nearby Goose Rocks Beach for quiet beach time.
Children’s Museum of Maine (Portland option if you drive 45 mins): If you want an indoor activity on a rainy day.

Tip: Two nights is adequate, but if you prefer more relaxed beach time or want a full day trip to Wells or Portland, you could add a third night.

Days 4–7: Acadia National Park / Bar Harbor

Acadia is a must-see for scenic beauty, wildlife, and kid-friendly hikes. Spending 3-4 nights gives you enough time to explore without excessive daily driving.

Cadillac Mountain: Sunrise or daytime visit. Short paths at the summit are easy for kids and offer panoramic views.
Sand Beach & Thunder Hole: Scenic beach walk and fascinating tidal phenomenon. Good for family photos.
Jordan Pond House: Famous for popovers and afternoon tea, with easy walks around Jordan Pond.
Carriage Roads: Perfect for biking or stroller-friendly walks. Rent bikes locally if interested.
Wildlife Viewing & Light Hiking: Try the Ocean Path or Ship Harbor Trail for short, manageable hikes.

Optional: A scenic boat tour from Bar Harbor for wildlife and coastline views; fun for all ages and easy on toddlers.

Days 8–10: Providence, Rhode Island

On your way back, stopping in Providence gives a nice urban cultural contrast with history, parks, and kid-friendly activities.

WaterFire (if your dates coincide): Evening art and fire installation on rivers. Check exact dates in August.
Roger Williams Park Zoo: Excellent for the kids, with interactive exhibits and walking paths.
Providence Riverwalk & Downtown: Casual strolls, historic buildings, and plenty of cafes and casual dining.
RISD Museum: Short visit can be interesting for adults; some kids may enjoy interactive exhibits.

Additional Tips:

Book accommodations early, especially in Acadia and coastal Maine, as August is peak season.
Consider spacing out driving legs: NYC to Ogunquit is ~5 hours, Ogunquit to Acadia ~5 hours, Acadia to Providence ~5 hours. Plan morning departures to avoid long stretches with young kids in the car.
Keep snack bags, toys, and entertainment for the kids during long drives.
Check for local fairs, festivals, or farmers’ markets in Ogunquit/Kennebunkport and Providence; these can be fun for families.

Summary: Your itinerary is well-balanced. Ogunquit/Kennebunkport for 2–3 nights, Acadia for 3–4 nights, and Providence for 2–3 nights makes sense. Focus on beaches, easy hikes, scenic drives, and family-friendly activities in Maine, and allow some flexibility in Providence for cultural and outdoor activities.